New casino art gallery planned

Monday, Sept. 16, 2002 | 11:12 a.m.

Las Vegas Strip casino resort operator MGM MIRAGE said it plans to open a new art and antiques exhibit at the company's MGM Grand hotel-casino.

Further details on the exhibit will be announced in the coming weeks, company representatives said.

The gallery is intended to help the property remain competitive with other worldwide markets that offer cultural experiences for tourists, MGM MIRAGE spokeswoman Tanya Flanagan said. It's also part of a greater trend in Las Vegas to expand cultural offerings for visitors.

"Cultural experiences are a vital part of the travel experience for people," regardless of their destination, she said.

The exhibit follows the lead of MGM MIRAGE's Bellagio, which opened in 1998 with a display of art from Steve Wynn's personal collection. The Venetian features the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, managed by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and Guggenheim Las Vegas, a venue for special exhibits. Wynn's upcoming Le Reve also will feature an art gallery.

Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun revenue increase

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Slot machine revenue at both of Connecticut's casinos rose last month and earnings from slots at Foxwoods Resort Casino were the second best in its history.

Foxwoods reported $73.3 million in revenue, a $1.3 million increase over July 2002. That number was only exceeded by record earnings of $76.8 million in August 2001.

The Mohegan Sun Casino reported slot machine revenue of $72.5 million in August, up from $66.7 million in earnings in July.

Under Connecticut's gaming compact, the casinos send 25 percent of slot winnings to the state. The state will receive $18.1 million from the Mohegans and $18.3 million from the Mashantuckets this month.