Official denies reports of casino land purchase

Monday, April 28, 2003 | 11:08 a.m.

A representative for Michael Flatley is denying reports that the "Lord of the Dance" creator has purchased 16 acres on the Las Vegas Strip for a casino resort.

But Flatley -- who has been eyeing Las Vegas for years as the site for a potential resort -- is in "serious negotiations" to buy property in Las Vegas, said Jack Wishna, a Las Vegas-based dealmaker who is helping Flatley with the proposal.

Wisha also is working with New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin and casino mogul Donald Trump on plans to develop the aging Strip casino site.

He declined to reveal where Flatley is looking to build the project for competitive reasons. The resort would have some kind of Irish theme and has a working title of "Shamrock," he said.

Flatley's personal wealth, plus his interest in several "Lord of the Dance" shows worldwide, is estimated in the hundreds of millions.

The showman and entertainer has "put his money where his mouth is" on previous projects, including spending millions to advertise his show now running at The Venetian, Wisha said.

Flatley would put a still-undetermined amount of his own money into the project, which would also have backing from other investors, he said.

"It's probably 50-50," he said of the deal. "There's no holdup. But we're still in negotiations."

A New York City publicist for Flatley, Norah Lawlor, was traveling and could not be reached for comment.