Gaming panel, McMahon endorse deal

Thursday, March 18, 2004 | 11:05 a.m.

Ed McMahon showed up Wednesday at the Las Vegas City Council meeting, where the council approved an ownership transfer of the Jackie Gaughan properties -- the Plaza, Las Vegas Club, Western and Gold Strike -- to Barrick Gaming.

The Nevada Gaming Commission also voted 4 to 0 today to approve the $82 million deal to buy the four properties as well as an option to buy the El Cortez. The transaction includes 62 parcels of downtown real estate.

Commission member Augie Gurrola was absent.

Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Pete Bernhard told Barrick Gaming owners D.W. Barrick and Stephen Crystal that they were an important part of downtown's revitalization.

"You're another big piece of the puzzle," Bernhard said before the panel voted to approve the licensing.

Barrick and Crystal said they expect to take over the properties March 25.

McMahon is to be spokesman for the properties, and he said he saw a bright future for downtown. He pointed to one of his "pals," Tony Bennett, headlining at the Golden Nugget.

"When Tony Bennett's downtown, everyone will want to be downtown," said McMahon, longtime sidekick to retired TV talk show legend Johnny Carson.