No attack fallout reported on Strip

Friday, July 8, 2005 | 10:51 a.m.

Some Strip casinos say they haven't witnessed any evidence that the terrorist attacks in London Thursday morning have dampened travel to Las Vegas.

A spokesman for MGM Mirage, the largest Strip operator with 11 major resorts, was reluctant to disclose specific security measures the company was taking, citing safety concerns.

Spokesman Gordon Absher said the company hasn't yet compiled phone reports to determine whether any customers have called with concerns or cancelled reservations because of the attacks.

"Each resort has a professional security force that's in constant communication with Homeland Security and local law enforcement agencies," Absher said. "The safety of our guests and employees is a top concern of our corporation and we take that very seriously."

Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Las Vegas' No. 2 operator with six resorts and host of the nine-day World Series of Poker tournament at the Rio, hasn't seen a decline in business.

Nearly 6,000 people -- more than double the number of players last year -- registered to play in the final game of no limit hold 'em, which kicked off Thursday and runs through July 15.

"To be perfectly honest I'd be surprised to see any kind of downturn," Harrah's Entertainment Inc. spokesman David Strow said. "Obviously this is a tragic event but given the events the last several years, people have grown accustomed to the uncertain nature of the world ... they realize you cannot put your life on hold.

"Like everyone else in the industry, we remain very vigilant when it comes to the issue of security and we want our guests to know we are doing everything we can to make sure they are safe when they visit us."

"There's no anecdotal evidence that there's been any effect in terms of a downturn," Aladdin spokeswoman Amy Sadowsky said.

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