Wynn Las Vegas licensing approved

Thursday, March 24, 2005 | 4:31 a.m.

The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the licensing of Wynn Resorts Ltd. today, paving the way for the opening of the $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas in five weeks and marking gaming executive Steve Wynn's return to the Las Vegas Strip nearly five years after closing the Desert Inn.

The five-member commission unanimously approved the recommendation of the state Gaming Control Board after a 90-minute hearing that was free of any controversy.

Commissioners asked a few questions about employee diversity, emergency vehicle access to the 2,700-room resort and how the company plans to market its private high roller gaming salons. Wynn also gave a few additional details about the property, saying there is "no place in the building where you can't see natural light or a tree," adding that the building has several atriums.

Wynn said after the vote that he never had any doubt about being licensed, reflecting on how he first appeared before the Gaming Commission for licensing in 1967 when he acquired the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas.

"It wasn't like we were tense about the outcome," he told reporters after the hearing.

Wynn said he plans a charitable event at his new resort on April 27, the evening before the opening of Wynn Las Vegas. At a minute after midnight, he plans to open the doors of the property to the public.