Venetian seeks $1 million in suit over ‘Real Deal’

By Steve Green (contact)

Published Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 3:45 p.m.

Updated Thursday, April 30, 2009 | 6:56 p.m.

When it was announced last summer for the showroom at the Venetian resort in Las Vegas, "The Real Deal!'' production was called "a new paradigm in entertainment" in which the audience would interact with professional poker players in a show combining humor and action.

Things didn't work out with the show, and following its collapse the Venetian claims the show was mismanaged and is suing longtime Hollywood producer Merv Adelson for more than $1 million.

The Venetian, in a suit filed last week in Clark County District Court, alleges Adelson owes the Venetian $1 million it advanced his company to establish the show, along with more than $68,000 in interest. Adelson personally guaranteed payment, the lawsuit said.

Adelson, however, responded Thursday that the Venetian had reneged on the $1 million commitment.

Adelson is known for making and losing fortunes with his various ventures. His Lorimar Telepictures was responsible for the TV hits "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," "Eight is Enough," "The Waltons" and "Knots Landing."

No relation to Venetian founder Sheldon Adelson, Merv Adelson was called an entertainment industry icon by the Venetian when "The Real Deal!" was announced.

"Working in partnership with the world’s most renowned poker professionals, the show will introduce a new paradigm in entertainment, establishing a completely original live show format that combines humor, the latest in wireless technology, and abundant prizes in wildly-fun, fast-paced action that will entertain poker enthusiasts and nonplayers alike,'' the Venetian said at the time.

"The Real Deal!" was to empower the audience to participate both on-stage and from their seats through the use of wireless touch screen devices.

"The Real Deal! will use a revolutionary multi-player platform with interactive content in conjunction with technology from TimePlay Entertainment Inc.," the Venetian said at the time. "Playing both against and alongside the pros, audience members will earn points to vie for prizes ranging from 'The Real Deal!' logo’d merchandise to spectacular home electronics and more, including a chance to win a $1 million grand prize."

But, the lawsuit charges, 'Defendant failed to continuously conduct the production and defendant subsequently stopped production, thereby breaching the lease."

Adelson disputed this, saying, "The Venetian stopped the show, not me." He had no other comment.

Adelson also is accused of "misrepresentations, concealment, fraud and deceit;" and the resort says he has failed to allow the Venetian to conduct an accounting of the show's books and records.