Mohegan Gaming Preparing to Wrap up Control of Virgin Las Vegas

Article by : Erik Gibbs May 14, 2024

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Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment are undergoing a transition period, signaling Virgin’s assumption of casino operations at the off-strip property.

Although specific details regarding the timeline and financial arrangements remain undisclosed, the move signifies the conclusion of Mohegan’s involvement in the gaming venue’s day-to-day management.

Virgin Las Vegas President Cliff Atkinson has expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Mohegan, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a seamless resort experience for guests during the transition.

Since its inauguration in September 2019, Virgin Las Vegas has encountered challenges in cultivating a dedicated following despite its proximity to the Strip. The property’s distinctive approach, which involved outsourcing operations to various entities such as Mohegan for the casino, AEG Live for the theater and Betfred for the sportsbook, has contributed to its unique character.

With Virgin assuming control, potential improvements are anticipated, although the exact impact of Mohegan’s involvement in the property’s struggles remains uncertain.

Concurrently, Mohegan’s departure from Las Vegas closely follows the termination of its management agreement at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, indicating strategic shifts within the company.

However, amidst these changes, hospitality workers at Virgin Hotels are poised to initiate a 48-hour strike due to stalled contract negotiations, according to union officials. Despite previous extensions granted for negotiations, progress has been insufficient, prompting the Culinary Local 226 to call for action.

The strike, involving approximately 700 unionized hospitality workers who have been without a contract since June 1, 2023, is scheduled to commence at 5 AM Friday and conclude at 5 AM Sunday.

Ted Pappageorge, the union’s Secretary-Treasurer, has emphasized workers’ demands for fair wage increases and their readiness to strike to achieve them.

Although Virgin Hotels’ representatives have not commented on the situation, President Cliff Atkinson has assured that ongoing changes to casino operations won’t affect hospitality workers, affirming that labor negotiations with Culinary are proceeding in good faith.

Nevertheless, union officials stress the strike’s significance, noting its potential impact on various resort roles, including guest room attendants, servers, cooks, and others. Furthermore, the impending strike not only directly affects workers but also influences unionized restaurants within the property.

Negotiations with Virgin Hotels were previously extended, reportedly due to financial considerations following the property’s rebranding as Virgin Hotels in March 2021.

This strike marks a notable labor action. The last Culinary strike occurred in 2002 at Golden Gate Casino in downtown Las Vegas.