- The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has announced an April 27, 2022 re-opening date.
- In May 2021, Red Rock Resorts sold The Palms Las Vegas to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority for $650 million USD.
- The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians own and operate the Yaamava’ Casino Resort (formerly San Manuel Casino) in Highland, California.
For a property that was a fixture in Las Vegas for most of the past twenty years, the Palms Casino Resort has had no shortage of drama behind the scenes. It was initially opened by former Sacramento Kings owner George J. Maloof, Jr. and quickly became a hit with both locals and tourists alike. It hit a tough stretch financially during the implosion of the Las Vegas real estate market and this would eventually result in an ownership change in 2011. A partnership called TGP Opportunity Partners comprised of Texas Pacific Group (which held a big chunk of the property’s debt) and private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. The property changed hands again in 2016, when it was purchased by Stations Casinos’ parent Red Rock Resorts.
The ill fated ownership of the property by Red Rock Resorts was partially due to questionable product mix decisions and partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, Red Rock Resorts would unload the property for $650 million USD to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. With Red Rock paying $312 million USD to buy the property and $620 million USD to renovate it it was clear that they just wanted to get out. In retrospect, it was always an awkward fit in the Stations Casinos portfolio in Southern Nevada. Although Stations ‘wrote the book’ on the Las Vegas locals market, they didn’t have much success integrating that knowledge with their desire to attract ‘locals by day, tourists by night’.
The property has remain closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and was one of several Stations Casinos outposts to not re-open with the rest of the Nevada gaming industry. That’s about to change, as the Palms has now announced an April 27, 2022 reopening date for its debut under the ownership of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Room and suite reservations are being accepted for stays beginning on April 28, 2022. In typical Vegas tradition, there will be a ‘fireworks extravaganza’ to commemmorate the ‘new chapter in Palms history’.
The San Manuel tribe is very experienced in the gaming industry–they own and operate the Yaamava’ Casino Resort in San Manuel, California–approximately 70 miles from Los Angeles. The property was rebranded from the San Manuel Casino in late 2021. The revamped Palms website is clearly a work in progress–the casino description currently includes ‘slots’ and ‘table games’ along with a ‘high limit room’. Absent–at least for now–is mention of a sports book which has always been a focal point of The Palms (at least during the run of Cantor Gaming/CG Technologies).
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Chairwoman Latisha Casas is excited to be reopening the Palms:
“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to welcome everyone back to Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas. We look forward to introducing our guests to our rich history, culture and signature hospitality. We can’t wait to make history together.”
Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager for Palms Casino Resort, is clearly looking forward to the challenge of reviving the Palms’ brand:
“From our locals to guests visiting from near and far, our goal is simple – to deliver a truly distinctive experience that makes you feel at home while you are in Las Vegas.”
“April 27, 2022 is another milestone date for Palms, for Las Vegas and the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority,” adds Murphey. “We are thrilled to welcome guests back to this spectacular resort and our entire Palms team looks forward to creating a lively and fun environment throughout the property.”
Here’s some of the food and beverage amenities set for The Palms:
Having undergone more than a $600 million renovation in 2019, Palms Casino Resort boasts a diverse mix of bars and restaurants, featuring the return of popular outlets such as the highly acclaimed Scotch 80 Prime and Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon. Casual dining options include Send Noodles and the debut of Serrano Vista Cafe. The resort will also offer guests an expansive resort pool area featuring a multi-level, sprawling 73,000-square-foot space offering two luxurious main pools and 39 unique cabanas, most with their own private pool. The space also features oversized daybeds and poolside lounge chairs throughout. Additional information regarding spa, food and beverage, entertainment, pool and nightlife offerings will be announced soon.
Expect more details to be forthcoming before the grand re-opening.
