Florida-based Hard Rock International, which is operated by the Seminole Indian Tribe, has publicly announced it’s intention to close Las Vegas-based, The Mirage, renovate the entire three-wing hotel and casino, and invest billions in improving and making the property larger, starting in late 2023 or 2024.

Buying The Mirage:

After nearly four-hour auction, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, better known as Nevada’s regulator, recommended approval of the Hard Rock’s $1.08 billion acquisition of The Mirage from previous owners, MGM Resorts International.

However, BetMGM will continue to manage the property’s race and sportsbook.

Hard Rock CEO and President. James Allen, said: “I’m personally thrilled with the Control Board’s action and it’s certainly a great day for the Hard Rock entity, and we’re looking forward to taking the next step with the Nevada Gaming Commission.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and as we stated in our testimony, we really take our hats off to MGM. They really have maintained the property incredibly well, so we’re proud to operate it going forward until we make the change to the Hard Rock brand.”

If all goes well, Hard Rock will become the first iGaming company operated by an Indian Tribe to offer its services to customers on the Strip.

However, two other companies beat Hard Rock to Southern Nevada: Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Plans for The Mirage:

If the Nevada’s regulator approve the sale on December 22, Mr James Allen, added: “If the sale is approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission on December 22, when the resort expands, it will increase from 3,044 rooms The Mirage has to 3,640 rooms under the Hard Rock brand.

“It will also expand the casino from 94,000 square feet to 174,000 square feet and the convention space from 200,000 feet to 283,000 square feet. The number of slot machines will grow from 836 to 2,000 and the number of table games will go from 51 to 212.

“The expanded resort will also increase the size of its theater from 3,278 seats to 6,265 and boost the number of food and beverage outlets from 18 to 21.”

One of the important features that will be changed is The Mirage’s unique feature – the volcano – with its 550-foot guitar-shaped tower.

Regarding this, Mr Allen said: “I wanted to make the guitar tower even taller, to nearly 1,000 feet, but those plans were rejected by Clark County.

“Still, we have signed an agreement to keep the Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles – themed “Love” show at the property.”

However, it is not known what will happen to the volcano once it is replaced.

New job opportunities:

Under Hard Rock management, the expanded and improved resort will reopen in 2025 or 2026 and all previous employees will be able claim their previous jobs. Moreover, new employment opportunities will arise with the expansion of the former hotel & casino.

A Las Vegas subsidiary:

In the coming days, Hard Rock is expected to obtain a Las Vegas license and complete regulatory obligations required for this acquisition.

Regarding this, Mr. Allen said: “I’m really excited that company will have a presence in Las Vegas.”