Virgin Hotels Las Vegas announced Tuesday that the Connecticut-based tribal gaming operator Mohegan will transition out of its three-year role in managing the casino.
The former Hard Rock Las Vegas, rebranded as Virgin and reopened in spring 2021, has faced challenges in attracting customers since the pandemic, according to gaming analysts.
Virgin will transition its 60,000-square-foot casino under the management of Cliff Atkinson, the hotel president, subject to all regulatory approvals. Following the transition period, Mohegan will cease to manage or lease the casino.
“We will continue to work together with Mohegan to ensure a well-ordered transition of casino operations,” Atkinson said. “This transition is a natural progression in our journey to provide guests with a seamless resort experience.”
The transition period is slated for completion by the end of the year, with no significant disruptions anticipated for guests or team members, the company announced.
Gaming consultant Brendan Bussmann, managing partner of B Global, said the Mohegan and that location “didn’t work out the best for Virgin and was a property that continued to struggle. This will give it a new lease on the gaming operations. They’re able to bring a fresh perspective and hopefully make them more symbiotic with the rest of the property.”
Bussmann said challenges remain with the property, relating to the layout on the gaming floor. Virgin also suffered from the opening of the Betfred sportsbook, which was delayed for 23 months.
“Hopefully, they’ll move things forward in an expeditious fashion to make it a strong property off the Strip,” Bussmann said. “In the past, it’s been a good source for convention traffic and leisure customers. Back when it was a Hard Rock, it had a vibe and locals went there, since it was easy to get in and out and was a great place for nightlife. That’s where the dayclub originated with Rehab twenty-some years ago.”
