Players And Pooches: MGM Goes Dog-Friendly at Las Vegas Strip, Three Regional Properties

MGM Resorts International is hoping to gain traction with dog lovers, expanding its dog-friendly policy at select properties so guests can bring their furry friends with them on visits to Las Vegas and other regions.

The company said its new policy will apply to all of its venues on the Las Vegas Strip, where it’s the largest operator, as well as the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss, MGM Detroit, and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.

The expanded dog program introduces an elevated level of service for four-legged guests throughout their stay, allowing pet parents to take their furry friends on the road during the next family getaway,” according to a statement issued by MGM.

On the Strip, dog-friendly policies are standard operating procedure for many well-known gaming properties, including several glitzy venues. For example, the Cosmopolitan and Caesars Palace welcome dog owners and their canine accomplices, a policy that extends to several other Caesars hotels as well, according to Expedia.

The Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J., Empire City in Yonkers, N.Y. and MGM National Harbor in Baltimore weren’t mentioned in the release.

Revenue Diversifier and Generator

Of course, the privilege of bringing dogs to hotels isn’t free, and while it’s an indulgence for guests, it’s also a revenue generator for operators. MGM said its dog-friendly rooms are available for upgrade fees of $50 to $175 per day, depending on the property.

There are some added services that can run guests’ canine tabs even higher.

A doggie concierge will check in on pups while guests are away and send a text message with photo confirmation. The cost for this service is $25,” said MGM.

The operator of the Bellagio and Mirage, among other Strip venues, said it will also arrange for dog walks through “a preferred service provider” while guests are hitting the tables or dining. But costs for that weren’t mentioned.

Just as pesky parking and resort fees have become added revenue streams, canine amenities can diversify an operator’s revenue stream and reduce dependence on gaming-related turnover.

MGM is already proving adept at that, as some analysts believe the company’s food and beverage and hotel-related turnover will surpass gaming revenue this year.

Big Business

In the US, seven out of 10 households have pets, higher than the ratio that have children, underscoring the point that the pet industry is big business.

SunTrust Bank estimates Americans will spend nearly $140 on gifts for their pets this holiday, and pet-related spending in the US has increased on an annual basis every year this century.

There are some limitations on MGM’s pet policy, including guests being limited to two dogs combining for a weight of 100 pounds or less. The company also requires that canines coming to its properties be fully house broken and placed in a crate when owners leave the room.