Resorts World Las Vegas Tracking for Late 2020 Debut, Will Be First Strip Resort to Open Since 2010

Posted on: October 12, 2019, 03:00h. 

Last updated on: October 11, 2019, 12:58h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Resorts World Las Vegas is on pace to open sometime late next year, company officials revealing that the $4.2 billion integrated casino resort is finally nearing completion roughly seven years after it was first envisioned.

Resorts World Las Vegas casino
Resorts World Las Vegas will open in 2020. (Image: Vegas Changes)

Malaysian conglomerate Genting Berhad acquired the 87 acres of land at 3000 S Las Vegas Boulevard in 2013 for $350 million. The company quickly announced plans for an Asian-themed megaresort on the property, located across from Wynn.

Numerous redesigns and construction setbacks led to seemingly endless delays. Now, however, Genting says the official topping off of the towering 59-story complex was completed in August, and the resort will be finished by the end of 2020.

A Resorts World rep told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the casino will be a “tech-forward, innovative and inclusive resort.” They added the goal is to create “a bold, fresh take on hospitality to the Las Vegas market with exciting new experiences, one-of-a-kind culture and seamless guest service.”

The resort is to offer three hotels with a combined 3,400 rooms, 100,000-square-foot casino floor featuring 3,500 slot machines and table games, convention space, and dozens of restaurants.

RW Las Vegas and neighbor Wynn Resorts settled a design settlement out of court in early 2019. Wynn said the original Resorts World concept too closely mimicked its “world-renowned signature architecture.”

Las Vegas Renaissance

Should Resorts World Las Vegas be completed in 2020, it will be the first megaresort on the Strip to open since The Cosmopolitan in 2010. Sparing a serious economic downturn or recession, it likely won’t be the only new Sin City destination in the coming years.

The Drew – formerly the Fontainebleau – is targeting a 2022 opening. Owner Steve Witkoff acquired the 67-story blue behemoth in August 2017 for $600 million.

The unfinished Strip eyesore has been a towering reminder of the Great Recession. In a little more than two years, Witkoff says that will change.

Robust demand drivers continue to create an imbalance of hotel inventory supply and demand,” Witkoff said in April. “The Drew is poised to not only capitalize on this imbalance, but also offer visitors a new marquee luxury resort with a distinctive, compelling concept.”

Once complete, The Drew – named in memory of Witkoff’s son, who died of an opioid overdose in 2011 at the age of 22 – will feature 3,780 rooms, 100,000 square feet of gaming space, spa, 3,300-seat theater, and two dozen restaurants.

Billions Invested

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Construction Bulletin shows that there is $15.2 billion in construction projects scheduled to open between this year through 2024.

The enthusiasm is partially due to the $1.84 billion Allegiant Stadium – the future home of the NFL Raiders beginning next year.

The $4.2 billion Resorts World Las Vegas and $3.1 billion Drew lead the way in terms of overall expenditures on the Strip. Downtown, D Casino owner Derek Stevens is expanding his empire with Circa Resort & Casino, planned to open in December 2020.

Circa will give Las Vegas visitors even more reason to venture downtown. The resort will be highlighted by the largest sportsbook in Sin City, as well as a multi-tiered pool amphitheater.