VEGAS DINING NEWS: MGM Resorts Considers Charging for Window Tables
Posted on: January 11, 2025, 01:30h.
Last updated on: January 11, 2025, 10:01h.
According to the Public Gaming Research Institute, Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli authored a note to investors stating that MGM Resorts is “exploring additional ways to generate revenues through creative strategies, including tiered seating in restaurants.”
This comes as a shift toward digital operations eats into MGM’s revenue from brick-and-mortar casino. MGM already jacked up resort and parking fees at all 12 of its Strip properties in December.
What might tiered restaurant seating look like? Santarelli didn’t elaborate, and MGM won’t comment on his speculation.
However, tiered restaurant seating is already a thing at some Las Vegas restaurants. For example, “premium upgrades” are already offered for a window view at the Strat’s Top of the World restaurant, and to overlook the Bellagio fountains from the Eiffel Tower at Caesars Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas.
Presumably, MGM’s tiered seating would extend to all or most of its restaurants, meaning those without Strip views would have to figure out ways to make some of their tables more desirable than others.
Oh, and they’re not fees per se, but the Bellagio’s Yellowtail and now-shuttered Picasso for years have required a “minimum spend” for guaranteed terrace seating overlooking Bellagio Lake, as does Mizumi for views adjacent to the Wynn’s waterfall.
Reaction from the socials has been predictably harsh.
“It is generous that they even call these ‘strategies,’” wrote redditor @jhussong91. “The strategy is just to price gouge every way possible.”
“Premium standing fee — extra $15,” sniped redditor @krowofefas.
“I wouldn’t bitch if it was just a select few places for very select reasons (i.e.: Bellagio fountain-side table),” added redditor @Muted_Cucumber_6937. “But I know corporations and they are going to tier the fucking McDonalds if they can.”
Have your thoughts about potential tiered-seating restaurant fees? Leave them in the comments below.
Dining Ins & Outs
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According to What Now Vegas, New York-New York is getting a dessert shop called Uptown Gelato from the Fifth Avenue Restaurant Group, which operates more than 40 restaurants on the Strip.
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Last Comments ( 14 )
At restaurants like Jean George, they can put the broken tables and chairs in economy seating, and maybe a bowl of mints , or a neck pillow in the premium seats.
Jamie, restaurants in casinos cannot be compared to most stand alone restaurants. Have you ever worked in a casino? I can speak for CET restaurants in AC and tell you that 7 star and low segment customers get the tables with the views of the oceans. Just like they get the rooms with the ocean views and gold and retail have to pay a premium. Sure, on slow days, should the restaurants give the “good view” tables for free, yes. But on the whole, you get what you pay for. Losing $100,000 a year in the slots gets you that privilege. Most people who frequent casinos should understand that and those who don’t go often maybe be willing to pay for the experience. Because that’s what it is, an experience. I’d argue that a table overlooking the fountains is much more a different experience than that of a table facing elsewhere.
My wife and I no longer eat on strip - lots of great places to eat off strip at half the price.
To Don Munoz: While it’s true that premium experiences often come with higher costs, restaurants, especially those in casinos, differ from airlines or concerts in their core purpose. Dining establishments have historically operated on a first-come, first-served basis when it comes to seating. Introducing fees for better tables could create a two-tiered system that alienates regular customers and diminishes the perception of hospitality. Unlike paying for a better seat at a concert, where the view and experience are objectively different, the distinction between restaurant tables might be more subjective and could feel exclusionary. Moreover, casinos already prioritize rewarding their top players with complimentary experiences, meaning many of the best tables may already be reserved for high rollers. Adding fees could disproportionately affect mid-tier customers, who may feel nickel-and-dimed. While businesses aim to make money, there’s a risk of eroding trust and loyalty if customers feel they’re being taken advantage of. Sustainable success often balances profitability with customer goodwill.
Mac MGM is getting to F---N Gritie with us Customers & Guest so I will NOT BE STAYING or EATING at any of there Properties so Screw THEM
These greedy corporate casino hotels aren't going to stop until people just stop coming to las vegas. It's really disgusting. From how this city was 20 yeas ago until now is a tragedy. I'm shocked people still come here with the exorbitant prices, but slowly they are noticing. It's already happening. Once the word really gets around, there's no stopping it and you'll never get them back. If that happens, this city is DONE! Don't believe the hype of having other industries here to support las vegas. This city IS casinos and gambling. If that ends, we're dead.
Keep it up, when people don't show up, you might figure it out. You need customers, customers don't need you!
Greedy Greedy Greedy
Odds are the best tables are used for the casinos’ top players, who lose big, anyway. No one is forcing anyone to pay a fee. You pay more money for a better seat on an airplane or concert or sports game. Companies are in the business to make money. People will pay it. I’m sure a lot of people complaining are invested in these companies through 401ks and investment vehicles and don’t even know it. Respectfully, Don
FXXK UNBRIDLED CAPITALISM AND THE CORPORATIONS THAT CONTINUE TO SQUEEZE EVERY LAST HARD EARNED CENT FROM IT'S CITIZENS.
My wife and I agree we would not patronize such places.
Blaming it on "digital operations", which brings in huge profits, this is just another "scam" to keep the lights on in MGM's brick and mortar Casino's, nothing more. Those Casino's used to be the "draw" to visit Vegas with their over-the-top opulence and extravagance, but with the ever-rising costs to visit one with its resort fees and paid parking and the absence of the small perks, people are deciding to stay away because it's becoming unaffordable. The days of "If you build it, they will come" are becoming a thing of the past. It's all turned into nothing more than corporate greed. Even the "Whales" who the Casino's rely on for profit are realizing, the Vegas Draw is waning, their private jets heading toward Macau, Taiwan or Dubail for the ultimate experience that only "they" can afford. Just my opinion, but I don' t see it getting better, no matter how many sports teams, and F1 races come here. They too have become unaffordable to attend in person except for those fortunate enough to be able to afford them. This may all be the "bright" wave of the future, but just as a light bulb does, it's at it's brightest, just before it burns out.
All this does is make even more that only the 1 percenters can afford it's to bad they are the only ones that can afford all this price gouging. When is anybody going to offer something for the rest of us.
Pretty soon they will charge to use the public restroom. You heard it here first