SAHARA Las Vegas News - Page 18

Independent casino operators are a dying breed on the Strip, a playing field controlled by growing chains with billions of dollars at their disposal.

Builders of the coming Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino will host a traditional Japanese wine-pouring ceremony Monday to celebrate the first upward construction of the resort at Harmon Avenue and the Strip.

As one of the Strip's last remaining icons, the Sahara savors its 55 years in operation.

Los Angeles entrepreneur Sam Nazarian spent close to three years trying to strike the right casino deal in Las Vegas. But his interests kept returning to the aging Sahara.

A Hollywood movie producer, restaurateur and nightclub owner has bought the aging Moroccan-themed Sahara, the Review-Journal learned Friday night.

SBE Entertainment Group and Stockbridge Real Estate Funds have reached an agreement with Gordon Gaming to acquire Las Vegas' renowned Sahara Hotel & Casino.

After a two-month, multibillion-dollar bidding war that focused all eyes on the south end of the Strip, attention has now reversed field 180 degrees north.

While other older casinos have discussed potential or imminent redevelopment plans, the Sahara - the northernmost hotel on the Las Vegas Strip - has been relatively silent.