Short Shots  .  .  . 

MGM Mirage had the three highest ebitda-producing properties on the Las Vegas Strip during this year’s second quarter, according to Chairman Terry Lanni who says the MGM Grand, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay collectively generated more than $280 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Bellagio’s $131 million in ebitda was a record for any quarter.

Harrah’s will put nearly $450 million in growth projects on line during the next 12 months. This list includes the $150 million 450-room hotel in New Orleans that means the Harrah’s casino there will be less dependent on  its  ability  to buy rooms   at other facilities. The $430 million Harrah’s-Chester track near Philadelphia is expected to open for racing later this year and for slot action early in 2007.

Steve Wynn never tires of pointing out that a high-end casino will show dramatic fluctuations over a period of time. It’s the nature of the game. He was explaining recently, “Some of the big players got even with us in June (at Wynn Las Vegas), but whatever that amounted to, I can tell you it got adjusted the other way in July.” Even with the ups and downs of casino revenue, Wynn says, “what is important is our non-casino revenue is sharply ahead last year.”

What are the prospects for gaming in Ohio? Harrah’s Chairman Gary Loveman says, “I think Ohio is going to legalize gaming at some point   while we are all fairly young, but I don’t think it is going to be in the next year or so. He’s less optimistic about prospects for gaming in Nebraska where proposals have run into stiff opposition from forces such as Warren Buffett.