Much like every casino on the Strip, Circus Circus longs for the pre-recession days. Back then, the family-oriented casino would routinely bring in million to million in cash flow to MGM Resorts International, who acquired the property as part of the 2005 purchase of Mandalay Resort Group. The number today is closer to million, but stays afloat due to a loyal following.
The casino was opened in 1968 by Vegas icon Jay Sarno, and sold just a few years after to William Bennett and William Pennington in 1974. After the sale, Circus Circus began marketing towards families. MGM Resorts CEO said, “It turns out that the family orientation, which is a Circus Circus hallmark, is a major component to attracting the Hispanic market.”
Through the years, MGM Resorts has pumped money into the property, updating the casino floor, renovating hotel rooms, and even adding the El Loco roller coaster to the Adventuredome, the casino’s indoor theme park. THE Steakhouse is also considered to be one of the best steakhouses in all of Las Vegas, which comes as a surprise to many.
The north end of the Strip has been quite difficult to predict over these past few years. The SLS Las Vegas popped up in 2014, and has still been looking to establish its full potential. The $4 billion Resorts World finally broke ground last month, and with the closing of the Riviera, Circus Circus is sure to lure some of the customers away who come into town looking for the classic Las Vegas experience.
“We are taking the point of view that Circus Circus has a significant and iconic role in the renaissance that we hoped to see 10 years ago on the north Strip,” Murren said.
