While gaming industry observers applaud SLS Las Vegas’ name change to Sahara, they also acknowledge that owner Alex Meruelo has plenty of work ahead of him.
Richard N. Velotta
![Rick Velotta](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/web-rick-velotta-hs-23.jpg?w=900&h=600&crop=1)
Richard N. “Rick” Velotta has covered business, the gaming industry, tourism, transportation and aviation in Las Vegas for 25 years. A former reporter and editor with the Las Vegas Sun, the Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner, the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff and the Aurora (Colo.) Sun, Velotta is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where he won the school’s top journalism honor. He became the Review-Journal's assistant business editor in September 2018.
For the next three years, Matt Maddox will have somebody looking over his shoulder on day-to-day operations of the new resort as part of a settlement reached by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in April and agreed to by the company in May.
With the opening of Encore Boston Harbor in the rear-view mirror, Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox can turn his attention to what’s next for the Las Vegas-based casino operator.
![What’s that massive building going up near Ikea in southwest Las Vegas?](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19320590_web1_ASHLEY-FURNITURE-JUNE25-24-005.jpg?h=80)
![5 dead in North Las Vegas; Police hunt for ‘extremely dangerous’ suspect](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19323756_web1_EAdams.jpg?h=80)
![Woman suing Las Vegas Strip resort after vehicle stolen from valet](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19313466_web1_Artboard-1_14027f.jpg?h=80)
![What’s happening with Mirage room rates ahead of July closure?](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19322054_web1_mirage_file018.jpg?h=80)
![Downtown Las Vegas pizzeria is opening a shop in the suburbs](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19310940_web1_GOOD-PIE-HENDERSON-JUN24-24-012.jpg?h=80)