MGM’s top boss says ‘Fabulous Las Vegas’ 5-day sale was a success

MGM Resorts International President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle says Las Vegas continues to be a good value for customers.

As an example, he shared with Nevada Gaming Control Board members Wednesday that sales numbers during “Fabulous Las Vegas” promotion coordinated last month by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“Normally we (sell) 150,000 or 160,000 room nights a week in terms of reservations,” he said. “We did just under 300,000 (during the sale). So the idea that Las Vegas as a marketplace that people find attractive is compromised. We’re not buying it. We look forward to investing here to continue to grow this market.”

Hornbuckle appeared before the Control Board for the first time in 15 years to be licensed again.

Acknowledging his lengthy tenure with the company and the contributions he has made with MGM, Control Board members unanimously recommended a series of new licenses to match some of his new responsibilities and found him suitable to hold key executive roles.

Final approval will be considered by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Oct. 23.

Board members found Hornbuckle, 68, suitable as a manager for several of MGM’s Las Vegas properties.

During a 12-minute hearing, Hornbuckle said most of his time these days is dedicated to MGM’s international projects, including construction of a $12 billion resort in Osaka, Japan, plans to enhance a nongaming resort in the United Arab Emirates to possibly add a casino and exploring development options in Brazil.

Domestically, MGM is one of the top contenders for a new gaming license in downstate New York and the company has its eye on other states.

“We watch Texas closely to see what might happen there over time,” he said. “I think there’s plenty of growth opportunities still.”

Hornbuckle also told board members of his selection earlier this year as chairman of the U.S. Travel Association board of directors for a two-year term. In that role, Hornbuckle will work with association leaders to enact industry priorities, including maximizing a megadecade of events that will include the 2026 World Cup and preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Control Board member George Assad said he has followed Hornbuckle’s career since he arrived in Las Vegas, learning from mentor Jim Murren, who Assad says is on his personal “Mount Rushmore of gaming executives” along with E. Parry Thomas and Howard Hughes.

“You’ll probably have a spot up in the four Mount Rushmore folks that helped develop this gaming industry,” Assad said.

“No comment,” Hornbuckle replied with a smile.

Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.