BOULDER HWY GAMING ARENA HAS LONG NEEDED SOME MORE INTEREST BY DEVELOPERS

Implications: A very strong and viable gaming area has long been neglected by all but a couple of very nice properties. The Boulder Station and Sam's Town to name the properties in question. The quest by the Eastside Cannery, that is now under construction, will add some new flavor to a rather dull street. It should help other investment groups see the merit in this gaming corridor. It's needed and can be highly successful.

Analysis: There are many casinos along the the Boulder Highway, however, the largest and most well know are Boulder Station and Sam's Town. Arizona Charlies probably runs a distant third, but does do business. There are many bar types that feature some casino games, but they in truth, have little influence on the full blown properties. The entrance by the Eastside Cannery will add some life to this not stagnant area, but lets say, less than it should be gaming stage. Stations Casinos has purchased almost all of the valued land available on the hwy - they also purchased the old Showboat Property some time ago and have as yet not specified what their plans are for it. That statement should not surprise anyone who has seen the movement by Stations in the last couple of years. For those of you who are sure of the location of the Boulder Highway - it is east of the Las Vegas Strip by about four to five miles. It runs North and South and goes to Boulder City with the aide of the 95 Freeway. This was, at one time, the only way into Las Vegas from Arizona by way of Hoover Dam.

Bill Paulos and Bill Wortman are not newcomers to the casino business. The have the very successful property know as the Rampart Casino in the Summerlien area - they lease the casino and some of the restaurants from Marriott. They are also the owners of record of the Cannery, also on the east side, near I 15. It's an area that those in the know thought could not make it - they were dead wrong. The Bill's are doing great there. They will also do great in their new location along Boulder Hwy. Why not, they have the know how, the funds and a terrific and loyal team that they have built of the years. You really must take your hat off to them. They made gold out of properties that others could not.

One of the questions often asked is if Stations Casinos will make some kind of a move to add to their empire in this area? Remember they were just purchased and the new owners have made a partnership with the Fertitta's who were the previous major stock holders. They have quite a bit on their plate and only time will tell the direction they plan to follow..