The Isle of Capri Casino Group is one of the most well known in the regional casino market in the United States. They already own popular casinos and casino hotels in states such as, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Colorado, Mississippi, and Missouri. Recently they have added to their menu of casinos by buying the Rainbow Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi. They have also applied to operate a casino in Pennsylvania. Isle of Capri Casinos has also been very vocal about their want to enter the Las Vegas casino scene. They have applied for a gaming license and was granted a recommendation from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Isle of Capri has purchased one-tenth of one percent of the small Fernley Casino.

It is no secret that they are using this small step in the door in hopes of having their foot in the door when the Las Vegas casino market shows signs of booming again. “When the cycle turns, we’ll be ready to capitalize when the opportunity presents itself,” commented Isle of Capri President, Virginia McDowell to the Gaming Control Board. Ms. McDowell went on to say that their business model was to operate within the Las Vegas locals casino market. “We consider our business model to be that of a locals casino operator.” She cited that many of their customers make trips to Las Vegas at least once a year.

It is not clear whether Isle of Capri wants to buy or manage a locals casino. It has been hinted that they will take what it available when they feel the time is right. “We believe the opportunity will eventually present itself,” she added. There were rumors of Isle of Capri looking at some Station Casinos properties, but that has not been confirmed and the casino company would not comment on that. The board and Ms. McDowell shared a small chuckle when Board member Randall Sayre asked her if she could name six cities north of Tonopah.

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