“ When it comes to world-class shows , when it comes to the activities we ’ ve created over the years , the engine is pretty good . What generally happens is we don ’ t go to them , they come to us – with the exception of sports ”
MGM ’ s main man : Bill Hornbuckle fellows at UNLV were all leaving Las Vegas because the Sheratons of the world were calling . So they were going everywhere around the world , but I decided to stay .
“ I got lucky ; I was working for Hilton at the time , and the rest played itself out .”
Over 45 years Hornbuckle has played a central role in pushing the industry forward . He opened The Mirage in 1989 , played a key role in MGM Resorts ’ expansion into Macau and Maryland , and launched the M Life rewards programme . After PASPA ’ s repeal in 2018 he spearheaded its gaming expansion strategy through the BetMGM joint venture with Entain .
He also played a role in bringing sports to Las Vegas . Hornbuckle sits on the board for the T-Mobile Arena , home of the Stanley Cup-winning Golden Knights . His role at the Clark County Stadium Authority Board brought the NFL ’ s Raiders to town .
There has always been an energy in Vegas that seems to make things more possible . “ That can-do energy goes all the way back to the 80s and particularly the 90s , where nothing was too big and
ICE LONDON 2024 • ISSUE 135 • 55