Richard
Goeglein, CEO of Aladdin Gaming, on Saturday categorically denied a story in a Las Vegas
newspaper that the Aladdin was being “shopped for sale” by hotel executives.
“I guarantee we are not selling this
company,” Goeglein said. He added that the “mean spirited” story cited
unnamed sources, but that his office was never contacted for a company response.
The story cites “knowledgeable sources”
who claim that Goeglein and investment bankers from Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Nova
Scotia “have spearheaded” efforts to sell the hotel to gaming groups such as MGM
Mirage, Park Place Entertainment and Harrah’s Entertainment.
“It just ain’t so,” Goeglein
said, adding that the story was part of a pattern of “negative reporting” that
has plagued the Aladdin since it opened seven months ago.
Goeglein’s comments came at the end of a
breakfast meeting of the Millennium Hospitality Summit, which was held Thursday-Saturday
at several venues.
In other matters, Goeglein said he was
confident a bill currently in the Nevada Senate that would legalize private high-roller
salons would be approved.
He suggested exclusive high-limit areas could
be a reality by next year. The London Club at the Aladdin is a high limit area, although
it is open to the public.
Goeglein said part of the London Club could be
closed off and used as a private high-stakes gaming area.
