The presence of slot machines, which passengers can play while waiting for a flight or after disembarking from an airplane, is a distinctive feature of Harry Reid Airport.
Airport Slot Concession, Inc., the company responsible for managing the slot machines in Las Vegas, recently announced a significant achievement. The slot machines at Harry Reid Airport have amassed over $1 billion in total revenue.
The success of the company, which has been running the slot machines at Harry Reid International Airport, did not occur overnight; it has been in operation for 36 years.
The following was shared by Scott Kichline, the Assistant Director for Business Commercial/Development at Harry Reid International Airport:
Travelers largely enjoy and anticipate the presence of slot machines in the airport. The sight and sound of these slots upon arrival immediately immerses them in the unique Vegas experience. Additionally, many relish the chance to chase one final jackpot before their departure.
The iconic slot machines at Harry Reid Airport, featured in various movies over the years including the final scene of Ocean’s 13, are well-known.
Currently, the only US airports with slot machines are Reid International and Reno-Tahoe International Airport. However, next year, Chicago airports may also introduce slot machines.
Las Vegas airport slots generate big bucks annually
Harry Reid International Airport houses 1,430 slot machines across various terminals. The operations are overseen by 245 employees of the company.
To compare, the MGM Grand’s casino floor has about 1,000 more slot machines than the airport.
The slot machines at Harry Reid Airport annually produce around $39.8 million in total revenue. Quick calculations reveal that each slot machine at the airport contributes approximately $27,600 to the annual gross revenue.
Patricia Ross, the General Manager of Airport Slot Concession, Inc., stated that the airport generates approximately $34.4 million in revenue from the slot machines.
“We are pleased that the slot machines at Harry Reid International Airport offer visitors to Las Vegas a chance to pass time before their flights. Additionally, the revenue they generate contributes to reducing the airlines’ operating costs at the airport. This, in turn, results in lower rates for tourists planning to visit Las Vegas.”
A Gaughan legacy and the South Point Hotel and Casino
Airport Slot Concession, Inc. is owned by Michael Gaughan. If his name rings a bell, it’s because he is the son of Jackie Gaughan, the legendary owner and operator of a Las Vegas casino.
The older Mr. Gaughan held ownership interests in the El Cortez and the Gold Spike, both located in downtown Las Vegas. He and his wife were well-known for residing at the El Cortez. Mr. Gaughan died in 2014.
I recall observing Mg. Gaughan regularly playing poker on the El Cortez casino floor before he passed away. His penthouse suite at the El Cortez is still available for guests to stay in even today.
The legacy of the Gaughan family persists in Las Vegas to this day.
Michael Gaughan owns the South Point Hotel and Casino located a few miles south of Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Blvd, in addition to Airport Slot Concession, Inc.
Once, Michael Gaughan was the owner of Coast Casinos, a company that owned and operated:
- The Cromwell (formerly Barbary Coast)
- Gold Coast
- Suncoast
- The Orleans
In 2004, Coast Casinos and Boyd Gaming merged, with Boyd Gaming continuing to operate these properties, excluding The Cromwell. Gaughan departed from the company in 2006.
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