For the upcoming six months, fortune may not favor you at the Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Finding something to eat there might also be a challenge.
Lucky Dragon, the boutique-style casino resort, has released a statement announcing the initiation of a reorganization process. The resort, which was designed to offer an authentic Asian cultural and gaming experience, will temporarily shut down all gaming and restaurant operations. Consequently, all Asian cultural and gaming activities will be suspended for the time being.
Lucky Dragon Hotel and Cha Garden remain open
Despite the circumstances, the 203-room hotel, along with its gift shop, will continue to operate. Guests can still avail of room service and morning tea and coffee. Additionally, Lucky Dragon’s Cha Garden, an indoor/outdoor tea garden and lounge, will remain open. During the evening, it will serve as a full-service bar and offer an extended menu.
The company’s statement suggests that the owners are seeking new partners to manage gaming and restaurant operations.
“This reorganization sets the stage for Lucky Dragon to form new collaborations that will strengthen the property’s long-term standing and improve the guest experience.”
The restaurants closing include:
- Ocean Pearl Dim Sum and Seafood Restaurant
- Fine dining in modern Chinese cuisine in Phoenix
- Asian Street Food at Dragon’s Alley
- Bao Now Dumplings Shop Open 24 Hours
- Pagoda Bar
- Atrium Bar
The relatively small 27,500 square-foot casino of Lucky Dragon is closing, a size considered modest by Las Vegas standards. This casino, which offered 300 slot machines and 37 table games, was known for its emphasis on games favored in Asia, such as Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. Traditional casino favorites like Blackjack were also offered, albeit in limited numbers.
The Lucky Dragon is situated next to the Allure Las Vegas high-rise condo on West Sahara Avenue, just off the Las Vegas Strip. However, the original plans for the property were to construct a second Allure condominium tower.
Andrew Fonfa, a developer, concluded that a hotel and casino was the most viable choice given the economic conditions of the time. Initially, Fonfa contemplated creating a resort for the gay and lesbian community. However, Chinese investors got involved and in February 2012, the plans for Lucky Dragon were initiated. Construction commenced in May 2015.
Lucky Dragon struggled from the start
In November 2016, Lucky Dragon had a soft opening, followed by an official grand opening on December 3, 2016. Nonetheless, the property was fully operational for just over a year before the announcement of this reorganization.
The difficulties faced by the property were thoroughly reported. Around 100 employees were dismissed in March 2017, as Lucky Dragon failed to have enough customers to sustain them. The Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper even reported the previous month that the casino and dining establishments were largely vacant.
Local Chinese gamblers have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a stingy gaming and comp policy. However, the management of Lucky Dragon contends that their gaming and comp policy aligns with those of other casinos in Las Vegas.
Lucky Dragon’s statement asserts that all employees laid off due to restructuring will be given the chance to return to the team once gaming and other restaurant services resume. They anticipate this to occur within the next six months.
All gaming and dining promotions have been cancelled by Lucky Dragon. Any outstanding gaming chip and ticket redemptions will be handled through the hotel’s front desk.
