September 27
For the entire run of the popular Fox TV
reality show The Casino, the Golden
Nugget experienced an increase in
business and the kind of publicity that
even a pile of money can't buy.
The only real draw back that may have
been portrayed was the display of excess
in general. But, if you ask the people
who watch the show, they simply reply
"Isn't that why we go to Vegas? For
excess." Either way, most casinos are
still cautious of buying into the reality show craze.
The show, which representatives for the
Nugget say was mostly built around
creative editing instead real-life drama, had area public relations executives and
casino executives cringing.
Locals called it low class and not the
same direction the owners wanted to go
as far as image.
Episodes showed grumbling players
chasing their losses, a crazy wedding
party and women who looked like plain
strippers. In one episode, a gambler
enticed an
attractive woman to his hotel room only
to find out that she was a he.
For whatever reasons Fox wasn't totally
impressed with the series and didn't renew the show
for another season as was originally hoped.
Even though the show boasted an average
4.4 million viewers per episode, a
pretty impressive showing, but when you
are up against such reality giants as
NBC's The Apprentice, which draws an
average 10 million viewers each episode,
you really can't stack up.
Another casino reality show on the
Discovery Channel, American Casino, has
been renewed for another year.
All in all,
Las Vegas, seems to be fast becoming the
new popular backdrop for television
non-reality drama, which will indeed
bring the town more positive publicity.
MGM Mirage has so far turned down
several offers for reality shows at its
properties.
Caesars Entertainment Inc. is the latest to take the plunge.
They are in production for a new series
that will give viewers a behind the
scenes look at their operations. The
show is scheduled to air sometime in
early 2005.
At the end of day, The Golden Nugget is
still gaining popularity and the owners
have announced that they are still
moving ahead with many new and
innovative projects for the Downtown Las
Vegas casino.
For more information on
The
Casino Reality Show from Fox, check
out our section right here at Gambling
PhD that follows the show every episode.
