With monthly gaming revenues exceeding $1,000,000,000 for 24 months straight, Las Vegas is as hot as ever, especially for those who gamble over $100,000 in a weekend. Today, we're talking about high-rolling "whales" and what casinos do to attract them — by providing experiences that money can't buy. In this episode, you'll hear unforgettable Las Vegas stories from Larry Altschul, SVP Customer Development at MGM Resorts International.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:50 About Larry Altschul, SVP Customer Development of MGM
01:30 What is a Vegas gaming "whale?"
02:45 How do casinos attract high rollers?
04:19 Curating experiences for high-stakes Las Vegas gamblers
09:20 A huge moment with Kobe Bryant
11:54 The inner circle of high rollers
14:45 Enticing a casino "whale" with 1982 Petrus wine
15:51 Extreme highs and lows of millionaire gaming
21:52 Building loyalty with high-rolling players
24:10 Working with Steve Wynn in Las Vegas
26:15 Larry Altschul's impressive career

— Memorable Quotes —
“At our company (MGM), we consider anyone willing to risk a million dollars on a given weekend as a whale-caliber player.” - Larry Altschul
“What I do for a living is relationship-based.” - Larry Altschul
“Simple things can touch and make memories that no one can ever take away.” - Larry Altschul
“When there’s an article about you in The Wall Street Journal, it’s not about you.” - Larry Altschul

— About This Week’s Guests —
Larry Altschul is SVP Customer Development at MGM Resorts International, an American global hospitality and entertainment company operating destination resorts in Las Vegas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey. Formerly EVP Player Development at Wynn Las Vegas and SVP Player Development at Caesars World Marketing, Larry has 37 years of experience developing relationships with high rollers and enticing them to gamble at the casinos he represents. Besides raising his children, his proudest accomplishment is working with Steve Wynn to open Wynn Las Vegas, one of the most expensive resorts ever built.

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Serving wood-fired food and hand-crafted cocktails in a discreet location, Vintner Grill has been a favorite of Las Vegas movers and shakers for over fifteen years. Today, we’re talking to Michael Corrigan, the founder of this Summerlin staple. Michael is a local entrepreneur and real estate developer who has opened ten restaurants, including Vintner Grill and Roadrunner Saloon.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:45 About the Michael Corrigan Restaurant Group
05:28 Summerlin’s first Mexican restaurant - Agave
07:58 How many restaurants has Michael Corrigan opened?
09:11 About Vintner Grill, the premier destination for local fine dining off the Las Vegas Strip
12:36 Vintner Grill’s unique location
14:17 Michael Corrigan’s proudest accomplishments in the restaurant industry
15:21 How discreet restaurants like Vintner Grill get traffic
17:15 The difference between being a restaurateur and running a restaurant group
18:49 Michael Corrigan’s artisan mindset when creating restaurants
20:45 What is the secret to maintaining a successful restaurant?
21:37 Celebrities who have wined and dined at Vintner Grill
23:14 Vintner Grill supporting local charities
23:44 Why Vintner Grill is a destination for movers and shakers
24:20 About Vintner Grill’s 2023 renovation
25:18 Does Vintner Grill cater special events?
26:19 Michael Corrigan’s favorite things to do in Las Vegas
27:35 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“We produce everything from scratch.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill
“We were the first ones to really develop patio concepts.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill
“It’s always interested me, creating something that is true to what we’re trying to do.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill

— About This Week’s Guests —
Michael Corrigan is a real estate developer who has opened ten restaurants since the late 80s, starting with Roadrunner Saloon. A longtime Summerlin resident, Michael pioneered fine dining on the west side of Las Vegas with concepts like Agave (Summerlin’s first Mexican restaurant) and Vintner Grill—a lively American bistro ideal for anything from working lunches to formal dinners.

— Dine at Vintner Grill —
https://www.vglasvegas.com/

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Offering lakeside dining and 950 labels, including boutique and special-edition wines, Marché Bacchus is a hidden gem for Las Vegas wine lovers and foodies alike. Today, we’re talking to Jeff Wyatt, the co-owner of Marché Bacchus, about selling wine to celebrities like Celine Dion, what it’s like to work with award-winning chef Bradley Ogden, and the importance of making wine approachable for everyone.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:47 What makes Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop special?
01:34 Why white burgundy wine is hard to find in 2023
03:16 About the wine shop at Marché Bacchus
05:15 What is the corkage fee at Marché Bacchus?
07:34 The importance of making wine approachable
08:34 How does Marché Bacchus curate their wine?
10:11 All about South African wine
11:14 What was the biggest wine order at Marché Bacchus?
13:18 Does Marché Bacchus provide consulting for wine collectors?
17:38 The most expensive bottle of wine Marché Bacchus has sold
18:56 Working with award-winning chef Bradley Ogden
23:51 Jeff Wyatt’s favorite dish on the menu at Marché Bacchus
24:38 Pairing wine and food at Marché Bacchus
25:53 Jeff Wyatt’s journey from healthcare executive to restauranteur
31:15 Jeff Wyatt’s favorite restaurants in Las Vegas
32:30 F1 Las Vegas 2023
35:38 Where is Marché Bacchus located?
36:08 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“The last thing we want to do is have someone not happy.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Trust your palate. What you like is what you like.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Everything rises when Bradley Ogden is around because he’s just got that mentor-style approach to things.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Everything is prepared in house.” - Jeff Wyatt

— About This Week’s Guests —
Jeff Wyatt is a former healthcare executive and New Orleans native who purchased Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop with his wife Rhonda in 2007. The philosophy that guides their lakeside restaurant and shop is to make wine approachable for everyone.

— Dine at Marché Bacchus —
Website: https://marchebacchus.com/
Phone: 702.804.8008

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.