Westin Casuarina gets White Knight

Rory Lee Bedore who has huge experience in taking over distressed casinos has received final state approval to operate the gaming operations at the Westin Casuarina, which is in receivership in Las Vegas.

Westin Casuarina, formerly known as the Maxim Hotel, which is just off the main Strip

The state Gaming Commission this Thursday granted a license to Mr Bedore to run the casino, formerly known as the Maxim Hotel, which is just off the main Strip.

Commissioner Tony Alamo told Bedore, “You’re behind the 8-ball. This is a very difficult property,” noting the problems encountered by the Maxim.

“The area around it is deteriorating,” Alamo said.

Bedore agreed, saying, “This is a tough project” and it is only two blocks away from the “prestigious” Strip. He said there’s some cost-cutting possible but believes he can turn it around.

It should be a seamless transition, with most of the same staff being kept on. There are a few at retirement age who will be leaving, Bedore said.

He has a four-year lease and will take over May 1. He has business arrangements with other companies that operate the hotel, bar and restaurant. Asked by the commission what “Casuarina” is, he said it’s a tropical plant.

The casino has 268 slot and video games and eight table games.

Bedore took over six properties in receivership’s in rural counties in Northern Nevada and was able to turn them around.

He purchased the bankrupt Carson Station in Carson City last July and has made a number of improvements. “We’re ahead of projections,” said Bedore.