LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Billionaire on line casino proprietor Phil Ruffin is trying to promote Circus Circus, in response to a weekend report on Forbes.com.
Ruffin purchased the property from MGM Resorts Worldwide in 2019 for $825 million. Now he says it is value $5 billion and there is curiosity from consumers.
Since Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened slightly greater than a yr in the past close to the getting old Circus Circus, curiosity in constructing on the north finish of the Strip has perked up. A dormant enviornment venture has been revived below new possession between Fontainebleau and Sahara Las Vegas.
The Circus Circus property is rising as a possibility — however apparently not one which Ruffin, 89, is trying to lead.
Circus Circus Resort & On line casino Las Vegas is proven on this Jan. 30, 2022, picture. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
The well-known signal exterior Circus Circus Resort & On line casino Las Vegas is proven on this Jan. 30, 2022, picture. The signal was certainly one of YESCO’s first massive tasks on the Strip. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
Solar displays off the Adventuredome onto the lodge towers at Circus Circus Resort & On line casino Las Vegas on this June 14, 2023, picture. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
Circus Circus Resort & On line casino Las Vegas is proven on this Jan. 30, 2022, picture. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
Ruffin instructed Forbes, “It’s the best piece of land on the West Coast.” And that is why he purchased Circus Circus, an getting old resort that draws low-rollers and households on the lookout for bargains. He mentioned it was at all times concerning the property.
“It’s got the highway, it’s got the Sahara, it’s got 2,000 feet on the Strip, and it’s the last Strip property. And 102 acres is just a massive amount of land — you can almost build a city on it,” Ruffin mentioned.
Ruffin additionally owns Treasure Island Las Vegas – TI Resort & On line casino, together with 50% of the Trump Worldwide Resort Las Vegas. He was in Washington, D.C., on Monday for President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and the Forbes article described them as “best buddies.”
He is value an estimated $4.7 billion — ranked No. 695 on this planet, in response to Forbes — however he boasts it is extra like $8 billion.
Ruffin instructed Forbes that when he sells Circus Circus, he plans to purchase one other property on the Strip with the proceeds to keep away from capital positive aspects taxes. His desire is to purchase one thing in Vegas.
Circus Circus is a landmark, opening in 1968 with its well-known halfway the place trapeze acts performed as gamblers plunked cash into slot machines under. The property consists of the Adventuredome, an RV park and a “Splash Zone” water park. Eating places embrace THE Steak Home, a meals courtroom and one of many Strip’s remaining buffets. The Circus Circus register entrance was certainly one of YESCO’s first massive tasks on the Strip, listed on the time as “the world’s largest freestanding sign” within the Guinness E book of Data.
The well-known signal exterior Circus Circus Resort & On line casino Las Vegas is proven on this Jan. 30, 2022, picture. The signal was certainly one of YESCO’s first massive tasks on the Strip. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)
The resort opened its “Spongebob’s Crazy Carnival Ride” in March 2024.
A stroll by way of the on line casino is a reminder of older occasions, when ceilings had been low and house was tighter. Parking is free.
“We do well,” Ruffin instructed Forbes. “We sell $2 beer, $2 hot dogs, $2 popcorn. People love it. A guy can eat and drink for six bucks.”
