Top 3 Highest-Earning Casino Companies

5 min read

The Online Cricket Betting ID and business is big and profitable. Although the COVID-19 pandemic might have affected earnings, as countries open up again, punters are returning to casinos in droves. 

The Top Three Global Casino Leaders

While there are many casino companies and giants headquartered in the US, Las Vegas specifically, others are based in places like Hong Kong, Australia, and surprisingly, Malaysia. 

MGM Resorts International (US)- Casino Companies

MGM is the clear leader among the top-performing online casinos worldwide. Statista reports that its revenue is at $11.76 billion, more than double its closest contender. This American company is a hospitality and entertainment giant, operating in destinations such as Las Vegas, Massachusetts, Detroit, and Mississippi. It’s the parent of destination resorts such as Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and MGM Grand.

In 1987, the company began as MGM Grand, Inc. It later became MGM Mirage in 2000, post its acquisition of Mirage Resorts. Revenue from non-gaming sectors such as lodging, food, and retail started outpacing profits from gaming receipts. This led to a shift in focus from resorts and casinos to developing real estate in the gaming industry. In 2010, the company’s name changed to MGM Resorts International.

Among the company’s early ventures was a Hollywood-themed complex budgeted for $700 million, encompassing a 4000-room hotel and theme park. After much back and forth, construction on MGM Grand Las Vegas and MGM Grand Adventures finally began in 1991. The property opened in December 1993 and cost a whopping $1 billion to complete. Sadly, due to lack of interest, the theme park closed permanently in 2002.

In 2004, MGM started discussing a merger with Mandalay Resort Group. Mandalay rejected MGM’s first offer of $7.65 billion because of a clause in the agreement giving MGM a way out should antitrust regulators demand a sale of any of the properties. Speculators suggested that competing bids would come from Harrah’s or Boyd, but that didn’t happen. Instead, MGM increased its bid to $7.9 billion, bringing the sale to a close in April 2005. 

The merger effectively gave MGM control of more than half of The Strip’s hotel rooms and made it the largest gaming company globally. However, just two months later, it lost its title to Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. when it bought Caesars Entertainment Inc.

Caesars Entertainment (US)- Casino Companies

The second highest-earning casino company in 2020 was Caesars Entertainment, Inc., with a recorded revenue of $4.46 billion. Formerly known as Eldorado Resorts, Inc., this is an American hotel and casino entertainment conglomerate that was founded in Reno, Nevada. It currently operates more than 50 properties across America, and those include Bally’s Las Vegas, Circus Circus Reno, The Cromwell, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, Eldorado Reno, and Flamingo Las Vegas. 

In 1973, a group of investors that included the Carano family opened the Eldorado Hotel in Reno, and that historical event marked the beginning of the company. Many developments occurred between then up to 2014, when Eldorado combined with MTR Gaming Group. The reverse merger created Eldorado Resorts in its present form, and Gary Carano was appointed as chairman and CEO.

In early 2019, there were reports that Eldorado was in discussions with Caesars Entertainment regarding a merger. A few months later, an offer was accepted for $18 billion in stock and cash, resulting in its name change. 

All of the original company’s loyalty programs were combined under the Caesars Rewards brand, and the key executives were retained. While the acquisition was still pending, Eldorado sold a few properties to reduce its debt level and prevent potential antitrust issues. In mid-2020, the transaction was complete. 

Today, Caesars is home to many of the world’s most well-known gaming brands, including Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, Circus Circus Reno, and Tropicana. As of July 2021, the company no longer owns casinos in Europe or Africa. 

Las Vegas Sands (US)

According to casino statistics, the third highest-earning casino company in 2020 was Las Vegas Sands, with revenue totaling $3.61 billion. Based in Paradise, Nevada, this corporation is yet another colossal pillar of strength. Las Vegas owns resorts featuring accommodations, casinos, entertainment facilities, restaurants, clubs, and a museum. The company went public in 2004, changing its name from Las Vegas Sands Inc. to Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Las Vegas Sands has a strong international presence, with resorts in the US as well as Asia. Among its popular properties are The Venetian on The Strip, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao. 

As far as the company’s history goes, in 1989, a few entrepreneurs purchased the Sands Hotel after accumulating funds through investments in personal computers and the trade show business. The same people then opened the Sands Expo and Convention Center in 1990. This is currently the largest privately-owned convention facility, with a size of 1.2 million square feet.

Facing stiff competition from newer resorts on The Strip, the Sands Hotel was demolished. In its place, construction for The Venetian, modeled after Venice, Italy, began in 1997. In 2005, the company began building The Palazzo, which joined The Venetian and Sands Expo to make up the world’s largest integrated resort. This massive trio contains a total of 7,100 rooms, 2.3 million square feet of convention space, various shopping and dining options, as well as entertainment venues here

Because the company’s founder, Adelson, found an early footing in the trade show business, the hotel took a similar direction. While other hotels focused on the casino business, he decided that his strategy was to turn all hotel rooms into luxury suites. Minibars, big-screen televisions, and comfortable workspaces were all part of this effort. This way, mid-week occupancy remained strong. Today, the company makes more from conventions than its casinos. 

Is Las Vegas Losing Its Spot?

In recent years, Macao has emerged as a popular casino location, earning the title “Las Vegas of Asia.” Las Vegas and Macao are currently neck and neck in terms of gambling revenue. Is this exotic Asian gambling haven going to catch up soon? That remains to be seen, but this is surely an exciting time for operators everywhere.

You May Also Like

More From Author