Stratosphere Improvements

Although gaming revenue was down the first quarter of 2010, Las Vegas’ Stratosphere Hotel & Casino will invest in major improvements in an attempt to bring some of the booming revenue from the south part of the strip up to the north.

The recently opened SkyJump thrill ride has performed well above expectations since its April opening and sees as many as 90 jumps per day. It sends riders 855 feet from a platform above Las Vegas Boulevard. The ride itself costs $100 per ride, but merchandise related to the ride generates 25 percent in additional revenue.

American Casino & Entertainment Properties Chief Executive Officer Frank Riolo said the ride isn’t even fully functional yet, but has had a strong showing.

“(The number of jumps) far exceeds expectations for the startup,” Riolo said. “We actually don’t have a fully trained crew and we’re not open to the extent of the hours that we will be in the middle of the summer when we are in full operation.”

The ride was a $1.1 million investment for the company, an investment that Riolo says will likely be recouped quickly.

The renovations planned for the hotel involve 909 of the hotel’s 2,427 rooms. Renovations include new carpet and furniture in the rooms along with new bathroom floors and vanities. Flat-screen televisions will also enhance the new rooms. Beds throughout the hotel were replaced last year.

Overall, Stratosphere’s revenues were down 11 percent. If you aren’t ready to travel to Las Vegas try any of the online casinos on our site for a great online gaming experience.