Top 10 casino openings, expansions and renovations

Renovation season is upon us, and casinos around the globe are shelling out some serious bucks in the name of improvement — just another industry requirement. You can't expect to pull in the customers without the hottest new amenities, after all. Just wait until you see what's coming up on this list.

As for the longstanding casinos who've made their fortune by being a constant presence? Even the steadiest of local hangouts can't resist the occasional new coat of paint. If you've got millions of dollars being funneled your way, why not use some to spruce things up a bit? There's something to be said for new and shiny objects.

Here are the top 10 upcoming, finished or otherwise in progress openings, expansions and renovations.

10. Golden Gate announces major expansion

Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, a Las Vegas original, having stood for 111 years, announced a major expansion project. The renovation will double the size of the downtown casino, add a flashy new entranceway on the Fremont Street Experience and enhance the outdoor bar, OneBar.

This builds on a legacy that began in 1906. Since then, the casino has weathered gambling bans, less-than-wise name changes (it was Las Vegas backwards, at one point) and the tragic end of a longstanding shrimp cocktail special.

#OneBar... MANY choices. Here's your "golden" opportunity to make your #Vegas experience memorable. #GoldenGate pic.twitter.com/RXoL9hk4ZX
— Golden Gate Casino (@GoldenGateVegas) July 24, 2017

9. Ping Pang Pong debuts renovations at Gold Coast Casino

Ping Pang Pong has long been touted as the Strip's premier Chinese restaurant. It recently unveiled a redesigned and expanded space at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, featuring seating for over 300 guests and a private banquet room.

The authentic grub that made this restaurant popular, however, will remain unchanged.

8. Hard Rock reveals Hard Rock Entertainment World details

Hard Rock International recently let slip the details on its latest project — Hard Rock Entertainment World. When finished, this will be one of the largest resort destinations in Europe.

Located in Spain, the resort will be made up by hotels, convention areas, entertainment venues, dining options and, of course, shopping malls.

Some big numbers accompany this project: €2 billion in investments, over 745,000 square meters slated for construction, the creation of 11,500 jobs, 1,200 slot machines and an economic impact of €1.3 billion.

7. The Otheroom opening at Caesars Palace

The Otheroom at Caesars Palace, drawing inspiration from similar haunts LA and New York, recently celebrated its grand opening.

This modern bar boasts a unique selection of cocktails and food, as well as an incredibly dangerous alcohol-infused soft serve ice cream.

6. The Cromwell introduces cuisine, bar and sportsbook enhancements

The Cromwell, known as a "boutique hotel," recently made quite a few swanky improvements.

• eatwell, the very trendy, punctuation-eschewing eatery, is officially open.
• Interlude, a social bar and lounge, also very trendy, is currently undergoing changes to its seating, lighting and overall ambiance.
• The ironically-named The Abbey was unveiled as the new VIP, high-limit slot area.
• The new sportsbook features a whole mess of huge TV screens and the latest betting tech.

The Cromwell, which became an instant Strip favorite of our own Gary Trask when he stayed there while covering the World Series of Poker, also introduced electronic keys in its hotel room and Ivy, a virtual message concierge to whom you can text any questions or comments — nothing existential, please.

Rise and shine. ???? https://t.co/MvjGmsIzNz #CromwellVegas #Vegas #Vacation #HumpDay pic.twitter.com/FuUwu2nfz7
— The Cromwell (@CromwellVegas) July 26, 2017

5. Palace Station's renovation plans

According to a plan submitted to the city of Las Vegas, Palace Station Hotel and Casino may be building a 335-foot tower and convention center sometime in the future. There aren't any details available yet, nor a timeline, but documents say the potential construction will be 27 stories with 606 rooms.

This expansion would also add a pool deck, convention center and over 42,000 square feet of gaming space for the casino. The projected cost is a cool $70 million.

4. The Palazzo Las Vegas unveils the Biergarten

The Biergarten, located at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino's Lagasse Stadium, is a project by The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo in tandem that promises gourmet food, specialty beer and craft cocktails, and the finest German beer garden experience.

The location offers prime views of The Strip, as well as authentic beer hall elements, such as communal bench seating, ambient lighting and verdant accoutrements. And don't forget the beer.

3. The Landing at Rivers Casino Schenectady open for reservations

The Landing, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady's 165-room hotel, opened on 19 July. The new hotel spares no expense, housing a state-of-the-art fitness room, hip lounge, outdoor patios and, most importantly, multiple dining options.

To celebrate, they had a magician come in and really drive home the "landing" concept.

2. Foxwoods launches interactive arena gaming experience

Shortly after introducing the public to skill-based slot machines, Foxwoods Resort launched the PLAY Arena, a hub where the latest trends in gaming can comingle. Located in the revamped Great Cedar Casino, the arena is the first of its kind in New England, offering guests a chance to enjoy a wide range of games at a single station.

The Great Cedar Casino itself is also worth mentioning: It boasts a high-speed slots floor, an upgraded high-limit lounge and a fresh set of table games.

1. Caesars Entertainment reveals new amenities at Atlantic City resorts

The $30 million series of enhancements at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. includes a few new restaurants, a complete restoration of the popular pool and nightclub, and a redesign of 450 guest suites. Add a couple new bars — including a beach bar — and you’ve got a plan for the rest of the summer.