Top 10 casino openings and expansions for October 2026

October brought another round of casino openings, expansions and renovations across the gaming industry. From new gaming experiences to major property upgrades, here are 10 developments making headlines in the casino industry since our last edition.

10. The Cosmo to unveil The Corner Store
The SoHo sensation from Tilman Fertitta, Eugene Remm and the Catch Hospitality Group team with Chef Michael Vignola at the helm is now accepting reservations for its anticipated West Coast debut. Bringing its first expansion from New York, The Corner opens at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on 9 November.

Under the leadership of Chef Vignola, in collaboration with The Corner Store Las Vegas Executive Chef Daniel Bernardo, the menu features an ingredient-first approach to American classics, such as Lobster & Caviar Rolls with tarragon-celery remoulade, The Corner Store Caesar featuring everything bagel croutons and cream cheese croquettes, and the Wagyu French Dip, spotlighting a 72-hour slow-roasted Westholme Australian ribeye.

9. Resorts World Las Vegas to open Miss Loretta’s
Resorts World Las Vegas and Two Dice Hospitality will debut Miss Loretta’s, a new nightlife destination on 15 November. Reservations are now open for the underground venue, which will feature line dancing, inventive cocktails and décor.

The center stage anchors the room. A mix of country and house keeps the energy high, while Miss Loretta’s dancers move from choreographed performances to guided line dancing, so every guest can join in.

See you on November 15, sweethearts ??
https://t.co/FbVHhkGMaq https://t.co/SK4WLqjCI8
— Resorts World Las Vegas (@ResortsWorldLV) October 14, 2026

8. Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse at MGM Grand
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is partnering with Four Sixes Ranch and writer, director, and producer Taylor Sheridan to debut the renowned steakhouse in early 2027.

The culinary program will reflect the approach of a boutique steakhouse, combining ranch recipes with prime-grade beef, signature cuts sourced directly from Four Sixes Ranch. A beverage program will complement the menu with specialty craft cocktails, a curated wine list, and rare spirits.

7. Rio Las Vegas opens Dragon Lair
Earlier this month, Rio Hotel & Casino announced the opening of Dragon Lair, a new gaming room dedicated to Aristocrat Gaming slot games Dragon Link and Phoenix Link. Located on the Rio casino floor in the former poker room space, Dragon Lair gives guests a dedicated destination to enjoy famous titles from two popular Aristocrat game families.

“Dragon Lair brings together compelling game content and an exciting environment to create an all-new destination on Rio’s buzzing casino floor,” said Rod Turlan, President and General Manager of Rio Hotel & Casino. “This continued collaboration with Aristocrat Gaming reflects our dedicated focus on introducing fresh experiences that give guests even more reasons to discover the new Rio.”

6. Cabana sportsbook at Mandalay Bay
BetMGM unveiled a new cabana sportsbook at Tailgate Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino during the last week of September. The BetMGM Sportsbook at Tailgate Beach Club gives guests poolside access to an in-person outdoor wagering window at Las Vegas’ newest dayclub.

Tailgate Beach Club features three heated pools, premium cabanas and more than 145 feet of LED screens that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience for up to 2,000 guests. Open during major sporting events throughout the season, the venue combines game-day energy with live entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and a poolside atmosphere.

5. New hotel groundbreaking at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
Kansas Entertainment hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on 25 September for a new boutique hotel adjacent to Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

Expected to open in 2028, the hotel will have approximately 140 rooms and suites and will be connected to the west entrance of Hollywood Casino. Additional details, such as food and beverage offerings, meeting space options, and other amenities will be announced at a later date.

“This is an exciting new addition to our operations in Kansas City,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “Significant developments are in process in the area surrounding our property, and this is another organic growth opportunity that aligns with our disciplined approach to further our competitive position in our markets across the country.”

4. Live! Casino Virginia on track for 2027 opening
Earlier this month, the Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise marked a milestone in the construction of Live Casino & Hotel Virginia during a topping out ceremony for the new gaming, hotel, dining and entertainment destination opening in Central Virginia.

The destination is being built on the same site as Live! Casino Virginia, the temporary gaming facility that opened in January. Scheduled to open in late 2027, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia will feature:

- More than 445,000 square feet of gaming, hotel and hospitality space
- Over 1,600 Vegas-style slot machines
- More than 70 live action table games, including a 35-table poker room
- A sportsbook
- A 200-room hotel, resort pool, spa and fitness center
- An approximately 70,000-square-foot multi-purpose Event Center for top-name entertainment, meeting, conventions, nonprofit and social gatherings
- 20 dining, entertainment and beverage spaces

Today we celebrated the topping out of Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia, marking a major milestone for a project that will redefine gaming, hospitality and entertainment in Central Virginia. Opening in 2027, the resort is creating 7,700 jobs and projected to generate $2.8B in economic impact over the next 10 years.
— Cordish Companies (@cordishco) October 8, 2026

3. Ocean Casino Resort expansion of The Cove
Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City will open a new high-limit slot experience with the unveiling of The Cove.

Following a $14 million investment, the transformation brings together an expanded gaming floor, elevated hospitality and a new design inspired the Atlantic Ocean. Slated to open in early 2027, The Cove will be located adjacent to the Asian Table Games area.

Spanning 11,935 square feet - roughly a 60% increase, The Cove will feature than 192 slot machines from leading gaming manufacturers.

2. Resorts World NYC’s International Room
Last week, Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens announced the opening of its new International Room, a high-limit gaming destination.

Unveiled as the property celebrates its 15th anniversary, the approximately 13,657-square-foot space features 48 table games and three private gaming salons, featuring high-limit baccarat, roulette and blackjack.

As part of the experience, guests can enjoy dedicated hosted service, elevated beverage offerings and 24-hour access to hot and cold dining options without leaving the gaming floor.

Step into the new International Room for an elevated gaming experience. Plus on the First Floor we added additional table games and new slot machines! https://t.co/Ki8dc1IbMp

Gambling problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Must be 21+ to gamble. https://t.co/xRQ6m2mk8X
— Resorts World New York City (@ResortsWorldNYC) October 22, 2026

1. Hard Rock Tejon expansion
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International celebrated the groundbreaking of the next major phase of a more than $725 million investment that will transform the property into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, a full-service resort and entertainment destination.

Tribal leaders, Hard Rock executives, elected officials, community leaders and project partners gathered at the property last week to commemorate the start of construction on the expansion, which will add a 406-room hotel, expanded gaming, new dining and entertainment offerings, convention and meeting space, resort-style pools and a full-service Rock Spa with an anticipated opening of summer 2028.