Why did Anthony Marnell decide to build a new resort across from M Resort

When former M Resort owner Anthony Marnell announces the construction of a new giant hotel-casino literally across the road from his previous brainchild, it immediately sparks interest and a lot of questions.

Why is one of the most prominent players in the history of gambling Las Vegas taking on a project that directly competes with his own past? What is the background and underlying reasons of this story, and what could it change in the entertainment industry in the south of the city? The emergence of such a project has already stirred up the entire market—what are the real prospects of a new duel in the Nevada desert?

Reasons and motives behind Anthony Marnell’s new project

For Anthony Marnell, the new construction is not just an investment in real estate. According to him, the decision to choose a plot across the road from M Resort was a deliberate and highly symbolic step. The entrepreneur’s personal motivation is obvious: to regain leadership positions, to prove that his family name still matters in Las Vegas. In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he noted: the new resort “will absolutely be in direct competition” with what he once created himself.

Why now? In recent years, the market has recovered from the effects of the pandemic. Opportunities for high-profile projects have emerged: tourist flow is steadily growing, and competition forces the search for fresh solutions. Marnell clearly seeks to answer a personal challenge—to make a second attempt on his home turf, relying on experience and corporate memory.

The history of M Resort and the role of the Marnell family in the Las Vegas industry

The Marnell name in Las Vegas is legendary. Anthony’s father, Tony Marnell, created such iconic properties as the Rio and Mirage. The firm Marnell Corrao Associates designed and built dozens of hotel-casinos. M Resort itself appeared in 2009, when the US economy was in recession, yet the complex stood out due to its successful location and modern approach to design.

The launch of M Resort coincided with financial turmoil: the project could not withstand the debt burden. Just a year later, Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) bought the debt at a 75% discount, which effectively meant control passed to new owners. For Anthony Marnell, this became a personal drama—and since then, the idea of a “family duel” has become part of the local business legend.

The term “spite casino” is used when a new establishment is built as a deliberate challenge to a competitor. In this case, the analogy is obvious: the new resort is clearly conceived as a response to old grievances and an attempt to regain lost influence.

Financial and legal details of the deal with the city

The future Marnell resort will occupy 35 acres, of which 9 acres were purchased from the city of Henderson. The deal amount ranges from $4.3 to $6.8 million depending on the closing dates, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Interestingly, Marnell has up to 15 years to complete the formalities, but he himself estimates that construction will not begin for another 3–5 years.

The legal obligations are strict: the investor must invest at least $250 million of personal funds into the project. Such conditions are comparable to the highest standards for new resort sites in Nevada. A city council representative emphasized that the deal was conducted with maximum transparency, and Marnell committed to fully implementing the project within the stated time frame.

Development plans for the new resort: timeline, investment, concept

The new complex is designed for 600 rooms. The infrastructure will include a food hall, a modern lounge, banquet and meeting rooms, as well as a unique pool area. Unlike the previous M Resort project, here the focus will shift to multi-format gastronomic spaces and interactive entertainment.

Will the new resort be able to change the balance of power in southern Las Vegas? Experts believe that much will depend on unique offerings for guests. The project promises a concert zone, flexible stay formats, signature cuisines by celebrity chefs, and innovative entertainment solutions.

Anthony Marnell plans to invest his own funds, which highlights his personal involvement and ambitions. For the market, this is a signal: the project will be implemented with maximum attention to detail.

Experts note that the timing for construction is truly fortunate—Las Vegas really lacks projects of this level. Guests no longer come to the capital of gambling just for gambling—they want to get the most out of their trip. The focus on guests with a certain level of income is also justified. Gamblers with a few hundred dollars in their pockets are increasingly choosing online casinos today.

Players make this decision consciously. The barrier to entry for online casinos is very low, and accessibility is high. Players can choose the gambling entertainment they like, from slot machines to crash games. The latter have become truly popular among people who enjoy gambling. This is also confirmed by the site Lucky Jet Game, where anyone can see how many major online casinos offer the exciting game Lucky Jet.

This trend has a direct impact on the gambling industry, including in Las Vegas. New projects are mainly aimed at affluent guests. They are guaranteed a high level of comfort and many experiences.

Competitors’ reaction and current development of M Resort

Today, M Resort is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and managed by Penn Entertainment. This management model is called a real estate investment trust (REIT): the resort owner receives rental income, and the management company is responsible for operations. This is a typical model for large US chains.

In recent months, M Resort has announced a large-scale expansion: a new tower will open, increasing the room stock to 765, and a restaurant by famous chef Emeril Lagasse will appear. Penn Entertainment emphasizes that the strategy is aimed at retaining positions and attracting new customers.

The appearance of a new major player across the street is a challenge for Penn. The city’s history shows that direct proximity almost always leads to fierce competition, but sometimes also to the overall growth of the area.

Analytics: the impact of the new project on the market and development prospects

The launch of the new resort will inevitably change the balance of power: the southern part of Las Vegas may get a new attraction point. For Marnell, this is a chance to regain his status as a visionary, and for Penn Entertainment—a reason to reconsider their strategy.

However, experts warn of risks: lengthy timelines, possible delays, or even market oversaturation. Some analysts believe that due to prolonged bureaucracy, construction may begin only in five years, and future success is not yet guaranteed.

Will the new project remain a catalyst for change or become another episode of a corporate duel? Rhetorical questions about the future of competition are inevitable.

Contextualization and explanations

Various models of resort ownership are common in Las Vegas: REIT separates the roles of owner and operator. The term “spite casino” refers to a property built as a challenge to a competitor or former partner.

In the city’s history, family and corporate conflicts have repeatedly arisen, becoming a catalyst for new construction. Analogies can be drawn with “business revenges” of other owners, when personal ambitions were combined with the expectation of success.

Smooth conclusion of the narrative

Who will win in this modern business duel of the desert: Marnell’s new resort or the established M Resort? Watching the developments will be especially interesting—the intrigue is just beginning to build. Which of the projects will become the hallmark of southern Las Vegas in the coming years?