Scott’s back for his fourth appearance, but this time as “co-host.” That’s in quotes so you know that the author of Vital Vegas is NOT on the Plaza payroll. Scott and Jonathan talk to another big-time Internet influencer, Jacob Orth. He’s been posting YouTube videos on life in Vegas for several years under the easy-to-remember title: Jacob’s Life in Vegas.

He regularly updates fans on the craziest stuff happening here. He strives for fairness, such as doing a video on why you should stay at a certain hotel, then another video on why you should NOT stay at that hotel!   

Sam Joffray is the man in charge of Las Vegas’ Super Bowl Committee. He comes from New Orleans, where he organized that city’s Super Bowls, Final Fours and several other huge events in The Big Easy. Sam shares a few of the many, many details that must be in place for the big game: hotels, transportation, public safety, team headquarters, media and about 5,000 volunteers to make it all happen. And he answers the Big Question about when one may or may not use the words “Super Bowl.” 

It’s only been a few weeks since Pinkbox Doughnuts opened at The Plaza, next to the Carousel Bar. But the lines are nearly always out the door, as Fremont St. fans grab a sweet snack.

Pinkbox is owned by the Siegel Group, and Jonathan sits down with Executive Vice President Judith Siegel and Chief Business Officer Michael Crandall. The two share the company’s progress in property management over more than 20 years. And we hear about Bagelmania, the modest strip mall joint that’s now a major oasis for hungry conventions goers.

JRoc, aka Jason Craig, has been behind some of the biggest bars and entertainment venues in Las Vegas for decades. He was part of the original Palms crew – standing in line for three days to apply for as many jobs as he could. JRoc remembers tending bar at the original Playboy Club, and getting noticed by Bronson, now one the Plaza’s creative forces.

From there, it was being part of The Palms’ reality TV efforts, producing his own shows, being an in-demand MC in Vegas and nationwide, forming Clique at the Cosmopolitan, being a part of the men’s haberdashery Stitched. And JRoc talks about what’s next, including the possibility  of something downtown!

Oscar Goodman is back on his stool in the middle of his namesake steakhouse telling tales from the courtroom. The centerpiece is about a trial in Texas and how he (with the help of his insistent client) blew up the testimony of three police officers who failed to notice that people were watching. Also: a question from Big John, a special guest from England.

Gavin is one of those guys who’s literally kept the reels turning and cards shuffling for a couple of decades.

The Australian got his gaming start in the legal department at Aristocrat Leisure Limited, rising to president of its Americas division. He was COO at Ballys Technologies, CEO at ShuffleMaster, and CEO of Scientific Games.

Along the way he’s held senior spots at Galaxy Gaming and Games Global. And he’s advised SB Tech, DraftKings, Jackpocket and I.C. Intelligence.

And last fall he became a member of the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame,

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

It’s been a great few weeks at the Plaza, as the reimagining of Main Street is nearing completion. The Carousel Bar is open, and the new non-smoking, video-friendly casino is open! Jonathan, Lisa and Gary discuss, and preview things still to come. But it’s also a bittersweet episode as the brains behind this podcast, Lisa Melmed, is leaving. Listen to learn the details!

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Second-generation gaming executive Noah Acres runs Acres Manufacturing with his father, John. The company says: EVERY casino in the world uses at least one of its inventions. Its most famous tools: the system that links slot machines to create progressive jackpots and another that allows casinos to track slot machine players by using loyalty cards.

Noah and Jonathan talk about the future of loyalty programs, the move toward cashless gaming, and how to dive down into the deep data to rate players’ abilities. Also along for the ride: Oliver Lovat, a past podcast guest who advises casinos on development and real estate. 

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Scott Roben is the very first person to be a guest for the fourth time! He and Jonathan and Lisa dive into what’s happening with the Plaza improvements, as well as downtown.

Scott re-visits his dust-up with the Sahara, Scott still doesn’t get the appeal of pickleball and bingo, even as he was caught in a wave of people exiting Super Bingo.

Also: Jonathan tells the story of Big John, a London-based social media star who was the guest of Plaza last month. And there is a lot of pizza talk, including a monthly Plaza special from one of the world’s best pizza makers.

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

For the past five years, Johnny Avello has been the face of DraftKings’ sports book, shepherding its rollout across the US. Before that, he ran Wynn’s sports book – one of the few remaining stand-alone books in Las Vegas. Johnny recalls many of his stops in his 40 years in Las Vegas – and how he almost didn’t make it thanks to his work at a not-so-legal casino in the heart of New York City decades ago!

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed