South Point

After effectively selling the Coast casino chain to Boyd Gaming in 2004, Michael Gaughan (son of legendary local casino operator Jackie) began working for his former competitors, watching as they spent more than $500 million building the South Coast casino on an isolated site several miles south of the Strip. When, after a year, it failed to achieve lift-off, Michael jumped in and bought the resort, first changing its name and then upgrading both its facilities and its image. It’s an appealing place, its rooms decorated with attractive colors and without unnecessary ornamentation. Amenities include a 64-lane bowling alley, a 16-screen cinema and, right out of left field, a 4,400-seat equestrian arena. Michael’s Gourmet Room headlines the dining options; there’s also an Italian eaterie (Don Vito’s), a steakhouse (the Silverado), an oyster bar (Big Sur) and the obligatory buffet (the Garden). The big casino includes more than 2,500 machines and 60 table games, along with a race and sports book. A shuttle runs to and from the southern end of the Strip.