Goldman Sachs' and Bank of Nova Scotia's $250 million "B" loan for Las Vegas-based Venetian Casino Resort blew out in just two hours last week, surprising many in the market who believed the current appetite for gaming credits stopped at the door of the world's most famous gambling resort. "This is noteworthy, it is a success flying in the face of wisdom that only non-Vegas multi-asset resorts are attractive."
The gaming sector has recovered strongly post Sept. 11 and the high-yield market has warmed to it with credits for Isle of Capri, Penn National Gaming and Park Place striking gold (LMW, 4/1). But many industry experts have said that Las Vegas and Paradise Island in the Bahamas are still adversely affected. Calls to finance officials at Venetian were referred to the press office.