MGM Mirage Earnings Up as Tourists Flock Back to Las Vegas - 2004-01-29
MGM Mirage (MGG), the third-biggest U.S. casino operator, announced Wednesday that fourth-quarter
profit more than doubled as it renovated some properties, opened a new hotel and casino in Atlantic City (search) and added new shows in Las Vegas.

The owner of the Bellagio (search), MGM Grand (search) and other resorts posted net income of $91.7 million, or 62 cents per share, compared with $39 million, or 25 cents, a year earlier.
Read the full story at FOX News

Moody's Raises Herbst Rating - 2004-01-29
Moody's Investors Service has changed the rating outlook of locals' casino operator Herbst Gaming Inc. of Las Vegas to "positive" from "stable" and confirmed the company's present debt ratings.

The upgrade is based on Herbst's "improved financial performance and market position since acquiring the slot route business of Anchor Coin in February 2003 as well as the company's favorable growth prospects."

The company operates in one of the fastest growing areas in the United States and has demonstrated an ability to generate free cash flow, Moody's said.
Read the full story at Casino City Times