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In recent weeks, our friends at Casino.org, specifically Corey Levityan, debunked a prevalent myth involving Gordon Ramsay, who was rumored to have ejected Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce from his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant for being too inebriated (i.e., drunk). It’s totally untrue - and this unraveling leads us to another enduring myth about celebrity chefs: the belief that they are regularly present and actively cooking in their own restaurants. There may be a ton of myths in Las Vegas, including having your picture taken at the famous Las Vegas sign (then again, it just might be a popular superstition), but one thing’s for sure: we’ve all heard the myth about celebrity chefs and actually slaving in the heat of their restaurant’s kitchens.

Take, for example, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace. It is indeed a must-see when you’re in Las Vegas, and it is a place where Ramsay is often photographed - but has never actually cooked. But this misconception about celebrity chefs' involvement in their restaurants is widespread and not without reason.

The origins of the myth

It's relatively easy to see how this myth took hold. A vintage menu from Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace tantalizingly suggests, “If you think the guy sitting at the end of the bar looks a lot like Gordon, well, it just might be.” This statement feeds into the fantasy that diners might casually encounter Ramsay cooking up a storm or enjoying a drink nearby.

However, the reality is quite different. While Ramsay does make appearances, these are strategically scheduled and heavily promoted events designed to maintain the illusion of his regular presence. After all, we’re in Las Vegas, where magic happens every day!

Booking busy celebrity chefs

Caesars Entertainment, the entity that operates six Las Vegas restaurants under Ramsay's name, leverages this myth to attract diners. In fact, Caesars Entertainment mandates Ramsay to visit each restaurant annually and stay for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours. During these visits, Ramsay participates in photo sessions, creating the perception that his presence is a regular occurrence rather than a contractual obligation.

This annual visit is part of Ramsay’s lucrative deal with Caesars. To be perfectly honest, he receives $340,000 per restaurant annually for licensing his name, along with a cut of 5% - 6% of the gross profits of Caesars. This arrangement underscores a broader truth about celebrity chefs: once they attain substantial wealth through television shows and licensing deals, they are less inclined to engage in the day-to-day grind of running a restaurant kitchen. Why would they, when they quite literally don’t need to?

The reality of celebrity chef restaurants

While celebrity chefs like Ramsay might (and this is a big “might”) occasionally contribute to menu design, their hands-on involvement in the kitchen is virtually nonexistent. Furthermore, cooking in these restaurants could be legally challenging without the appropriate Nevada health card! Instead, these establishments rely on the expertise of their hotel partners’ food and beverage departments to manage daily operations.

As you may realize, Ramsay’s cooking appearances are limited to his television shows, such as "Hell’s Kitchen," which are filmed on soundstages. For example, the current filming of seasons 23 and 24 at the Foxwoods in Connecticut is taking place on a soundstage within the casino resort, not in an actual restaurant kitchen.

The details of Ramsay’s arrangement with Caesars were brought to light during the company’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2016, thanks to an exposé by the Wall Street Journal. While we do not have similar financial disclosures for other celebrity chefs, it is reasonable to assume that other celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Savoy, José Andrés, David Chang, and Michael Mina have comparable agreements.

The illusion of accessibility in Las Vegas celebrity restaurants

The illusion that diners might encounter these culinary stars in their “natural habitat” is perpetuated by the rare but highly publicized grand openings of new restaurants. These events are often attended by the chefs themselves, but unfortunately, they are exclusive, invite-only affairs for celebrities and VIPs, not the general public.

The myth that celebrity chefs actively work in their restaurants is just that - a myth. The presence of chefs like Gordon Ramsay at their establishments is a carefully managed and marketed illusion, much like the ones performed by David Copperfield and David Blaine, designed to enhance the dining experience and draw in the crowds. While the chefs willingly lend their names (and occasionally their creative input, like Ramsay with his famous Beef Wellington), the day-to-day culinary operations of these celebrity restos are left to a dedicated team of professionals behind the scenes. So, the next time you dine at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, go right ahead and enjoy the ambiance and the expertly crafted dishes - but don’t expect to see the chef sweating it out over a hot stove on your account.

Evolution Gaming, the Swedish online gambling giant known especially for its live dealer casino games and renowned particularly in NJ, is poised to deepen its roots in the U.S. market with an ambitious new project in Atlantic City. The company has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art live dealer studio on Fairmount Avenue, with a proposed investment of $75 million.

This strategic expansion reflects Evolution’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. online gambling sector. Currently, Evolution operates studios in several high-profile Atlantic City casinos, including Ocean Casino Resort, Tropicana, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. However, with the new standalone studio, Evolution aims to significantly bolster its presence as well as its operational capacity.

The best use of land and resources for Atlantic City

Evolution has already made its move and has formally tendered a land use petition to the CRDA, or the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. If you weren’t yet aware, the CRDA is responsible for allocating casino gaming taxes to benefit Atlantic City, and it holds land-use authority within the Tourism District where all nine of the city's retail casinos are situated. The proposed site for Evolution's new studio is currently occupied by a parking lot owned by the CRDA, so the plan involves Evolution either purchasing the land from the agency or acquiring it as a donation.

Either way, representing Evolution in this crucial endeavor is Lloyd D. Levenson of the law firm Cooper Levenson. Levenson has emphasized the economic benefits of the project, highlighting that Evolution's workforce in the region currently stands at 850 employees. But with the new facility, the company anticipates potentially doubling its staff, projecting employment to exceed 2,000 by 2029.

As everyone is well aware, Evolution’s expansion represents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic growth in Atlantic City. The new studio will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also contribute to the local economy by creating numerous new jobs, as confirmed by Levenson.

Strike while the iron is hot – NJ poised for unprecedented growth in 2024 onwards

Aside from this, the proposed expansion comes at a time when the online gambling industry in New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented growth – it is now the ideal time to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. For example, the state’s online casino revenue has soared in the post-COVID-19 era. Prior to the pandemic, online gambling revenue in NJ was approximately $483 million. But last year alone, it nearly quadrupled to almost $2 billion – and, what’s more amazing, the first four months of 2024 have already shown a 21% increase compared to the same period last year.

In addition, New Jersey law stipulates that live dealer operations must be conducted within Atlantic City, ensuring that Evolution’s new studio will be ideally situated to comply with regulatory requirements while tapping into the booming market.

The CRDA’s decision on Evolution’s proposal will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and local residents alike. The agency’s mandate to use casino taxes for the benefit of Atlantic City makes it a key player in determining the feasibility of the project. If approved, the new studio would represent a significant milestone for Evolution and the broader Atlantic City community. The facility is expected to feature cutting-edge technology and design, positioning Evolution at the forefront of the live dealer gaming industry. Additionally, the economic impact of the studio could be substantial, providing a steady stream of new jobs and stimulating local businesses.

Advantages of the proposal for the greater good

The potential benefits of Evolution’s expansion extend beyond employment and revenue. The company’s presence in Atlantic City could enhance the city's reputation as a hub for innovation in online gambling. By investing in advanced facilities as well as creating high-quality gaming experiences, Evolution is poised to attract more players and partners to the area.

As the proposal undergoes review by the CRDA, Evolution and its advocates remain optimistic about the project’s approval. The company’s track record of successful operations in existing Atlantic City casinos and its commitment to local economic growth are likely to weigh favorably in the decision-making process.

For now, though, the Atlantic City community and the online gambling industry await the CRDA’s decision with bated breath, as they know that it could pave the way for a new era of growth and innovation in New Jersey's vibrant gambling sector.