Careers at MGM Resorts International
Mission
MGM Resorts International’s mission is to create memorable experiences that engage, entertain, and inspire its guests.
Business segments
MGM Resorts International is a provider of hospitality and entertainment services. The company operates two reportable business segments:
- Wholly-Owned Domestic Resorts – Consists of 12 resorts in the United States: Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Luxor, Excalibur, New York-New York, Monte Carlo, Circus Circus Las Vegas, MGM Grand Detroit, Beau Rivage, and Gold Strike.
- MGM China – Consists of the MGM Macau casino and resort.
History
In 1969 airline and casino mogul Kirk Kerkorian purchased a majority stake in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) film studio. When one of his properties, the Las Vegas Hilton, became the leading hotel in the city, he was inspired to get MGM involved with the gambling industry. In 1973 he opened the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. In 1979, it was renamed MGM Grand Hotels, Inc.
In 1985, desiring to spend more time on his other business activities, Kerkorian sold the hotel to Bally Manufacturing but kept rights to the MGM Grand name. In 1987, he launched a new hotel called Grand Name Co., renamed in 1988 as MGM Grand, Inc. Over the next decade, the firm grew through acquisitions and opened several new properties, including New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
In 2000 MGM Grand made an offer for Mirage Resorts, which had been struggling for some time. The merger was completed in May 2000, and in August the company’s name was changed to MGM Mirage. In 2005 it acquired Mandalay Resort Group. In 2010 MGM Mirage’s name was changed to MGM Resorts International to highlight its global scope and growing non-gaming emphasis.
Business model of MGM Resorts International
Customer Segments
MGM Resorts has a mass market business model, with no significant differentiation between customer groups. The company targets its offerings at all consumers seeking hospitality and entertainment. That said, high-end gaming consumers make up a large portion of its audience.
Value Proposition
MGM Resorts offers four primary value propositions: convenience, cost reduction, risk reduction, and brand/status.
The company creates convenience by making life simpler for customers. All of its casino resorts operate 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year – the lone exception being Grand Victoria, which is open 22 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also, MGM Resorts allows customers to receive a full refund if they cancel their reservations within 72 hours of their arrival.
The company reduces costs in a variety of ways. It offers the “Best Rate Guarantee” – a promise that if customers book a hotel through its website, then find a lower rate for the same hotel elsewhere, it will match the rate and provide an extra 10% discount. It offers the following additional benefits for those making reservations on its websites:
- Customers are not charged any extra hidden fees – the online total includes all fees and taxes
- Customers only have to pay a one-night deposit; they pay the rest when checking out
- Customers can earn credits and special offers if they are members of the M Life loyalty program
The company reduces risk by maintaining high safety standards. It complies with and has implemented the American Gaming Association (AGA) Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, which aims to promote responsible gaming among patrons. Specifically, it does the following:
- Enforces state law requiring guests to be 21 years or older to gamble
- Educates employees through various programs on responsible gaming procedures and policies
- Provides information to employees about resources for assistance with problem gaming
- Provides information to customers about responsible gaming, win-loss odds on casino games, and assistance resources for problem gaming
- Serves alcoholic beverages responsibly
The company has established a powerful brand due to its success. It is one of the world’s leading hospitality and entertainment firms, with famous brands such as MGM Grand, Bellagio, The Mirage, and Mandalay Bay. It has also won many honors, including the following:
- Recognition as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune
- Recognition as an Overall Leader in Corporate Social Responsibility Practices by PR News
- Frequent recognition as one of the Top 500 Green Companies by Newsweek
- Numerous Four and Five Diamond designations from the American Automobile Association and multiple Four and Five Star designations from Forbes Travel Guide
- Recognition as one of the top 100 Companies for MBA Students by Universum Global
- Recognition as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity by Black Enterprise
Channels
MGM Resorts’ main channel is its website. The company promotes its offering through its social media pages, advertising (television, online, radio, billboards, magazines, and newspapers), direct mail marketing, e-mail marketing, and participation in trade shows and conferences.
Customer Relationships
MGM Resorts’ customer relationship is primarily of a self-service, automated nature. Customers utilize the service through the main platform while having limited interaction with employees. The company’s website provides answers to frequently asked questions. That said, there is a personal assistance component in the form of phone and e-mail support.
Key Activities
MGM Resorts’ business model entails designing and developing its services and maintaining its online platform for customers.
Key Partners
MGM Resorts’ key partners are the vendors who provide various products and services (food, beverage, etc.) in its facilities to customers.
The company maintains the MGM Resorts International Affiliate Program, through which it invites third parties to promote its offerings on their platforms (websites, mobile apps, etc.). It provides text links, banners, and other content. If a lead makes a qualified booking on its website, the referring party earns a commission. Interested parties must go through a 72-hour approval process.
Key Resources
MGM Resorts’ main resource is its intellectual property, which consists of the trademarks for its world-famous brands. It considers these brand names important to its business as they develop brand identification. The company also depends heavily on physical resources in the form of its various facilities, as well as on its sales and service employees who address customer needs.
Cost Structure
MGM Resorts has a value-driven structure, aiming to provide a premium proposition through significant personal service and frequent service enhancements. Its biggest cost driver is likely cost of services, a variable expense. Other major drivers are in the areas of sales/marketing, administration, and transaction expenses, all fixed costs.
Revenue Streams
MGM Resorts has two revenue streams:
- Casino Revenues – Revenues generated from fees paid by customers for participation in slot games, table games, and other forms of casino floor entertainment.
- Non-Casino Revenues – Revenues generated from sales of rooms, food and beverages, entertainment services, retail products, and other non-casino related products and services.
Our team
info: James J. Murren earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Urban Studies at Trinity College. He previously held various leadership roles at MGM Resorts International, including President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer.
info: William J. Hornbuckle earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Mandalay Corporation, as President and COO of MGM Grand Hotel LLC, and as President and COO of Caesars Place.
info: Corey I. Sanders earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at UCLA. He previously held various leadership roles at MGM Resorts, including Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, and also served as COO for the Core Brand Properties at MGM Mirage.
info: Daniel J. D’Arrigo earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at West Virginia University. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Finance at MGM Resorts and as Director of Corporate Finance at MGM Mirage.