LAS VEGAS Oct. 7, 2014 - MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) Entertainment/Sports President Richard Sturm was presented with a 2014 “Casino Entertainment Legend” award at the Global Gaming Expo’s second annual Casino Entertainment Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Sturm was honored alongside entertainer Wayne Newton, who also received a “Casino Entertainment Legend” award at the event, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

The award was among nine categories of honors which recognized outstanding artists, executives and venues in the gaming industry.

“Richard is an extraordinarily dedicated individual who works behind the scenes, without limelight or fanfare, to create some of the most exhilarating entertainment experiences in the world,” said Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts International.  “His breadth and scope of experience in the industry is without parallel, and he most certainly deserves to be ranked publicly among the entertainment greats of our generation.”

Sturm’s achievements in the industry span more than 35 years, during which he has been instrumental in the development of many of Las Vegas’ highest-profile entertainment projects.  Sturm has attracted the most popular names in music and sports to MGM Resorts’ properties, bringing unprecedented talent to the city including Barbra Streisand, U2, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.

Additionally, Sturm leads the efforts in MGM Resorts International’s highly publicized and often-televised special event sports programming.  The Company consistently hosts top-grossing boxing events as well as the hugely popular Ultimate Fighting Championship.  These events have been highlighted by boxers such as Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, to name a few.

The Company’s entertainment/television programming has been equally remarkable.  Over the years, Sturm has booked the biggest shows in the industry at a number of MGM Resorts venues.  These range from annual live broadcasts such as the Latin GRAMMY Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM), American Country Awards (ACA), FOX New Year’s Eve Special, American Idol and the Billboard Music Awards.

Sturm began his career at MGM Grand Las Vegas in 1973 and also worked at MGM Grand Reno.  He is known among his colleagues as a great collaborator and an architect of world-class productions. Highly respected for his knowledge, he also serves as a mentor for many colleagues across the company and industry.

About MGM Resorts

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51 percentage of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50 percentage of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

About G2E

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is the international gaming trade show and conference “by the industry and for the industry.” Organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions, G2E made its debut in fall 2001, defining itself as the preeminent show for the gaming-entertainment industry.

SOURCE: MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL