The Cannery and in-development Cannery East have been sold for $1.8 billion to Crown Ltd., a holding company controlled by Australian James Packer. The seller, Millennium Gaming, also manages the Rampart, but it hasn't been disclosed how that figures into the deal. The purchase of these local casinos is an interesting move for Crown, which is also seeking a major presence on the Strip with a 19.6 percent stake in the under-construction Fountainebleau and a 37.5 percent stake in the Crown Las Vegas project, which is in the planning stages. The deal isn't expected to close for a year.

SCALED DOWN: The Silverton Casino has launched a $130 million expansion. It's really more of a scaling down of the resort's plans for a $500 million upgrade announced earlier this year and will encompass 35,000 square feet of new casino space, three new restaurants, a center bar, and a 1,500-space parking garage. In addition, a $15 million entertainment and aquatic venue will occupy nearly two acres and be capable of hosting concerts for audiences of up to 2,000. The project is slated for completion in 2009.

BETTE'S NEXT: Celine Dion has concluded her run at Caesars Palace, and Bette Midler will be next in the Colosseum, beginning in February. Tickets are on sale, priced from $95 to $250.

NYE DOWNTOWN: This year's New Year's Eve party on Fremont Street will have a $60-per-person charge. The Doobie Brothers and the Bangles rock bands will perform. Last year, an estimated 17,000 revelers attended.

Q. Are rooms still available for New Year's Eve?

A. It's not too late to book a room for New Year's Eve, but locking one in as soon as possible is recommended. Calls to 84 casinos in November found vacancies at 75 of them (so several figure to remain available). One-night stays (on Dec. 31) ranged from $83 at Nevada Palace to $799 at Bellagio. Two-night packages ran from $160 at the Gold Spike to $1,698 at Wynn Las Vegas. Three-night deals ran from $390 at Fiesta Henderson to $1,350 at Harrah's. The lone four-night deal was $716 at Binion's.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.

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