Sahara Las Vegas has appointed Craig Pleva as its new general manager, bringing a seasoned gaming industry executive to lead the North Strip property as it seeks to build momentum in a competitive market. Pleva joins Sahara from Morongo hotel-casino in Southern California, where he served as chief operating officer. His gaming experience includes nearly eight years as general manager of Monarch Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, and more than six years in various leadership roles at Atlantis Casino in Reno, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
“Sahara has a unique opportunity to redefine what a modern Strip resort experience can be,” Pleva said in his hiring announcement. “My focus will be on strengthening our core operations while introducing new energy across the property, from dining and entertainment to a more personalized guest experience. I’m excited to work with The Meruelo Group and the team to build on the property’s momentum and take it to the next level.”
Pleva succeeds Paul Hobson, who was brought on to run the property when billionaire businessman Alex Meruelo purchased it in 2018 through The Meruelo Group. The leadership transition marks a new phase for the historic property, which has undergone significant changes under Meruelo’s ownership, including room renovations, dining concept updates, and repositioning in the competitive Strip market.
“Craig is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the gaming and hospitality landscape and a track record of delivering exceptional results,” Meruelo, founder of The Meruelo Group, said in a statement. “His expertise in operations, team development and guest experience will be instrumental in driving the next phase of growth for the property.”
Pleva’s primary duties will include overseeing all aspects of operations at Sahara, including hotel, casino, food and beverage, and entertainment. His experience at Monarch Casino in Colorado and Atlantis Casino in Reno gives him a background in both destination resort operations and regional gaming markets, skills that should translate to managing a Strip property that caters to both tourists and locals.
The appointment comes at a challenging time for the Las Vegas Strip’s gaming market. Las Vegas Strip net income dropped 81.2 percent in fiscal 2025, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s 2025 Gaming Abstract, with high debt loads and thinner margins making Strip properties more vulnerable to economic pressures. The Sahara’s position on the North Strip places it in an area that has historically seen different market dynamics than the central and southern Strip, with less foot traffic but also lower operating costs.
The North Strip area has been the subject of multiple development proposals over the years, with investors periodically eyeing the corridor for potential revitalization. Sahara’s continued investment in its property and leadership team signals confidence in the long-term potential of the North Strip as a gaming and hospitality destination.
