Resorts World is now open for business! So, the big question is: how much of an economic impact will it have?

As Resorts World Las Vegas opens its doors Thursday night, Wall Street analysts and a UNLV economics professor predict that the Strip and locals casinos are positioned for a strong second half of 2021 and an even stronger 2022, with the potential for more mergers and acquisitions.

Las Vegas’ tourism industry is expected to surge back this year from its steep plunge in 2020, but the valley’s economic recovery could stall if it suffers another wave of coronavirus infections, a new report says.

As Las Vegas prepares for the Thursday grand opening of Resorts World, economic experts said they are seeing signs of a real economic recovery across the valley.

Nevada added more than 10,000 jobs last month as coronavirus restrictions loosened and tourism regained its footing in Las Vegas. But unemployment remains high as the valley, home to the bulk of the state’s population, continues its recovery from the pandemic’s severe economic fallout.

Rush Street Gaming is increasing its hourly salary to $15 for non-tipped workers at Rivers Casinos. The rise comes as many gaming properties nationally apparently face a worker shortage with casinos resuming operations following COVID-19 closings.

Crowds have continued flocking to the The Bavarian beer hall, but underneath General Manager Michael Yi’s excitement is a concern other Las Vegas restaurateurs have reported in recent months — trouble finding workers to meet customer demand.

Five states in the region accounted for 30% of U.S. job growth in manufacturing over three years, adding more than 100,000 jobs.