Caesars to phase out free parking at 8 Las Vegas resorts

Ten hotel-casinos on the Las Vegas strip announced this week they're joining Sin City's largest hotel-casino operator by ending free parking or valet.

Wynn Resorts announced Wednesday it would begin charging for valet services, a day after Caesars Entertainment Corp. said it would begin phasing out free parking at eight of its nine properties starting next month.

Caesars Entertainment, citing guest reports of scarce parking, said it will start charging for valet services at the Linq and Harrah's next month. Self-parking at those properties will no longer be free once new parking equipment is installed. The company said it will begin charging for parking in 2017 at Caesars, The Cromwell, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Bally's and the Flamingo.

The company said parking will remain complimentary for local residents who show their identification and for all guests at the off-strip Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, which a larger parking area.

Wynn Resorts spokesman Michael Weaver said in a statement Wednesday that it will begin charging guests for valet services at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore starting in mid-December, but drivers will continue to be allowed to park their own cars free of charge.

The move follows a similar paid parking policy rolled out by MGM Resorts International earlier this year that upended a long-held entitlement on the Strip. MGM said it plans to use the money to make upgrades to its parking structures and build a 3,000-space parking garage that will open next year on the Excalibur property.

MGM is offering Nevadans a break through Dec. 29 with free-self parking for up to 24 hours. To get the benefit, drivers will have to scan their driver's license at the gate.