Anthony Marnell III
The Rio’s next generation and the making of M Resort
The son of Rio developer Tony Marnell II carried a family operating tradition into M Resort, which opened in Henderson during the financial crisis.
Lessons from the Rio
Before M Resort opened, Marnell told the Sun that he wanted to recapture something of the earlier Rio. He had worked there in corporate marketing. His account connects a family business background to his own choices about customers and service. [1]
A destination at the valley’s southern edge
M Resort opened on March 1, 2009, at Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway in Henderson. Opening-day reporting records the public debut; it should be separated from the larger retail and entertainment plans discussed beforehand. [2]
The financial crisis enters the story
Penn National bought M Resort’s outstanding debt for $230.5 million in October 2010. It acquired the business in exchange for that debt in June 2011. This change of control makes the financing cycle essential to the resort’s history. [3]
Development and operation can separate
Penn’s acquisition announcement said Marnell would remain president. It also described plans to bring customers from its regional database to Las Vegas. The record shows a founder continuing to operate a property after the ownership structure changed. [3]
Key dates
People in the same story
Tony Marnell II
Follow the family’s earlier Rio and construction history. [1]
Read the profileIn the archive
154 entries about associated places, not necessarily this person in the saved collection.
Vegas' Newest, Most Luxurious Night Club Opens Wednesday
Indexed press reference · View the bibliography. The original report has not been independently read for this entry.
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The Horseshoe opens downtown
The Sun introduces the newly opened Horseshoe and describes its lavish casino interior.
The Sahara is introduced in lavish terms
The Sun previews Milton Prell’s new Sahara hotel as it nears its debut.
Mario Lanza Appearance at Las Vegas Canceled
Indexed press reference · View the bibliography. The original report has not been independently read for this entry.
Subscription or access restrictions may apply. Access check: Oct 4, 2026. Search for this source (search results)
A new hotel adapts to a changing market
A 1956 Sun report describes a resort plan being reworked amid concern about recent hotel failures.
Caesars Palace reaches opening night
The Sun’s contemporary coverage records the opening of Caesars Palace.
Go deeper into the record.
Sources for this profile and starting points for further research. Access notes mark links we could not open directly during the October 3–4, 2026 checks. Historical accounts describe their own period; they do not necessarily describe current operations.
- 1
Anthony Marnell III, M Resort developer
His account of the Rio influence and his intended local market. Planned future additions are not treated as completed.
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- 2
Valley’s newest resort casino open for business
Opening-day report, distinguished from pre-opening plans.
Subscription or access restrictions may apply. Access check: Oct 4, 2026. Search for this source (search results)
- 3
Penn National Gaming acquires M Resort
Separates the October 2010 debt purchase from the 2011 acquisition of the business.