MGM Resorts offers free Wi-Fi service at Las Vegas Strip casinos

MGM Resorts International has unveiled a free Wi-Fi network at its Strip casinos, allowing guests free wireless Internet in public areas throughout the company's resorts.

In a statement, MGM Resorts said the system is currently live at Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The system is expected to be installed this year in the Monte Carlo, New York-New York, Luxor and Excalibur.

In many Strip casinos, Wi-Fi is only available to hotel guests or convention attendees. Under the new MGM Resorts system, basic Internet access will become available to anyone who comes into public areas such as the lobby, pool area, casino and restaurants. The system, developed with Cisco Systems, doesn't require a password.

MGM Resorts hotel guests will receive upgraded service, and convention attendees can upgrade to a higher-speed system.

In a statement, MGM Resorts officials said the Wi-Fi system will turn their entire properties into a hot spot and support tens of thousands of guests with multiple Internet-enabled devices.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.