The Venetian has several performance venues, which have hosted entertainment such as the Blue Man Group (2005–2012), Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular (2006–2012), and Human Nature (2013–2020).

[2][3] Adelson eventually devised plans to replace the aging resort, which he felt was no longer competitive with newer properties.

[16][17] Financial analysts were skeptical about whether the resort would be finished,[18] while gambling executives questioned Adelson's decision to focus on business travelers and conventions.

[25] In March 1999, a natural gas leak occurred on-site after workers accidentally struck a line, closing one block of the Strip for two hours.

[31] A private opening ceremony was held that morning and attended by thousands of VIP guests, including actress Sophia Loren and more than 500 journalists from around the world.

One of the complaints alleged the resort had held a drawing for a Mercedes-Benz that was rigged to be won by a high roller who had lost a large amount in the casino.

[64][65][66] On the morning of October 10, 2012, a man entered a closed gaming area and acquired $1.6 million in casino chips from a locked box that he broke open.

[67][68] In 2013, Las Vegas Sands reached a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, following a two-year investigation into money laundering at the Venetian.

Zhenli Ye Gon, a businessman and high-stakes gambler suspected of drug trafficking, had made numerous large deposits at the casino in 2006 and 2007.

Las Vegas Sands acknowledged that it failed to take the matter seriously, and agreed to pay $47.4 million to the Department of Justice.

[71][72] The following month, the resort announced plans to incorporate emergency medical personnel and automatic camera-based body temperature scans into its eventual reopening,[73][74][75] which occurred on June 4, 2020.

[76] By the end of 2020, Las Vegas Sands wanted to focus on its operations in Macau, as Asia was expected to recover from the pandemic's impact at a faster rate.

[84][87] In March 1997, the union urged Clark County Commissioners to reject the Venetian project, citing traffic concerns if it should be built.

[82] A traffic study had determined that the public sidewalk in front of the future Venetian had to be removed, allowing for a widening of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Resort officials accused them of trespassing and warned of arrests, although the district attorney determined the sidewalks to be public property.

[87][93] Although the protest had a permit to proceed, the Venetian contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) to intervene, despite the latter stating that it would not do so.

[96] A judge denied the Venetian's request for a restraining order,[98] and thousands of Culinary members protested at the resort's grand opening.

[99] A district court ruled later in 1999 that the resort's sidewalks constitute a public forum where individuals can exercise their First Amendment rights.

[100][101] After the district court ruling, the union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in regard to the sidewalk dispute.

[102] After Apollo's purchase was announced in 2021, the Culinary union questioned the company's prior management of Caesars Entertainment, which included a workforce cut of more than 20,000 over a 10-year period.

[109][118][119] Venice mayor Massimo Cacciari was critical of the design, calling it a "mega-galactic example of kitsch" and comparing the resort with a "street walker".

[37][117] The exterior entrance along the Las Vegas Strip is modeled on the Doge's Palace and includes a recreation of the Rialto Bridge.

[125] Due to lack of demand, the resort's poker room closed in 2000, with plans to expand the race and sports book.

[131] In 2005, the Venetian opened the Paiza Club, a high-rise private gaming area catering to Asian high rollers.

[135] In 2006, Nevada became the first state to approve mobile gambling, and the Venetian reached a deal with Cantor Gaming to provide such a service at the resort.

[112] Tao Asian Bistro has consistently ranked as the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the U.S. since its 2005 opening, in part due to alcohol sales in its bar.

[227] Performers – such as impressionist André-Philippe Gagnon, magician Melinda Saxe, and singer Robert Goulet – also had disagreements with H&H;'s management style.

[238][239] A circus-themed show by Base Entertainment, titled Revive, was being developed for the Opaline Theatre, but was canceled in 2018, stalling plans to renovate the venue.

[244] The venue has held residencies for singers Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera,[245][246] and also hosted Belle de Nuit, a Parisian-style cabaret.

[259] Georgia on My Mind, a Ray Charles tribute show, ran during 2014, with Clint Holmes, Nnenna Freelon, and Take 6 as performers.