"Crown is not having any discussions with MGM or Dubai World with respect to any such investment in CityCenter," Crown said in the statement.

The $800 million is necessary to gain access to a $1.8-billion facility that would fund the completion and pre-opening of the 7,000-unit hotel, condo and retail development between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The news of Crown's supposed interest was reported in the Wall Street Journal, which previously reported that Colony Capital was considering an investment in CityCenter, a 50-50 joint venture of MGM Mirage and a subsidiary of Dubai World, an investment arm of the Dubai government.

Dubai World sued MGM for breach of contract after MGM revealed in its most recent annual report that its ability to continue as a going concern was in serious doubt. MGM Mirage last week covered a required $100-million payment for Dubai World, which is trying to get out from under its remaining financial commitment to the $10.5-billion development.