Westgate has disclosed plans to launch a new company for SuperBook with the aim of broadening sports betting across the nation.
“We’ve been examining this for a substantial period,” stated Jay Kornegay, Vice President of Sports Operations, to KTNV. “We’ve significantly stepped up our efforts as we observed some of the opportunities available out there.”
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, individual states and officials have been exploring opportunities to expand the SuperBook brand. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Westgate has also been contemplating expansion for the past year.
The company is anticipated to function similarly to other independent operators like William Hill.
David Schwartz, who is the director of UNLV’s Center for Gaming Research, stated that it could be challenging to expand the brand across the country. He noted that a brand that is recognized in one state might not be notable in another.
Currently, operators are proceeding cautiously, aware that the market value has the potential to be enormous.
Running the sports betting numbers
The American Gaming Association reports that the annual number of sports bets is:
- Approximately $150 billion
- Approximately 3 percent, which equates to $4.5 billion, is legal.
The Review-Journal was informed by Kornegay:
I predict a significant influx of consumers in the newly legalized sports book market that will soon sweep across the nation. I envision the growth of sports gambling mirroring the trajectory of the cellphone industry. Currently, it’s just taking root in our society, but I anticipate sports betting shops will become as ubiquitous as barbershops someday, similar to what we see in the U.K.
Rearranging the current lineup
Westgate isn’t just revamping its sportsbook. The company is also introducing a new entertainment lineup and management team. Geno Iafrate is moving from his current role as general manager at Westgate to a new position in a separate company under Westgate. Meanwhile, Cami Christensen is set to become the interim general manager.
In comparison within the entertainment industry, Dawn Rawles takes over as the head of the hotel’s entertainment division, replacing Laura Ishum. Ishum, who joined Westgate in December 2016, contributed by bringing several acts to the hotel.
- Manilow Barry
- “Soundtrack”
- Comedian George Wallace
- Jen Kramer the Magician
The stage show “Soundtrack”, featuring Clint Holmes and Earl Turner, will conclude its final performance on Sept. 22 as these details are finalized.
Other Nevada betting news
As Nevada’s SuperBook is gaining momentum, other competitors in the sports betting field are also accelerating.
MGM Resorts International is progressively involved in national partnerships for online gambling and sports betting.
Governor Brian Sandoval is well-acquainted with the gaming industry and continues to advocate for sports betting across the country, believing it could bolster Nevada’s market. He remains unfazed by the intensifying competition as more states incorporate sports betting into their plans.
Recently, MGM became involved with:
- Gaming by Boyd
- Holdings of GVC (Bwin.Party and Ladbrokes Coral)
- The National Basketball Association
Station Casinos has teamed up with PayNearMe in preparation for the nation’s introduction of sports betting. They intend to refill the STN sports betting mobile app from 350 locations across Nevada, including over 215 7-Eleven stores.
