Station Casinos to operate sports book at Sparks casino
Station Casinos is extending its reach northward through an agreement to operate a sports book inside the Baldini’s Casino in Sparks.
The location is the company’s second sports book operation outside its large and small casinos in the Las Vegas area. Station Casinos has 15 sports wagering facilities at its own properties and also operates the race and sports book at the El Cortez in downtown Las Vegas.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed and the deal is subject to Nevada gaming regulatory approval.
“We’re excited about entering the Northern Nevada gaming market,” Station Casinos Vice President of Race and Sports Art Manteris said in a statement.
The company will spend its own money to refurbish and renovate the existing sports book at Baldini’s. The company will also bring its own sports wagering technology into the casino, which will link the property to Station Casinos’ operations in Southern Nevada.
Baldini’s customers will also be able to sign up for Station Casinos mobile sports wagering application, as well as the company’s parlay cards and sports wagering contests.
The operation is expected to launch during the summer.
Baldini’s has a casino with 500 slot machines, live blackjack and keno games and the recently opened High Sierra Brewery. Baldini’s customers will be able to use their current player loyalty card with the Station Casinos sport betting operation.
Baldini’s owner Grant Lincoln said turning over the sports book operations to Station Casinos will enhance the property’s betting offerings and sports promotions. He said the deal will “enhance the guest experience.”
Sports wagering has been on an upswing in Nevada, according to the Gaming Control Board.
Revenue statewide of $227 million in 2014 was an increase of 11.8 percent over 2013 and an all-time single year record.
Gamblers wagered $3.9 billion on sports during the year, an increase of 7.7 percent. The amount bet on sports by Nevada casino customers has increased annually in each of the five previous years.
Analysts credit the increase to technology, such as mobile sports wagering applications for smart phones and tablet computers, and in-game wagering, which allows customers to bet on games that are in progress.
Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Find him on Twitter: @howardstutz
