The Golden Gate Casino, located in downtown Las Vegas, almost doubled its size in under a week last year. The casino plans to expand further with the opening of its new sportsbook, which is anticipated to occur before the summer.
The new sportsbook at the Golden Gate is set to open by the third quarter of 2019, but it’s expected to be ready for public use even earlier.
Derek Stevens, owner of the Golden Gate, The D, and a new casino tentatively named 18 Fremont, recently had a conversation about sportsbooks with PlayUSA. This new casino, which is expected to open in 2020, is located across the street from the Golden Gate.
As sports betting is becoming legalized in various states, operators are required to be innovative and introduce appealing new features. Stevens, a well-known passionate bettor, enjoys discussing Nevada sports betting and has grand visions for his future sportsbooks.
The new Golden Gate Casino sportsbook’s commencement date is awaiting regulatory approval for Stevens to start accepting sports bets. At present, William Hill manages the sportsbooks at the Golden Gate and The D. However, this will shift in 2019 as Derek Stevens plans to internalize the sportsbook operation.
In September, he filed documents with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to initiate sports betting. He anticipates approval by the second quarter of 2019.
Once gaming approval is granted to Stevens, he anticipates launching the new sportsbook at the Golden Gate. A few days following this, the sportsbook at The D will be inaugurated, equipped with new televisions and freshly calculated lines and odds, created in-house.
The New Golden Gate Sportsbook
Construction is currently underway for the new Golden Gate sportsbook at a “secret location” that isn’t really hidden. The sportsbook is being constructed behind a false wall in the newly expanded part of the casino, previously the location of La Bayou and an alley. The sportsbook will stretch to the end of the current building.
Stevens, a sportsbook operator, will make it the center of operations. For now, The D will function as a satellite sportsbook. Upon its opening in 2020, 18 Fremont is set to become the biggest sportsbook in downtown Las Vegas.
Stevens points out that what sets the Golden Gate apart is the size of its casino floor. This casino is characterized by its smaller dimensions. The compact layout and low ceilings create a distinct energy compared to other casinos. Notably, it boasts one of the most entertaining craps games in Las Vegas.
The sportsbook will maintain the ambiance of the existing casino, exuding an old-school charm fitting for the casino’s size. The single-level sportsbook may not be enormous, but it will complement the intimate setting of the casino perfectly.
Even though the size is small, Stevens asserts there will be plenty of spots for placing bets during the games. He anticipates more betting windows than expected and other options for wagering. While there may be kiosks and mobile options for guests to place swift bets, details about the particular technology and legal permissions are still premature to discuss.
The Golden Gate sportsbook will feature reserved seating and a large screen that can be split to display multiple games as required.
The D Sportsbook(s)
To begin with, there won’t be much alteration at The D sportsbook when Stevens assumes control from William Hill. They plan to refurbish the current area and swap out the outdated TVs. This is a short-term fix, as Stevens is just at the starting point of devising an upgraded sportsbook for The D.
Construction does not have a definite timeline yet. However, plans are already in place on the methods and locations to incorporate a new sportsbook at The D. As of now, this will serve as a kind of auxiliary sportsbook to the other properties.
18 Fremont Sportsbook
Plans for the sportsbook at 18 Fremont are still underway, with a few confirmed features. It will boast the largest TV screen in the world and offer stadium seating. Set to span two floors, the second level will effectively be a separate floor on the elevator.
The sportsbook may be sizable, but usurping the “World’s Largest Sportsbook” title from the neighboring Westgate Superbook is uncertain. Nonetheless, it will hold the record as the largest sportsbook in downtown Las Vegas. This feature will undoubtedly attract the multitude of tourists who reside, dine, and entertain themselves in the Fremont Street vicinity.
Stevens currently holds a 10% stake in VSiN (Vegas Sports and Information Network). The sportsbook will accommodate a studio for the station and five additional radio studios for live remote broadcasts.
Moreover, due to a partnership with the Golden Knights, The D will host 30 different radio remotes this year, despite not having a broadcast facility.
