William Hill Approved To Purchase CG Technology In Nevada

Written By Marc Meltzer on August 27, 2020Last Updated on September 22, 2020

The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has given the green light to William Hill to acquire its competing sportsbook operator, CG Technology. William Hill CEO Joe Asher stated that the company would be buying the assets and leases of CG Technology in cash.

William Hill’s intention to acquire CG Technology and its assets was announced last year, so the purchase isn’t exactly breaking news. During its monthly gathering on August 12, the NGC suggested the sale be given a green light at this week’s hearing.

The agreement has been approved, paving the way for William Hill to commence the takeover of CG Technology sportsbooks in Las Vegas.

CG Technology’s Vegas journey comes to an end

In 2009, CG Technology, originally named Cantor Gaming, commenced its operations in Nevada. As the gaming division of Cantor Fitzgerald, it became the first sportsbook operator in the US to introduce a mobile sports betting application.

Besides launching a mobile sports betting app, Cantor Gaming also introduced live in-play wagering in Nevada.

In 2014, the company rebranded itself as CG Technology. However, the future of CG Technology seemed uncertain in 2018, when the company was forced to pay a $2 million penalty for accepting bets from out-of-state through its mobile app and making incorrect payments to other clients.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CG Technology managed sportsbooks at several locations in Las Vegas, ranging from luxury properties to local casinos.

  • The Cosmopolitan
  • The Venetian
  • The Palazzo (Lagasse’s Stadium)
  • Silverton
  • Palms
  • Tropicana

Regrettably, not every casino has resumed operations. Both Palms and Tropicana are still closed. Furthermore, Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo will not be reopening. Information about the future of this space is yet to be disclosed.

William Hill will not inherit the lease that CG Technology once held for the Hard Rock. Instead, Betfred will manage the sportsbook when the property reopens as the Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

At the hearing, Asher revealed that the company is in preliminary discussions with The Venetian and Silverton regarding potential renovations of the sportsbooks. He expressed his appreciation for the current design of the sportsbook at The Cosmopolitan. Asher did not disclose plans for any other properties.

William Hill continues to expand in Nevada

Earlier this year, the merger between Eldorado Resorts and Caesars Entertainment was sanctioned by NGC. As Eldorado Resorts holds a 25% stake in the international sportsbook operator, William Hill was also included in this merger.

Last week, William Hill began taking over the operations of Caesars’ Las Vegas sportsbooks. PlayNevada has been informed by a source that the expansion will persist intensively. According to the source, William Hill is set to take over operations of the CG Technology sportsbooks by September 1.

Once William Hill initiates operations at CG Technology, the company will run over 110 sportsbooks across Nevada. The deal was primarily for the locations.

Although William Hill’s market share might not dramatically increase due to the new properties, the company does secure retail space at some of the most premium properties on the Vegas Strip.

The retail sportsbooks of The Venetian and Cosmopolitan, both luxury casino-resorts, are now joined by Caesars Palace as locations for William Hill. These properties are among the most renowned casinos on the Vegas Strip.

Naturally, bettors can continue to frequent William Hill locations at other Caesars properties and some of the more affordable casinos, such as:

  • Casino Royale
  • Circus Circus
  • Sahara
  • The Strat

It remains to be seen when or if William Hill will resume the operations of the CG Technology sportsbooks at the Tropicana, Palms and The Palazzo. Only time will tell.

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Marc Meltzer

Marc was raised in the tough neighborhoods of South Bronx. His unique mix of being a Yankees and Jets fan hints at his frequent unconventional perspectives. As a self-employed writer and social media advisor, Marc has the challenging task of writing about steak, alcohol, gambling, and Las Vegas, but someone has to do it.

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