We’re in the dog days of summer but you’d never know it from this seat at Red Rock Casino. I’m sitting under an air conditioning duct drinking iced coffee and freezing. This is my favorite time of the year to live in Las Vegas. Every sportsbook is mellow and baseball is on just about every screen all day and into the night.
This will only last another month or so until football starts, so let's enjoy it!
This slow period allows casinos time to work on their properties. There are currently two casinos on the Vegas Strip without a sportsbook. When football season kicks off there will be NO casinos on the Vegas Strip without a sportsbook!
Wynn and Encore Sportsbook Updates
You might remember that earlier this year Wynn announced that they would be renovating their sportsbook during the summer. Since that initial announcement they’ve also revealed that they will be expanding the book. The casino will be adding Charlie’s Bar and Grill which will replace Zoozacrackers. The renovated sportsbook is scheduled to open August 1.
While the sportsbook at Wynn is undergoing a facelift, Encore is home to a temporary sportsbook. At the same time, construction has begun on a full-time sportsbook for Encore. Previously, customers would have to walk to Wynn to place a sports bet if you were staying at Encore. The new sportsbook will be located next to the Players Lounge and is slated to open on August 7.
Construction Underway At The Cromwell
The Cromwell is the small hotel and casino built on the bones of Bill’s Gambling Hall and Barbary Coast. During my vacation, I visited the property for a 6.5-hour session of Pai Gow Poker and saw a lot of work happening on the casino floor. The most interesting work being done was in the high limits slot machine area. This section of the casino was cleaned out and being prepped for construction. This space occupies approximately 1,500 square feet and will become a sportsbook. There will be a 32-foot-long by 9-foot-tall LED video wall and seating for approximately 50 people.
The new sports only (no horses) book will open in time for football season.
A source has also told me that Caesars Entertainment is testing a sports wagering app this summer. The app could be ready any day now and should be available by football season. Caesars has been the only major casino chain in Nevada without a sports wagering app. I expect this will make the upcoming football season a better experience for plenty of Caesars customers. I expect to hear more news soon.
Wynn Masterclass With Johnny Avello
Wynn has been offering Masterclasses with their staff since late last year. These classes are a chance to learn from the great staff at Wynn Las Vegas. On August 18 at 1 p.m. sports bettors and fans will have a chance to listen and learn from one of the best in the casino business, Johnny Avello. Here are the details straight from Wynn.
“Welcome to the art of setting odds. For the first time ever, Vegas’ own wizard of odds, Johnny Avello, invites you to get an insider's view of what it's like to be an oddsmaker for Wynn Las Vegas. Join Avello for a casual round-table lunch at the newly renovated Wynn Race & Sports Book as he provides an overview of running a complex race and sportsbook operation, and how he sets odds for everything from the big game to the Academy Awards. Participants must be 21 or older.”
The Masterclass will take place in the renovated sportsbook and costs $125. You can visit Wynn online or call (702) 770-7070 to register for the class.
Summer provides opportunity for plenty of changes in Las Vegas casinos/sportsbooks
While the sportsbook at Wynn is undergoing a facelift, Encore is home to a temporary sportsbook. At the same time, construction has begun on a full-time sportsbook for Encore.
