The book was functional to place a wager but it was so small that it never really became the kind of sportsbook that you had to experience. That’s no longer the case. The new sportsbook on the first floor of the Cosmopolitan is a destination that any sports bettor or fan will want to take in.
Sports bettors will have the high limits, great lines and high-quality TV screens that you expect from CG Technology. Sports fans visiting the casino will have blackjack tables, a full bar, video poker, foosball, shuffleboard and billiards games to play while the games are taking place on the multiple surrounding TVs. There’s something for anyone who remotely likes sports in this sportsbook. Yes, I'm kind of gushing.
The stunning new book is located on the main casino floor as you enter the southernmost entrance. It might be the closest sportsbook to the Las Vegas Strip in terms of actual steps. If you’re familiar with the Cosmopolitan, the book is located right next to the Chandelier Bar and the big red shoe. Unlike the old sportsbook on the second floor, you should have no problem finding it.
Unlike other traditional CG Technology sportsbooks, that have rows of red desk wagering stations, this book is designed and decorated to fit the aesthetic of the Cosmopolitan casino floor. The space offers the beauty that we’ve come to expect from the Cosmo with the functionality of a sports bar, lounge and book. This is the type of sportsbook space that every casino wants to have.
When you approach the sportsbook you're greeted by a small gaming pit of seven blackjack tables and one traditional roulette table with a grid of TVs showing sports above. The tables are open when games begin, around 4 p.m. on weekdays and earlier on weekends. The gaming is similar to the Bond Bar section of the casino on the other side of the property. All blackjack tables have a minimum wager of $15 and pay 6/5 on blackjack.
After you pass the table games, there are a handful of free bar games to play. There are two shuffleboard tables flanked by a billiards table and foosball table. The games are free to play with the hope that you’ll be drinking while you play. The Cosmopolitan might want to add some cocktail tables as things might get sloppy while trying to navigate drinks and playing the games.
Once you pass the bar games you see the full race and sportsbook in all of its glory. The sports and race viewing areas are on opposite walls divided by a 21-seat bar. The bar has constantly updating odds board rotating above. The bar has another 20 seats available at cocktail tables overlooking the sports section of the book.
The bar is operated by the Cosmopolitan and offers similar payouts and complimentary drinks that you’ll get other bars on the casino floor. Video Poker has 6/5 Bonus Poker and complimentary drinks are refilled as drink tickets are distributed upon reaching specific thresholds of play. The Cosmopolitan requires a minimum $20 buy-in and an average bet of at least a dollar with consistent play in order to get complimentary drinks.
Drinkers will be happy to know that there are over 20 beers on tap and a cocktail menu that's exclusive just to this bar. It wouldn't make much sense to have drinks like Monday Morning Quarterback and Full Court Press at the Chandelier Bar. All beverages can be ordered at the bar (duh) and anywhere in the sportsbook as there will always be a cocktail waitress walking around. You never have to leave the sportsbook if you're hungry. You can order food from a limited menu that will be delivered from The Henry.
The sports viewing area is more loungy than most CG Technology sportsbooks. The bright red desks are eschewed for earth tones and there are three different styles of seating. The upper level has 13 desk wagering stations with office chairs that are similar to other CG sportsbooks. The middle level has about 10 large lounge chairs. The lowest level has the most lounge-type setup with different formations of couches, sectionals, lounge chairs and end tables that will comfortably fit four people. Each section has four USB outlets so you can keep a charge on your mobile device(s).
The sports viewing area has nine configurable 3 mm LED screens on one wall that are as crisp as you’ll see in any CG Technology book. The top level has four huge screens and five very large screens that can easily be seen from anywhere in the sportsbook. These aren't huge screens like The Venetian but they're perfectly oversized for the room.
Between the bar and sports viewing area, there are over 50 seats available to watch the games with plenty of standing room. The space is adequate for most days of the year but will be packed during football games and large events like March Madness. In the case of March Madness, the Cosmopolitan will offer a viewing party at The Chelsea. During football season, you can visit other casino bars with TVs.
The sports viewing area seats are controlled by CG Technology and will probably require minimum wagers attached during football games. Minimum wagers will be at the discretion of the sportsbook on the day of the games. The same will be the case with complimentary drink tickets.
The new CG Technology sportsbook at the Cosmopolitan is the kind of gaming area that all casinos are striving for today. There’s something for every guest that remotely likes sports. Customers can hang at the bar and play video poker, they can grab a beer and play various bar games, they can play blackjack or they can simply place a sports wager and watch the games in comfort. This is a perfect fit for both the casino, sportsbook operator and the casino guest.
