BY JIMMY VACCARO
It still resonates: “Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles!”
I can still hear Ed Sullivan over 48 years ago introducing what would be called the start of the British invasion. I suppose history does repeat itself as the next invasion has officially started with William Hill buying Cal Neva, Leroy’s and Lucky’s sports books.
Translation: It will be good for every player who comes up to the window and bets a quid or two on their favorite event.
I have enjoyed working with my new colleagues and they are very cordial, dedicated and focused on making a difference in this business. We will move at the right pace to get to the best product and service every day at over 150 sports books and kiosks.
We’ve already started with two season-long football contests – a pro and a college – with $600,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a trip to see a football game of the American variety next year at Wembley Stadium.
I have been around since GamingToday was called Sports Form and they have endured because of an understanding of what needs are to be addressed in an ever changing world.
A lot has changed since I arrived. Books only offered three ways to make a bet on a Super Bowl in the 70’s – side, total and maybe a halftime. Nowadays there are three ways to make a bet in the first 10 seconds of an event!
Race and sports as we know it will see some changes in the next three years, which will define how we do business for the following 25 years. Let’s hope Ed Sullivan calls us out for an encore.
Take care. Jimmy V. Side note: Vegas veteran Ruby Goldstein is recovering from going under the knife and is progressing well.
(Re-printed from Gaming Today)
