Westgate SuperBook Focuses on Las Vegas After Ending Operations Elsewhere Amid Industry Upheaval
A Fateful Spring Break
LAS VEGAS — Jay Kornegay and Westgate SuperBook colleagues knew that venturing into other states to conduct business, displaying their impressive bookmaking skills and menus, would be challenging.
In the end, in July, it became too challenging. So the SuperBook ceased operating in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
“It just didn’t make sense for us,” SuperBook executive vice president Kornegay said. “We weren’t sure if we’d be able to dedicate those types of resources to be competitive in those states. We made the right decision.
“We pulled the reins back to our roots, to Las Vegas. I want to make sure that’s clear. The Las Vegas SuperBook is still running strong, and it is still considered an industry leader. We’re focused on our Las Vegas property.”
Send in the Clowns
As this was being written, rookie guard Bronny James made one basket in six NBA games. He was 0-for-4 beyond the three-point arc, sank both of his free-throw attempts, and snatched an offensive rebound. He also had two assists and a steal.
He’s wearing a Lakers jersey, with a four-year contract worth nearly $8 million, thanks to the polarizing LeBron James, his father, who forced his team to pick his kid in the June draft.
In one season at USC, Bronny didn’t even average five points. “The Nepo Baby,” Fox Sports Radio overnight host Ben Maller calls the blatant nepotism.
The SuperBook partook in this comedy by posting eight Bronny props, from him recording a triple-double this season (200-to-1 odds) to winning rookie of the year (500-1).
Making it Fair
Kornegay and his scouts avoided Illinois, which essentially doubled its tax on operators as the Westgate halted all business outside Nevada in midsummer.
Such an action is bound to trickle from the operator to the consumer, inevitably affecting problem gambling.
“Players will have a more difficult time winning, or holding their own,” Kornegay said, “based off how the operator is posting their spreads, splits, pay charts, etc.”
Conclusion
In the end, it seems that the Westgate SuperBook has made the right decision in focusing on its Las Vegas operations. With the industry still in its infancy stage, it’s clear that there’s still much to be figured out. However, with the growth and handle numbers through the roof, it’s clear that sports betting is here to stay.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Westgate SuperBook cease operations in other states?
A: The SuperBook decided to focus on its Las Vegas operations due to the challenging nature of the market and the need to dedicate resources to be competitive.
Q: What will happen to the wagers placed in other states?
A: The SuperBook will honor all wagers that occurred on events through Nov. 17. All other such futures action will be refunded.
Q: Will Jay Kornegay remain involved with the Westgate SuperBook?
A: Yes, Kornegay will remain accessible to Westgate executives seeking his expertise and to media.
