Caesars Entertainment announced it will take control of Westgate SuperBook this week in a move that surprised many familiar with the Vegas-based bookmaker.
Westgate has built a reputation in Vegas as a “sharp” book, one of the last independent betting operators in the city. A takeover by a massive corporation like Caesars marks the end of an era.
“Since opening in 1986, our SuperBook has been a defining part of the Las Vegas sports betting landscape,” said Cami Christensen, President & General Manager of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, in a press release.
No Country For Small Bookies
The Caesars takeover comes after Westgate’s failed attempt to scale its business. It expanded into eight states before shutting down operations in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia in 2024.
Christensen claimed the company is “thrilled to partner with Caesars Sportsbook to take it to the next level, combining decades of history with innovation, scale, and an even more dynamic guest experience.” But it also feels like an admission of defeat in competing with major sports betting firms and casinos.
Westgate executives said the company will continue to operate in a similar style, and its famous SuperContest franchise will remain an integral part of the SuperBook experience.
Vegas Tourism Slump Contributes to Struggles
Nevada has at least temporarily staved off the threat of prediction markets, but as online gambling expands into more states, the appeal of Vegas has diminished. Tourist numbers continue to dwindle.
“Operating an independent bookmaker is expensive,” Robert Walker told CasinoBeats. Walker worked as a bookie in Vegas for 35 years, primarily under the MGM group.
“Larger casinos are definitely more dominant,” Walker added. “Westgate failed in the US market. This move, while somewhat surprising given Westgate’s history, allows them to operate without the need for higher-priced traders.“
Despite recent struggles, there are indications that Sin City will recover, and Caesars may have made an astute move in partnering with Westgate.
The announcement came amid Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta‘s ongoing talks to buy Caesars for $18 billion.
The Next Chapter
Located inside the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Westgate SuperBook describes itself as the largest sportsbook in the world.
The location is 30,000 square feet, with over 350 seats, and a massive 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K Video wall. It’s designed more like a sports theater than a typical betting kiosk as found in many casinos.
“The Westgate SuperBook is one of the most recognizable sportsbook destinations in the world, and we are proud to partner with Westgate on the next chapter of its evolution,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “By powering the SuperBook with our sportsbook platform, we’re combining a legendary sportsbook environment with a modern betting menu and added convenience that reflects how sports fans want to wager today.”
No financial details have been given for the deal. Caesars suffered losses last quarter, but its digital sector is growing. Rather than invest in prediction markets as online sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics have done, the company is betting on a Vegas recovery. Time will tell whether that is a sharp move.
