An off-Strip casino in Las Vegas has unveiled Nevada’s latest sportsbook, Boomer’s Sports Book, as part of a substantial renovation. The new facility opened at Ellis Island Casino on Monday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the casino’s ongoing $35 million transformation.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Boomer’s President and CEO Joe Asher, Ellis Island owner Gary Ellis, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, and former mayor Oscar Goodman. Goodman, who is 86 years old, made the first in-person wagers, betting on the Las Vegas Raiders to win the upcoming Super Bowl and the San Diego Padres to clinch the World Series this season.
Boomer’s Sports Book officially launched its operations at the Commercial Casino in Elko just days prior, on August 25, 2023. Plans are in place for a third location at Casino Valle Verde in Henderson, also owned by Ellis. The sportsbook will utilize IGT’s PlaySports platform and hardware, ensuring a seamless betting experience for users.
Asher, a proven leader in the sports betting industry and former CEO of William Hill’s U.S. operations, emphasized the importance of the local market for Boomer’s success. He stated, “The future of this business is going to be heavily dependent on what happens here in Las Vegas.”
The Boomer’s Sports Book mobile application is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. To comply with Nevada gaming regulations, users must register in person to activate their mobile sports wagering accounts. This requirement aims to drive traffic to physical casino locations. Ellis expressed optimism that the addition of Boomer’s to his Las Vegas properties will achieve this goal.
Ellis, a veteran in the casino industry, has confidence in the team behind Boomer’s Sports Book. This includes Dave Grolman, Senior Vice President of Sportsbook and Customer Support Operations; Nick Bogdanovich, a member of the SBC Sports Betting Hall of Fame and head of trading; and A.G. Burnett, former Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, who will lead the compliance committee for Boomer’s.
The Ellis Island Casino, located on Koval Lane just south of Flamingo Road, is currently undergoing an expansion and renovation project that commenced in the fall of 2023. Ellis spoke highly of Asher, stating, “Being in the sportsbook business with Joe Asher is like being in the football business with the Kansas City Chiefs.” He praised Asher’s experience and vision for the venture.
During Boomer’s licensing hearings last month, Asher outlined ambitious plans to establish 10 retail locations throughout Nevada within a year. With the football season approaching, he highlighted the importance of attracting new sign-ups, currently incentivized by a promotion offering a $250 deposit match.
Asher concluded, “I’m a sports bettor and I know what matters to sports bettors. All we need is people to give us a shot and we’ll try to earn your business.” The launch of Boomer’s Sports Book represents a significant development in Nevada’s competitive sports betting landscape, with the potential to reshape the market as it evolves.
