One of the most iconic, old-school sportsbooks, the Westgate SuperBook, has shuttered its operations outside Nevada and will focus its attention on its retail and mobile operations in the Silver State.
Pulling Up Stakes
The Westgate SuperBook is home to the nation’s biggest NFL handicapping contest, the Westgate SuperContest, and its reputation as one of the most respected bookmakers in the business was something that executives believed they could build on in expanding their mobile betting operations throughout the nation. However, the power of their respected industry brand didn’t resonate with younger bettors, and it was decided that they would no longer be a player in a losing game.
Thus, SuperBook’s executive team decided to fold their tent in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
“It just didn’t make sense for us,” SuperBook executive vice president Jay 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.”
All wagers through November 17th were honored, and any future bets were refunded.
“It’s a very hyper-competitive market,” Kornegay said. “We knew that going in. We knew that it was going to continue. You have to really dedicate a lot of resources to be somewhat successful.
“Many are playing the long haul. I’m not sure if anybody’s profitable at this point in time. I know that they’re inching closer to it, and I’m all for it. I’m really happy for them. But it just didn’t make sense for us.”
Kornegay Calls It a Day
The aforementioned Jay Kornegay confirmed he is retiring from his position as vice president of operations at the Westgate SuperBook. At 61, he decided it was time to call it a career as a full-time bookmaker but will remain affiliated with the iconic Las Vegas sportsbook.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, especially since I lost a lot of close friends in recent years way too young,” said Kornegay. “I was looking to take a step back from the day-to-day operations and focus on some of the things I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and that is to travel and just spend more time with the family and enjoy what I’ve been working toward for 38 years.”
Westbrook SuperBook director John Murray, 41, has been promoted to Westgate vice president of race and sports. Meanwhile, his predecessor will serve as a SuperBook brand ambassador and will still be somewhat involved with the operations of the revered sportsbook.
“I’m still going to be involved. I’m still talking to the guys pretty much on a daily basis. I’m just not doing it in the office anymore,” he said. “My presence on the property will be limited.”
Regarding where he sees the SuperBook’s place in the pantheon of sportsbooks in America’s most vibrant gambling destination, Kornegay stated, “Those that were educated in the space knew you had a fairer shake at the SuperBook with better odds and tighter splits. We became the bettor’s book.”
