Cantor vs. William Hill

[ChiefZilla]

Is that the inevitable future in Las Vegas? Is it pretty much going to be a two-horse race in Nevada (and possibly in NJ as well)?

I've done a little bit of reading about what's going on, but would be curious to see what others think, particularly those more tapped into the Vegas sportsbook scene like vegasobie, VincentValour, etc.

[Abelesw]

I would think so. There isn't another casino/company out there that puts more emphasis on sports betting that Cantor and William Hill.

Should be interesting to see things get shaken up by William Hill moving into town

[SkyBlues42]

I might be in the small minority.. but the reason I'm most excited about William Hill getting involved with Vegas, is based on the fact that I don't like Cantor's setup in the sportsbooks. It's not the best atmosphere for watching a game.

It seems as if they want you to place the bet, then get out to the slots and table games, or go spend money at the bar. Obviously that would benefit the casino, but most times, I'd like to sit down in a comfortable chair and watch a game or two without having to sit in a cubicle.

[vegasobie]

i've been sworn to secrecy...maybe

[ChiefZilla]

(06-25-2012 04:55 PM)vegasobie Wrote:  i've been sworn to secrecy...maybe

Boooooooooooo

[vegasobie]

actually, i don't know much. but when you look at the locations William Hill is taking over, I don't see many changes. most have very limited space. also, sportsbooks are mostly for tourists. sports bars are few and far between along the strip, so the books basically take the place of that. W.H. is getting mostly local spots, so i would expect the model of the betting shop they have in the U.K. to be more the norm, not the exception.

[ChiefZilla]

So what you're saying is Cantor is trying to reel in a few big fish, while Will Hill is scooping up a lot of the smaller shops?

[vegasobie]

the acquisitions made by W.H. are mostly small shops, as you put it. however, they do now operate 55% of the books in the state. what they plan to do in the near and distant future still hasn't been spelled out. however, based on the U.K. model, the expectation would be to continue with the small shop theme. based on the numbers from cantor and word of mouth that i have heard, i'm not yet sold their model is going to work.

[lindetrain]

I think if Hill wants to compete with/eventually top Cantor, he needs to acquire the Caesars properties. Would be an incredibly expensive purchase, but the best way to get onto the Strip along with MGM and Cantor.

I don't care if you build the nicest book in town - if it's in Ellis Island, you won't get customers.