A new sportsbook has officially opened at an off-Strip casino in Las Vegas, marking a significant addition to the state’s sports betting landscape. Boomer’s Sports Book debuted at Ellis Island on March 15, 2024, as part of a larger $35 million renovation project. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured prominent figures including Boomer’s President and CEO Joe Asher, Ellis Island owner Gary Ellis, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, and former mayor Oscar Goodman.
During the event, Goodman, at the age of 86, placed the first in-person wagers, betting on the Las Vegas Raiders to win the Super Bowl and the San Diego Padres to clinch the World Series this season. Boomer’s Sports Book had previously launched at the Commercial Casino in Elko, with plans for a third location at Casino Valle Verde in Henderson, also owned by Ellis.
Boomer’s Sports Book operates on IGT’s PlaySports platform and hardware, ensuring a comprehensive betting experience for users. Asher, a veteran in the sports betting industry, emphasized that Boomer’s will exclusively serve the Nevada market. He noted, “The future of this business is going to be heavily dependent on what happens here in Las Vegas.”
The sportsbook includes a mobile application available on both iOS and Android devices. However, Nevada gaming regulations require in-person registration to activate mobile wagering accounts, a measure designed to increase foot traffic to physical casino locations. Ellis expressed optimism that the addition of Boomer’s to his properties will achieve this goal.
Ellis, a seasoned operator in the gaming industry, highlighted his long-standing relationship with Asher. “Being in the sportsbook business with Joe Asher is like being in the football business with the Kansas City Chiefs,” he remarked. “I’ve known Joe for many, many years and I’ve always liked and respected him very much.”
During licensing hearings last month, Asher set an ambitious target for Boomer’s, aiming to establish ten retail locations across Nevada within a year. With football season on the horizon, the immediate focus is on attracting sign-ups, which currently includes a promotional offer of a $250 deposit match. Asher added, “All we need is people to give us a shot and we’ll try to earn your business.”
As the gaming landscape in Nevada continues to evolve, the opening of Boomer’s Sports Book at Ellis Island signifies a growing commitment to enhancing the sports betting experience in the region. With a dedicated leadership team and a clear vision for the future, Boomer’s aims to make a significant impact within the competitive market.
