Bill Healey chats to Jay Kornegay Vice President Race & Sports Operations at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Whether it’s a prime-time NFL or college football game, a key NBA or UEFA matchup, or a championship series like the NFL’s Super Bowl, college basketball’s NCAA March Madness or soccer’s World Cup -- The SuperBook at the Westgate is the world’s number-one draw for sports betting and viewing.
Along with being the world’s largest sportsbook, the SuperBook consistently delivers comfort and service while offering a vast array of betting options. Fortunate to live a few KM from the Westgate, I have stopped in to see some of their busiest events, such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, NCAA Final Four and the World Cup. During these events with full-capacity crowds, the SuperBook can become a bit rambunctious, adding to the excitement.
The SuperBook is a non-smoking venue, though there is a smoking section specifically for the SuperBook. Smoking areas are also easily accessible in the casino where the games can still be viewed. There is a full bar on site as well as a food court where guests can order Mexican, Italian and sandwiches. For those driving or taking a taxi, there is a convenient entrance at the SuperBook, making it easy to get in and out without needing to go through the Westgates’s large casino.
As weekends tend to be quite busy with NFL and college football in the fall, we stopped in for a week-day chat with Jay Kornegay, Vice President Race & Sports Operations at the SuperBook.
How did you get your start in gaming, and particularly Sports Betting?
I came to Las Vegas for the first time during my last spring break at Colorado State University. While my group of friends spent most of their time in the Bally’s casino, I was more focused on the Nevada sports books. I had always followed the betting lines and was intrigued by sportsbook operations. I returned to school and shared my thoughts with my girlfriend – that I wanted to try the gaming industry. We soon moved to Lake Tahoe to make our start, and we’ve never looked back. We’ve been married for 28 years and have raised a family here in Las Vegas.
What is the progression that led you to the Westgate SuperBook?
My first gaming position was a change person at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. After spending just over a year at Tahoe, we moved to Las Vegas and ended up working at the same book that initially caught me wide eyed. Bally’s hired me as a ticket writer. Soon afterwards, Kirk Brooks offered me a position and opportunity to open the brand new sportsbook at the Imperial Palace. In 2004, after 15 terrific years at the IP, Randy Prieto offered me a position to run the largest sportsbook in the world -- the SuperBook. In Papillon’s words, “I’m still here!”
With a footprint of more than 30,000 square feet, over 350 seats, and a massive 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K Video wall, the SuperBook is the world’s largest sportsbook. What is the size of staffing required to manage the venue?
We have a magnificent team of 48 members. Our top oddsmaking/bookmaking team has over 125 years of experience in the American market.
Though it would vary by season, what are the more popular sports and events at the SuperBook?
As my golf partners will attest to, our busy season runs from late August through March. The Super Bowl is the king of money but it’s March Madness that reigns champion for ticket counts. They’re two different types of events but are clearly our two busiest times. Honorable mention would go to the the NFL’s first weekend of the season.
Are foreign events often shown?
We like to pride ourselves in offering the largest wagering menu in the state of Nevada including a wide range of international events.
What would be the more popular foreign sports covered?
Worldwide sports fans know soccer is the most popular sport in the world and the World Cup is one of the more popular events we offer. When the UEFA Champions League is playing, we have solid crowds for the matches.
What are the demographics of the SuperBook crowd?
The demographics vary by sport and season. As you can imagine, the sports books are dominated by males from 21+. We see many generations. During the football season, we see our fair share of ladies as well. That’s not the case for March Madness. This hoops event is almost 99.9 male, all drinking coronas and eating double bacon cheeseburgers. It’s a frat party that you don’t want to miss.
Are most bettors local?
We have a very strong local market throughout the year and they represent about 80% of our total handle. The tourists make a presence over weekends and during special events.
And do many foreigners frequent the venue?
We do have a consistent foreign fan base here as we have a number of international offerings.
Does the SuperBook handicap all of the domestic events?
We do make odds on both foreign and domestic events. We’re “first to market” on a number of sports/games but not all daily offerings. In many eyes, we became the industry leader by offering many different sports, first to post, and expanded the more popular US sports.
With regard to the foreign events, are the odds created internally or are some taken from odds-makers overseas?
It’s a little of both. Sometimes we have the time to make our own numbers, and other times we use foreign markets as guidelines and shape accordingly.
Are odds created at Westgate’s SuperBook featured on television sports news programs like ESPN and others around the world?
We have great relationships with many media outlets both local and national. Many outlets use SuperBook numbers throughout the year. We have been the primary odds provider for ESPN over the last six years.
Are there any plans on expanding the SuperBook within the Westgate Resort, or outside the resort?
We’re currently looking to expand the SuperBook brand outside of Nevada. Our business development team is consistently in conversations with potential partners across the country. You will see the SuperBook brand operating in other jurisdictions.
It’s always a pleasure to stop by the SuperBook to catch up on the day’s top sporting events – we at Sports Betting Operator Magazine appreciate the time to catch up with Jay Kornegay.
Image: Jay Kornegay, Vice President Race & Sports Operations, Westgate Las Vegas with and Bill Healey, Editor, Sports Betting Operator.
