Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is still under construction, but it now has a casino operator and a separate sportsbook operator. Betfred will operate the sportsbook, while Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment will operate the rest of the casino, including the slot machines and table games.
Together, the sportsbook will be part of Mohegan Sun Casino inside Virgin Las Vegas. The new 60,000-square-foot premium casino and resort is being built using the bones of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
New sportsbook operator in Nevada
Betfred isn’t only new to Nevada, but the company is now opening its first US sportsbooks. Betfred USA is part of the Betfred Group in Europe. The company opened its first US office in Las Vegas in 2019.
In addition to Las Vegas, Betfred USA operates sportsbooks in Colorado, Iowa and Pennsylvania. This will be its first foray in Nevada.
“Given our collaboration with two outstanding operators in Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, we are confident that our first foray into the Las Vegas Sportsbook market will be a great success,” said Betfred Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Stebbings. “Through our shared expertise, we will be offering a top class service for sports bettors in the entertainment capital of the world.”
The decision to use Betfred to operate the sportsbook is a bit of a surprise. Mohegan Gaming currently operates casinos in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and uses Unibet as its sportsbook partner in both states.
Before the Hard Rock closed, CG Technology operated the sportsbook inside the casino. However, the operator recently sold its assets to William Hill. Mohegan Gaming could have selected an existing Nevada sportsbook operator for its first casino in the state, but decided to go with something new.
Sports bettors will welcome having another option as two operators, CG Technology and Caesars Entertainment sportsbooks, are leaving Las Vegas.
The Betfred Sports branded sportsbook inside Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas will include:
- Luxury seating
- State-of-the-art video wall
- Over-the-counter wagering
- Self-service kiosks
Virgin Las Vegas hasn’t revealed where the sportsbook will be located inside the reimagined casino, but more details should be coming soon.
Virgin Las Vegas casino taking shape
In 2018, Sir Richard Branson announced that Virgin Hotels was coming to Las Vegas. The first Virgin property in Las Vegas is a renovation of the former Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just off the Vegas Strip. Construction on the new property has continued even though the COVID-19 pandemic is slowing down much of the world. Virgin Las Vegas is still on target to open before the end of the year.
Last year Virgin Hotels Las Vegas announced it would partner with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to operate its casino. The companies recently revealed a logo for Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Joe Hasson will be the general manager of Mohegan Sun Casino. He has 40 years of experience in the industry, having worked most notably with Station Casinos. Mohegan Sun Casino will bring its popular Momentum Rewards & Loyalty Program, and guests can earn and redeem rewards and discounts for the following:
- Dining
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Entertainment options
- Hotels
- Spas
- Golf courses
Points can be redeemed at the following properties across the country:
- Mohegan Sun in Connecticut
- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania
- Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- ilani in Washington
More details about the Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will be revealed closer to the property opening, before the end of the year.
