Station Casinos enters northern Nevada arena

Station Casinos, a major player in the sports betting and gaming industry in southern Nevada, is making its first foray into the northern Nevada market.

The company was officially introduced as the new operator of the sports book at Baldini’s Casino in Sparks earlier this month.

As a part of the agreement which was first announced in February, Station Casinos renovated the sports book, as well as adding its signature online betting options and contests for customers in northern Nevada.

“As a part of joining Baldini’s, we committed to a full-renovation of the space, making it a really comfortable, almost living room feel, “ said Lori Nelson, vice president of corporate communications for Station Casinos. The company also brought its own technology that is in its other 16 sports books to northern Nevada,.

The newly remodeled sports book offers a large HD video wall with the capacity to show up to 16 different games or events, three betting windows and seating for up to 50 patrons.

In addition, the parking area was renovated by the casino’s entrance. That way, bettors can quickly come in, make a bet and leave.

When Station Casinos first looked into the northern Nevada market, officials felt that Baldini’s was a good fit for its operations.

“We started a conversation with Baldini’s (and) we liked how they catered to the locals, because at Station Casinos, that’s been our model for nearly 40 years. We felt a real synergy with how they cater to locals and we have tremendous technology and (Baldini’s) was looking to enhance that,” Nelson said.

That technology includes Station’s Sports Connection Mobile, a free app that can be linked to most mobile devices including PCs and smartphones and allows bettors to wager on any sporting event anywhere in the state.

Another app is Get Rewarded, where players can redeem points for future bets or entertainment or hotel stays at one of Station’s resort properties.

Baldini’s also is now linked to Wagering Information Network, a system exclusive to Station Casinos that can link gaming and betting information to Station’s 16 other sports books.

Nick Sfanos has taken over as sports book manager after serving as sports book supervisor at Station’s Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. The Sparks operation has six employees, but it will look to hire more personnel once football season approaches.

Sfanos said Station is also adding its Last Man Standing Contest for pro and college football betting. The contest is a “winner take all” contest with a $250,000 cash prize. The contest is unique in the industry and also will be available for basketball season as well.

Randy Wike, director of marketing at Baldini’s, indicated the partnership was a win-win situation for the casino and already enhance a makeover of the property. The casino also introduced its new Sierra Banquet and Conference Room for events. Plans are also in the works to rebrand its Brickyard Bar & Grill.

“When we started talking to Station Casino, obviously we felt the opportunity was there to add something new. It just made sense,” Wike said. “We want to keep the upgrades going.”