General manager named to boost Sparks Nugget operations

Century Casinos is bringing its regional vice president from Colorado to Northern Nevada where he will become general manager of the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, which the company’s co-CEOs said “encountered a challenging” first half of 2024.

The 1,382-room Nugget became Century’s flagship property when it was acquired last year by the Colorado Springs-based casino operator in a $195 million deal.

Century said in a statement that Eric Rose, who began his 32-year gaming career in Stateline before moving to Colorado, would be Nugget’s top executive. He served as general manager of Century Cripple Creek before his promotion to regional vice president.

In a statement, Century co-CEOs Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger said the Nugget reported lower-than-expected revenue so far this year. The CEOs said the property underwent “right-sizing and cost-cutting initiatives,” adding that Rose operated casinos in highly competitive markets.

In a research note last week, Truist Securities gaming analyst Barry Jonas said the Reno-Sparks area was “highly competitive” and faces a challenge from tribal casinos in Northern California.

This story was published Aug. 7 by The Nevada Independent and is republished here with permission.