For five years, Chuck Esposito has been race and sports book director at Sunset Station, which was among six Station Casinos properties to renovate its race and sports books prior to the start of football season this year. Esposito enjoys interacting with guests placing wagers on games, but at the end of the day, he’s still competing against them.
Talk about your experience at Sunset Station and how the sports book has evolved.
The book has taken on a whole different feel with the new video display. The larger TVs, the video walls and the full-color ticker bring the action to every seat in the book. The response from our guests has been tremendous.
I always like to say that every seat is now on the 50-yard line, center court or at the finish line. Also, we provide a number of personalized reserved seats for our daily race guests. This really has become a popular way to reward our guests with something special.
Describe your management style.
I’m definitely hands-on. I love the daily interaction with our guests. I think the one big advantage I have working for Station Casinos is that I’m able to build lasting relationships. I try to make an effort to walk around the room daily and speak to as many of my guests as possible.
What are some of the offerings at the Sunset Station’s sports book?
We offer a full line of betting options for die-hard fans, more casual bettors and the novice. We have a large and comfortable book that caters to both bettors and fans. Each race seat has its own TV.
Have you always been a sports lover?
I was that kid growing up who played baseball and football every day until the sun went down. When I wasn’t playing or watching sports I collected baseball cards, which I still do today with my 12-year-old son.
What’s your favorite sport?
I love all sports. But if I had to pick one, it would be hockey. I’m a huge fan and I’m extremely excited about Las Vegas getting our own professional team.
You’ve been in the sports book industry for decades now, working at Caesars Palace and the Hilton (now called Westgate). How has the industry changed over the past decade?
Two things really stand out to me. The first is information. There is so much more information available to our guests through TV, radio or social media. Our guests have evolved and become way more educated. The second would be how our wagering menu has expanded over the years. We are putting up more and more events in all sports each year. Proposition and in-game wagering are at an all-time high. Our guests have asked us to expand our offerings and it has forced us to be more creative.
Has sports betting become more popular?
Its popularity has definitely exploded over the past decade and continues to grow. With more and more games and events being televised daily, sports fans have an increasing appetite to bet on those games.
I’ve always felt that there was a direct correlation between being able to watch an event and place a wager on that event. Also, with our new mobile app, sports betting has moved to the palm of your hand wherever you are in Nevada.
You’ve become one of the go-to guys when it comes to sports, appearing on ESPN, Fox and several local television stations. Why is that?
First, I think it’s clearly my love for sports and the industry that I’m in. I’m biased, but for me there’s not a more exciting place to be in the casino than the race and sports book. The sounds, atmosphere and buzz that the book generates on any given day are contagious throughout the property.
Second, and maybe this should be first, is clearly my passion for the race and sports book industry. I’m still fascinated about what I do. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not excited about the challenges ahead. I think anyone who meets me can clearly hear it in my voice and see the excitement on my face.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Art Manteris told me the single most important thing was being dialed in on all policies and procedures and that all regulations are being strictly followed and enforced. It’s something I’ve never forgotten. It’s also something that I pass on to my entire team each and every opportunity I get.