A Las Vegas sports betting living legend is taking his talents to South Philly.
South Point Casino’s Director of Sports Marketing Jimmy Vaccaro is headed to Pennsylvania, according to sources close to Rush Street Gaming. Vaccaro will move over to work with Rush Street, who owns both SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.
It is a bit of a homecoming for Vaccaro, who grew up in Pittsburgh before starting his career in Nevada.
Both casinos are counting down the days before launching their PA retail sportsbooks. The company hopes to launch by Dec. 1 at both properties, but they are still waiting for some important approvals from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
South Point’s in-house media network, Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN) confirmed Vaccaro was leaving his post via Tweet. The bookmaker is one of the most well-respected people in the business and in addition to his South Point duties, serves as VSiN’s senior linemaker.
Jimmy V is leaving Las Vegas. Listen to @JimmyVaccaro and @brentmusburger with the announcement coming up @VSiNLive @SIRIUSXM 204
— Matt Youmans (@mattyoumans247) November 16, 2018
Vaccaro’s Vegas legacy
South Point may be a small, local casino in Las Vegas. Its status among sports bettors is much bigger than that though. One of the few truly independent books left in Nevada, South Point is known for posting its own lines without relying on other casinos or betting services.
Prior to South Point, Vaccaro worked with over a dozen different sportsbooks, including a stint with William Hill as the director of PR. He also helped launch the sportsbook at The Mirage back in 1989.
All of this experience should prove vital to Rush Street Gaming. The company has a very experienced technology partner in Kambi. What Vaccaro brings to the table is a thorough understanding of both the US and the retail sports betting market.
Rush Street’s aspirations go beyond Pennsylvania
Rush Street’s immediate attention is on launching its two Pennsylvania sportsbooks next month. The company’s long-term vision extends far beyond the Keystone State though. The company recently inked a huge deal with Churchill Downs involving its Illinois Rivers Casino.
Perhaps the most lucrative of all the properties could be Rivers Schenectady in New York though. As one of the four commercial casinos in New York cleared for sports betting, it has massive potential. Add in the wisdom of a living legend of the industry like Vaccaro and it will be a force to be reckoned with when New York launches.
Photo by Jeffrey J Coleman / Shutterstock.com
