Well over 90% of the legal US sports betting handle is generated by online wagers placed through mobile sportsbook apps. FanDuel leads the way as the biggest US-based sportsbook operator followed by DraftKings and BetMGM.
Yet, the most exciting way to bet on sports is live at a retail sportsbook. Nothing captures the thrill of big win while watching the action unfold on an oversized viewing screen.
Las Vegas was the first gaming local in the US to add retail sportsbooks to their high-profile casino venues. With more and more states offering legal sports betting, Las Vegas-style retail sportsbooks are popping up all across the country.
Major US sportsbook operators understand the value in marketing their brand through land-based retail sports betting establishments. While the betting volume is much lower than mobile betting apps, these retail books can convey the unique attributes of the brand they represent.
Case in point is Circa Sports in Las Vegas. Local casino owner Derek Stevens set out to create the world’s largest retail sportsbook as part of his downtown Las Vegas Circa Resort and Casino. The end result was a sports betting venue that has become a major attraction for tourists in its own right.
Penn National Gaming in Louisiana
Louisiana was one of the first states outside of Nevada to build a flourishing network of gaming casinos. Covering the Gulf Coast region, cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge became regular destinations for avid casino players.
More recently, legal retail sports betting made its debut in the state due to a change in law. The first retail sportsbooks in Louisiana casinos opened for business last fall. Legal mobile sports betting was added to the mix this past January.
Penn National Gaming is one of the biggest regional casino gaming and entertainment companies in the US. Based in Pennsylvania, the company owns and operates land-based casino venues in multiple states.
The company is also the driving force behind Barstool Sportsbook with a 36% equity stake in the brand. As the parent company of L’Auberge Baton Rouge, opening a Barstool Sportsbook in this Louisiana casino was a natural progression.
Work is now underway on a $6.7 million renovation project at the casino. Penn National decided to rebrand the existing Stadium Sports Bar & Grille as the centerpiece of that renovation project. Earmarked to open this November, the Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Baton Rouge follows in the footsteps of a classic Las Vegas-style retail book.
Tied into the casino floor, the new sportsbook will offer a full restaurant and bar. There will be a sports betting lounge with both betting windows and self-serve kiosks. The entire area will offer multiple viewing screens to watch games live.
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Retail Sports Betting in Baton Rouge
Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge opened a temporary DraftKings sports betting facility last fall. Plans to expand those services are in the works with an expected opening in 2023.
The Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge Baton Rouge will be the first permanent retail sports betting venue in an area casino. Back in March, the Barstool Sportsbook at L’Auberge in Lake Charles opened its doors to the general public.
