Caesars here, Caesars there, Caesars everywhere

With four major-league sports going simultaneously in September, Politzer predicts a month of record handle at the books and online. (Don’t forget tennis and golf, either.) “We don’t think there is a bar for September sports betting stats in NJ, NV, and PA, but it’s hard to envision a scenario where headlines on monthly results are not overwhelmingly positive.” Sports betting is on the ballot in three states—Louisiana, Maryland and South Dakota—so pull the ‘yes’ lever, please. Caesars wouldn’t benefit from a South Dakota win but could sure use the boost in the other two states.

Not content to have engorged the Roman Empire for $17.3 billion, Caesars’ new Eldorado Resorts leadership is setting its sights on William Hill. According to Reuters, Caesars is in a bidding war with Leon Black‘s Apollo Group. Given the Black helped run Caesars into the ground with an LBO back in 2007, we’re not sure if this isn’t a game of chicken. William Hill won’t come cheap: Its market capitalization is $2.9 billion. But it could use a sugar daddy: “The offers come as Britain’s betting shops are reeling from coronavirus-related restrictions on social movement and struggling with stricter regulations.” 119 betting shops have closed as Hill tries to refocus online. The company counterbalances that with strategic alliances with CBS, Caesars and ESPN. The bids are secret and may not even be firm: Both Black and Caesars CEO Tom Reeg have until Oct. 23 to commit themselves.

Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros took a pot shot at previous Caesars administrations, saying the company had grown “bloated and complacent” under Mark Frissora and Anthony Rodio. This was part of the runup to an audience with company Chairman Gary Carano, who suddenly finds himself thrust into the spotlight. Key takeaways from the 45-minute colloquy include 1) “We like the Jack Binion model: Know your players”; 2) Caesars “just wasn’t the same company that Phil [Satre] had … the same book of operations he had at Harrah’s is what we’re going to have with Caesars”; 3) Caesars has “too many people”: Eldorado had 200 people to run 26 casino, CZR “thousands” to oversee 60, so heads will roll; 4) Strip asset sale will happen “within 12 months of closing … we just don’t see the need for 11,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas;” 5) corporate offices “will be split between Reno and Las Vegas,” with more empowerment of regional managers; 6) It will take at least a year to totally integrate the Eldorado and Caesars player-reward programs; and 7) an “announcement that will shock the gaming industry” is forthcoming regarding Internet gambling. Carano is an engaging presence and it’s going to be very interesting to see what happens as his family’s tradition is ingrained into the Roman Empire.

Finally, in the first sign of relaxation of show-attendance restrictions, Absinthe is set for an Oct. 21 resumption at Caesars Palace. Let’s hope it’s the start of a trend.

Now to send you into the weekend, here’s a moment of inspiration. It moved us and we hope it does the same for you.