Being located in Las Vegas, the center of the gambling world, is a big advantage to Pregame.com. Most obviously, it allows us to interact with sports betting leaders - helping us make connections and deals which add to the benefits we provide our site visitors. Additionally, our United States location allows customers to feel safe that we are accountable to U.S. law (many of our competitors are offshore, beyond the reach of any law).
Las Vegas has also allowed me to get to know other executives here in town, which has been both educational and inspirational. No other town combines the "Wild West" mentality of gambling with the boardroom mentality of corporate America.
On Wednesday night I attended a "Sit Down" with "The Godfather" of Las Vegas - Mark Wayman. Mark has been a real friend to Pregame.com - and instead of trying to explain him, you can check out his website.
Wednesday's event was held at the "Elvis Presley Suite" at the Hilton. On the 30th floor, this 17,000 square foot suite witnessed the separation of Elvis and Priscilla, and was where Elvis drew a .44-calibre pistol and shot the TV. It now has a 400lb bronze statue of Elvis in the lobby. The room has a private pool with an open roof outside sliding glass doors. All I can say is I've never seen so many bathrooms!
Attendees included dozens of gaming executives, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, "Bull" Gurfein who spent 24 years in the Marines ensuring this remains the land of the free and home of the brave, Michael Flanagan of the DEA who spent the last 26 years keeping bad guys off our streets.
One interesting elements of these events is that no matter how impressive the guest list, a percentage of people are always fascinated by sports betting. For many there's a powerful romanticism associated with the life of a sports bettor!
I'll keep you guys updated to the happenings in Sin City . . .
Follow the life of sports betting CEO in Vegas at http://twitter.com/RJinVegas