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Fremont Street Casino Icon Derek Stevens Unveils Details on New Sports Betting Venture, Circa Sports
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Owner of the D Las Vegas, Golden Gate, and All-New Circa Discusses Going Head-to-Head with Some of the Biggest Vegas Sports Gaming Forces
Steve Carp, Managing Editor of Gaming Today, recently sat down with Fremont Street casino power player Derek Stevens in an exclusive interview to discuss his new Circa Sports sportsbook operation. The interview is wide ranging and can be read in its entirety by going to GamingToday.com.
There is nothing ordinary about Derek Stevens. He is larger than life and dominates whatever room he walks into. Yet Stevens prides himself on staying in touch with his customers and can often be seen chatting it up with them at the 110-foot Long Bar at The D, a bar he designed as a place where he would love to hang out and just watch a game.
The majority owner of Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and the D Las Vegas, Stevens has been involved in casinos since 2008, when legend tells of how he and his brother decided to buy the Golden Gate casino property while on vacation. Their plan became a reality later that year.
An example of his excellent business savvy came in 2008 when he bought the MLB minor league team Las Vegas 51s, selling it three years later for $20 million.
Derek is a native of Detroit and is extremely proud of where he comes from. His family business, Cold Heading Company, was originally started by his grandfather selling nuts and bolts to the automobile industry in Michigan. Stevens took over as CEO in 1994. Not only is he savvy, he’s highly educated, having graduated from the University of Michigan in 1990 and later obtaining his MBA from Wayne State University in 1994.
The following are key excerpts and quotes by Stevens from the article written by the award-winning Steve Carp for the iconic Las Vegas sports and gaming publication, Gaming Today:
Introduction
Not everyone gets to live their dream. Then again, not everyone is Derek Stevens.
The owner of the D Las Vegas and the money and power behind the under-construction Circa Resort and Casino always wanted to run his own sportsbook. He loves sports and betting on them. He also loves the idea of being on the other side of the counter.
Saturday at the Golden Gate on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, Stevens’ dream becomes reality. Circa Sports, the newest sportsbook operation in Nevada, will take its first bets after receiving approval from the state’s gaming commission last month.
In addition to the Golden Gate operation, Circa Sports will have its book at the D in mid-June after breaking away from its partnership with William Hill, which had run the book there for Stevens while he attempted to get licensed as a bookmaker.
And it’s all a prelude to the big one—the multi-level megabook at Circa come December 2020.
“We’re ready to go,” Stevens said. “The final details are being worked out and we’re really excited. We’re going to make everyone feel welcome. Whether you’re a big bettor or a small bettor, doesn’t matter. We want you to come in, place a bet, catch the games, have some fun.”
Catering to Sharps
The big bettors are a big part of Circa Sports’ vision. Stevens wants to return to the old days of Las Vegas where the mantra was “If you can bring it, you can bet it.”
“We’re not going to shy away from the big bettors,” Stevens said. “I’m not a guy who forgets this is gambling.”
He has had conversations with several known professional sports bettors, including Gaming Today columnist Bill Krackomberger. And they provided Stevens some valuable input as he goes forward with his Circa Sports venture.
“We’re going to take their action,” he said. “We’re going to welcome them in.”
Mobile Betting App
Stevens is also excited about the Circa Sports mobile phone app. He is cognizant that in-game wagering and the ease of placing a bet without a trip to a brick-and-mortar establishment is a fact of life in 2019 and he wants his app to be user friendly, convenient, and secure.
“It’s going to be a unique way for people to get involved,” he said. “Sure, we’d love for them to come visit us at the Golden Gate and the D, and eventually, when we open the book at Circa. But the phone app is very popular, especially for young people, and that’s an audience we’re trying to attract.”
No Vig Promotion
As an incentive to get customers to come visit Saturday, Circa Sports will not apply a vigorish to bets made at the Golden Gate property.
The zero-cent lines will apply to the NBA Finals, Major League Baseball, and the Champions League soccer final between Tottenham and Liverpool.
LINK TO FULL INTERVIEW HERE.
About Gaming Today:
Established in 1976, Gaming Today has been a staple for sports and gaming industry news in Las Vegas and across the country. It is the nation’s only newspaper dedicated to providing valuable up-to-date information on the casino industry and pari-mutuel race wagering. GamingToday.com contains news and features, plus expanded coverage in key areas—race and sports analysis, picks, tips, and handicapping.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Fremont Street Casino Icon Derek Stevens Unveils Details on New Sports Betting Venture, Circa Sports
SkinBaron remains a loyal partner to BIG and supports German esports across the Academy and women’s segments.
Berlin, September 11, 2025 – Berlin International Gaming (BIG) and SkinBaron have been closely connected since late 2019 and are now extending their partnership, continuing a success story that spans more than six years.
At a time when the Counter-Strike community, and in particular BIG’s CS2 men’s team, has experienced a challenging year, this extension sends an important signal: SkinBaron remains a loyal companion through every high and low. In addition to the pro team, SkinBaron also supports BIG’s Academy and women’s teams, helping to develop young talent and strengthen the scene in Germany.
Beyond the server, SkinBaron is deeply connected with the community. At the BIG Overtime Party during IEM Cologne 2025, SkinBaron once again served as an event partner, showcasing its close ties to the German esports community.
Statement from Daniel Finkler, CEO, Berlin International Gaming
“I am incredibly pleased and grateful that we are extending our long-standing partnership with SkinBaron. SkinBaron has been a vital part of our journey for over six years, both during successful and challenging times. My special thanks go to Tobias Andro as the new CEO, as well as to Florian Eckstein, Tobias Herberhold, Hannes Scholdz, and all other shareholders, employees, and partners at SkinBaron. They have brought this partnership to life over the years and actively shaped it. We are proud to move into the future together with such a loyal and authentic partner.”
Statement from Tobias Andro, CEO, SkinBaron
“Our partnership with BIG has stood for loyalty, trust, and collaboration on equal footing for over six years. Together, we share a vision of sustainably supporting the German esports scene and helping talent reach the top. This extension is therefore not only a commitment to our shared past, but above all a fresh start toward a future we want to shape side by side.”
The post SKINBARON SUPPORTS GERMAN ESPORTS AND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The studio’s latest game blends nostalgic themes and engaging features
The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.
The Call of the Wild
In Buffalo Force, players roam alongside fearsome buffalo, fierce bears, cunning wolves, and soaring eagles as they work together to hunt for big rewards. The game features 3 energetic mechanics:
- Free Spins: Land 3 Scatter symbols to enter the game’s primary bonus feature. All Wilds pay 2x here.
- Hold & Win Bonus: Unlock this lucrative feature for a shot at powerful coin prizes and even a chance at one of the mighty jackpots!
- Jackpot: Three jackpots give you the chance for mega wins: Minor (25x), Major (100x), and Grand (1000x).
Each spin holds the spirit of the wilderness, blending high-action gameplay with the studio’s signature visually-rich aesthetics.
Join the Herd
Buffalo Force combines visually stunning animations, high-performance mechanics, and well-crafted environmental design to transport players to the heart of the North American wilderness. The studio’s attention to detail and storytelling prowess immerses players as they become part of the stampede, on the hunt for wild riches.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “Buffalo Force represents the studio’s passion for creating visually striking and memorable games that players love. We focused a lot on the game’s visuals and environmental design to immerse players in the North American wild, which helps create an emotional connection and encourages high-performance engagement. We’re excited to see the reception Buffalo Force will receive, and we have many more exciting games in the works!”
Will You Answer the Call?
The raw wilderness is waiting for you. Will you join the herd and hunt for your fortunes and a life of freedom?
The post Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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