Tuesday, Aug. 13, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Gearing up for the football season, Leroy's Horse and Sports Place has opened a race-and-sports book at the Stratosphere.
The book is the 33rd operated by Leroy's, the largest sports-book operator in the United States and a wholly owned subsidiary of American Wagering Inc.
The company also said it has signed agreements to operate sports books at the Alystra, Saddle West, Ormsby House and Red Lion casinos beginning in September.
The Stratosphere book, temporarily located near Images Cabaret, is expected to play a role in Stratosphere's plan to reverse a shaky opening by drawing more gamblers to the casino.
A permanent race-and-sports book will open later this fall, but Stratosphere and American Wagering officials wanted to open the temporary book to avoid losing football bettors to competitors.
Professional and college football account for a high percentage of sports betting revenue.
The book is just one of several new, "value-oriented" gaming products in slots and table games that Stratosphere expects to introduce over the next few months.
"We think the new products will be very enticing, not only to tourists but also to locals who are looking for a gambling joint with great odds," said Stratosphere Communications Director Tom Bruny.
"We think for the astute gambler, this will become the place to play."
Bruny said Stratosphere's room occupancy rate has exceeded 90 percent for three weeks, and that the forecast for the next couple of months is "very strong."
Stratosphere has drawn large crowds to its 1,149-foot tower, which features observation decks, thrill rides and a gourmet restaurant, but casino play was less than expected after its April 29 opening.
Majority owner Grand Casinos Inc. sent in marketing specialists a few weeks ago to generate increased business and accelerate the opening of retail shops and nearly 1,000 more rooms.
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