Jason Gregorec, senior vice president at Caesars Entertainment and general manager of the Horseshoe, speaks during the grand opening of the rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas, formerly Ballys Las Vegas, Friday, March 24, 2023.
Monday, April 3, 2023 | 2 a.m.
Jason Gregorec, senior vice president and general manager at Horseshoe Las Vegas, has been busy the past few weeks as the Las Vegas Strip property formally transitioned from Bally’s to Horseshoe.
Gregorec’s excitement for the rebrand is obvious. There are new amenities, the World Series of Poker is on the horizon and there’s a ton of old Vegas history at every turn.
Gregorec says there’s much to like about the property, which had its grand opening as Horseshoe March 24.
He sat down with Sun to discuss the new look.
How do you see Horseshoe fitting into the fabric of the Las Vegas Strip?
As we know Horseshoe is such an iconic brand with rich history in Las Vegas, and especially with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and where it all started. Last year, we brought the World Series of Poker to the center Strip, and it was technically Bally’s. But to introduce the Horseshoe brand is kind of a homecoming with WSOP and the Horseshoe. And it couldn’t be a better location than the Center strip. And also, we’re building the Horseshoe brand throughout the country.
Like you said, the Horseshoe is a historic brand. Do you want to talk about the significance of its renewal?
Yes. We were fortunate to have Jack Binion join us over the weekend, and really just talk about the significance of Horseshoe and how it started. And it mirrors with our culture of taking care of the guests and making them feel like they’re at home, in a very simple approach. And then, also, just making it right for the gambler, and sometimes we lose sight of that and we just want to make sure that we offer the best games with the best limits. And same thing with the World Series of Poker — it is the premier poker tournament of the world. And it’s just a great partnership.
The World Series of Poker will return to the Horseshoe this summer. What can people look forward to with that, and can you elaborate on the significance of it being hosted at Horseshoe?
So, it’s bigger than ever. Now, it spans across two casinos — both Horseshoe and Paris. So, we’re able to offer much more to our guests, not only in the number of tournaments, the size, (but also) more amenities, more diverse — and also being centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip, so it’s more accessible than ever.
As an ambassador for Caesars Entertainment, what does iconic poker player Doyle Brunson bring to the company and the advancement of the World Series of Poker overall?
Doyle’s been with the World Series of Poker and Jack Binion, or the Binions, since day one. So, it’s great to see him continue to embrace the series as it has grown over the last over 70 years. Actually, 1970 is when the World Series of Poker started, so just over 50 years … And he continues to be an ambassador. He’s also in the Hall of Fame. So, for us, that’s something very special that he’s able to still be with us and support the WSOP.
What did the name change and rebrand from Bally’s to Horseshoe look like?
We started last year, and we wanted to ensure that we didn’t completely close off the casino. So, we went through and we first started with doing some painting and then we started installing the wallpaper and then we did the carpet, and then we started with new table games. And then we also rebranded to a Jack Binion’s Steak, and we also just completed M.Y. Asia with Chef Martin Yan. And then we also, this late spring (or) summer will be opening Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen — just in time for the World Series of Poker.
What do you recommend people come to Horseshoe for — to eat or play?
Yes. We also opened an arcade, so that’s a new amenity that just opened in the fall as well. Jack Binon’s Steak — just a great, classic steakhouse. Martin Yan, he’s a world-renowned, James Beard Award-winning chef, and he has a diverse menu from all aspects of Asia and just opened within the last two weeks. And then also, we have a brand new WSOP Hall of Fame poker room that’s located right in the casino. And then we’re also looking at expanding our entertainment offerings as well.
Now that Horseshoe has officially opened, what are some goals for it and how do you see it growing in the future?
We just want to continue to offer the best service, the best amenities, the best entertainment and overall experience for our guests that come to Las Vegas. And not only do we represent Caesars Entertainment, we represent Las Vegas and what Las Vegas is all about being the entertainment capital of the world.
