Renowned Las Vegas bookie Salerno is one of five members of the Class of 2020 set to join the Sports Betting Hall of Fame at the second annual Betting on Sports America (BOSA) trade show, to be held in New Jersey April 28-30.
A 40-year industry veteran, Salerno played a major role in the development of Nevada sports betting through the highly-influential company he co-founded, American Wagering Inc. (AWI), which became the first U.S. bookmaking business to be publicly listed.
During his time as chairman and CEO of AWI, it operated more than 90 sportsbooks across Nevada, pioneered the use of computerized bookmaking systems, and was an early adopter of mobile betting apps. When the business was bought by UK betting giant William Hill in 2012, Salerno was appointed chairman of the board of William Hill US.
He subsequently launched USBookmaking in 2016 and has since built it into the leading sports betting company serving native American casinos.
“I am grateful to be honored by the Sports Betting Community and have this opportunity to receive an award in the presence of my peers,” Salerno said. “Being inducted is a true highlight of my life. I look forward to my continued participation in SBC events and symposiums to contribute to the advancement of sports betting in America.”
Sue Schneider, vice president, growth and strategy, Americas for SBC, said, “There are few people in the sports betting industry who have as much experience as Vic. He’s been a champion for the industry for 40 years and is one of the most respected individuals we have.
“The foresight he had in creating CBS and other services that are still the backbone of the industry today is a testament to his business acumen.”
Joining Salerno in the Class of 2020 are Ray Lesniak (former senator from New Jersey), Jay Rood (COO, Bet.Works), Roxy Roxborough (legendary Las Vegas oddsmaker) and Sara Slane (Former American Gaming Association Sr. VP).
Previous inductees include former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Station Casinos VP Race and Sports Book Operations Art Manteris, Monmouth Park Chairman Dennis Drazin, bet365 Founder & CEO Denise Coates, Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith, Sportingbet Founder Mark Blandford, Sportradar Founder Carsten Koerl, Betfred Founder Fred Done, BetConstruct Founder Vigen Badalyan and Bookmaker Technology Consortium Director Howard Chisholm.
Delegates at Betting on Sports America, the largest dedicated sports betting trade show in the world, will have access to the 2020 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
BOSA takes place on April 28-30 at Meadowlands Exposition Center, features 200 industry experts sharing insights on the issues shaping the future of the U.S. sports betting industry, along with 60 leading suppliers showcasing their latest innovations on the 61,000 square-foot exhibition floor, world-class hospitality and extensive networking opportunities at exclusive evening parties in New Jersey and New York.
Registration for Betting on Sports America 2020 is now open, with the general pass available at the Early Bird Rate of $525, a saving of $170 on the standard price. To register, go to sbcevents.com/betting-on-sports-america/tickets.
