Sportsbook giant, William Hill U.S., will open a racebook at Casino Miami, a machine-only gambling hall and jai alai fronton owned by Las Vegas casino owner, Phil Ruffin. For William Hill U.S., consider the deal as an ante on sports betting in Florida.
In a statement, William Hill said the racebook expects to open next month with pari-mutuel simulcast wagering, pending regulatory approvals. Bettors will be able to catch major thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound tracks from around the country, as well as jai alai.
“Casino Miami is a great location with a modern space where we have created a first-class experience for all racing fans in the area,” William Hill U.S. CEO Joe Asher said in a statement for CDC Gaming Reports. “We look forward to working with Phil Ruffin and his team to enable our customers to bet on races from across the country.”
“This new racebook will provide us with an incredible amenity for guests and will place us at the forefront of the forthcoming Florida sports betting business,” said the casino owner, who paid $23.2 million for the real estate of Casino Miami, which is located 20 minutes from downtown Miami. The property has 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games—including blackjack and roulette—a live entertainment space, and a café dining area, along with a bar. The casino is licensed to hold 2,000 games. The property also has 21 acres for potential future development.
William Hill’s racebook will cover 2,300 square feet space next to the casino’s poker room and will include 10 50-inch TV screens, in addition to a 30-foot video wall for racing fans to watch a variety of tracks simultaneously.
“William Hill has unparalleled expertise and a rich history in racing,” Ruffin said. “The company has led the industry for decades, and together we will bring state-of-the-art technology and innovation to Casino Miami.”
