Rollin' into Gaming Pubs: Station Casinos' New Neighborhood Spots
Casino Chain's 'Spirit of '76' Promotion
Station Casinos kicked off a major project with the October opening of Seventy Six Tavern, their first dive into the lucrative tavern business. Having dominated local casinos like Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, and the year-old Durango Casino & Resort, this move marks a new challenge - competing against giants in the tavern scene.
With plans to launch dozens of sports bars and gaming taverns across the Las Vegas Valley, Station Casinos is taking aim at the market once ruled by Golden Gaming, with its 71 taverns spread across the valley, mostly under its PT's brand. The newcomer also faces competition from Dotty's and other independent operators, and the potential for some familial friction as Station Casinos moves to claim its stake.
Golden Gaming CEO Blake Sartini, brother-in-law to Station's CEO Frank Fertitta III and Vice Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta, may find himself in a heated battle as the two companies go head-to-head for the local, small-scale gaming market. Yet, Station executives claim their intentions are simply to "reach more locals," without duplicating the pricey resort-casinos of yore.
Seventy Six Tavern in North Las Vegas, the first in the lineup, aims to provide a more upscale gaming experience for local video poker and keno players. The menu, engineered by Chef Danny Wilkins, features pub classics like wings and Philly cheesesteaks, alongside creative offerings such as ahi tuna nachos and grilled salmon. Even the burgers and flatbreads receive a special touch from Wilkins.
Sweetening the deal, Seventy Six Tavern offers eight hours of happy-hour pricing every day, with $20 match play for new members who join their VIP Club. The club, separate from Station's Boarding Pass program, offers hourly in-game bonuses and monthly promotions tied to the players' cards.
Looking ahead, Station Casinos plans rapid expansion of the Seventy Six Tavern brand in 2025, with a second location set to open near Aliante Casino and five more builds beginning soon. All locations will be approximately 6,000 square feet in size, strategically placed to bring Station's renowned hospitality to more neighborhoods.
So, get ready to roll the dice at your new local hangout, as Station Casinos continues to make its mark on the Las Vegas Valley. For more info, head to seventysixtaverns.com!
Note: This article was originally published in Casino Life Magazine's January 2025 edition Issue 17
Extra Insights:
- The specific locations and exact timeline for the expansion of Seventy Six Tavern locations have not been made public.
- The unique menu at Seventy Six Tavern is designed by Chef Danny Wilkins, whose culinary background includes working for restaurants like the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and the Bellagio.
- In 2012, Aliante Casino was actually a Station Casinos property, but was sold to Boyd Gaming four years later.
- By 2025, Station Casinos aims to expand the Seventy Six Tavern brand with a second location near Aliante Casino, followed by five more builds.
- Chef Danny Wilkins, known for his work at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and the Bellagio, has engineered the menu at Seventy Six Tavern, offering a blend of pub classics and creative dishes.
- Seventy Six Tavern's menu includes offerings like ahi tuna nachos, grilled salmon, and a hint of special touches on burgers and flatbreads.
- The sports bars and gaming taverns coming to the Las Vegas Valley, including Seventy Six Tavern, are part of Station Casinos' efforts to reach more locals and diversify their offerings beyond resort-casinos.
- Station Casinos' newcomer in the tavern scene, Seventy Six Tavern, offers a more upscale gaming experience for local video poker and keno players.
- Happy-hour pricing is available for eight hours every day at Seventy Six Tavern, with new VIP Club members receiving $20 match play.
- The VIP Club at Seventy Six Tavern, separate from Station's Boarding Pass program, offers hourly in-game bonuses and monthly promotions tied to players' cards.
- With plans to launch dozens of sports bars and gaming taverns, Station Casinos is moving to claim its stake in the tavern market, previously ruled by Golden Gaming.
- The upcoming gambling trends in Las Vegas Valley include the rise of gaming pubs and taverns, as entertainment and casino-culture continue to evolve, with food-and-drink offerings playing a significant role in these establishments.
