The University of Nevada-Las Vegas has launched an oral-history project to document the experiences of 10 Nevada bookmakers, aiming to preserve the legacy of traditional sports betting as the industry evolves.
The initiative, announced on August 10, will feature interviews conducted by gaming historian David G. Schwartz and veteran casino executive and regulator Richard Schuetz. The project seeks to capture the stories of Nevada’s bookmakers, many of whom are aging, before these firsthand accounts are lost amid rapid changes in technology and regulation.
For players and bettors, this project offers a unique window into the origins and culture of sports betting in Nevada, a state that has long been a central hub for legal wagering. Understanding the roots of bookmaking provides context for the shift from traditional, in-person oddsmaking to the automated online platforms that dominate today.
Schuetz emphasized the urgency of preserving these narratives, stating, “The essence and history of traditional sports betting, we’d better get it captured soon,“ highlighting how much the industry has transformed over time. He also expressed concern about the current online sports betting environment, describing it as having a “ban or bankrupt” mentality, which contrasts with the older, more personal bookmaking model.
The oral histories will explore both the business and personal sides of bookmakers’ experiences, shedding light on how sports betting operated before widespread digitalization. This can help players appreciate the human elements behind odds-setting and risk management, aspects often obscured in today’s automated systems.
These historical insights may also contribute to responsible gambling by fostering greater transparency about betting practices over time. As players learn how sportsbooks have evolved, they can make more informed decisions regarding their betting activities.
Michael “Roxy” Roxborough, a respected oddsmaker active in Nevada’s sports betting scene since the 1980s, is underwriting the project. His involvement helps ensure the project captures authentic perspectives relevant to both historical and contemporary players.
Schuetz’s interest in oral histories dates back to his graduate studies at the University of Nevada-Reno, where he encountered the reminiscences of Ed Olsen, a former Associated Press correspondent and Nevada Gaming Control Board chairman. Olsen’s stories about Mob involvement in Nevada casinos and FBI surveillance revealed aspects of gaming history not found in newspapers. Schuetz’s personal connection to Olsen deepened his appreciation for oral histories as a tool to preserve gaming culture.
Schwartz highlighted the importance of documenting this history, saying, “Oral histories are a wonderful tool to help a community understand its culture and history, and the development and evolution of sports betting is an important chapter in the history of Las Vegas.” As sports betting expands across the United States, capturing its origins remains vital.
Players interested in the broader context of sports betting in Nevada and the US can explore more on GamblingNews.today’s Betting section and learn about Nevada’s gaming history on the USA page. Updates on the oral-history project will be available through UNLV and coverage on CDC Gaming.
For additional context on the evolving gaming industry, readers can also refer to recent reports such as the Q2 revenue update for Bally’s casinos and the Wipfli report on tribal casino revenue growth, which reflect ongoing shifts in the broader gambling market.
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