Peter Brunetto’s eyes lit up as he talked about the horse racing action unfolding bright and early Thursday morning as he sat among charts and racing forms at Green Valley Ranch.
“It’s just terrific,” the 20-year Las Vegas resident said as he scanned the 35-40 other bettors checking out the racing action. “I’ve been a horse player my whole life. I’m here every day. It’s great to be back.”
Like the rest of the Vegas gaming world, Brunetto said he walked into the race and sportsbook the morning of the re-opening with plenty of anticipation.
“This is the day I’ve been waiting for,” he said. “You can watch the races on TV, but being here … it’s just like being at the track. There’s so much more action.”
We’re assuming there were smiles everywhere in the race and sports book as masks were prevalent. All the while, players’ eyes moved from track to track across the big screen TVs. Pens were busy taking notes on racing forms, scratching out certain horses while circling others..
“It’s great to be able to be back with friends and to meet new friends,” he said.
He added the GVR staff has made the transition back to having bettors on site smooth.
“It’s the first day back, but the staff is really being cautious,” he said.
Overall, it was an opening that was filled with optimism.
“We’re back in the game,” Brunetto said. “Everything’s moving in the right direction and here we are watching the horses. We’re going to win a few and lose a few. Well, hopefully it’s winning all the time.”