Sonny Reizner

An unexpected Las Vegas business

Reizner arrived from Massachusetts in 1970 planning an antiques business. Instead, he joined Bob Martin at Churchill Downs, according to the Sun’s obituary. [1]

The Hole-in-the-Wall

He directed the Castaways sportsbook from 1976 to 1987. The Sun’s retrospective credits him with popularizing football handicapping contests. The room’s modest size did not prevent it from becoming a recognizable part of the city’s betting culture. [2]

Publicity and the boundaries of betting

His 1980 “Who shot J.R.?” proposition generated publicity and a regulatory reaction. The Sun recounts the episode as an example of a bookmaker testing the boundaries of the business. [1]

After the Castaways

Later appointments included the Frontier, Rio and Desert Inn. Reizner retired in 1996 and died in 2002. The obituary follows this final phase of his career. [1]

Key dates

1. 1970

   Moves to Las Vegas and joins Churchill Downs. [1]

2. 1976–1987

   Directs the Castaways sportsbook. [2]

3. 1980

   The J.R. proposition attracts publicity. [1]

4. 1996

   Retires from his sportsbook career. [1]

5. 2002

   Dies in Las Vegas. [1]