A former minor league baseball player in the St. Louis Cardinals organization who played at UNLV has been licensed as vice president and general manager of the Grand Lodge Casino at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the recommendation of the Gaming Control Board to license Anthony Russo; it also approved the northern Nevada casino to launch a Boomer’s Sportsbook.
Russo has worked in the gaming industry for more than three decades and is licensed in five states. He was drafted in 1987 by the Cardinals and later played in the Kansas City Royals organization. before coaching with them at the Major League level.
“I decided to move on with a real life career,” Russo said. “I got offered a position for a gaming boat in Illinois as a dice dealer. I have worked my way up from every aspect. I have seen all levels and was fortunate enough to be in corporate with Station Casinos, Pinnacle Entertainment ,and Harrah’s and worked for tribal gaming in Oklahoma.”
Russo said the Grand Lodge is an intimate property and he is responsible for the gaming aspect only, not the hotel or food and beverage. It has about 80 employees.
Russo said he’s been at the property for only six months and acknowledged recruiting employees is difficult, due to the expense of living in Incline Village.
Billionaire Hyatt Lake Tahoe owner Larry Ellison purchased the property in 2021 for $345 million and is remodeling the resort. Ellison is the founder of database company Oracle.
“Mr. Ellison bought the property for $350 million and is putting in another $100 million, so I can’t wait to see it,” said Commission member Brian Krolicki said. “He wants an ultra-luxury resort, and that can only be a good thing for you. You may need to put in high-end tables.”
Full House Resorts leases the casino and Krolicki asked about the ongoing construction impacts on the gaming operation.
Russo said their cottages were a draw for high-end players to come out and stay on the beach and visit the casino. While some see it as a challenge, he said it’s an opportunity.
“Hopefully in 2027, it will be completed,” Russo said. “The weather is cooperating, so hopefully they will be ahead of schedule. We’re all excited when it does get to completion, because they will be doing renovation also on the hotel.”
Russo said the Hyatt ownership is working with the casino, freezing rent for two years and offering restaurant discounts.
“It’s a win, and they understand we’re a partnership and when I can bring big players in that benefits them too from the restaurants and things of that nature,” Russo said.
