Kenny Mayne Swaps ESPN Career for a Caesar-Like Lifestyle
It has been slightly more than a year since one of the iconic figures of the ESPN sports era left the network to join Caesars Sportsbook.
Kenny Mayne, who worked at ESPN from 1994 until July of last year, has become a notable figure in the growing American sports betting industry.
The former host of distinctive shows such as Mayne Street and The Mayne Event has traded in his button-down shirt and blazer for chinos and flip-flops.
After playing quarterback at UNLV, Mayne feels a strong, almost spiritual connection to Las Vegas, attributing his comeback to destiny.
At the exciting debut of Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field, yengols.com seized the opportunity to interview Mayne about his newest endeavor and his insights on sports betting in Arizona and beyond.
Here is a more concise and easier-to-understand version of the conversation:
A contemporary welcoming host for Caesars Palace.
BetArizona: It’s been more than a year since you left ESPN. Can you tell us about your experience with Caesars Sportsbook Arizona and how your life has changed since leaving ESPN?
Kenny Mayne has no complaints or regrets about his past experiences. While he misses certain aspects and people, he accepts it as part of life. As a child, he was inspired by Joe Louis working as a greeter at Caesars, and now Mayne envisions himself in a similar role, creating videos. He intends no disrespect towards the videos Joe Louis made during his time.
We’re enjoying exploring the new concept where Caesars has transformed into a broadcaster through social channels.
We kept on experimenting, working with the Mannings, Clyde Drexler, Muggsy Bogues, Megatron (Calvin Johnson), Bobby Flay, and numerous other individuals.
I recently visited the Belmont two weeks ago and will soon be heading to Del Mar. I am continuing to participate in activities similar to those in my previous job, such as creating promotional content, to help Caesars expand their brand presence.
As long as my actions are positively received and generate favorable attention for Caesars, and they keep sending me to fun destinations, I have no reason to complain.
BetArizona: How does your new role at Caesars Sportsbook compare to your early days at ESPN in the ’90s, given the rise of cable sports then and the current expansion of sports betting in the US?
Mayne: I find it fitting to compare my journey with ESPN. I joined the network 15 years after it first started in 1979, while I was a college student at UNLV. I vividly recall my recruiting trip, where my first stop was Caesars. It’s ironic how I have now come full circle back to my hometown. Back in my college days, I remember playing football at UNLV and wondering about the necessity of a 24/7 sports channel.
Although I am an athlete myself, I was hesitant at first. However, it appears that others have confidence in it. I acknowledge that there is significant betting and competition within the industry, but it is still in its infancy.
I am thrilled to take part in sports betting as it grows across more states and provides fresh opportunities through different apps. It feels like being part of an innovative industry, reminiscent of the early days of the internet or platforms like Kickstarter.
As previously stated, I am frequently sent to captivating destinations to craft my whimsical tales, and I am fortunate that no one interrupts my creative process. While they determine the timing and method of using my stories, I persist in generating new ideas and sharing them without hesitation.
What if we considered a different approach? What if we delved into that possibility? We also have ideas for more conventional content, like longer articles and innovative formats. Not everything needs to be condensed into a one-minute tweet, correct?
We could consider producing a special 10-minute video to share on YouTube or even have it aired on TV. During my college days in Las Vegas, I was a regular at the jai alai games at the former MGM, now Bally’s. Looking back on those times, I realize I might be the only jai alai fan left in the country. Despite its limited popularity, the sport was a meaningful part of my college experience, bringing me closer to my teammates and friends.
I was able to go to the last three games at no cost, which allowed me to revisit some of my fond memories of Vegas. Back in the day, I worked as an usher at Caesar’s Palace for the old fights, where we would strut around as if we owned the place.
Mayne Has Arizona Memories
Aside from the potential to meet Guy Fieri, what is the primary draw for you to be present at the grand opening of Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field in Arizona?
Mayne: I have been to this place multiple times in the past. The visit that stands out the most to me was when we came for the Super Bowl and filmed a story here.
Securing Super Bowl tickets for a member of The Sopranos proved to be quite difficult, but I was unwavering in my determination to make it a reality as it felt like a crucial obligation.
Ultimately, a friend of mine affiliated with the Cardinals assisted me in securing the tickets, but regrettably [Tony Sirico] was unable to join me on the trip. As a result, I decided to return the tickets.
While Dave Krieg, the former quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks and Cardinals, was riding a horse, we also detonated a car in the desert and participated in various other activities.
I have been to this place multiple times for different stories and events. The weather is extremely hot, but it reminds me of my time in Vegas.
I was familiar with that aspect, and it’s evident that Arizona betting apps are very competitive because of the different teams and tribes involved. Nevertheless, it definitely adds a fun twist to the experience, doesn’t it?
It seems like the start of something new. Only time will reveal who will emerge victorious in the end, or maybe everyone will thrive in their own unique way.
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Author
Peterson Christopher brings over seven years of experience covering sports and sports betting in Arizona. His expertise has been showcased at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. Currently, he serves as the lead writer at yengols.com.
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