Pacesetter Racing & Gaming was established in 2019 in search of acquisitions and as a way to provide executive expertise in the Historical Horse Racing gaming space. In December of 2021 PRG acquired Wyoming Horse Racing providing live horse racing events at Sweetwater Downs in addition to simulcasting at several Horse Palace OTB locations around Wyoming that includes gaming entertainment with Historical Horse Racing terminals. We are committed to reach out and support all facets of the equine community which includes owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarian, and auxiliary businesses that rely on a healthy agricultural economy.
The company has attracted likeminded executives whose focus can be summed up by Pacesetter's core values:
Specific services can be tailored to assignments and clients' needs, and include but are not limited to:
Asset Management
Managed the asset collection of Majestic Hold Co. after emerging from bankruptcy in early 2012 through Spring 2019. Quality of management was improved, non-core assets were disposed, privately held high interest notes were refinanced to traditional bank loans. The project culminated in a disposition of the entire company, resulting in a substantial return for shareholders in Spring 2019.
Expert Counsel
Provided counsel to a group of private equity owners during the successful sale of a southern gaming group of assets.
Union Negotiations
Engaged in successful negotiations with multiple employee unions in the best interest of the employer and the employee.
Property Expansion
Facilitated growth of Hyatt Gaming from just a few properties to twelve worldwide, which included greenfield construction of new facilities, multiple renovations, and remodeling of existing assets.
Along with many years of successful full casino management, we are also experienced in racetrack development; opening Kentucky Downs which went on to propel their racing into the richest in North America on the days horses ran. We were the first to introduce Historical Horse Racing terminals outside of Arkansas, as well as developing and managing alternative gaming, HHR, in several tracks both in Kentucky and Idaho.
Strategic Realignment
Managed profitable sale and disposition of gaming assets as part of strategic realignment of high-net-worth family ownership group.
Human Resources
Strategic application of benefits administration to reduce costs associated with unnecessary ER visits, abuse of Rx Benefits program, and overall reduction in plan costs.
Managing Partner / President
Mr. Hughes has over 35 years experience in the casino industry both domestically and internationally. Mr. Hughes has vast experience in all aspects of operations, startup planning and renovation projects, horse track and historical horse racing machine businesses as evidenced by his tenure with Haytt Gaming Management and Kentucky Downs. Nick is also an investor/owner in several casino related businesses.
Managing Partner / Executive Vice President
Mr. Liguori is a gaming executive with over 35 years experience in land-based, riverboat and Native American Casino resorts domestically and internationally. Prior to founding PRG, Mr. Liguori was the CEO of Majestic Hold Co. (4 casino properties). Mr. Liguori also previously served as CFO and then President of Hyatt Gaming Management Inc., Vice President of Finance at Ameristar Casinos, Director of Finance at Trump Taj Mahal and worked in Finance in Harrah's Entertainment.
Managing Partner / Executive Vice President
Mr. Sheldon is a gaming executive with over 35 years experience in the gaming and hospitality industries. He established a track record of success starting with Hilton Hotels Corporation in Las Vegas before moving to the corporate office with regional responsibilities. Subsequently, he held major positions that included corporate executive level responsibilities for multiple properties in various domestic and international jurisdictions. Before joining the PRG in May 2019 John was Senior Vice President Marketing for Full House Resorts and held similar positions at Majestic Hold Co., Boyd Gaming, Nevada Region and Hyatt Gaming Management.
Vice President
Mr. Burrus has over 27 years of experience in executive level hospitality management including human resources management, casino operations, and resort and hotel operations. Mr. Burrus has particular experience in golf operations, customer service programs, retail, security and risk management, regulatory affairs, and entertainment/recreation facilities management. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a doctorate in Human Capital Development. Mr. Burrus teaches hospitality and human resources classes for several universities and is a former Narcotics Agent.
Vice President
Mr. Szybilski is a seasoned financial executive with over a decade of experience. Mr. Szybilski's areas of expertise include revenue and profit growth, cost control, change management, strategic planning, and financial reporting. Mr. Szybilski played an important role at many of the Hyatt Gaming Inc. properties as well as the Grand Victoria Casino and Majestic Star Casino.
Email: info@PacesetterRG.com
Pacesetter Racing & Gaming (PRG) is committed to responsible gambling.
While many gamble responsibly, others develop a serious, sometimes uncontrollable gambling problem. This can affect persons of any age, income, gender or race at any time.
PRG has established a set of policies and guidelines designed to assist clients with issues such as underage gambling, problem gambling, responsible marketing, and improper use or abuse of alcohol.
PRG employs several tools to promote responsible gaming, including but not limited to: