For the D and Golden Gate executive casino host Darren Banks, it’s all about the people. The Canadian native played hockey for many years (including with the Boston Bruins), and after he retired, worked for the railroad. But when the owner of the D, Derek Stevens, asked Banks if he wanted to come to Vegas, he found he did.
“Derek Stevens is a friend of mine, so when he asked me if l wanted to move to Vegas, it was a no-brainer. I just picked up and left.”
In his role as host, Banks takes care of a variety of guests on their trips to Vegas. He’ll also fill that role with Circa, Stevens’ under-construction hotel (when it opens in 2020, it will have the biggest sports book in Vegas). “I make sure their reservations are put in, their limo pick-up, maybe they want to go to go to a football game, or a hockey game, or play golf, so I kind of organize that for them. So when they get here it’s ... smooth sailing for them,” he said. One of the perks of the job, he said, is that “I meet different people every day. I deal with old, young, men, women and it’s fun meeting those people, getting them to come back. It’s more a friend relationship with some of these people.”
He also acts as the face of the D in some respects—he and Stevens often hang at the Longbar. “People know that I’m there, they know Derek is there, so people kind of flock to us. It’s a nice meeting spot; you see something new every day. It’s pretty interesting.”
Banks doesn’t regret his move to Vegas one bit. “I have a boss I enjoy coming to work for ... I enjoy the weather here, I can play golf every day, I can play hockey—I never see snow ... unless I want to.”
The D Tea
While you’re hanging out at the Longbar at the D, talking sports or shooting the breeze with Banks or boss Derek Stevens, try the D Tea—it’s a refreshing concoction that reminds many of green tea, but like a Long Island iced tea, it may pack a stronger punch than you anticipate. The drink contains Jameson, peach schnapps, sweet and sour and Sprite, all garnished with lemon and a cherry. The cocktail is also available upstairs in the D’s vintage casino area at the Vue Bar, which, like its name, has a view of Fremont Street outside.
