On this episode of “Listen In With KNN” sports talk radio show and podcast with host and executive producer Kelsey Nicole Nelson, special guest Evan Crawford joined the show.
Known locally as the Godfather of D.C. Sportsbooks, Crawford previously worked at the city’s first independent sportsbook Grand Central DC, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland as well as other casinos. Crawford has also worked with some top celebrities and influencers, helping to expand sports betting in the DMV.
Today, Crawford is the Maryland VIP Host for DraftKings. Crawford has always been a pioneer for entertainment in the DMV area. His career began as a party promoter in DC’s super clubs around the early 2010s. But in 2011, he was in a car accident that forever changed his career trajectory.
“A lot of rehab and a lot of therapy got me back to being motivated in life after a downtime,” Crawford said.
Becoming a VIP Host
When Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel opened its doors in June 2012, Crawford was still recovering. He started working there in August as slot attendant and became a VIP Host in two years. Not only that, Crawford was Maryland Live! Casino’s first African American host.
As a host, Crawford was part of the larger marketing and management team. He helped make sure players and patrons got the most out of their casino visits. Hosts build friendships with patrons and get to know them personally. They also stay realistic about how much customers can afford to gamble. As a host, Crawford arranged patrons’ favorite rooms and refreshments. He also booked hotels, special trips and vacations, and reserved restaurant tables.
“I didn’t know what a host was at the time, but it led me to kicking it with Vivica Fox, watching basketball games with her, golfing with Dr. J and hanging out with Sheila E.,” Crawford said.
Nelson commented on that humble brag because he mentioned meeting a handful of A-list celebrities. Nelson also brought the conversation full circle. A life-threatening car accident helped lead Crawford to his true purpose and passion.
Crawford said one of his biggest lessons as a host was to treat everyone the same way. That same level of respect comes back to you. For example, he talked about being friends with John Thompson Jr. before he passed away. Whenever they hung out, they talked about everything but basketball.
“‘He hated talking about basketball. He said, ‘I spent my life on that’, and the fact that we talked about everything but that, we actually became friends,” Crawford said. “I’ll be refereeing at Georgetown for the pro-city tournaments, and he’ll be cussing at me yelling. Then, he’ll call me two days later like ‘I saw you running up and down the court. In a couple of years, you’ll be decent.’”
Opening a Sportsbook
Crawford’s last role at Maryland Live! was as senior relationship marketing manager before leaving in 2019. In 2020, he joined William Hill US as Sportsbook Supervisor for a year. He also served as Sportsbook Operations Manager.
In 2021, Crawford helped to open the Grand Central DC Sportsbook. Grand Central DC Sportsbook is the first independent and Class B Sportsbook in the United States. Once the restaurant owners gave him the green light, Crawford went to planning.
“I had my own independent platform, so I made my rules and regulations through the lottery code,” Crawford said. “I was able to put Games of Skills inside the building, and they work similarly to slot machines. I basically had a mini-casino resort with a nightclub, a sportsbook, and slot machines, plus a bar and kitchen.”
Aside from occasional celebrities, Crawford said people from all walks of life came to Grand Central. Whether it’s college students, professionals, avid sports fans or gamblers beginners, the place provides a nice atmosphere for crowds.
Why Sports Betting Matters in the DMV
Sports betting brings in a new culture, language and vibe in the sports and entertainment industry, especially in the DMV. Nelson asked why Crawford’s work matters, especially now that D.C., Maryland and Virginia have legalized sports betting.
Crawford said it leads back to D.C. businesses setting trends that leave a culture shock on the surrounding states. “With D.C. being the pioneer, they pass the Class-B license where you can go independent,” said Crawford. “That’s why Grand Central drafted me over to run the first independent sportsbook in the country.”
D.C. lawmakers signed a law legalizing sports betting in May 2019, and the law went into effect a year later. Virginia legalized sports betting in April 2020, and the law launched nine months later. Maryland legalized sports betting in November 2020, but the law launched 18 months later.
“I had the opportunity to switch over and get the role over at DraftKings,” Crawford said. “It was an amazing opportunity like getting signed to the Los Angeles Lakers.”
He also loves how people from many cultures come together around sports betting and gambling. “That’s why I love the Korean community that’s in Virginia, the Vietnamese community, the Spanish community. You meet everyone, bring all that together and you become part of that community.”
Athletes, Gambling and Responsibility
Sports betting is synonymous with sports for good and bad reasons. CJ Abrams, the Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop, was sent to the minors on September 25. He reportedly stayed out gambling the night before a game against the Chicago Cubs. Crawford said athletes do have off days, and things like this happen. Still, hosts must keep things confidential while reminding athletes of their responsibilities.
On that note, Crawford gave listeners some advice on safe betting. When gambling, be honest with yourself and stick to a budget. It’s not about how much you want to win, but how much you’re willing to lose without hurting yourself. Also, if gambling is not fun for you, don’t do it.
To hear to the full interview, listen to the full episode on Spotify.
