Derek Stevens

Las Vegas legend and Circa Resort & Casino CEO Derek Stevens has established himself as one of the most influential and unconventional figures in the industry. From his early career in the automotive industry to becoming the driving force behind some of downtown Las Vegas’ most iconic properties, Stevens has played a pivotal role in reshaping the city’s gaming and entertainment landscape.

Major Achievements

Derek’s first taste of the industry was investing in gaming companies’ stocks, including IGT and Riviera.

He then teamed up with his brother Greg to buy several Vegas casinos, including the Las Vegas Club, the Mermaid Casino, and the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.

In 2019, Circa also launched Circa Sports, an award-winning sportsbook that has helped cement Circa’s legacy across Las Vegas. In 2020, Derek became co-founder and CEO of Circa Resort & Casino.

In December 2025, Circa Sports set a new record for NFL contest prize money at $31.6 million.

Awards & Recognition

Derek Stevens’ impact on the Las Vegas casino industry has not gone unnoticed. His role in revitalizing downtown Las Vegas has earned widespread industry recognition, with Circa frequently cited as one of the most significant casino openings of the past decade.

• Circa won Most Intriguing Newcomer at the 2020 Forbes Vices Awards.
• In 2022, Circa won North American Property of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards for the second consecutive year.
• USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards: Best Las Vegas Casino 2020, 2022 & 2023 to The ‘D’ Las Vegas Casino.

Career Highlights

Derek Stevens’ route into the gambling industry was unconventional, starting out as a valet along the Detroit River.

In 1993, he became CEO of the Cold Heading Company and entered the automotive industry. During this time, he developed a fondness for Las Vegas and frequently traveled there to attend sporting events. 

Derek’s love affair with Vegas eventually led him to branch out and invest in gaming companies, where he purchased IGT and Rio stock and later became a stockholder in Riviera Holdings. 

During the 2000s, Derek teamed up with his brother, Greg, and began purchasing casino properties in Las Vegas. Among the acquisitions were the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino (2008), Fitzgeralds (2011), the Las Vegas Club (2015), and the Mermaids Casino in 2016. The latter two would eventually be demolished to make way for a new casino and resort. 

Fitzgeralds was rebranded as the D Las Vegas, allowing Derek to add his personal touch to his growing portfolio. 

The D has enjoyed great success, consistently ranking among the top 5 in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Las Vegas Casino. 

Derek Stevens’ most ambitious project arrived in 2020 with the opening of Circa Resort & Casino, following the demolition of the Mermaid and Las Vegas Club. 

Under Stevens’ leadership as CEO of Circa Resort & Casino, the brand introduced one of the largest sportsbook experiences in the world. Built specifically for live sports viewing, it sat alongside Stadium Swim, a multi-level pool amphitheater. 

The project cemented Stevens’ reputation as a visionary willing to invest heavily in innovation, even during challenging market conditions.

In Their Own Words

Circa was the first purpose-built casino resort in downtown Las Vegas in more than four decades. It represented a bold statement of intent: a modern, adults-only property designed around sports betting, premium hospitality, and immersive entertainment. 

At Circa, we aim to provide guests with an elevated level of customer service and entertainment. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners, and we look forward to continuing to show our guests the time of their lives.

Derek Stevens

Derek’s personality and leadership style are extremely customer-focused. He can often be found walking the casino floor and engaging with customers, something atypical among Downtown Las Vegas casino executives. 

Derek’s long-term commitment to transforming downtown Vegas and helping the industry recover from its post-COVID slump has made him one of the city’s most prominent figures. 

Derek has already spoken openly about how Vegas “isn’t dead”, and with the Circa brand going from strength to strength, the future could be bright for both Derek Stevens and the whole of the Downtown Las Vegas casino industry.

Frequently Asked Questions