Tony Batt oral history interview, 2026 July 06

Oral history interview with Tony Batt conducted by Stefani Evans on July 6, 2026 for the Game On! The Oral History of Las Vegas Sports project. In this interview, Batt talks about his early life living in Shawnee, Oklahoma and Irving, Texas. A sports fan from an early age, Batt grew up with with his family enjoying sports and supporting the New York Yankees. Batt found his love for journalism after he joined the school newspaper in high school. Batt went to college for journalism and also got his law degree. After becoming a court reporter in Sherman, Texas, Batt had the opportunity to work for Donrey Media Group through the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This opportunity led him to Washington D.C., where he covered politics related to Nevada. Batt recalls working to get coverage of Senator Richard Bryan and Senator Harry Reid. Batt discusses the federal gaming commission and covering the Supreme Court arguments for sports betting. In 2008, Batt was let go from the Las Vegas Review-Journal and found work with a London-based company called Gambling Compliance. In 2023, Batt retired and moved back to Las Vegas where he still does freelance work. Batt discusses the growth of local sports entertainment in Las Vegas and how the city will be a hotspot for all kinds of entertainment. The interview concludes with Batt listing some notable Nevadans he is interested to interview. Digital audio available; no transcript available.