At age 27, Zack Goldberg is as hot an item in the sports betting industry as Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is in the NFL playoffs.

Goldberg added to his rapidly growing resume as former head of race sports at Palace Station and his current job in the same capacity at Wildfire with a GamingToday Bookies Battle championship.

"I was lucky to have learned the business from Art Manteris, Micah Roberts and Jason McCormick at Station Casinos over five years ago at Sunset," said Goldberg, who received the first place check for $1,000 last week.

"Wildfire is a bit of a smaller operation than Palace Station, but it offers a nice, homey feeling and is a place I love coming to every day. It’s an easy drive to work for me and I plan to do a lot more local promotions and build up relationships."

Goldberg will also be overseeing the adjacent Wildfire Lanes, which he believes is a huge asset to the venue.

"Bowling is a great attraction and a super amenity," he said. "Parking is so easy that our book should attract a number of bowlers."

Manteris, featured in GT’s On the Mark column this week, was a major influence in Goldberg’s view of the industry.

"Art impressed upon me to learn as much as I can right now about the slot and beverage aspect," Goldberg said. "Hopefully I can become general manager of a large property in the future, like a Sunset. Right now the opportunity at Wildfire is great and the industry is getting better."