Denise Ezell, a woman from Michigan, is suing MGM Grand Detroit after they refused to pay her a $127,000 jackpot she had won playing progressive blackjack. The 65-year-old has been gambling at the casino for more than two decades and filed a complaint in the US District Court Eastern District of Michigan asking for the jackpot along with $75,000 in damages.

Jackpot Winner Denied Prize Due to Trespassing Allegations

On October 30, 2023, Denise Ezell said she was at the casino with a friend when she decided to play some progressive blackjack. She put down a side bet and was dealt what would be the winning hand—a straight flush with a Jack and King of Spades against the dealer’s Ace and Queen of Spades. The table erupted when Ezell’s win was announced, reported the Detroit Free Press.

But then things took an unexpected turn. A pit boss came over and asked for her ID before walking away for a moment. When he returned, he told her she would not be getting any money—she was trespassing. She did not understand how that could be possible because she had been coming to MGM Grand all these years without an issue.

The allegation that she had trespassed stemmed from an incident in 2015 when Ezell got into an argument with her cousin about money at one of the blackjack tables. According to her account, it was all just one big misunderstanding but casino security still kicked her out after interpreting their dispute as solicitation during which time they told her that the ban could last anywhere between 24-48 hours but did not give any kind of official notice so she kept coming back year after year thinking everything was fine.

Attorney Criticizes MGM Grand for Withholding Jackpot from Longtime Gambler

Over the next few days, Ezell said she tried working it out through different people in MGM Grand’s security department but got mixed messages about where things stood—an employee initially assured her she would get paid then later communication seemed to indicate the matter had gone past that person’s authority, leaving Ezell without her jackpot.

Ivan Land, Ezell’s attorney, has expressed his frustration with what the casino did. He said that they were okay accepting her money for almost a decade but when she wins this much, they refuse to pay out the jackpot on weak grounds. Land does not understand the casino’s inconsistency as no one told Ezell about any long-term bans and she was allowed to keep gambling there until winning a big prize.

Land also pointed out how devastating both financially and emotionally not getting paid has been for his client. Ezell works for Michigan’s state government and has been helping put her daughter through medical school so an extra $127,000 could have helped a great deal.

Ezell argued that the casino’s actions were not only unfair but also damaging, as they led her to believe she would receive the money, only to retract the promise later.MGM Grand Detroit has not given any comment yet since it claims it has not received notice about the suit yet.

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A former blackjack dealer at MGM National Harbor has been indicted for allegedly working with players to steal more than $43,000 from the casino. The charges were announced on June 6 by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Aisha Braveboy.

Surveillance Uncovers Ex-Dealer’s $43K Conspiracy with Players

Jamie Smith, 31, is accused of conspiring with three players to cheat the casino while she was employed there back in October 2023, reported WTOP News. Surveillance footage showed that Smith let these players see her cards before they made their betting choices and allowed them to change their bets after the cards were dealt and did not collect on losing ones, enabling the thefts.

An internal investigation by MGM triggered by a review of surveillance tapes uncovered the scheme. Approximately $43,250 in losses were incurred by the casino. 

Additionally, this incident also has broader implications, as MGM, along with other Maryland casinos, contributes to the state’s Education Trust Fund, which supports public education.

Maryland’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said economic crimes such as this have far-reaching consequences. She noted that when individuals steal from casinos it takes away funds meant for public schools thereby robbing children of their education opportunities. However, she highlighted that this case is unique during her tenure, as most incidents at the casino typically involve more direct forms of theft or violence.

Ex-Dealer Charged with Embezzlement and Theft, Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Patterson echoed Braveboy’s sentiments saying this crime was nonetheless serious because it amounted to theft as Smith was entrusted with handling money belonging to the casino while carrying out her duties. 

Smith has been indeed charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement. She faces up to ten years in jail if convicted. The charges reflect not just the theft of funds, but also the breach of trust placed in her as a casino employee. 

MGM National Harbor released a statement following Smith’s indictment saying they have zero tolerance for any illegal activity involving their employees or customers.

The company commended the swift detection and reporting of Smith’s alleged crimes while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of integrity when dealing with law enforcement agencies during investigations into such matters.In other recent news, law enforcement in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. The victim, an adult male, was found with gunshot wounds in the casino’s parking garage and died of his injuries at the scene.

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Pragmatic Play, one of the leading content suppliers to the iGaming industry, has launched the Blackjack League series of daily tournaments to feature a breathtaking EUR 1,000,000 monthly prize pool. The unique tournament series, dedicated to the popular Live Casino card game, has started on 1 April to run through 30 June 2024, with Pragmatic Play committed to fully fund the prizes offered during the campaign.

Tournaments Running From 1 April to 30 June 2024

Like any other league, the Blackjack League is divided into four daily tournaments depending on the stake level. The names of these divisions – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Prive – speak for themselves and invite players to join the tournament that best fits in with their gaming ambitions. Indeed, the Prive tournaments offer the highest daily prize of EUR10,000 available for a single player.

Up to EUR 10,000 Daily Prizes

The Gold daily tournaments will follow with the EUR15,000 daily prize pool available to be shared among 49 players. The Silver division will distribute the EUR 7,000 daily prize across 200 winners, while the Bronze tournament is looking to make its EUR 3,000 daily prize equally distributed across 250 winning players.

All Blackjack League tournaments are supported by innovative solutions and tools to provide a smooth and easy game play. All that players need to do is to accumulate points for consecutive wins in Bronze, Silver and Gold tournaments to seek the designated payouts. At the same time, the Privé tournament will wait for the player with the longest single win streak to reward the EUR10,000 daily payout.

Elevated Casino Experience

The Blackjack League is the latest release of the innovative and productive content provider set to bring the classic casino experience to another level. The game extends the Provider Play’s Live Casino potfolio containing over 100 Blackjack tables. Blackjack League follows the player-favorite gems like Blackjack, VIP Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, Privé Lounge Blackjack, and the recent Blackjack X release.

Pragmatic Play offers the unique title to gaming enthusiasts to continue the streak of rewarding gaming experiences. The supplier keeps the pace in the market at a rate of as many as up to eight monthly releases. All of these are available for seamless integrations with worldwide gaming platforms and used to increase Pragmatic Play’s presence before the increased iGaming audience.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Blackjack League is a thrilling addition to our Live Casino offering. Awarding 500 cash prizes every day from a €1,000,000 monthly prize pool, completely funded by Pragmatic Play, the tournament-based league will add even more incentive for players to enjoy our leading range of Blackjack titles.”

Source: “Pragmatic Play Launches EUR 1,000,000 Monthly Blackjack League”. Pragmatic Play. April 1, 2024.

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The developer of premium games for the online gambling industry, Dragon Gaming, expanded its offering with the addition of a new table game. The company confirmed Wednesday it released Blackjack Perfect Pairs & 21+3, an engaging new title that spices up its popular Blackjack Deluxe game. The latest table game offers an RTP of 99.5% and allows the players to place wagers between $1 and $500.

Dragon Gaming’s new game features an elegant dark theme with a minimalistic interface that reminds of the original title. However, Blackjack Perfect Pairs & 21+3 brings engaging and rewarding functionalities that create thrilling and unique gameplay experiences for online players.

Bet up to $500 on Perfect Pairs & 21 + 3 with Dragon Gaming

As the name of the new game suggests, it delivers a functionality called 21+3, as well as Perfect Pairs. Players who want to win their Perfect Pairs side bet need to have two cards of the same value and suit. It’s no surprise that participating in the side bet, users must also take the main bet. On the other hand, the 21+3 feature involves the player’s hole cards and the dealer’s up card. Combining those cards, players need to hit a flush, straight, straight flush, three-of-kind, or suited three-of-a-kind.

The new Blackjack Perfect Pairs & 21+3 features a minimum bet for the side bets and main bets of $1. Players can wager up to $100 on each side bet while wagering for the main bet is capped at $500. Ultimately, the new side bet features seek to elevate the thrill and bring a new layer of excitement for online players.

The release of Blackjack Perfect Pairs & 21+3 comes after back in July, Dragon Gaming confirmed the launch of an action-packed slot called Kung Food Panda. The slot, featuring the evergreen Asian theme offers an RTP of 97.00% and brings thrilling features, including free spins and jackpots. Kung Food Panda brings 20 paylines and features a maximum win of 10,000x.

Now, thanks to the latest Blackjack addition, the company continues to grow its portfolio of games. The new Blackjack Perfect Pairs & 21+3 title supports more than 20 languages as well as more than 30 currencies, making it suitable for a wide range of markets across the globe.

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Galaxy Gaming, Inc and Spirit Gaming have confirmed that Spielbank Hannover visitors will now have the opportunity to enjoy progressive blackjack on-site – the first time a game such as this has been introduced in Germany. The casino is established under Casinos Austria International – Lower Saxony Casinos – Spielbanken Niedersachsen.

Galaxy Gaming Delivers Progressive Blackjack Game

Galaxy Gaming is a distributor and developer of casino table games and technology, operating out of Nevada, the United States, and established as one of the most accomplished developers of land-based casino content.

The company distributes innovative games, bonusing systems and technological solutions to both online and land-based companies around the world, and this latest entry has allowed it to further strengthen its position in Europe.

Commenting on this new opportunity, Casino Hannover Christoph Clauditz said that his company was happy to see the installations take place and called the results “convincing.” Galaxy Gaming was similarly pleased with the development.

Company’s Europe sales consultant Gavin Wright was pleased with the development and he said that Galaxy Gaming was thrilled to see Spielbank Hannover and Lower Saxony Casinos handpick the studio’s games.

This has all been facilitated with Spirit Gaming, which is Galaxy Gaming’s exclusive distribution partner for Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Austria, and the non-exclusive distribution partner for Lichtenstein and Switzerland.

Spirit Gaming’s robust knowledge of the market paired with Galaxy’s demonstrated success with tailor-made table game solutions and progressive configurations has resulted in another success for both the casino operator and their players.

Company’s Europe sales consultant Gavin Wright

Companies Welcome the New Opportunity

Spirit Gaming founder and managing director Frank Ziegler was similarly pleased with this development. He said that the company was delighted with the successful start of what was described as a long-term partnership with the Nevada-based manufacturer of games.

Galaxy Gaming has not been sitting idly as well, as the company has had a string of important developments take place over the past weeks. The company expanded its partnership with Evolution Gaming, signing a ten-year contract with the company, bringing more excellent content to partners.

Galaxy Gaming has been similarly strengthening its own operational capacity with the addition of the Galaxy Operating System (GOS) designed as an impactful solution that benefits Galaxy’s efforts to provide a more resilient and robust product across the board as well as meet its customers’ needs in full.

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Betsoft Gaming has released a new Blackjack-inspired game called Supreme 777 Jackpots. The new table game has many features that will offer additional excitement to the players.

For example, the new title will feature a Progressive Jackpot feature, as well as a Perfect Pairs Side Bets mechanic. As a result, Supreme 777 Jackpots melds traditional Blackjack with jackpot games.

Supreme 777 Jackpots gives three hands of Blackjack across six decks at the same time. The game leverages “Las Vegas Strip” rules, with the exception that the pack is shuffled after every round. Furthermore, players can double after splitting and double on cards 9, 10 and 11 only.

Each hand of cards is played against the bank and individual bets can be placed on each hand and each feature, both at the same time or separately.

As in Blackjack, the goal of Supreme 777 Jackpots is to score 21 or a number that is as close as possible to that. Players that beat the bank will scoop up winnings of 3/2x before the next dealing.

Blackjack – But Not as You Know It!

The Perfect Pairs Side Bet allows players to try and match the first two cards dealt by face value, color or both. If they manage to do so, they can get up to 25x their bet with an instant payout.

In addition, the Supreme 777 Jackpots mechanic gives players the chance to win a Minor, Major or Grand Jackpot. The Jackpot bet is a completely separate game from the main Blackjack game, the developer explained.

Jackpot bettors will win a payout on 7s. With each 7 dealt, the payout will increase. If the first three cards dealt are 7s, the player will win a Jackpot. Players will win the Grand Jackpot if all these 7s are Spades.

Supreme 777 Jackpots is an exciting casino experience with what Betsoft described as a “generous 97.86% RTP.” The game boasts a deliberately wide betting range, allowing every spin to grow the winnings.

The Game Is Designed to Appeal to Many Players

Betsoft Gaming’s head of account management, Anastasia Bauer, commented on the new launch, saying that the game is a “classic with a twist” that both players of traditional Blackjack and seekers of innovative experiences will like.

Whether you are a fan of strategy or lucky chances, this jackpot Blackjack is designed for you. Our players expect constant innovation from us and Supreme 777 Jackpots delivers on every front. We are expecting this to be a big hit with our clients.

Anastasia Bauer, head of account management, Betsoft Gaming

The game was launched yesterday and is also available in a mini game format.

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Blackjack switch is one of the many variations of the classic game that has become popular in recent years. This version of the game offers players unique advantages that may help them beat the house. Of course, the casino also gains some key advantages as well.

This article will break down everything you need to know about blackjack switch rules, how to play the game and some casinos you should use to play blackjack online.

What Is Blackjack Switch?

Most casino gamblers have tried their hand at blackjack before. It’s one of the most popular casino games, and for good reason. The popularity of blackjack has led to people making their own variations of the game.

Blackjack switch is one such variation. The main goal of this version is the same as regular blackjack; beat the dealer and get as close to 21 as possible without going over.

However, there are three key differences in this version of the game compared to your standard game of blackjack.

How to Play Blackjack Switch

According to the standard blackjack switch rules, players who beat the dealer win the hand. Most of the gameplay mirrors stand blackjack games. But there are three unique rules that players need to know about playing this version of the game.

The first major change is that players start with two hands instead of one. This means that you also have to wager on two hands instead of one.

After your cards are dealt, you will have the chance to switch the top cards in your hand. This can be a huge advantage depending on the cards you are dealt. Then you play out both hands as normal.

The final major difference between regular blackjack and the switch version is that a dealer does not bust after 21 points. If a dealer ends with 22 points, then all of the bets made on that hand are a push.

Blackjack Switch Rules

Most of the blackjack switch rules are the same as classic blackjack games. Players bust if they go over 21 points and you win by beating the dealer’s hand. The ability to play two hands and switch your top cards does change some of the rules, though.

Number of Cards

The first difference you will notice when playing the switch version of blackjack is that your start with two hands. This requires you to place two starting bets. Casinos usually require these bets to be the same amount.

After placing your bets, you will receive two hands. This gives you a total of four starting cards to work with.

Each hand is played separately. So, even if one hand busts, you can still win with the second one. Players can use this to their advantage when deciding how aggressively to bet.

Switching Cards

The biggest advantage players have in this version of blackjack is the ability to switch their top cards. Let’s say you are dealt a 9-6 and 5-A as your starting hands.

By switching your top cards, you end up with 9-A and 5-6. Your first hand is worth 20 points, giving you a great chance to beat the dealer. The 5-6 hand is a great option for doubling down as you are guaranteed not to bust.

Players only have the option to switch cards after their initial hands are dealt. Also, you can only switch the top cards in your hand.

Push on 22

Not all of the blackjack switch rules benefit the player. The casino gains some advantages as well.

Arguably the biggest advantage for casinos in this version of blackjack is that the dealer does not lose if they get to 22 points. Every bet made on that round ends as a push. This means even if you hit the magic number of 21, you still do not beat the casino.

This small rule change can have huge repercussions. It gives dealers, and the casino, a larger margin for error. It also helps to increase the house edge because you win less often than you otherwise would.

Switch Side Bets

Switch games have a unique set of blackjack side bets as well. The most common of these side wagers is called Super Match.

A Super Match wager is won or lost depending on the cards in a player’s starting hands. To win a player must have a pair, three-of-a-kind, or four-of-a-kind. The better the hand, the better the payout.

There are many factors that determine the payout rates for side bets, including the number of decks and the casino itself. Here is an example of what a pay table for the Super Match bet may look like.

Should You Play Blackjack Switch Online?

Playing blackjack switch can be a fantastic way to add more excitement to your gambling routine. But there are also some disadvantages to be aware of before you start playing.

Advantages

Switch versions of blackjack offer players a ton of extra advantages. The ability to switch your top cards gives players more control over the results of the game.

Normally, players only have one hand to work with. This means that a bad starting hand can greatly reduce your odds of beating the dealer. In regular blackjack, you do not have many options other than playing out the bad hand.

In switch games, you get two starting hands to work with. This already increases your odds of beating the dealer. The ability to rearrange your starting cards can increase your odds even more.

It may take some time to truly master the right strategy for this version of blackjack. However, once you do, you can take full advantage of all the added benefits switch games have to offer.

Some online gambling sites will even let you practice for free. This is ideal for new players because it stops you from wasting your bankroll while you learn to play.

Disadvantages

Like all casino games, there are some drawbacks to playing switch versions of blackjack. Thankfully, many of these disadvantages can be overcome with a little practice.

The first issue is that when the dealer lands on 22, all of the bets on the table result in a push. This can be disheartening when you have a strong hand. Not even a blackjack can overcome this rule.

Also, this rule does increase the house edge slightly because you are winning less often than you should be. However, even with this rule, switch games tend to have a lower house edge than most blackjack games.

Another issue to account for is that you need to expand your blackjack strategy. Most players use basic strategy to determine whether they will hit or not. However, switch players need to expand their plan to include when to switch their starting cards.

Finally, switch games tend to be more expensive to play than classic blackjack games. This is due in large part to the fact that you are making two opening bets instead of one. Players need to take this into account when they are making their blackjack bankrolls.

Tips for Playing Blackjack Online

Playing switch versions of blackjack can be a lot of fun. But that fun will only last so long if you are not also winning. Here are three tips to help you play blackjack online.

Use the Right Blackjack Casino

There are plenty of casinos that offer blackjack games. However, not all casinos are as good as they may first appear.

For the best blackjack experience, you need to use a top-rated casino site. BetOnline, for example, is a highly rated casino that offers multiple variations of blackjack switch.

Be Wary of Side Bets

Side bets are a great way to add more excitement to your casino experience. These wagers can also be tricky to learn, especially if you are new to the game.

New players should avoid side bets, at first. Once you master the basics of switch blackjack then you can start to incorporate these additional wagers.

Use Casino Bonuses

The best way to learn to play switch blackjack is by playing. Some sites, like BetUS, offer free versions of the game. These are a great tool for new players who do not want to risk their bankroll.

Another option is to find sites with deposit match casino bonuses. Playing with bonus funds will allow you to stretch your bankroll farther and play more hands.

Will You Play Blackjack Switch Online?

Blackjack switch is a variation of the classic game that gives players a ton of advantages. When played correctly, you can enjoy all of the fun of blackjack while maintaining an extremely low house edge.

Check out our latest casino blogs to learn more about blackjack and other popular casino games.

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The Lake Price resident acquired an surprising birthday current as he received the highest progressive prize at Super4 Blackjack. This windfall marks the second high-profile win at Seminole On line casino Coconut Creek in latest months, serving as a testomony to the rising recognition of progressive jackpots throughout all video games.

The Winner Acquired an Exceedingly Uncommon Hand

A $5 aspect guess was all it took to show an on a regular basis Florida man right into a newly minted millionaire. The jackpot winner was having fun with his birthday celebration at Seminole On line casino Coconut Creek on 8 February. The person opted to put a guess on the progressive Super4 jackpot throughout his reside Blackjack sport – a call which, in opposition to all odds, received him the grand prize.

The Tremendous 4 progressive jackpot is an non-obligatory aspect guess. If the vendor scores a pure blackjack, the results of the vendor’s hand and the participant’s two playing cards can web extra prizes. The 5 jackpots are for a royal flush in diamonds, royal flush in every other go well with, straight, 3-of-a-kind, and must-hit $200. Super4 additionally has a smaller reward if the vendor holds an ace however doesn’t have blackjack.

With the hand of a King and Queen and the vendor’s Jack and Ace of Diamonds, the profitable participant achieved a royal flush, netting him the grand prize. Super4’s progressive jackpot surpassed $1 million on 19 December 2022 and can reset to its base quantity of $223,000, rising in anticipation of the following fortunate winner.

Progressive Mechanics Are Changing into a Mainstay

Seminole On line casino Coconut Creek seems to be fairly the fortunate vacation spot, producing two millionaires in slightly below six months. In August 2022, one other lucky participant hit the progressive jackpot on Dragon Hyperlink Golden Century for slightly below $1.1 million on a $25 spin. The 2 high-profile wins spotlight the advantages of progressive jackpot design and its means to provide larger-than-usual jackpots to attract in gamers.

Progressive rewards contribute a portion of every guess at linked video games in direction of a single cumulative jackpot, permitting it to develop far past conventional prizes. The characteristic is current in lots of titles throughout Seminole-owned venues in Florida. It’s rapidly gaining traction throughout the nation as increasingly builders and operators uncover its advantages.

The Wheel of Fortune was among the many first titles to popularize the idea, and its jackpot winners routinely make the information. Progressive rewards are actually thought of an trade commonplace and are current in increasingly casinos. Some suppliers have already began reiterating the concept, including thrilling new mechanics, so we are going to probably proceed seeing extra of the characteristic as new gamers win ever-growing jackpots. 

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