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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Mohegan INSPIRE, a sprawling integrated resort casino nestled adjacent to South Korea‘s bustling Incheon International Airport, unveiled the grand opening of its first phase on March 5, 2024. This inaugural phase, a testament to Mohegan‘s global expansion, has been in the works for years and comes with a hefty price tag of $1.6 billion.

Mohegan INSPIRE’s Grand Opening: Bridging Heritage with South Korean Culture

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by over 500 distinguished guests, marked a significant milestone not only for Mohegan but also for South Korea’s entertainment and tourism landscape. Among the attendees were leaders and cultural representatives of the Mohegan Tribe, emphasizing the historic partnership forged between the Tribe and the vibrant country of South Korea.

James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, expressed his excitement during the ceremony: “The grand opening of INSPIRE is a momentous occasion for Mohegan, making both a historic partnership for our Tribe and elevating our global network of resorts to unprecedented heights. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to South Korean government for the opportunity to bring our vision to life in such a vibrant country.”

The grand opening festivities showcased the fusion of Mohegan heritage and South Korean culture, offering guests a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting at INSPIRE. From traditional Mohegan smudge ceremonies to captivating performances by Unity of Nations, a Mohegan drum group, and enchanting acts by Korean artists, the event left an indelible impression on all attendees.

Mohegan INSPIRE’s Phase One Sets New Standards in Entertainment

Ray Pineault, president and CEO of Mohegan, highlighted the ethos underlying INSPIRE’s development, emphasizing principles of hospitality, collaboration, and sustainability. 

Pineault further emphasized that Mohegan INSPIRE was poised to become a landmark destination and a catalyst for tourism, economic growth, and cultural exchanges, enhancing the region’s allure to visitors from across the globe.

Phase one of INSPIRE boasts a plethora of amenities designed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From a sprawling five-star hotel with over 1,200 rooms to the INSPIRE Arena, capable of hosting up to 15,000 guests, the resort offers a multifaceted experience. 

Guests can immerse themselves in the surreal ambiance of Aurora, an indoor street enveloped in high-resolution LED displays, or indulge in culinary delights at renowned establishments like Michael Jordan’s Steak House.

Looking ahead, INSPIRE is poised to introduce additional attractions, including an on-site mall with branded shops and restaurants, an indoor food court, and Discovery Park, an outdoor entertainment space. Plans for future expansion phases include an indoor walkway to Incheon International Airport and the addition of a Paramount Studios amusement park, solidifying INSPIRE’s status as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.

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Monday marked the latest drawing of the popular American lottery game, Powerball. The winning numbers from the drawing on February 19, 2024, included white balls 4, 23, 45, 50, 53 and red Powerball 17. As always, hundreds of thousands of players tried their luck for the game’s grand prize. Regretfully, no one was able to guess the winning numbers from the latest draw, allowing the jackpot to continue growing.

The last time the Powerball grand prize was won happened at the start of the year and the lottery game is getting closer to its second month without a jackpot winner. Not unexpectedly, the jackpot increases with each draw that passes and according to Powerball, it is estimated to get closer to $350 million for the upcoming drawing.

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2024. With hours left to go, the estimated jackpot for the upcoming drawing is a staggering $348 million. This sum is applicable in case the winner picks annual installments. But in case a lottery player guesses correctly all winning numbers and is interested in securing a one-time cash sum, they would be entitled to a whopping $164.3 million.

Nobody Won a Million Dollar Prize from the Latest Drawing

Besides nobody winning the grand prize, there was no one who secured a million-dollar prize from the latest Powerball drawing. Eight lucky lottery players won a $50,000 prize each for guessing correctly four white balls and the red Powerball, while three took home a $150,000 Power Play prize each.

Within the lower tiers, nearly 700 players collected a $100 prize each for guessing correctly either four white balls or three white balls along with the red Powerball. On the other hand, 230 lottery players took home a $300 Power Play prize each.

Elsewhere, an alleged winning numbers error resulted in a lawsuit against the DC Lottery and Powerball. The legal claim was filed by a player who was refused the grand prize from the lottery’s drawing on January 7, 2023, although when he checked the lottery’s website, his numbers matched the ones announced online.

John Cheeks, a Washington D.C. man, filed the lawsuit, claiming that when he checked whether his ticket was winning or not via Powerball’s website, his numbers matched with the announced drawn numbers. This had to grant him a $320 million dollar jackpot but upon attempting to redeem his ticket, he was told those were not the winning numbers. Cheeks alleges the lottery confirmed that one of its contractors made a mistake which is why the numbers announced online did not match the winning numbers from the drawing.

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After a grueling 47-day standoff, the Detroit Casino Council announced the ratification of a groundbreaking labor agreement with MGM Grand Detroit, effectively bringing an end to the strike that commenced on October 17. The agreement, hailed as historic, follows similar resolutions with Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino, solidifying a united front for the city’s casino workers.

MGM Grand Detroit Workers Secure Record Wage Increases

The union members, comprising nearly 4,000 employees under the Detroit Casino Council, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the five-year contract on December 2. The prolonged strike, triggered by concerns over healthcare and stagnant wages, saw solidarity among workers from various unions, including UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

The terms of the agreement mark a significant victory for the workers, with MGM Grand Detroit employees securing the largest wage increases in the casino’s history. Immediate pay raises of $3 per hour, translating to an average 18% increase, were granted upon ratification. 

Over the course of the five-year contract, employees are slated to receive a cumulative $5 per hour raise. Notably, the agreement includes a bonus option, no healthcare cost increases, workload reductions, and unprecedented job and technology protections.

MGM Grand Detroit Staff Reflect on Strike’s Significance

Patrick Nichols, a dealer at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UAW Local 7777, conveyed his satisfaction with the negotiated contract, expressing that he was impressed by how all the unions and members had worked together to secure an excellent contract. He mentioned that he was looking forward to returning to work, reported the Michigan Advance.

The Detroit Casino Council, in a written statement, highlighted the significance of the agreement, emphasizing the inclusion of first-ever technology protections and a paid Juneteenth holiday. 

Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant with 24 years of service at MGM Grand Detroit, shared her thoughts on the broader impact of the strike, stating for Detroit Free Press that, together with the rest of the MGM family who stood with them on the picket line in challenging weather conditions, they had made history. She expressed pride in what they had achieved by taking a stand together.MGM Resorts International executives welcomed the resolution with enthusiasm.

Matt Buckley, the President and COO of the Midwest Group at MGM Resorts International, expressed their excitement about welcoming the team back and continuing to offer guests the renowned entertainment experiences associated with MGM Grand Detroit.

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Last month, unionized casino workers at Detroit’s three casinos, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, launched a strike. The move came at a time when the workers asked for better working conditions, including pay raises, job security and workload reduction. The strike saw 3,700 casino workers, including dealers, housekeepers and other employees protest for more than a month.

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the strike for Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino employees ended. At the time, the Detroit Casino Council (DCC), representing the workers, confirmed that the employees of the two casinos had voted and ratified the new contract “with historic wage increases and other gains.”

Despite their decision, MGM Grand Casino employees who voted on the same contract turned it down. As a result, now, more than a week later, the strike for MGM Grand’s casino employees continues. As announced by Click on Detroit, unions confirmed Wednesday that they are “back at the negotiation table” with MGM Grand Casino.

Reportedly, the workers at MGM Grand filed a new proposal to the operator on Wednesday. The union representing them confirmed that the casino is yet to respond to that proposal. Specific details regarding the proposal were not disclosed at the time of writing.

Talks with the Casino Employees on Strike Continue

While negotiations continue, the DCC did not disclose why MGM Grand’s casino employees rejected the initial proposal that was accepted by the workers at the two other Detroit casinos. Instead, the Council explained that there are additional dates scheduled for negotiations and outlined that each casino property voted separately for the proposed five-year gaming contracts.

“Union members at MGM Grand Casino voted to reject the proposed deal and will continue to strike. More bargaining dates will be scheduled. Membership at each casino property voted separately about whether to accept the deal,“

reads a statement released by the Detroit Casino Council

Matt Buckley, MGM Resorts Midwest Group’s president and COO revealed earlier this month that it is disappointing to see MGM Grand’s employees reject the proposal. “This is a very disappointing result, especially considering the historic nature of our offer and the fact that it would immediately and positively benefit our DCC-represented MGM Grand employees and their families,” he explained at the time.

Moreover, Buckley was left baffled by the decision of the employees at MGM Grand, considering that the workers of the two other Detroit casinos voted in favor of the proposal. Speaking about the DCC, he said that even they deemed the gaming contract proposal as “historic” and one that offers good benefits along with an increase in pay for the casino workers.

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The strike by unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit continues after they rejected a tentative five-year labor contract. The decision stands in contrast to the resolution reached at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, where workers overwhelmingly approved the proposed agreements, ending their 34-day strike.

Detroit Casino Council Faces Scrutiny as MGM Grand Workers Decline Tentative Agreement

The Detroit Casino Council, representing five unions, had brokered a tentative deal on November 17 to cover 3,700 workers across the three casinos. While the rejection by MGM Grand workers raises questions, the council refrained from disclosing specific reasons behind the decision.

Wendy Abraham, a union member and dealer at MGM Grand Detroit, expressed apprehension about the extended 64-month contract, stating that she had reservations, believing it to be excessively long, reported WMYD Detroit. Another significant issue for several individuals involved the suggested upfront pay raise of $3 per hour. Catherine Bilek Roberts, also affiliated with MGM, maintained that they should receive a minimum of $6 or $7 per hour in the initial year.

Notably, the rejection by MGM Grand workers has left them isolated, with MotorCity and Hollywood Casino employees returning to work. The broader context of labor struggles in Detroit sees parallels with ongoing strikes, such as those by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers.

MGM’s Strong Finances Clash with Detroit’s Casino Strike

The rejection carries significance against the backdrop of MGM Resorts International‘s robust financial performance, reporting net revenues of $4 billion in the third quarter, a 16% increase from the previous year. 

At the same time, the month-long strike has led to temporary closures and disruptions in services, impacting valet services and amenities at the affected casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported substantial revenue losses in October, ranging from $5 million to $7 million for each casino, resulting in an 18% drop in overall revenue compared to the previous month. 

The MGM casino management expressed disappointment at the rejection, with Matt Buckley, President & COO of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, calling the offer “historic” and emphasizing its potential benefits for employees and their families.

Buckley emphasized that the proposal comprised the most extensive wage hikes ever seen in the 23-year history of the Detroit casino industry. As the strike persists, the impact on Detroit and Michigan’s economy remains a concern, with projected daily losses of approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues.

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Recent data reveals a seat for the prestigious race now costs 60% less than last year. Most agree that the current pricing aligns with market demand, sending a clear message to the organizers that their targeted prices are unsustainable. The Grand Prix has taken substantial measures to stoke excitement, utilizing the famous Las Vegas Sphere, but their efforts failed to stabilize prices.

Current Pricing Seems Increasingly Unsustainable

According to TickPick, Saturday night’s main event prices have dropped by 23% since last week. The cheapest grandstand ticket is currently priced at approximately $800, marking a 50% decrease from last month’s cost of $1,645 and a substantial 60% drop from last year’s initial low price of $2,000. The event should gather approximately 105,000 visitors.

Experts attribute the lack of demand to various factors, including the exorbitant pricing of the tickets, making this F1 event the most expensive in history. The anticipated dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull, reigning champions of the 2023 World Championship, also contributes to the reduced interest in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

More reasons behind the declining demand could be the cooler weather and the declining popularity of Netflix’s long-running “Drive to Survive” F1 documentary series. TickPick CEO Brett Goldberg hinted that F1 could reduce future prices from this year’s record highs to better align with fan sentiment and purchasing ability. Despite the sharp drop, the Grand Prix maintains its extensive marketing campaign.

F1 Spared No Expense for Maximum Spectacle

Iconic Vegas venue, the Sphere, will play a pivotal role during this week’s race, showcasing cards featuring all 20 drivers and their cars in a larger-than-life form, keeping track of pole positions, and transforming into selfie backdrops resembling the drivers’ helmets. Some lucky fans may also see their faces displayed on the iconic piece of architecture.

Since its activation on 4 July, the Sphere has elevated the Las Vegas Strip Circuit experience, providing a captivating visual spectacle for attending fans and global TV viewers. Despite the ongoing change in management, the venue remains fully operational and is ready to elevate the fast-approaching Grand Prix. 

We are ready to showcase Sphere to our global audience via F1, demonstrating the unparalleled technological and creative capabilities of the Exosphere.

Joel Fisher, MSG Entertainment VP of marquee events and operations

As the F1 Grand Prix launches at 10 p.m. on Saturday, the Sphere will undoubtedly provide a fantastic backdrop to the race. However, it also highlights F1’s unsustainable pricing model as each new Grand Prix becomes progressively more expensive. Scaling down prices to align with public demand now seems inevitable, and next year’s event may cut down on the glamour to reduce costs.

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Star Entertainment Group has completed the sale of its Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast property. Announced earlier this year, the sale saw the Australian casino and hospitality giant sell the property for AUD 192 million (roughly $128 million at the time of the announcement).

The sale of the property came amid regulatory headwinds that saw the company lose public trust and experience deterioration in operating conditions.

Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast was purchased by the Karedis and Laundy families. Best known for their activity in Australia’s liquor and hospitality sectors, the families will thus be able to expand their portfolio with another major property.

The sale was officially closed on November 3, providing Star Entertainment with almost AUD $60 (approximately $39 million in USD) in net proceeds. For reference, Australian Wattle Development originally purchased the property for AUD 140 million in 2017.

The Group Is Yet to Recover from the Bell Review

The Star’s post-review hurdles are not over yet. In 2021, the NSW Independent Casino Commission appointed Adam Bell SC to review the company’s business in New South Wales. After months of investigation, the Bell review uncovered multiple violations.

The company had to pay hundreds of millions in fines, almost lost its license to conduct business in the state and was forced to implement remediation measures and do better. The fines and the public trust Star lost caused its business to decline.

The silver lining is that the company’s remediation process seems to be going well. At the end of August, the company reported that it has so far implemented 22 of the 30 Bell review recommendations. The struggling casino and hospitality giant reaffirmed its intentions to do follow the recommendations outlined in the review and fix its shortcomings.

In addition, the company was recently able to strike a tax relief deal in NSW. The concession on casino duty rates with the NSW government is expected to help Star get its finances under control.

In other news, Star Entertainment was recently criticized by professional poker players who accused the company of banning players without providing any justification. Considering WPT’s exclusive partnership with Star Entertainment, this caused trouble for some elite poker players.

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Max Verstappen’s motivation for the 2023 Mexico GP is to break the Formula 1 record for the most wins in a season. His Red Bull Racing colleague Sergio Perez is motivated to do well on October 29 in order to secure the No. 2 spot in the F1 Drivers Championship. Then, there’s Lewis Hamilton who needs to do well on Sunday to end his horrible run – he failed to win a single point in the last two Formula 1 races.

2023 Mexico Grand Prix Odds

*Odds taken from BetUS on Thursday, October 26.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico
• Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ABC

Max Verstappen Favored to Break (His Own) Formula 1 Record

Max Verstappen is the record-holder for the most Formula 1 wins in a single season with 15 wins. He equaled that record by winning the US Grand Prix last weekend. Now, he stands a chance to set a new record by winning the 2023 Mexico GP.

Judging by the F1 odds, he’s likely to do it. Verstappen is the main favorite, as well as the only driver with minus-money Mexico GP odds. That’s no surprise given that the Red Bull Racing driver has won 15 races already this season. It would be really strange if he didn’t win on Sunday as well.

But this time, his teammate Sergio Perez will be super-motivated as well, along with Lewis Hamilton and many other drivers.

Battle for the No. 2 Spot in the 2023 Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium last Sunday but was disqualified after the race. The Formula 1 tech team found some irregularities on his car, for which they decided to disqualify him. As a result, he won zero points for the second time in a row. Before that, he failed to finish the Qatar GP, after suffering a hit in the first lap.