On May 5, the lights of MGM National Harbor shone brighter than ever as a local Virginia resident, who has decided not to disclose his/her identity, grabbed a whopping $1.3 million jackpot payout after playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The fortunate player got a winning royal flush in diamonds, which helped him/her score the largest payouts ever recorded in the United States for this popular table game.

Virginia Visitor Strikes Diamond Flush Jackpot

The massive win was preceded by a thrilling sequence of events. First, the player, who is not from Maryland but came to play at MGM National Harbor from neighboring Virginia, was dealt a Queen and a King of diamonds. Those cards ignited a glimmer of hope. As the game progressed, the player felt an even greater tinge of anticipation after he also got the third card, a Jack of diamonds. Then the Ace of diamonds followed on the turn. At the end, the 10 of diamonds completed the flush on the river.

Alex Alvarado, vice president of casino operations at MGM National Harbor, rejoiced in the player’s success, noting: “What an incredible moment for our guest to win this huge jackpot at MGM National Harbor. As an entertainment destination, our mission is to provide a variety of options for guests to have an unforgettable experience — whether at a restaurant, a show, or in the casino. We’re thrilled that a local struck a big payday on one of our many table games that feature progressive jackpots.”

Situated just outside of the city of Washington, D.C., MGM National Harbor is an integrated casino resort offering a variety of amenities and entertainment options. The resort boasts a 23-story hotel with 308 luxury rooms and 135,000 square feet of gaming space. 

Beyond the casino floor, guests can explore an array of retail outlets, rejuvenate their senses at the spa, and indulge their palates at seven distinct dining venues offering culinary delights from around the globe.

From Improbability to Fortune

The seven-figure windfall defied astronomical odds, standing at nearly 31,000-to-1, making it a rare and extraordinary feat in high-stakes poker. The sheer rarity of attaining a royal flush in 7-card Texas Hold ‘Em underscores the magnitude of this achievement, with statistical probabilities standing at a mere 0.0032%.

This astronomic win will serve as a glimmer of hope for all players engaging in games with high progressive jackpots that will now dream of their own short at fortune. For the MGM National Harbor casino, this major win is proof of its allure as a premier destination for both high rollers and casual gamblers alike. The casino’s wide range of amenities do not only offer entertainment but also the enticing prospect of life-changing wins.

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This is precisely what is happening in the case of two robbers who were arrested in Oxon Hill earlier this week in connection with the robbery at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. Officials at Prince George’s County Police Department have confirmed the arrest and that the two individuals were in custody.

Chips Stolen, Culprits Found

The “heist” itself really isn’t as glamorous or derring-do as it might suggest. In fact, the culprits pocketed an undisclosed amount of casino chips from a table, but it was not a small operation either. Seven people had assisted in the robbery, with two now in custody and the identity of the rest a matter of time to crack, the police assured.

The robbery did see an altercation between the culprits and security staff, the latter of whom got minor injuries in the ensuing fight which allowed the suspects to escape the venue. The recent arrests may tie into other similar cases involving casino chip thefts, although the police did not provide information on whether those cases are related.

Inside Job and Casino Crime

The case of the chip thieves is not the only one of note to take a look at this week. A Rivers casino manager in Pittsburgh is said to have stolen $20,000 from the cashiers’ cage, Penn Live and several other media outlets reported.

The person, Yancy Yeater, 41, of Canonsburg works as a player services manager at the casino and is said to have been caught in the act on surveillance footage earlier this month. The cage is where all the money is handled by the public, and players come to buy chips or cash in their winnings. The theft was first established by the casino’s security staff before being referred to the police.

Bodies Found at Golden Acorn Casino

Two people who disappeared were found dead at the Golden Acorn Casino in a car. The news was confirmed by San Diego police which found the bodies of Melissa and Johnny Soto with both their disappearances and death remain a mystery although a murder-suicide version is being worked on.

The vehicle was found by the US Customs and Border Patrol. Investigation found out that the people had disappeared under mysterious circumstances and those are still being thrashed out by the authorities. The couple was, however, living separately and there was supposedly a domestic violence incident before their disappearance.

It’s said that the man died from a self-inflicted gun wound whereas the woman’s cause of death is being established.

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With affected workers already discussing the terms of their first contract with the union, their decision may have widespread consequences for the region’s hospitality industry. Rising discontent among casino workers in North America prompts more employees to consider unionization, ensuring their concerns receive proper attention.

Parking Ambassadors Presented a United Front

Parking ambassadors at Maryland’s MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino unanimously voted to join Teamsters Local 639. The union represents worker rights across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, advocating for fair compensation and improved working conditions. Teamsters Local 639 has operated since 1934, giving them significant experience dealing with some of the region’s leading businesses.

MGM National Harbor parking ambassador representatives noted they provided a valuable service for visitors. Unionization represents a significant milestone for these workers, allowing them to hold management accountable and receive improved working conditions and better wages. Washington, D.C. Local 639 president Steve Williams agreed, congratulating the MGM staff on their bold decision.

Congratulations to the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino workers on their successful organizing victory. We look forward to helping them secure their first Teamster contract.

Steve Williams, Washington, D.C. Local 639 president

Joining the Teamsters provides employees with substantial benefits like access to experienced negotiators and legal representation during collective bargaining. The union’s expertise in labor relations can help workers secure favorable terms in their employment contracts, ensuring their rights are protected. Additionally, the Teamsters can provide training and skill development resources, fostering members’ career growth and advancement opportunities.

Hospitality Sector Unionization Is on the Rise

The decision by MGM National Harbor staff to unionize carries broader implications for the labor movement in the hospitality sector. Should the parking ambassadors’ decision pay off, it may inspire other casino workers to follow and pursue similar initiatives to secure fair treatment and improve their working conditions. MGM’s status as a world-leading operator means such aspirations can spread to many of its other venues.

Such employee initiatives are part of a broader push towards better treatment for workers in the hospitality industry. Quebec recently saw casino staff begin an indefinite general strike, protesting over inadequate compensation. Unionized employees at Encore Boston Harbor casino also proved the value of forming a united front, protecting the rights of over 1,400 workers during tense negotiations with Wynn Resorts.

MGM National Harbor staff joining the Teamsters highlights their determination to have a collective voice and negotiate for their rights. The success of this unionization effort and other similar initiatives carry broader implications for the labor movement in the hospitality sector, hopefully setting an example for others in the industry. The MGM parking ambassadors may inspire others to consider similar initiatives, driving positive change and promoting fair worker treatment.

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In a significant breakthrough, unionized workers at Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett have reached a “tentative agreement” on a new contract with Wynn Resorts, effectively avoiding the scheduled strike set to begin on June 30. 

Union Workers and Wynn Resorts Find Common Ground in Contract Negotiations

The breakthrough was announced on June 29 following an hours-long bargaining session that involved union leaders and representatives from Wynn Resorts. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the terms of the agreement, which they believe fulfils the workers’ demands for better wages, benefits, and job security.

Boston media outlet WGBH reported that UNITE HERE Local 26 president, Carlos Aramayo, praised the casino’s management for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to a contract that ensures excellent wages and benefits for the resort’s workers. He further expressed relief that a strike would be avoided and emphasized the spirit of partnership that prevailed during the negotiations.

The specific details of the contract remain undisclosed, pending a ratification vote scheduled for June 30. However, the union is optimistic that the agreement achieves its objective of a “five-star contract” with competitive wages and top-notch benefits, surpassing industry standards.

The workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 encompass a diverse range of roles, from room attendants and cocktail servers to delivery drivers and bar porters. The Encore Boston Harbor casino, owned by Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, has been under pressure to reach a new contract since the previous one expired in April. Union leaders had threatened to initiate a 24/7 picket line if an agreement wasn’t reached in time.

Encore Boston Harbor Sets New Standard with Exceptional Compensation and Benefits

Encore Boston Harbor expressed its satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement aligns with the company’s commitment to providing exceptional compensation and benefits, making it one of the most attractive workplaces in Massachusetts’ hospitality industry.

While the contract did not address every issue, it made significant strides in rectifying wage disparities and improving work conditions for employees. With the tentative agreement in place, both Encore Boston Harbor and its dedicated workforce are looking forward to a new chapter of cooperation and harmonious relations, ensuring a better future for all involved parties.

Back in February, Wynn Resorts received approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to construct a new building near its Encore Boston Harbor casino, allowing for expanded offerings including sports betting and poker. The decision came after a favorable interpretation of a 2013 casino referendum, allowing authorized gaming on both sides of Route 99. With the recent legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts, Wynn’s expansion plans are seen as a significant step in the growing gambling scene in the state.

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the gambling regulator in the Bay State, will evaluate recent rule violations and decide whether to impose penalties. The authority will discuss the matter at a meeting scheduled for April 14.

Unfortunately, Massachusetts’ fresh sports betting market quickly attracted illegal bets. In February this year, the regulator identified two illegal wagers on collegiate sports. In total, $1,230 was bet illegally within the first month of sports betting in the state. The two bets stood at $1,150 and $80 and yielded total winnings of $1,106.

According to earlier reports, MGM Springfield accepted these wagers by mistake and was reportedly unaware of them taking place. The operator even provided the commission with details of the exact dates of the infringement.

The wagers in question were placed on basketball games featuring Harvard University. Since Massachusetts punters cannot legally bet on smaller in-state collegiate events, both bets violated the law. This happened because the university was incorrectly marked as an out-of-state institution, investigators found out.

MGM Springfield Will Be More Careful

Since the incident, BetMGM, which operates MGM Springfield, vowed to be more mindful. The operator announced that it has “reviewed and verified that all Massachusetts collegiate sports are properly restricted.”

In addition, the gambling company confirmed that it will start a daily audit of all of the available wagers. This, it said, will help it avoid bets on blacklisted events.

The matter will be further discussed on April 14 when the regulator will convene to discuss the illegal bets and decide whether punitive action is needed. The gathering was announced on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s official website.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will convene an adjudicatory hearing relative to the alleged noncompliance of MGM Springfield with G.L. c. 23N, § 3; 205 CMR 247.01(2)(a)(2); and the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Catalogue.

MGC announcement

The MGC Will Address Encore’s Violations as Well

In addition to discussing MGM Springfield, the regulator will also discuss other illegal wagers that were recorded in Encore Boston Harbor. A bug in the system allowed customers to place bets on a Boston College women’s basketball game.

Fewer details have been officially released about this case. However, it is not the first time illegal wagers have been recorded at the property. As a result, the MGC will decide whether to penalize the operator.

As announced by the MGC, it will discuss the MGM matter from 1:30 pm and will continue by addressing the Encore case from 3:00 pm.

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Wynn Resorts – Encore’s operator – received MGC’s blessing to construct a new building right across the street from its current integrated casino. The new plans include a variety of fresh offers, including sports betting, thanks to Massachusetts legalizing it recently.

Expansion Plans Get Green Light

The MGC approved the expansion on Wednesday after a favorable interpretation of the 2013 Everett casino referendum. This enabled Wynn to have authorized gaming on both sides of Route 99. The upcoming construction will include a dedicated poker room, a second sports betting salon, a theater, and a parking garage. The “Memoire” nightclub will also be relocated there.

The question of the referendum was whether it allowed Wynn to launch the casino on the Encore Boston Harbor’s site specifically or whether voters had agreed to a general casino license. The details of the referendum are the exact reason why the new casino will only be offering sports betting and poker – at least until legislative changes are introduced.

Wynn has been trying to expand for some time now, and the 4-1 vote of the MGC that gaming is allowed in the vicinity of the current casino is a big win for these plans. The only vote against belonged to Commissioner Eileen O’Brien, according to information from State House News Service. Her concerns were whether the voters’ will was being respected.

O’Brien’s notion is that by enabling this expansion based on proximity to the site that was initially the focus of the vote, this can continue happening. This raises some important questions, one of which is about the future of the gambling scene in the state. As retail sports betting was just launched not two weeks ago, some are wondering: What’s next?

Massachusetts Gaming Scene Growing

Six operators received preliminary license approval towards the end of January. FanDuel, Bally Bet, Betway, DraftKings, PointsBet, and Jake Paul’s Betr received the temporary untethered Category 3 license for online/mobile sports betting. This ensured that come launch day, sports betting would be well taken care of online.

As the question of mobile operators was settled, this gave way for other vendors to start populating the new market in the state. Sportradar received a vendor license on the eve of the launch. Genius Sports also received a temporary vendor license from the MGC, marking another state where the company can operate.

The number of states that offer sports betting has also been rapidly increasing ever since the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). As it currently stands, over a dozen US states do not offer any form of sports betting, at least for the moment.

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