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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Several years ago, in 2018, residents in Arkansas voted in favor of an amendment to the state’s constitution that proposed casino gambling expansion. Per the amendment, casinos would be established in Crittenden, Jefferson, Garland and Pope Counties. By now, all counties have already established their casinos with the exception of Pope County, where the fourth casino license was tangled in a legal dispute that is still ongoing.

In light of the ongoing legal battle, the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC), the gambling regulator in the state, confirmed its plans to revise casino rules with the ultimate goal of settling the dispute once and for all. This revision is expected to restart the application process under new guidelines, ensuring that a suitable bidder is selected for the Pope County casino license.

Yet, not everyone agrees with the casino expansion. Local Voters in Charge, a group that opposes the casino expansion, seeks to repeal the efforts for casino gambling in Pope County. The group seeks to change Amendment 100 which voters in Arkansas approved back in 2018. Local Voters in Change proposes to repeal the text that focuses on Pope County: “The Arkansas Racing Commission shall award a casino license to a casino applicant for a casino to be located in Pope County within two miles of the city limits of the county seat.”

The group intends to achieve its goal via a referendum where voters would be asked to remove the aforementioned text. This is in opposition to the ongoing efforts of the ARC and instead of resolving the legal battle proposes to end the possibilities for a casino in Pope County. Still, considering that the process is expected to be completed via a referendum, this doesn’t guarantee a win for Local Voters in Charge.

Local Voters to Determine the Future of Casino Projects

Besides the aforementioned effort, the activist group seeks further changes that would guarantee local voters’ opinion is heard when it comes to casino gambling. Local Voters in Charge proposed local voters in different counties to give the final green light when it comes to casino projects.

The group supports the idea of organizing a countywide special election that would determine the outcome of proposed casino projects with voters supporting or rejecting such projects. This would otherwise put the matter in the hands of the voters, who would have the right to vote in favor or against casino projects under the proposed referendum from Local Voters in Charge.

To put up the two topics for a referendum, the group would need a green light from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office. Under the existing regulations, once the Attorney General greenlights the efforts, Local Voters in Charge would have to gather signatures from all counties equal to a minimum of 10% of the total votes from the last state governor election, representing nearly 91,000 signatures.

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In a significant boost for the proposed casino development at Lake of the Ozarks, the Miller County Commission has unanimously endorsed the initiative led by Osage River Gaming and Convention (ORGC) in collaboration with Bally’s Corporation. This latest show of support comes as the local gaming group strives to bypass the General Assembly by garnering signatures for an initiative petition slated for the statewide November 2024 ballot.

Commission Unanimously Backs Lake Casino, Surprised by Tom Wright’s Endorsement

The commission’s decision follows a brief public comment session, where even former longtime Presiding Commissioner Tom Wright, known for his reservations about the casino, conceded that the county would benefit from the development, albeit not to the extent touted by proponents, reported KRMS Radio. Wright’s opinion underscores the ongoing debate about the economic impact of the proposed casino on the Lake area.

ORGC aims to establish the casino in the vicinity of the quarry near the Osage River Bridge, utilizing a portion of the 90-acre Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 property. This collaboration with Bally’s Corporation, as outlined in a recent letter to the City of Lake Ozark, reflects the gaming group’s commitment to the project’s success.

The casino project, if ultimately approved, will not be a traditional riverboat casino, as ORGC is not obligated to adhere to this specific format under Missouri law. The state’s regulations allow for casinos to be built on the shore, provided they meet certain requirements. Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 falls within the 1,000 feet limit of the Osage River floodplain, complying with the legal framework.

ORGC’s Innovative Vision Redefines Lake of the Ozarks Entertainment

The proposed development goes beyond just the casino, with ORGC envisioning the utilization of approximately 20 acres for the gaming facility and the remaining space dedicated to a hotel, convention center, restaurants, and shops. This comprehensive approach aligns with the evolving landscape of casino establishments, moving away from the traditional riverboat model.

Importantly, the local endorsement received by ORGC is distinct from the efforts of Osage Nation Gaming group, which is still pursuing approval for a separate casino in Lake Ozark, despite facing resistance from the city. The city’s main concern revolves around the potential lack of state regulation and taxation for this alternative casino proposal.

As both gaming groups navigate the complex landscape of approvals, the local community remains engaged in discussions, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of these contrasting casino projects for the picturesque Lake of the Ozarks region. The coming months are poised to be crucial as stakeholders await further developments in this unfolding saga.

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WarHorse Gaming, a division of the Winnebago Tribe’s economic development arm, Ho-Chunk, Inc., is developing two brick-and-mortar casino resorts in the state- WarHorse Casino Lincoln at the Lincoln Race Course and WarHorse Casino Omaha at Horsemen’s Park. These developments will be a game-changer for local economies, and they come at a time when sports betting has also taken root in the state.

High-Profile Venues Will Redefine Nebraska’s Hospitality Sector

The WarHorse Casino projects in Lincoln and Omaha signify a vital step forward for Nebraska’s economy. The state’s decision to allow Las Vegas-style casinos to operate at licensed horse racetracks can allow such venues to become catalysts for economic growth in their respective regions. WarHorse’s two projects aim to open next year, redefining Nebraska’s hospitality industry.

Both developments will feature ongoing expansions, eventually including on-site hotels with approximately 200 guestrooms, further enhancing their appeal as entertainment destinations. The operator’s safe gambling efforts have been instrumental in maintaining a safe and secure environment, bolstering customer confidence, and fostering an enduring reputation for quality and social responsibility.

WarHorse Casino Omaha opened a temporary gaming space in September 2022, featuring over 400 slot machines and pari-mutuel simulcast wagering. This gaming venue, set up within the infield at Horsemen’s Park, marked the beginning of the operator’s operations in Omaha. Subsequently, WarHorse Gaming applied to expand its offering by introducing sports betting at this location.

WarHorse Will Also Capitalize on the Launch of Sports Betting

The recent approval by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission allowed WarHorse to offer sports wagering at select venues after 1 November. The company has partnered with Kambi for its sports betting operations, leveraging the supplier’s substantial experience in the tribal gaming industry. This collaboration reflects the WarHorse’s commitment to providing patrons with a high-quality sports wagering experience.

The launch of sports betting in Omaha holds particular significance as it coincides with the height of the football season. The NFL and the NCAA traditionally dwarf all other sports during this period, and sports fans will finally have the chance to support their favorite teams. Legalizing sports betting should also eliminate the need for cross-state trips to Iowa, bolstering the local economy.

WarHorse Casino has expertly timed its entry into Nebraska to capitalize on its expanded gaming options. The recent regulatory developments and high-profile launches should stimulate local economies, provide a source of entertainment, and enhance the state’s gaming landscape. WarHorse Gaming’s commitment to delivering a superior gaming and sports betting experience aims to transform Nebraska’s gaming industry and aid sustained growth.

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Rivers Casino Philadelphia, owned and operated by Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, has a proud tradition of donating $1 million each year to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community initiatives in the area. The venue allocates funds from its gaming operations, hoping to help offset gambling’s negative societal impact.

Regular Contributions Have Made a Lasting Impact

The Penn Treaty SSD, established in 2006, is instrumental in empowering local community organizations through grants and sponsorships. The district encompasses several neighborhoods, including Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond, and South Kensington. Donations have proven instrumental in supporting 737 grants to 182 non-profit organizations, creating a lasting positive impact.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s most recent $1 million donation marks a cumulative contribution of $11.4 million to the Penn Treaty SSD. This substantial sum has aided many vital community projects, from organizing neighborhood festivals to enhancing parks, playgrounds, and gardens. The funding has also facilitated art, sports, and educational programs, along with infrastructure improvements, improving residents’ quality of life.

This organization has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our neighboring communities, and we’re privileged to support its mission.

Eric Althaus, Rivers Casino general manager

The Penn Treaty SSD is currently accepting grant and sponsorship requests, encouraging local organizations to take advantage of the funding opportunities provided by Rivers Casino Philadelphia. This collaboration between the casino and the non-profit organization is essential for driving community growth, highlighting the venue’s dedication to making a positive societal impact.

The Casino’s Efforts Can Lead to Long-Term Benefits

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s community-focused mindset also extends to its staff and customers. It is one of the few venues that have completely forbidden smoking on the premises, with many other casinos seeming intent to hold on to the advantage given by a legal loophole. Such efforts have cemented Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s leadership position and are vital for sustained growth.

Investing in local communities can significantly benefit the casino’s bottom line, bolstering player confidence. Rivers Casino Philadelphia remains among the top five gambling venues in the state, enjoying enduring success. Penn Treaty SSD chairman Rick Angeli was grateful for the casino’s steadfast support to communities, noting the extra funding was instrumental in improving local quality of life.

Without Rivers’ annual contribution to the SSD, none of the work we do for our communities would be possible.

Rick Angeli, Penn Treaty SSD chairman

Despite a few minor regulatory breaches, Rivers Casino Philadelphia maintains an impressive track record, helping counteract the potential dangers of gambling harm on vulnerable individuals. As the venue continues its mission to give back, its commitment to the Penn Treaty SSD remains an inspiring example of how the gaming industry can positively impact.

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Since the $150-million, first-class gaming and entertainment destination Live! Casino Pittsburgh opened its gates in November 2020 under the reputable The Cordish Companies’ brand, the two have set up a $21-million Local Share Account (LSA). The LSA money was used to generate grants that have since reached a number of municipalities and non-profit organizations in Westmoreland County. 

Now, the duo has made all the details of the grants known to the public, giving grant recipients, leaders in the local communities, state legislators, county commissioners, and Hempfield Township representatives many reasons to celebrate. 

Proving their goal to play “an important role in supporting and enhancing the communities” in Philadelphia’s Westmoreland County, the Cordish Companies, the family-owned business with global reach that develops urban revitalization projects and entertainment districts, has announced the destinations of the funds. 

The money reached a series of important projects, including the reconstruction of old bridges, the resurfacing of roads, bringing improvement to local parks and playgrounds, upgrading stormwater and equipment used by local emergency services including the fire department and the police, and more. 

The LSA grant proceeds have three different sources for funding: the Local Share Account Statewide with $12,928,220, the Local Share Account Category 4 Facilities Program for Westmoreland County with $4,021,881, and the Hempfield Township which received an extra $4,021,881. 

The LSA proceeds generated by Live! Casino for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 reached 38 local municipalities and organizations and were used as an important investment for 77 projects in the county while individual grants ranged from $2,850 to $1 million.

The Hempfield Township Casino, “a True Blessing”

According to Douglas Weimer, the vice chair of the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors, the opening of the Hempfield Township casino has enabled them to “reverse and improve the economy around the mall” while enhancing the resources and services in the local community.

Since its opening three years ago, the Live! Casino facility has generated close to $519 million in investments to the local economy, including $40 million paid in licensing fees, $100 million in construction jobs and expenses, $5.1 million paid as local taxes to the Hempfield Township, $123 million that reached the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in the form of taxes from gaming, and close to $55 million in employee compensations among others. 

The Cordish Companies’ managing partner, Joe Weinberg, praised the work put in by their team members, along with elected officials and local organizations toward building a “stronger Westmoreland County through our continued partnership.”

Joining in on the celebrations, the general manager for Live Casino, Sean Sullivan, explained that making a positive impact on the local community has always represented a top priority for them. He added they will continue to support local families with more employment opportunities and local charities with the help of donations and volunteering work.

In April, The Cordish Companies introduced their plans for a $250 million casino resort project in Louisiana. In November 2022, The Cordish Companies’ gaming division, Cordish Gaming Group, announced it would share ownership of its mobile sports betting license in Maryland with its employees.

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This comes at a time when the company is embarking on a series of localized expansions in specific markets as it wants to fortify its presence in what it sees as important geolocations and achieve a better presence in those jurisdictions.

IGT Commits to Further Growth in Panama and LatAm

Apart from focusing on the market in Panama, IGT will similarly seek to explore new growth opportunities in Latin America in general. Commenting on this fresh milestone, IGT of SVP Sales Canada, Central and South America, David Flinn, said:

In creating a formal IGT presence in Panama, we’re positioned to grow our footprint in the region and enable our customers to reap the many benefits of IGT’s vast games and solutions portfolio.

IGT’s David Flinn

Flinn spoke of the regional significance of the move as well, highlighting the new technological solutions that local partners would be able to benefit from, including the cloud-based Floor Manager system that is developed by IGT with the determination to bring better efficiencies to casino floors and allow partner businesses to respond to player needs as well as their content preferences.

The launch of a local entity does not happen in a vacuum either, as the company has already laid out a roadmap as to what new strategic steps it would take to expand in the country as well. There are many games that will be forthcoming, IGT assures, including Egyptian Link and Prosperity Link, as well as the company’s PeakDual27 and PeakSlant49 cabinets, which will effectively allow the games to be deployed on the market.

Deploying Powerful and Tailored Solutions Locally

IGT is also planning for the deployment of the USwitch Black Edition game pack through its PeakSlant32 cabinet, offering local gamers and businesses some of the truly best solutions that the company has developed over the past years. IGT’s senior director of strategic accounts for the Latin American region, Jessica Luna, was similarly pleased with the opportunities provided by the new expansion.

Luna confirmed that the company is looking to secure new partnership opportunities in Panama and is working to create a roadmap that will allow the company’s diverse portfolio of high-performing solutions that will be further tailored to meet specific regional and player needs. All in all, IGT is poised to benefit from rapid growth in the Latin American region with Panama proving a truly important stepping-stone to that end.

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PokerMatch International has released an official commentary on the sanctions against PokerMatch Ukraine. The company’s Ukrainian subsidiary was included in a list of companies that were sanctioned for alleged ties with Russia.

PokerMatch Ukraine was one of 287 companies and 120 individuals that were just sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Despite regretting the decision, PokerMatch International said that it doesn’t expect the sanction to impact its global business.

We would like to inform our partners that these sanctions have no impact on the international operations of the PokerMatch brand. The company is not abandoning its plans to develop new regions and continues to provide its existing customers with a full range of services, including fulfilling all its commitments.

PokerMatch International statement

PokerMatch Has Done a Lot to Develop Poker in Ukraine

PokerMatch said that it believes the inclusion of its partner in the sanctions list is a mistake since the PokerMatch brand was one of the first gambling companies to block the accounts of Russian players. In addition, the company said, it was also one of the first companies to block all assets of Russians across its platforms. Lastly, PokerMatch terminated its existing partnerships with Russian companies.

In addition to sanctioning Russia, PokerMatch also helped Ukraine by donating to the Ukrainian army and suffering families.

PokerMatch International continued by pointing out that it played a key role in the revival of sports poker in the Eastern European country. In addition, the poker brand helped Ukraine’s National sports poker team take part in the world sports poker championship in Dublin – an event from which it emerged victorious.

The global poker brand also pointed out that it has supported the opening of numerous clubs in Ukraine.

PokerMatch Hopes Ukraine Will Change Its Mind

PokerMatch International reasserted that it is “devoted” to Ukraine and its people and hopes that the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will rethink its stance.

We have no doubt that the honest name of the partner will be protected by all available legal means and the state will change its position in relation to the company, devoted to Ukraine.

PokerMatch International statement

Despite everything, PokerMatch congratulated Ukraine on protecting its people from Russian influence amid the ongoing war. The poker company admitted that this demanding undertaking isn’t mistakeproof. However, PokerMatch reasserted that it hopes Ukraine would be open to dialogue and fixing its alleged mistake.

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Two casinos in Iowa have been fined by the local regulator for breaching the state’s gambling regulations. The properties in question are Diamond Jo Worth Casino and Horseshoe Casino, Radio Iowa, a local news outlet, reported.

The first of the two properties, as noted by Brian Ohorilko, administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, was fined for allowing an underage player to gamble. The player remained unchallenged and played for two hours and a half, Ohorilko said.

The breach dates to May 2022 and was due to the security workers failing to request ID. Because of its incompliance, Diamond Jo Worth was forced to pay a fine of $20,000. This is the fine the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission typically hands when casinos breach this rule for the first time.

The second breach came from Horseshoe Casino which failed to properly help a person exclude themselves from gambling. The person came to the casino and played for some time before asking a security officer about self-exclusion schemes. Unfortunately, the casino did not have anyone to help the customer enroll in the statewide self-exclusion program at the time.

While the casino did what it could and redirected the player to another casino where they successfully excluded themselves, in doing so, it breached the local regulations. Since Horseshoe Casino was unable to help its player, it received a fine of $20,000. As per Iowan rules, each casino should have someone who can enroll a customer at their request.

An Online Sportsbook Was also Fined

The two casinos were not the only gambling entities that received a fine. The local gambling authority also slapped the online sportsbook Rush Street Interactive with a similar fine. According to the regulator, the sports betting brand allowed people to charge their accounts using their credit cards – something that is strictly forbidden in the state.

It was noted that the operator had accepted as many as 42 credit card transactions. In total, customers collectively added almost $10,000 into their accounts using credit cards. As a result of its violation, Rush Street Interactive had to pay a fine of $20,000.

While the problem here was due to the payments company working with Rush Street Interactive, the operator should have been more careful when implementing its payment solutions. Ohorilko noted that the payment provider’s other partners have also been fined for similar violations.

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