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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Authorities in Pennsylvania are on the hunt for a suspected baccarat cheater after an attempted scam at the Mohegan Pennsylvania casino in Wilkes-Barre. The individual in question, Jianchu Liu, a 47-year-old Chinese national, is believed to be part of a professional cheating ring known to have targeted various casinos across the United States.

Liu’s alleged modus operandi involved attempting to surreptitiously record the sequence of cards in the baccarat deck using a camera app on his cellphone. However, his actions did not go unnoticed, as the casino’s surveillance cameras caught him in the act, reported The Citizen’s Voice.

According to state police reports, Liu was identified through his casino rewards card. Investigators suspect that he is affiliated with a group of cheats known for employing sophisticated techniques to gain an advantage at the baccarat table. This group has previously operated at casinos such as the Golden Nugget and the Imperial Palace in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The cheating method employed by Liu and his associates typically involves the use of a cut card to momentarily expose the order of the cards in the deck. This information is then relayed to the cheater, allowing them to make strategic bets with an unfair advantage.

Baccarat Cheater Evades Arrest, Authorities Seek Public Assistance

During the incidents at Mohegan Pennsylvania, Liu’s actions aroused suspicion among casino security personnel. On one occasion, he was observed manipulating the dealer’s hands in an attempt to influence how the cards were handled, leading to a confrontation between Liu and the dealer.

Following a thorough investigation, state police obtained a warrant for Liu’s arrest on two misdemeanor charges related to fraud and trickery. Despite the warrant, Liu has not yet been apprehended or arraigned.

Baccarat is a popular card game where players aim to bet on the hand with the highest value, which is nine. However, Liu’s alleged cheating attempts disrupted the fair play of the game, prompting authorities to take swift action.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Jianchu Liu’s whereabouts to come forward. This is not the first time baccarat has been the subject of cheating. In January, a Mohegan Sun baccarat dealer, Yu Wen Fu, was accused of rigging games by arranging cards in a specific order, resulting in significant losses for the casino. Despite facing charges of larceny, Fu maintained his innocence, claiming accidental card exposure during shuffling.

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The gambling regulator in Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), strengthened its efforts toward safer gambling by introducing a new problem gambling helpline. The Board confirmed the launch of 1-800-GAMBLER, a new gambling helpline that is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). As a result, Michigan joins a growing network of states where 1-800-GAMBLER, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, is available.

Residents from Michigan who are suffering from problem gambling, at-risk gambling, as well as their families, can call the gambling helpline and receive information, support or resources. Such callers can be referred to local treatment or professional support, an effort that reaffirms MGCB’s dedication to a safer gambling environment.

Besides a call, residents can also chat with an expert online via 1800gamblerchat.org or send a text at 800GAM. The new 1-800-GAMBLER helpline will replace the current Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline available at 1-800-270-7117. Still, the aforementioned number will continue to operate as before. Callers of 1-800-GAMBLER can reach vetted and trained experts 24/7, 365 days a year and receive information, support and guidance.

According to a statement released by the gambling regulator, operators in Michigan will be required to display the new 1-800-GAMBLER number within their responsible gaming messages. The online gambling operators are given a deadline of August 8, 2024, to update their campaigns and include the new problem gambling helpline.

Estimates of the NCPG reveal that approximately 2 million adults across the country are suffering from problem gambling. Additionally, between 4 and 6 million others may be impacted by problem gambling, including at-risk or compulsive gambling. The Council estimated that the social cost of problem gambling is an estimated $7 billion annually.

NCPG Applauds the Adoption of the Gambling Helpline

Keith Whyte, NCPG’s executive director, spoke about the importance of the helpline for problem gambling. He explained that the line helps people across the country receive relevant information and gain access to support. “We applaud MGCB for taking proactive efforts to address the needs of those affected by problem gambling and for recognizing the significance of promoting 1-800-GAMBLER in Michigan,” said Whyte in conclusion.

“By adopting 1-800-GAMBLER as the statewide problem gambling helpline, the MGCB reinforces its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure gaming environment for players across the state by ensuring that resources for treatment and recovery can be accessed quickly and easily.“

Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB

Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, also highlighted the efficiency of the problem gambling helpline that connects people affected by gambling to trained experts who provide confidential support, resources and assistance. Finally, he said that implementation of the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline in Michigan reaffirms the gambling regulator’s dedication toward a safer gambling sector.

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The leading provider of technology, powering lotteries across the globe, International Game Technology (IGT), announced an important partnership extension. On Wednesday, the company confirmed it agreed to extend its contract for the provision of its lottery system for the UK National Lottery.

The announcement comes ahead of the switch of the Lottery license from Camelot to Allwyn, scheduled for the start of next month. As a result, IGT will continue to power the National Lottery with its leading technology and solutions, paving the way for the successful transformation under the management of Allwyn.

Camelot was the operator of the Lottery for the last three decades since its first draw in 1994. However, ahead of the expiry of Camelot’s license, the UK gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission, selected Allwyn as a holder of the fourth Lottery license. This prompted IGT to launch a lawsuit against the regulator, pursuing damages. In an unexpected turn of events, last week, IGT discontinued its National Lottery-related appeal, effectively abandoning the damages it previously pursued from the regulator.

The extended collaboration with the Lottery isn’t a surprise, considering that IGT has a growing portfolio of lottery partners across the globe. In fact, the company currently serves as the main provider of technology for 25 lotteries across the United States and eight out of the top 10 largest lotteries around the world.

The Partnership Extension Brings Excitement for IGT

Jay Gendron, IGT’s COO of global lottery, revealed that the company is excited to extend its support for the National Lottery in the UK. Moreover, he spoke about the importance of collaborating with Allwyn, as well as other suppliers in the sector.

“We are pleased to continue to support the operation of The National Lottery, working alongside a range of other suppliers and Allwyn.“

Jay Gendron, COO of global lottery at IGT

This week, John Tanner, the executive director for the 4th National Lottery Competition, predicted that the transfer of the Lottery license is expected to boost the funding toward Good Causes. For more than three decades, the Lottery has been actively raising money for Good Causes with the sum now surpassing £47 billion ($59.4 billion).

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Blondel Cluff, held the role of a chair of the National Lottery Community Fund for two years until her early resignation dating back to last summer. As a result, Paul Sweeney was appointed to the role of interim chair on August 1, 2023, for a 1-year contract or until a permanent chair is appointed, whichever is sooner.

Now, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) initiated the search for a new National Lottery Community Fund chair earlier this week. Details regarding the job position were released publicly by the DCMS. January 10 marked the opening date for applications with the deadline for submission of applications set for February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM. The first interviews are expected to start on April 17, 2024, but the DCMS confirmed that the aforementioned timelines may be subject to change.

The search for a permanent chair of the National Lottery Community Fund comes after recently it launched its new strategy, “It starts with community,” setting a number of objectives through 2030. Under the new strategy, the Fund anticipates distributing some £4 billion ($5.1 billion) of funding by 2030. This funding will provide vital support for different community projects. Throughout 2023, the Fund made nearly 14,000 grants, representing one grand for every 7 minutes.

The Vacant Role Represents an Incredible Opportunity

The new chair of the Fund is expected to have a deep understanding of the charity and community sectors. According to the criteria for the role, the successful candidate must have “a track record of strategic leadership in civil society, public service, or business,” along with pristine interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, the preferred candidate for the chair role should demonstrate commitment to the Fund’s mission, among other relevant requirements.

“This is an incredible opportunity to Chair a high-profile UK public body that places social connections and community activities at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society,“

reads the description of the role released by the DCMS

The remuneration listed for the Fund’s chair position is £40,000 annually in exchange for two working days per week. The term of the contract is listed as four years which is not uncommon considering that the former chair was appointed in February 2021 for a contract that was expected to run through February 2025.

Earlier this week, Brigid Simmonds, the chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, confirmed her plans to exit the organization. Simmonds confirmed she will step down effective from April 20, 2024. The vacant role will be filled by Michael Dugher, who will step in as the new chair of the BGC, effective from April 21, 2023.

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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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US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to combating the proliferation of hidden fees, colloquially known as “junk fees,” that often catch consumers off guard when making reservations or purchasing tickets. 

President Biden’s Crusade Against Deceptive Pricing Tactics Gains Momentum

In recent posts on X (Formerly Twitter), President Joe Biden voiced his concerns over these deceptive pricing tactics. He argued that such fees frequently make a stay or event significantly more expensive than initially advertised, leaving consumers feeling misled and frustrated. Amid ongoing concerns about rising inflation affecting everyday expenses, Biden is determined to tackle the issue of misleading online pricing schemes.

The President emphasized the importance of transparency, stating: “Concert tickets are hard enough to get; you shouldn’t have to pay surprise service fees on top of that. My Administration is working to crack down on those junk fees so you know what you are paying for upfront.”

This initiative to address hidden fees in the hospitality and entertainment industries was first introduced by President Biden in October 2022. At that time, he announced his intention to instruct the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations aimed at curbing unfair and deceptive fees across various sectors.

Despite these efforts, progress on the issue has been slow at the federal level. In July, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) introduced bipartisan legislation known as the Hotel Fees Transparency Act. The bill aimed to compel hotels and resorts to include resort fees and any additional charges, excluding taxes, in their advertised rates. However, the bill has stalled in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Gaming Industry and Politicians Clash Over Resort Fee Regulations

The gaming industry, represented by the American Gaming Association (AGA), opposes the mandatory inclusion of resort fees in advertised nightly rates, arguing that it would stifle their ability to compete and innovate. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, who also serves on the committee, believes that many casinos and resorts in her state are already transparent in their booking policies.

Nevada’s Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D) and Representative Dina Titus (D) support the idea of transparent pricing but suggest that legislation should focus more on ticket charges rather than regulating casinos and hotels. They emphasized the need to ensure that the administration’s proposals prioritize the elimination of surprise fees rather than punishing establishments that already disclose their fees upfront.

While President Biden’s commitment to addressing junk fees has garnered attention, some critics have questioned whether this issue should be a top priority, given more pressing economic concerns facing the US. Critics argue that with the cost of groceries and other essential items on the rise, the focus on concert ticket fees may appear misplaced.

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Illegal gambling operators across the globe disrupt the operations of the legal sector, avoid paying taxes and in some cases are even related to groups tied to criminal activities. As such, governments and gambling regulators constantly monitor the online and retail sectors, fighting against illegal gambling. Japan, a country that seeks to reduce the number of illegal gambling operators and prevent other crimes, recently announced it will increase the rewards for anonymous crime reporting.

Earlier this week, the National Police Agency (NPA) in Japan, confirmed that it will increase the reward that anonymous crime tippers can receive. The current reward for anonymous reporting of crimes is set at 100,000 yen ($680). This sum is expected to change, starting from October 1, 2023, skyrocketing to the staggering 1 million yen ($6,800).

The reward would be applicable to people who report crimes and result in the discontinuation of illegal organizations. Crimes that can be reported via phone or online include illegal gambling, drugs, human trafficking, as well as prostitution, among others. Ultimately, the NPA anticipates detaining culprits involved in the so-called “dark jobs,” that involve different crimes, including robberies, thefts and even child prostitution. In addition to individuals, the law enforcement authorities will fight against mobile crime groups. Such groups are often gathered through social media and are involved in a variety of criminal activities.

Crime Tips Can be Submitted via Phone and Online

The tips can be submitted via an online platform in any language or by phone. People who want to receive more information or would like to submit a crime tip can call a toll-free service number in Japanese. A private organization will be responsible for the collection of the information which will then be reported to the NPA.

The increased reward for reporting crime tips comes after more than 27,000 tips were filed for the fiscal year 2022. The reported crime tips led to arrests in 45 different cases. Overall, some 530,000 yen ($3,600) was paid to informants for 11 different cases. A majority of the reported cases were related to drugs, among other crimes.

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The data, technology and broadcast partner that helps connect sports, betting and media, Genius Sports, announced a new long-term extension of its exclusive data partnership with Brazil’s National Basketball League (LNB). The recently announced partnership extension comes ahead of the new basketball season set to launch on October 21, 2023.

The collaboration sees Genius Sports, which is currently the partner of more than 200 basketball federations and leagues across the globe, deliver FIBA LiveStats across all LNB competitions. As a result, the company will be capturing and distributing data such as play-by-play statistics that cater to different sports-focused platforms. As an integral part of all LNB live broadcasts, Genius will also distribute this data to sports betting operators across the globe, powering their live betting offerings.

Another important side of the extended partnership involves safeguarding the LNB from integrity threats and betting-related corruption. Genius will continue to monitor LNB’s competitions and flag match-fixing or other integrity threats. Back in 2016, the company agreed to provide its educational services and 24/7 bet monitoring system for LNB. The complex monitoring system analyses betting odds and market movements, highlighting suspicious betting patterns and activities.

“As one of the largest basketball leagues in Latin America, we’re delighted to extend our partnership with LNB.“

Guilherme Buso, senior account executive at Genius Sports

Guilherme Buso, Genius Sports’ senior account executive, acknowledged that the company is excited to extend its collaboration with LNB, one of the largest basketball leagues for the Latin American region. He spoke about Genius’ innovative technology that will continue to safeguard LNB competitions and tackle integrity threats. Finally, Buso said that the collaboration will help the distribution of official data that powers the global betting and sports vertical.

“This key strategic business partnership between Genius Sports and the National Basketball League helps us achieve a range of commercial goals.“

Rodrigo Franco Montoro, president of the National Basketball League

Rodrigo Franco Montoro, LNB’s president, spoke about the long-term partnership extension, explaining that it complements multiple League goals. He added that the LNB and Genius share a DNA for innovation, explaining that the collaboration will help expand the reach of live game data. Finally, Montoro praised Genius’ capabilities to distribute information and data securely.

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Ahead of New Zealand’s general elections, planned for October, intense competition is expected. Amid concerns about increasing inflation, high taxes and high-interest rates, the National Party and Labor Party are expected to clash but who will be the winner remains to be seen. On Wednesday this week, the National Party uncovered details regarding an extensive reform on taxes and confirmed its plans to implement it, in case they win the upcoming elections, a report released by the Otago Daily Times reveals.

One major change included within the National’s reform is the taxation of offshore online gambling. Currently, TAB NZ, as well as the New Zealand Lottery Commissions are the only regulated gambling options available for customers in New Zealand. Despite that, under the existing regulations gambling via offshore online operators is not illegal. However, given that online offshore gambling websites are not regulated this means that they do not pay taxes. By implementing changes to taxation, the National Party seeks to close this gap and benefit from millions in tax revenue from online gambling activities.

Additionally, the party hinted at plans to implement a 15% tax applicable to foreign buyers of houses. Still, under the proposed change, that tax would apply for properties that are valued at more than AU$2 million ($1.3 million).

A Balanced and Prudent Tax Plan

Upon announcing the new tax policy, Christopher Luxon, National’s leader, said: “This plan confirms that a National government can do what we’ve said all along that we will do, which is to put money in the back pockets of New Zealanders as part of a prudent, fully funded and balanced tax plan.”

The new tax plan, called Back Pocket Boost undoubtedly represents an important change to the taxation model in the country. Nicola Willis, finance spokesperson, revealed that the tax plan seeks to reduce pressure on inflation while at the same time removing the need for borrowing. “It has been designed to be self-funding so that National can guarantee tax relief for working people, even if Labor leaves the government books in a mess, as is predicted,” she explained.

According to Willis, if the National Party wins the upcoming election, it will focus on boosting the funding for education every year. Additionally, she said the party commits to boosting funding for frontline health. Willis criticized the Labor government for the “sheer volume of government spending.” Besides the spending, she showed concern about the present situation where people are forced to pay higher taxes and costs associated with food, rent and petrol, among other increasing expenses.

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