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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The lucky winner of SOFTSWISS’ Prime Network Jackpot has scooped up a prize of €244,742.34 ($263.717,21) in a game designed by BGaming.

Casino operators part of the Prime Network Jackpot campaign collectively set up shared prize pools driven by players. This means the winnings are paid from these shared prize pools and not by individual operators. 

As a result, operators can boost player loyalty and engagement by showcasing more potentially lucrative rewards. At the same time, they can streamline their costs more effectively.

€1 Minimum Bet with Zero Added Fees

During the campaign that took place between October 2023 and February 2024, players were able to join the online jackpot with an advantageous minimal bet set at €1, with no extra fees. 

In total, they wagered around €1 billion in bets in the mouth-watering prize pool. The very first draw of the Prime Network Jackpot was hosted by Fastpay Casino and helped a lucky gamer strike the big prize announced by SOFTSWISS. 

Fastpay Casino representatives called it “an honor and a stroke of fortune” to be able to host the inaugural draw of SOFTSWISS’ Prime Network Jackpot campaign, adding their casino was “privileged to be the first to celebrate a winner in this exciting campaign.”

The representative also mentioned the symbolism behind the win that occurred in Fastpay Bonanza, a game that has been exclusively created for them by BGaming. 

Typically, regular, non-network progressive jackpot winnings do go over the €30,000-€50,000 mark. 

“Gratifying” to See Players Embrace Fresh Initiatives

BGaming’s chief executive officer, Marina Ostrovtsova, also took the opportunity to comment on the news, calling it “gratifying to see players enthusiastically embracing fresh industry initiatives,” referring to the SOFTSWISS Prime Network Jackpot campaign in particular. 

Ostrovtsova also expressed their joy to mark the pioneer winner in BGaming’s game that was specifically made for Fastpay Casino while thanking all involved partners and eagerly anticipating more similar campaigns from SOFTSWISS.

SOFTSWISS Preparing New Campaign 

As a result of the success of the first draw, the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator announced it was getting ready to launch a new Prime Network Jackpot campaign. 

SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator’s head, Aliaksei Douhin, stated they were “thrilled” that the highly-anticipated win occurred during the ICE event, which is the perfect time to reunite community members and let them share their insights. 

Douhin added that, following the success of their initial online campaign featuring a starting prize pool of €100,000, they would “immediately” launch a brand new campaign with a prize pool that will start at €300,000.

The Prime Network Jackpot campaign helped participating operators grow their key performance indicators compared to periods when non-network jackpot campaigns were running. Namely, they recorded a 7.76% rise in turnover, a 2.43% increase in total bets, and a 3.87% growth in deposits. 

These numbers prove the positive impact of the Prime Jackpot campaign on participating casinos, turning into a strategic tool that allows them to boost their business metrics and player engagement.

SOFTSWISS was recently named Platform Provider of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA, further strengthening its leading position in the region.

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Las Vegas businesses have successfully negotiated with the disgruntled hospitality workers and bus drivers, preventing two strikes that would have jeopardized preparations for the Super Bowl. This will provide some breathing space to the city’s businesses ahead of the highly-anticipated event.

The Culinary Union was negotiating with multiple casinos and had threatened to strike on Monday. However, the walkout was canceled thanks to agreements with Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

As things stand now, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is the last local property where Culinary Union workers are yet to secure contracts. Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, recently commented on the matter, saying that his team has decided to give the latter property some more time to reach an agreement with its workers. He explained that the Culinary Union expects a resolution on a new contract in the coming weeks.

For reference, the Culinary Union recently achieved victories at a number of Strip and Downtown casinos, securing five-year contracts across multiple properties.

Bus Drivers Refrained from Striking Too

In the meantime, Las Vegas bus drivers and mechanics also reached a last-minute agreement and decided to forgo their strike.

For reference, Transdev, the firm behind the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada’s public bus service, and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1637 had threatened to strike after failing to reach an agreement for multiple months. Luckily, the two bodies managed to score a deal, although it is yet to be approved by all union members.

In any case, the prevention of this strike will provide Las Vegas with the peace of mind it needs ahead of the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl Is Just Around the Corner

As the Super Bowl looms, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a stern reminder to all 32 teams, reminding them of the league’s strict gambling policies. The commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining the event’s integrity and ensuring a frictionless and fraud-free game.

In the meantime, sportsbooks continue to shy away from offering non-game bets, such as whether pop sensation Taylor Swift will appear at the event to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

For reference, the 58^th edition of the event will see the Kansas City Chiefs challenge the San Francisco 49ers in a game set to take place on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

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A coordinated operation by law enforcement forces across Italy executed a court order for confiscating assets worth approximately €400 million ($433 million) belonging to an iGaming operator registered in Malta. This action follows Italy’s intensifying efforts to counter organized crime infiltration in the online gaming and betting sectors, curbing corruption and money laundering operations.

The Organization’s Reach Extended Across Europe

An international investigation revealed the offending operator’s ties to a sophisticated criminal system engaged in running black market online gambling operations. The organization’s headquarters was in Italy’s Reggio Calabria region, but it projected its influence abroad through companies with offices in Malta, Romania, Austria, and Spain. Such illegal operators can be very damaging, offering virtually zero customer protection or responsible gambling safeguards.

The operator used a so-called “cascade” system, enabled through contacts with criminal organizations. These elements provided protection and helped popularize the brand online, while local businesses facilitated the illicit collection of proceeds, with a share going to the criminal entities. This arrangement was used to launder significant sums and would have continued expanding.

The group avoided detection by transferring most proceeds from illegal activities abroad, evading Italian tax authorities. The unnamed kingpin at the center of the investigation held a prominent position in the Malta-based company. However, the operator primarily targeted the Italian market via multiple outlets dedicated to betting and games of chance, obscuring its involvement.

Gambling Companies Remain Susceptible to Criminal Influence

Authorities learned of this organization after an investigation into links between businesses and organized crime revealed that the crime boss at the center of the operation held assets that did not align with his declared income. This discrepancy allowed the court to issue a seizure warrant on the suspect’s assets, followed by a second order to seize all assets linked to three connected iGaming companies.

The estimated total value of the seized assets is roughly €400 million. The court also decreed special surveillance of the suspect for two and a half years, ordering him not to leave his municipality. This development highlights a milestone success for Italy’s financial police and Public Prosecutor’s office as the offending operators will no longer threaten the safety of Europeans.

The online gaming and betting sector, often susceptible to criminal infiltration and money laundering, continues to face scrutiny as law enforcement works diligently to curb corruption. Italian authorities have substantial experience uncovering gambling-related crime, but the extensive reach of such illegal networks makes lasting progress difficult. Hopefully, the investigation will provide sufficient evidence to target other such enterprises before they can do much harm.

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In a victory for Las Vegas hospitality workers, the Culinary Workers Union announced a groundbreaking tentative deal with Caesars Entertainment, potentially averting a city-wide strike. 

Historic Caesars Deal Ushers in New Era of Workers’ Rights in Las Vegas

The deal, described as “historic” by union leaders, includes substantial wage increases in the first year, along with enhanced healthcare and pension benefits. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the agreement is the reduction in workload for housekeepers, marking the first such change in three decades. Additionally, the union successfully negotiated language enabling them to support non-union workers on the Las Vegas Strip, a move seen as a crucial win for workers’ rights.

The news of the Caesars deal has sent ripples of hope through the city, with many workers celebrating the breakthrough. However, the threat of a strike still looms large as negotiations with MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts remain unresolved. If agreements are not reached by the looming deadline on November 10, nine casino resorts employing 25,000 workers could be affected, posing a significant challenge to the city’s bustling tourism industry.

MGM has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement and has promised the largest pay increase in its history of contracts with the unions. However, the financial implications of these agreements are substantial, with every 1% increase in wages translating to millions in additional labor costs for the casino operators.

Las Vegas Workers Set Example Amidst National Labor Movement

The Culinary and Bartender unions have been engaged in talks with the casinos for seven months, with 95% of their members voting to authorize a city-wide strike in September. The negotiations have been emblematic of the larger trend in the United States, where unions are pressing employers for better pay and benefits amid a shortage of workers.

As Las Vegas prepares for high-profile events like the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the livelihoods of thousands of workers but also the city’s bustling tourism sector. The resilience and determination of the workers have become a testament to the collective strength of the labor movement. 

Tiffany Thomas, a guest room attendant at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and a member of the Culinary Union for 17 years, expressed her determination, saying: “I am willing to go on strike because I have a 10-year-old daughter who comes to negotiations with me and she is going to inherit all of this. I refuse to sit back and watch what we’ve built crumble. I want my daughter to look at me and know I fought for a better future.”

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A strike by 3,700 casino workers in Detroit has led to the closure of poker rooms at two high-profile casino properties, MotorCity Casino and MGM Grand Detroit. The strike comprises employees from five different unions and has inadvertently bolstered Canadian gambling tourism, as the nearest fully operational venue is just a short border crossing away.

Protests Are Causing Significant Disruptions

Poker rooms at MotorCity Casino and MGM Grand Detroit have been temporarily closed following the strike. An update on MotorCity Casino’s website informed visitors of the poker room’s closure. Similarly, a sign at MGM Grand Detroit notified guests that the poker room was temporarily unavailable. However, Hollywood Casino in Greektown confirmed that the strike had not affected their offerings.

The protests, affecting crucial positions like dealers, food and beverage staff, and engineers, stem from demands for improved healthcare, higher wages, and a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels. Negotiations between the Detroit Casino Council and the casino operators have been ongoing since September, but the two parties have unfortunately made little progress.

Detroit casino workers need a job that respects our health and our future. We now have to stand up and reset the relationship between us and the companies.

Detroit Casino Council strike flier 

The strike launched when the three-year extension to the original five-year contract, agreed upon during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, expired on Tuesday. Workers argue that revenue has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, especially with the inclusion of iGaming throughout Michigan. Poker enthusiasts and staff will face an uncertain period until the affected parties reach an agreement.

Caesars Windsor Attracts Americans with Comprehensive Casino Offering

While the three casinos affected by the strike will remain open, the protests have caused noticeable disruptions. Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), has offered Detroit bettors an alternative, inviting them to take a short trip across the border to Caesars Windsor, a world-class gaming option free of labor disputes.

Orr emphasized that the Canadian offering provided a quality gaming experience without crossing picket lines, making it a suitable alternative for US casino-goers who wish to avoid the Detroit labor strike. Caesars Windsor manager of PR and communications Susanne Tompkins was also excited to welcome foreign visitors, highlighting the venue’s world-class amenities.

Caesars Windsor is our number one tourist attraction. We’ve got it all… world-class gaming, a 5,000-seat Coliseum with A-List entertainment, gaming, and, of course, restaurants.

Susanne Tompkins, Caesars Windsor manager of PR and communications

While the strike’s future remains uncertain, the impact on Detroit’s poker rooms is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the casino industry amid calls for better worker conditions and the return to pre-pandemic norms. Unlike Nevada residents, Michiganders have a viable alternative nearby, exacerbating the pressure for casinos to reach an agreement with protesters.

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A fortunate resident from Marco Island, Florida, hit the jackpot on a Dragon Link slot machine at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, walking away with a life-changing payout of $1 million. The winner, whose identity remains undisclosed, placed a $50 bet that turned into a staggering $1,042,996 windfall. 

Dragon Link Slot Game Strikes Gold Twice in June at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

This recent win marks the second time in the month of June that a player has struck gold on a Dragon Link slot game. Just a couple of weeks prior, a Naples resident secured a remarkable $1,216,720 on a $25 bet, further fueling the excitement and buzz surrounding the popular gaming machines.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has proven to be a hotspot for winning big, with players raking in jackpots exceeding $1 billion in both 2021 and 2022. 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood achieved a remarkable feat by paying out a record-breaking $1.2 billion in slot machine jackpots in 2021, despite the challenges posed by lockdowns and reduced consumer turnout. With an average jackpot value of $3,000 and the highest payout reaching $900,000, the casino celebrated hitting the $1 billion mark in November.

The expansive gaming floor of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood spans an impressive 150,000 square feet and boasts a wide selection of over 2,700 popular slots. Among the offerings are engaging video poker machines, electronic roulette, electronic craps, and a dedicated non-smoking area, catering to a diverse range of gambling preferences.

The casino’s reputation for delivering thrilling gaming experiences and substantial rewards has attracted players from across the state.

Dragon Link: A Hit Slot Game with Global Success and Player Satisfaction

The Dragon Link slot game, developed by Aristocrat Gaming, has gained a loyal following for its captivating gameplay and the potential for life-changing wins. The game features a progressive jackpot that accumulates with every bet until it reaches a substantial sum, ready to be claimed by a fortunate player. 

While the chances of hitting a million-dollar jackpot are slim, the allure of the Dragon Link slot game continues to draw in gambling enthusiasts. With each spin of the reels, players are filled with excitement and anticipation, dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime moment when luck is on their side.In July 2022, Aristocrat introduced its Dragon Link slot game at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, with plans to expand its availability throughout Asia. The game has performed exceptionally well in various markets, exceeding expectations and providing a pleasing gaming experience for players.

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Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Rashod Berry, and free agent Demetrius Taylor, violated the league’s strict gambling policy, placing multiple bets on NFL games in 2022. Such actions blatantly violate sports integrity guidelines, justifying the harsh penalty. The case’s ramifications will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact, deterring potential future violations.

The Punishments Will Deter Future Offenses

The NFL’s gambling policy explicitly prohibits players from participating in any form of gambling activities related to professional football, including betting on games, providing insider information, or directly associating with individuals involved in gambling operations. The league takes these violations seriously, as gambling-related activities have the potential to compromise the game’s integrity and damage public trust.

Recent investigations uncovered evidence of several players who bet on NFL games in 2022, ignoring the league’s gambling-related guidelines. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr., his teammate Rashod Berry, and free agent Demetrius Taylor received indefinite suspensions. The Colts immediately distanced themselves from the offending athletes, waiving their contracts.

“The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. We will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on… the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”

Chris Ballard, Indianapolis Colts general manager

These suspensions will have an immediate negative impact, disrupting their professional aspirations but also tarnishing their reputation. The Colts are suddenly missing two promising players, forcing the team to make adjustments and seek suitable replacements to fill the void. As a free agent, Demetrius Taylor may find it even more challenging to sign with a team in the future due to his history of gambling-related issues.

US Sports Betting Growth Poses Rising Challenges

The league also unveiled another suspension, banning Tennessee Titans’ Nicholas Petit-Frere from the first six games of the 2023 season for wagering on non-NFL sports at the Titans facility. The player claimed he was unaware of the restriction, prompting the team to double down on gambling-related educational programs.

This latest wave of suspensions highlights the rising dangers sports betting poses to game integrity. As more US states legalize online wagering, leagues will find it increasingly difficult to enforce the relevant rules and preserve sports integrity. Robust education programs and efficient cooperation between stakeholders are becoming increasingly necessary to uphold high professionalism and fair play.

The recent incident is a stark reminder that the NFL will not tolerate any breaches of its strict gambling policy. The league’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game is evident through its severe punishment of the players involved. As the affected players face the consequences of their actions, the NFL will continue improving its policies, ensuring the continued trust and support of fans and stakeholders in the league.

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Reevo is now expanding its impressive content library with the addition of Evolution, one of the leading iGaming brands in the live casino vertical, significantly strengthening the company’s reach in the segment.

Reevo Adds Evolution’s Brands to Its Aggregation Platform

The tie-up will cover the range of unique live casino solutions that Evolution has been developing over the past decades. The company is known for its outstanding products in the live dealer segment and has brought around many award-winning and excellent games such as the Lightning Live Casino games, the Monopoly Live and Deal Or No Deal Live Casino branded games.

Apart from the addition of the company’s live casino portfolio, Evolution will also deploy its slot content, which is possible through the NetEnt and Red Tiger studios. The company acquired NetEnt, which owned Red Tiger, in 2020, and now leverages both its own live casino product and the acquired brands’ massive slot portfolio.

Evolution’s slot games feature some exclusive titles such as Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Knights of Avalon, and Lost Relics. The company also has rights to the innovative Megaways slots game mechanic, which is licensed by Big Time Gaming, making for a very strong content injection into the REEVO aggregation platform. Big Time Gaming was acquired by Evolution on April 12, 2021, for a sum total of €450 million (ca $534 million).

Moving forward, Reevo partner operators will be able to use a single API integration to benefit from Evolution’s extensive library of featured, live, and branded games, making for a straightforward onboarding and plenty of variety to enjoy on the go.

Scaling Reevo’s Content Library with the Best Suppliers

Commenting on this opportunity, Reevo head of sales Petra Maria Poola said that the company was extremely pleased to be onboarding what is clearly a best-in-class supplier, with many more opportunities to follow. She said that partner operators will get access to some incredible content and spoke about the opportunities ahead:

We are all huge fans so we’re thrilled to have Evolution join us in providing the industry’s leading content aggregation offering, providing rapid market access and instant revenues.

Reevo head of sales Petra Maria Poola

Reevo is also confident that this signing is just a start as both companies are determined to continue scaling their offer in future. More Evolution will be added to Reevo’s platform in the coming months. Reevo has been significantly scaling up its list of partner operators and providers of iGaming solutions, including the recent tie-ups with Booming Games, Pragmatic Play, and not least Livespins.

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The fast-developing iGaming market in Romania has recently attracted a fair bit of interest with Boldplay, an established studio in the online casino vertical, now being cleared by the country’s national regulator, the Oficiul National pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN).

Romania Beckons as Boldplay Expands Geographical Reach

The recently Gibraltar-licensed developer will be able to bring an array of titles with local operators once the products are rolled out officially. Both Gibraltar and Romania are important milestones for the company as it seeks to further consolidate its presence in regulated gaming markets.

The latest achievements sit alongside other hallmarks of trust issued by the likes of the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission and Comissão de Jogos in Portugal.  Boldplay also brings a strong variety of products to deploy with local operators and helps them engage better with local player bases.

Presently, the supplier has developed more than 80 slots, table games, scratch cards, bingo, and keno products, which make for an impressive overall selection of games. Some of the most recent releases have demonstrated Boldplay’s unflattering commitment to improving its overall product offer with slot games such as Warriors & Warlocks and Cyborg City demonstrating cutting-edge design and company-first features.

Dual reels and unlockable upgrades are all part of the gameplay, which helps set these titles apart and establishes Boldplay as a good choice for any casino that is looking to secure a larger presence in the market. Boldplay is also working with aggregators such as EveryMatrix, Games Global and Slotegrator to reach new audiences and integrate quickly with operators in target markets. Swift integration will definitely be a priority for the studio in Romania.

Studio Yet to Reveal Partner Operators Names

Boldplay CEO Valli Fragoso hailed the opportunity to secure a Romanian market and establish the company in a highly-regulated and praised market that is only going to grow in the coming months and years. Romania is part of the broader Boldplay expansion plans.

Sitting alongside our existing licensing from the GLA, this latest certification will enable us to forge new relationships with regulated operators and allow us to introduce our games in what is an exciting and rapidly developing market,” Fragoso concluded.

Romania has proven an interesting market for many companies of late, including OnAir Entertainment and MST. In the coming weeks, Boldplay will be readying up to launch officially with some of the country’s top operators.

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