A gambler from Schaumburg, Illinois, was visiting the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo for a few bets. The guest, who chose to remain anonymous, however, did not expect to return home 536,614-dollar-richer.

According to the operator, the Illinois gambler was playing a Dollar Storm Wild Ninja slot machine at the casino on April 28 when they hit the jackpot. The jackpot was won on a $5 bet, the Four Winds casino noted.

Dollar Storm Wild Ninja sports a progressive jackpot that increases over time. At the time of the Illinois gambler’s win, the jackpot stood at $536,614.25.

This is not the first time a Four Winds Casino property has paid out such a significant sum. The tribal casino chain operates four casinos across Michigan and Indiana and has paid out a whopping $3.2 million in jackpots since March.

Two of the most recent ones included a $177,894.30 progressive jackpot that was won on April 30 by a guest player from Indiana. The player in question was enjoying a Double Blessings slot machine at Four Winds South Bend and won the jackpot on a $0.88 bet.

Another visitor from Indiana won a $104,500 jackpot on May 2 after placing a $100 bet. That player was tackling a Mystical Mermaids slot machine at Four Winds South Bend. All players in question preferred to remain anonymous.

Four Winds Is Happy to Change Players’ Lives

In an official statement, Four Winds Casinos’ chief operating officer, Mary Smith, expressed her team’s excitement about the recent jackpots. She said:

Four Winds Casinos is very excited for all our guests that have recently won significant and life-changing jackpots at one of our four casino locations as well as our online casino.

Mary Smith, COO, Four Winds Casinos

The casino company confirmed that the progressive jackpots have now been reset.

Speaking of gambling in the region, a player from Indiana recently won $2,200 on a slot machine at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. The man, however, asked another person to collect his winnings on his behalf to avoid having his ID scanned since he was falling behind schedule in terms of child support.

The man was charged with Level 6 felony cheating at gaming at La Porte Superior Court 4 and faces up to 30 months in prison.

The post Lucky Four Winds Gambler Turns $5 Bet into $500K Jackpot appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Kim Harris Jones is joining the company’s Board of Directors effective from April 29, but still subject to customary regulatory requirements, and she is touted for her in-depth understanding of leadership and steering businesses towards long-term goals.

Influential Leader Joins as 10^th Caesars Board Member

She brings a deep understanding of finance as well as a robust reputation which will help the company strengthen its leadership team and address challenges while also exploring new opportunities. Caesars Entertainment Executive Chairman of the Board Gary Carano has welcomed her appointment praising her outstanding track record.

Harris Jones has worked with various companies across numerous industries, ensuring that they emerge stronger and more capable after she has been part of their leadership team.

She is also on the list of the “100 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” a ranking by BoardProspects Magazine as well as “25 Women to Watch” by CFO Magazine. She also made the list of “The 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” by Savoy and ended on a similar rank list by Black Enterprise Magazine called “75 Most Powerful Women in Business.”

Harris Jones’ career path has taken her to various roles. She worked for Chrysler for 17 years and was appointed to various leadership positions, including SVP and Corporate Controller. She also served at General Motors for six years. Her most recent stints include Mondelez International where she worked as SVP and Corporate Controller in 2015 and she was also part of Kraft Foods as SVP and Corporate Controller as well.

Strategic Oversight and Overall Direction

“With her extensive experience in finance and a reputation as a thoughtful and engaged leader inside some of the largest consumer-packaged goods and automotive companies, Kim’s addition will give us another lens through which to see stronger, more dynamic future possibilities for Caesars Entertainment,” Carano explained.

Harris Jones is also a graduate of the University of Michigan and she currently serves on several other boards, including True Blue, Fossil Group, and United Rentals, as well as the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association’s board.

By joining Caesars Entertainment’s board, Harris Jones is effectively becoming the tenth person on the board. She will look to provide the company with strategic direction as well as bring stronger oversight over its current operations.

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For over 20 years now, the country’s gambling regulation has found itself at loggerheads with the United States’ gambling laws, which Antigua and Barbuda has insisted are discriminatory. The country even won a case with the World Trade Organization, as it was shut out of the United States gambling market and sought a $21 million annual compensation.

Time to Put Bad Blood Away

However, the money has not been coming, and the country now wants the US government to act as Antigua and Barbuda’s economic losses continue to mount. The country has reiterated an early stance that it is willing to seek and settle the dispute with mutual accord and on amicable terms, but it would need the US to engage in discussions and find a settlement.

The United States has responded that it is willing to work with Antigua and Barbuda but argued that such efforts must also come as part of a genuine effort to find a resolution. This has been ongoing for a while now, as the laws that are arguably hurting the Caribbean country’s economy were passed back in 2003.

The issue has festered ever since with no resolution in sight. The dispute centres on Antigua and Barbuda’s decision to build an internet licensing regime for gambling companies to offset declining tourism revenue, but eventually and perhaps rightly finding itself shut out of the United States because of laws about cross-border gambling and transference of data which is respected to this very day on the mainland.

Decision Long Overdue and Economy Hurting

Now, though, the Caribbean country is hoping to benefit from the elusive $21 million annual payments from the United States, partially leaning in on the World Trade Organization as a mediator. The international body has granted the country the right to use trade sanctions to recoup its losses, but this would not put the Caribbean nation in any better situation, as engaging in a quasi-trade war with the United States holds no benefits to its economy.

This is why the country has instead urged its much bigger neighbor to agree to the $21 million settlement. However, there seems to be a dissonance between what the United States can and is willing to offer and what the Caribbean country believes it should rightfully receive.

The latest appeals come at a time when the country’s economy continues to struggle feeling the pinch of the denied access from the United States.

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A lucky player from New Jersey has hit a huge jackpot gambling online. The unidentified Mantua woman was playing the Divine Fortune game during a routine work call when she suddenly won $287,945 after placing a $2 bet.

The player was playing the game on SugarHouse Online Casino’s platform, turning a small wager into a huge payday. Her success not only made her richer but attracted the praise of Rush Street Interactive’s president.

Richard Schwartz, president of RSI which operates the SugarHouse Online Casino brand, congratulated the woman on her huge win. He said that the fact the lucky player hit the record-breaking jackpot “is not just a triumph for RSI but a monumental moment for the entire online gaming industry.”

Schwarz added that the victory shows that online gambling allows players to turn their lives around no matter where they are.

It conclusively demonstrates that people can achieve life-changing victories in the online realm, no matter the time or place.

Richard Schwartz, president, RSI

The winner shared news of her win in the online casino’s chat room, saying that the win caused her to almost scream out loud during the conference she was participating in.

America Braces for the Next Powerball Drawing

Speaking of jackpots, the Powerball jackpot just soared to $152 million for the next drawing. Set to take place today, the drawing will once again provide Americans with a shot at a life-changing prize.

The prize in question represents an initial payment followed by installments. A cash-out option is also available, although the winner would then take only $66.8 million home.  

A day earlier, Relax Gaming revealed that its Dream Drop jackpot series has turned another lucky gambler into a millionaire. The eleventh Dream Drop jackpot winner took almost $3.2 million home, according to the B2B company. According to Relax Gaming, the winner was playing the company’s Volatile Vikings Dream Drop title when he struck the jackpot.

A few weeks ago, another lucky player, this time from Alabama, won the grand prize of the $150,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE scratch-off game from the Florida Lottery.

The post New Jersey Player Turns $2 Online Bet into a $290,000 Payday appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The gaming industry has cause to celebrate a true pioneer and ambassador of gaming this month with the 100th birthday of Len Ainsworth – the Australian innovator whose games not everyone loved but who left his mark indelibly on the industry so many of the precious years of life he devoted to it

To say he has been a somewhat controversial figure would be putting it mildly – to say he is loved and honored by all for his work would be a half-truth at best. However, he has always been his own man, and in the rugged country of Australia, that alone is enough to gain him respect. The fact that he stuck to it, through thick and thin should earn him respect anywhere.

A Century in the Making

Born on July 11th, 1923, Leonard Hastings Ainsworth is simply an icon as is his legacy in gaming – even from a purely mechanical, maths, and entertainment standpoint but there is always so much more to the picture of a survivor and a winner.

Some have even called him the devil incarnate – what he is, even today, is most certainly an enigma – hard to sort, difficult to understand completely in retrospect, and always a bit of a mysterious figure for such a well-known name. In fact, the enigma begins in his first year of life as Wikipedia lists his year of birth as “1922 or 1923” – since he is celebrating his 100th birthday this week, we’ll go with the latter.

He established himself in his first major company in 1933, Ainsworth Consolidated Industries of Australia building on his father’s work and created one of his most well-known brands in 1953 with Aristocrat Leisure. His family still maintains significant control of Ainsworth. The company’s journey to online gaming was not smooth and lucrative from the beginning but eventually, the company inked a deal with the former NYX (now part of the rebranded Scientific Games known as Light & Wonder) to distribute its legendary titles in 2013.

In the interim, he created Ainsworth Game Technology which enjoys sales in over 50 countries while other related titles are available in more than 200 jurisdictions. Some countries, such as Australia, have multiple gaming jurisdictions making it difficult to line up some of the numbers for a more precise recounting.

A recent posting on the company’s website announced his imminent centenary, the marvel said he wanted to express his gratitude for the support he has received and the successes he’s had thanks to family, friends, and many colleagues.

“I feel privileged to have reached this milestone and to have seen how the gaming industry has evolved and flourished over the years. I have been fortunate in establishing a worldwide reputation for quality equipment that continues to lead the field and that pleases me to no end. I have worked with many great people along the way, without them none of it would be possible.” said Mr Ainsworth.

Mr. Ainsworth’s foundation gives back to the Australian communities that supported him in his endeavors as well. The Ainsworth Foundation supports Australians in every community with education, healthcare, medical research, and other important causes. “Personally, I’m most proud that my good fortune enables me to support so many worthwhile causes,” he said.

Perhaps more important to an outside observer would be the legacy he has created in empowering individuals to reach their full potential by fostering an environment of innovation and creativity that has become a culture in its own right within and beyond the company.

One of those who is a beneficiary of his mentoring and tutelage is the current Chairman of Ainsworth Game Technology, Danny Gladstone, who said: “I started my career in the gaming industry 50 years ago working for Len. It was a privilege to then have the opportunity to work with him again 16 years ago at Ainsworth and build on his legacy. He is a true icon globally and our industry would not be what it is without him. I wish him all the very best on his 100th birthday.”

Another Side of the COin

However, most people don’t live to be 100 and become profoundly wealthy without leaving a wake in the still waters of life. Australian pokie opponents have blamed him directly for gambling harm that has come to some citizens. With those rifts and age, many centenarians can also become a bit salty, as may be the case with Ainsworth.

The Weekend Australian Magazine visited him at home on Sydney’s Hunters Hill a few weeks ago and he reportedly didn’t mince any words when a reporter asked him to share what he thought about people who say his “actions” throughout his career may have been “evil”. Ainsworth replied:“It is offensive to me. feel that the people who criticize me are mainly people who are narrow-minded bigoted bastards, that’s what it comes down to. They need to get on with their own lives and not interfere with others.”

When asked if he was, indeed, the devil incarnate the quick-witted 99-year-old replied: “If they want to paint me that way, I don’t mind. Besides which, they can all get stuffed.”

Source: Celebrating Len Ainsworth on his 100th Birthday, Ainsworth, 6-7-2023

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Little did Drake know that a seemingly ordinary livestream would turn into a hilarious viral sensation, leaving fans in stitches and social media buzzing with laughter.

Drake’s Livestream Fiasco Creates Internet Frenzy

Drake, known for his generosity, had already captured the hearts of fans and content creators alike by gifting a remarkable 20,000 Kick subscriptions to over 100 creators before the incident occurred. His goodwill was widely praised, setting the stage for a highly anticipated livestream experience. 

As the livestream progressed, with Drake engaging in lively conversations and showcasing his unique charm, an unexpected moment stole the spotlight. In an attempt to further spread his generosity, Drake decided to gift 100 subscriptions to a streamer named Daisy. However, what followed was a minor hiccup that would lead to a major eruption of laughter and amusement across the internet.

As Drake’s associate eagerly tried to process the transaction, an unforeseen turn of events unfolded. To the astonishment of everyone involved, Drake’s credit card was declined. The reason behind the declined transaction remains a mystery, although speculation suggests it could have been triggered by the bank’s detection of potentially suspicious activity.

In a comically high-pitched tone, Drake couldn’t help but exclaim, “Embarrassing! Yeah, what just happened?!” The unexpected combination of embarrassment and humor struck a chord with fans, who quickly shared the video far and wide, turning it into a viral sensation.

Drake’s Viral Livestream Mishap Inspires a Deluge of Memes and Jokes

The incident became a playground for creativity, with fans swiftly crafting memes and jokes inspired by Drake’s reaction. Social media platforms were flooded with witty adaptations, adding to the collective amusement of the situation. 

Despite the temporary blush of embarrassment, Drake’s first Kick livestream can still be deemed a resounding success. The mishap only served to enhance the overall enjoyment of the livestream, leaving fans eagerly awaiting future streams with heightened anticipation. 

As the video continues to circulate and the laughter persists, Drake’s presence on the Kick platform is expected to draw even more attention. Fans are eager to witness future surprises and entertaining moments from the rapper, knowing that each livestream holds the potential for both planned delights and unexpected hilarity.At the same time, Drake has been criticized for promoting gambling during his live streams. This of course is no surprise as he is an avid bettor and a brand ambassador for the crypto betting platform Stake.com.

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Roc Nation, the service entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z, turned to the people of New York City to promote its bid to build a casino on Times Square.

New Destination Will Benefit Everyone

Roc Nation addressed the public in an open letter on Thursday, seeking to provide details about its bid for a new gaming facility at 1515 Broadway in Times Square that is meant to serve the benefit of New York City.

“A gaming license is going to be awarded to New York City. A bill was passed in the state legislature confirming it. The question is: which applicant will get the license,” the open letter begins, adding that “some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation,” hence the need to address the public directly.

Roc Nation teamed with New York’s largest owner of office properties, SL Green, and casino entertainment company, Caesars Entertainment, at the end of last year to compete for a casino license and build a new tourist destination in the city, Caesars Palace Times Square.

SL Green’s 1515 Broadway office and theater skyscraper will be transformed into an integrated resort featuring a casino, an entertainment venue, shopping outlets, a spa, and a convention and meeting space. The proposal is also supported by a broad coalition of Times Square stakeholders representing labor from construction, restaurants, hotels, small businesses, and theater, as well as local residents.

The winning group must have a track record of turning words into deeds – of putting New York City and its residents first – people of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and socio-economic statuses.

Roc Nation letter excerpt

No Place for Hate and Oppression

Emphasizing that the bid winner should “have a history for fair hiring, representation, and reform,” Roc Nation was also explicitly clear that “hate and groups with a history of oppressing the most vulnerable have no place in New York.”

Determined to ensure that Times Square as an “epicenter of entertainment,” maintains its links “to all facets of culture,” Roc Nation and its partners believe that Times Square is the best location for the new Caesars Palace entertainment destination.

According to the plan, the casino resort will provide billions in tax revenue to New York City and State and will enhance economic activities through strategic partnerships with area businesses.

Estimates show that the venue will generate over 7 million new visits to Times Square annually, resulting in more than 600,000 new overnight visits to local hotels, new over 7 million meals for local restaurants, $166 million in retail spending, and $65 million in new annual Broadway ticket sales.

Roc Nation is adamant that their innovative plan will enhance the lives of everyday New Yorkers by giving back to all surrounding businesses, benefiting mass transits, bringing investments in sanitation and security, delivering a transportation plan, protecting the interests of actors, producers, writers, and staff that are in essence the soul of Broadway, as well as creating opportunities for all.

“Our bid honors the city of dreams, New York City, and the people that have made this place we call home the cultural and entertainment capital of the world,” the letter concluded, urging everyone to support their proposal.

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Tracey Stevenson, a Thetford, UK resident, was sentenced to four years in prison back in 2017 after she admitted stealing £1.7 million ($2.1 million) from her employer. The hefty sum reportedly was primarily used for gambling, as well as personal expenditures. Besides the money she stole, Stevenson had ironically secured two significant gambling wins, £220,000 ($177,800) and £1.6 million ($2 million).

But neither those wins nor the money she stole to fuel her gambling habit couldn’t help her turn her life around like prison did. In a recent interview for Metro, Stevenson shared her story and how she was able to turn her life around, after the millions won, lost, stolen and her four-year prison sentence.

Oftentimes, gambling is an entertainment activity, but some people see it as an escape from real life. Well, this is precisely Stevenson’s case. Throughout her life, she enjoyed gambling. Stevenson admitted that once she turned 18, she started playing bingo with her mother. While back then, Stevenson spent some £15 ($12) a week, that all changed once she found online gambling.

As with many people who suffer from at-risk or problem gambling, Stevenson started chasing losses. In 2011, she scored a six-figure win, or some $177,800, which helped her a bit, until she gambled it all away. During that time, Stevenson was going through a tough time in her life, given one of her friends passed away. She also had marital problems. Those issues accumulated and she admitted that she was losing a lot to gambling, given that the activity became for her an “escape from real life.”

From Stealing as an Accountant to Prison

Soon after, Stevenson reportedly started stealing from her employer. Initially, the sums weren’t that big and given that she knew her way around finance, she was able to get away with it, to some extent. In 2012, Stevenson won £1.6 million ($2 million) playing slots. She admitted that soon the money was once again gambled away. “I soon gambled it all away, though, because every time I lost, I honestly thought I could win the money back. When I didn’t, I kept on stealing,” explained Stevenson.

Several years had passed but the woman said that she had a hard time living with the stress and shame of what she had done. By that time, the stolen money had hit £1.7 million ($2.1 million). At some point, Stevenson faced a difficult choice – she thought to either take her life or admit to what she had done.

She first told her husband, who then explained the story to her employer. Soon after that, Stevenson faced jail time. Although she could’ve received eight to ten years, her sentence, in the end, was four years. In addition, she was ordered to pay nearly £800,000 ($647,000).

In prison, Stevenson became a peer-support worker, a job that involves supporting the new prisoners. Sadly, after her prison sentence, in order to recover the stolen money, she lost everything. Those events had a devastating impact on her marriage as well. Once out of prison, Stevenson worked for a charity before COVID hit. Currently, she helps women who were involved or at risk of being involved in the criminal justice system and admits that she is “at peace” with herself.

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