According to a press release from Caesars Entertainment, a very lucky player from Middle Village, New York enjoyed a particularly fun and lucrative gambling session at Paris Las Vegas Casino earlier in the week. 

$436,000 Jackpot at Three-Card Poker

The poker player, whose identity has remained undisclosed, was in town to show support for his nephew who was playing in the World Series of Poker. 

Much to his surprise, the man hit the Mega Progressive jackpot with the help of a royal flush while engaged in a three-card poker game. 

He left the casino $436,588 richer, as the press release mentioned. 

When asked what he plans to do with the unexpected win, he said he wants to invest it. 

Impressive Roster of Winners on the Las Vegas Strip 

In mid-May, a young man who was celebrating his 21st birthday in Sin City took home a surprising $362,640 jackpot. 

Half an hour. That’s all Damon Howell, a resident of Union City, Ohio, needed to hit the Mega Progressive Jackpot at a game of Ultimate Texas Hold’em at the LINQ Hotel+ Experience on The Strip. 

While still “overwhelmed with shock and disbelief,” the young man didn’t provide a lot of details regarding what he plans to do with the money. However, he hinted that he might buy a house. 

In March, another lucky player won $165,000 while firing up the slot machine reels at 5 am at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, kept playing, and ended up striking a breathtaking $545,000 jackpot just five hours later. 

Just a week before the fabulous double win was recorded, a guest at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino grabbed a jackpot with more than $1.2 million after hitting the Mega Progressive Jackpot at a game of Pai Gow Poker. 

Similar to the double win story, in April, a player in Las Vegas won more than $1.36 million across not one, not two, not three, but four slot machine jackpots within two weeks. 

His first three big wins were recorded in just three hours.

Caesars Palace described the player’s impressive winning streak as “a remarkable feat!”

The first win of $125,000 came at a Dragon Link slot machine in the Caesars Palace casino followed by a second win of $383,500 on the same game. 

Three hours after the first win, he hit the third jackpot of $159,250, followed by the fourth and final one of $692,500. 

Earlier this week, analyst Barry Jonas of Truist Securities spoke about the strong performance recorded by the Las Vegas Strip, while detailing his optimistic overview regarding the gambling hub’s growth prospects. 

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A very lucky bingo player visited the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on June 6 and went home with a whopping $134,446 in total winnings. 

Wayne W. managed to hit the Double Daub Progressive in 35 numbers or less at the 3 p.m. bingo session at the casino. 

According to casino officials, Wayne’s win brought the Bingo Double Daub Bonus to $40,000 as the starting amount.

More June Casino Winners in Las Vegas Valley

On June 1, Durango Casino & Resort announced the freshly introduced Dragon Link Major Progressive machine hit for $25,449, just a few hours after the venue hit the high limit room floor, along with a payout of $15,166.27 on a $9 bet on the Triple Jackpot Gem.

On the same day, California Hotel & Casino announced a whopping $23,241 jackpot at the downtown establishment.

The start of the month also made a Sunset Station Casino player hit a $20,000 jackpot with a total bet of $25. 

June 1 was also lucky for a patron at Gold Coast Pandas who won a grand progressive jackpot of $12,388 on a $2.50 spin.

On June 3, Binion’s Casino broke the news of a very fortunate lady who scored not one, but two jackpot wins of $10,048 and $1,322, respectively. What are the odds?

Boulder Station Casino congratulated a very lucky Four Card Keno player who scooped up $28,000 in winnings on June 4.

On the same day, Four Queens Casino made the exciting announcement that a $1.60 spin brought a fortunate guest a $10,000 win.

Similarly, on June 4, Palace Casino announced a $5.88 spin that brought a $14,878.48 win to one of their guests. 

June 4 also proved to be a particularly good day for the first lucky winner of Rampart Casino’s High Limit Silver Celebration Progressive who took home $24,356. 

On June 6, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Las Vegas made a player very happy. All it took was a $1.25 bet in exchange for a $47,131.45 jackpot with a Sequential Royal Flush.

On June 7, Aliante Casino announced a $12,000 win on a classic slots machine, Crystal Star Deluxe, a game with nine available lines.

On the same day, Cannery Casino paid a nice and round $10,000 win to a fortunate player for hitting the jackpot on an undisclosed machine.

On June 4, five Treasure Island Resort & Casino visitors won jackpots between $21,886 and $119,831.
May has been a similarly lucky month across US casinos with a series of high-profile wins on record.

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Hitting a jackpot or a major win while gambling at a casino always brings excitement. To the lucky few that are able to experience such a thrill, they will undoubtedly remember it for the rest of their lives. And while some may gamble for years without any luck of winning any good prizes, others may be extremely lucky, which is the case of an Ohio resident who recently visited Las Vegas for his 21st birthday.

Damon Howell, a Union City, Ohio, resident, decided to celebrate his birthday by visiting the gambling capital of the world. Turning 21, the young man was able to start gambling. But little did Howell expect that luck was on his side from his first steps into gambling. In celebration of his 21st birthday, the young man visited the LINQ Hotel+ Experience, a renowned luxury hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

A Six-Figure Win after 30 Minutes of Play

Once turning 21, Howell started playing at the casino. To his surprise, some 30 minutes after starting to play, the man hit a staggering jackpot of more than $300,000. Playing at the LINQ’s O’Shea’s pit, the young man hit the MEGA Progressive jackpot, taking a whopping $362,640 from playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

As announced by 23WIFR, the young man appeared “overwhelmed with shock and disbelief,” in light of the massive jackpot win. The young man did not disclose specific details about what he intends to do with the grand prize he won from playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Still, Howell admitted that buying his own house is definitely a plausible option, considering the massive $360,000 jackpot he won recently.

Back in April, Caesars turned to the seasoned veteran, Kim Harris Jones, for the role of member of its Board of Directors. Labeled as a strategic appointment, the hire brought extensive experience to the Board.

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The iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will shut its doors this summer, marking the end of an era for a property that played a pivotal role in transforming Sin City into a premier luxury resort destination.

The closure on July 17 will pave the way for extensive renovations and new construction on the 80-acre (32-hectare) property. In 2027, the site will reopen as the Hard Rock Las Vegas featuring a hotel tower shaped like a guitar, rising nearly 700 feet (about 210 meters) above the Strip.

“We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said in a statement on Wednesday.

This will be the second casino on the Strip to close this year. The Tropicana Las Vegas ceased operations in April after 67 years to make way for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium, planned as the future home of the Oakland A’s, who are relocating.

From Polynesian Themes to Mega Resorts

The Mirage, developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, opened its doors in 1989 with a Polynesian theme, becoming the Strip’s first megaresort. This milestone spurred a building boom on the famous boulevard throughout the 1990s. The Mirage’s volcano fountain was among the first of the Las Vegas Strip’s sidewalk attractions, setting a trend that would later include the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains.

For years, tourists flocked to the Mirage to witness Siegfried and Roy taming white tigers or to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil performance set to Beatles music. The final performance of the Beatles-themed show, which brought Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances during its 18-year run, will also be in July.

Employee Transition and Future Plans

Hard Rock International announced that more than 3,000 employees will be laid off, with an expected $80 million in severance payouts. The Culinary Workers Union, representing about 1,700 Mirage employees since its opening, stated that last year’s contract ensures laid-off workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service. Additionally, the contract offers these workers the option to be called back to work and retain their seniority when the hotel reopens.

“Culinary Union will continue to ensure workers are protected and centered in the property’s future,” the union stated.

The Mirage made history in 2022 as the first Strip property to be run by a Native American tribe. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased the Mirage from MGM Resorts in a cash deal worth nearly $1.1 billion. At the time, Hard Rock assured that the property would remain operational under the Mirage brand while renovation plans were finalized.

The Mirage is currently accepting no bookings beyond July 14, with all reservations past that date to be canceled and refunded.

Source: “Mirage, a landmark Strip resort, prepares to vanish”. May 15, 2024.

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A class-action lawsuit, which presented price-fixing claims against major Las Vegas hotels, has been dismissed by a federal judge. Thus, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Treasure Island scored a big victory in prolonged legal proceedings, which started over a year ago.

Lawsuit Alleges Price-Fixing Conspiracy Among Major Las Vegas Hotel Operators

The lawsuit was filed back in January 2023 by Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro on behalf of two tourists who sought repayment for alleged overcharges. The lawsuit accused major Las Vegas hotel operators such as Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Treasure Island that they have made surreptitious agreements aiming to inflate room prices with the help of data-sharing software called Rainmaker. 

Allegedly the operators used the software developed by Florida-based Cyndyn Group to share sensitive pricing information among themselves, which then resulted in artificially high room rates.

The plaintiffs challenged the major Las Vegas operators under the Sherman Antitrust Act, which aims to prevent anti-competitive practices that could harm consumers.

In the recent hearing in connection with the case, US District Chief Judge Miranda Du dismissed the lawsuit, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She stated that plaintiffs did not prove that there was in fact a clear price fixing agreement among the hotel operators.

Du’s decision followed another dismissal of the lawsuit that happened in October 2023. The plaintiffs then filed an amended complaint but still, the judge found their allegations insufficient to establish a plausible case of price-fixing.

Lawsuit Claims Bias in Vegas Hotel Pricing Software, Judge’s Ruling Highlights Gray Area

According to the claims in the lawsuit, using Rainmaker’s software affected the normal market competition as it provided biased pricing recommendations, which the plaintiffs claimed were in favor of the hotel operators. As a result, the room prices had higher rates for consumers. 

However, Judge Du pointed out that hotel operators do not have to align their prices with the suggestions from Rainmaker, which weakened the plaintiffs’ argument.

Hotel operators’ representatives hailed the decision but also stressed that they are committed to fair business practices.

At the same time, the legal representatives of the plaintiffs said that they are currently considering their options and may potentially file for an appeal.  

Last year in April, the Las Vegas hotel-casino operators also sought to dismiss the class-action lawsuit, refuting the plaintiff’s claims and dubbing them a conspiracy. 

Back then, Amanda Belarmino, an assistant professor at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV, also opposed the allegations as unfounded. She attributed the high room rates to implications following the removal of pandemic restrictions. 

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After 700 workers from Culinary Union Local 226 organized a strike against Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that lasted 48 hours, the standoff is now over. The strike, which started on May 10, aimed to put pressure on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas executives to sign a new five-year contract which will provide employees with better wages and bebefits.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Employees Demand Fair Deal

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders, and laundry and kitchen staff set up picket lines outside the company’s property located very near the Las Vegas Strip and previously known as Hard Rock Las Vegas, reported the Associated Press.

The union’s Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, said that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees hope that their strike will help fast-track the stalled negotiation process and a new agreement will be reached. Following the strike, talks will start again on May 14.

Prior to the strike, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas filed a complaint at the National Labor Relations Board against its employees stating that the union was not sincere in its negotiation efforts. Pappageorge countered the company’s claims defining them as mere corporate tactics.

The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas workers strike comes on the backdrop of a series of negotiations with various Las Vegas hospitality industry giants, which took place earlier this year. As other union members employed by Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, for example, achieved substantial wager increases for the next five years, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees were left behind. This prompted dissatisfaction among workers, which eventually led to the recent strike.

Workers Optimistic as Negotiations Continue

Ted Pappageorge commented that the contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023, making it almost a year since the company’s employees were left without a new one. This prolonged period without job security and better payment conditions on the backdrop of increased inflation and economic challenges is not to be tolerated, hence, the union resorted to strike measures.

The strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is relatively small in scale compared to previous strike action organized or planned by the Culinary Union. However, its impact was significant considering the property’s strategic location near both the Las Vegas Strip and the Las Vegas airport. As negotiations continue both the Culinary Union and its members are positive regarding a quick resolution in their favor providing them with fair wages and increased benefits.

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The Culinary Union, the largest union in Nevada, representing some 60,000 workers across the entertainment and hospitality sector in the state, called for a 48-hour strike at Virgin Las Vegas, amid dragging negotiations for better conditions for employees of the venue. Ultimately, the union fights for better working conditions for the 700 hospitality workers at Virgin Las Vegas.

The call for the strike marks a historic moment as the property has never been subject to a strike from the Culinary and Bartenders Union before. The strike is planned to start at 5 AM on Friday, May 10 and continue through Sunday, May 12 at 4:59 AM.

Although the union had organized a main table negotiation with Virgin Las Vegas on Tuesday, at the time of writing, there’s no information suggesting that the discussions had a positive outcome. During the time of the strike, the union urges “the community and customers to support workers and to not patronize or cross picketing happening on strike lines.”

The negotiations and potential strike come at a time when workers at Virgin Hotel Las Vegas expect a new 5-year union contract. With the strike, the Culinary Union seeks to ensure better working conditions for the venue’s employees. If the strike takes place as planned, it is expected to impact all areas of the venue’s operations, including departments such as food and beverage, housekeeping and even restaurants. Unionized restaurants at Virgin Las Vegas include The Bar at Commons Club, Juice Bar, Casa Calavera, Funny Library Coffee Shop, The Shag Room and The Kitchen at Commons Club.

The Strike Comes at a Time When Employees Expect a New 5-Year Contract

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, spoke about the expired contract for the workers at Virgin Las Vegas. He said that after the contract expired on June 1, 2023, it has now been nearly a year and those employees still do not have a new contract in place. Pappageorge encouraged community members and customers not to cross the strike line and show support for the employees who are on strike.

Additionally, the secretary-treasurer said that Virgin Las Vegas employees deserve fair wages and better job security and they are ready to go on a strike to achieve this goal. “As Virgin Las Vegas workers go on strike on Friday, May 10th, the Culinary Union has their back every step of the way and we will win,” added Pappageorge.

“It’s been nearly one year since the contract at Virgin Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023 and workers are still working without a contract, that’s why the Culinary Union has called for a 48-hour strike at the Virgin Las Vegas and urge the community and customers to not cross the strike line.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer at the Culinary Union

He spoke about the Culinary Union’s extensive efforts over nearly nine decades that helped ensure the well-being and potential growth of workers across Nevada. Last but not least, Pappageorge vowed the union will continue to support its members, promoting fair wages, job security, better health care and other benefits for hospitality workers.

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JetBlue Airways faces stringent scrutiny after a Jewish passenger, who was traveling to Las Vegas, was allegedly discriminated against by crew members. Paul Faust, a 54-year-old telecom entrepreneur from Parkland, Florida, got involved in the controversial exchange as he voiced his objections against a flight attendant’s display of a “Free Palestine” pin during the flight.

Paul Faust’s JetBlue Encounter Goes From Discomfort to Confrontation

According to Paul Faust, the incident began as mere discomfort but gradually escalated to outright confrontation, reported Daily Mail. It all started with Faust observing that the flight attendant is wearing several pins on her uniform, including one with the Palestine flag and the slogan “Free Palestine,” alongside a Black Lives Matter badge. 

Initially, Faust did not make any comments about it but after the flight attendant moved the “Free Palestine” pin prominently and deliberately to her apron when serving coffee and drinks Faust decided to speak up. However, all Faust did was mention the situation with the pin to the flight supervisor.

To his surprise, the situation escalated after the plane landed as an official from JetBlue made accusations that Faust has caused a disturbance during the flight. Eventually, even Las Vegas law enforcement was involved.

Faust insisted that he had not engaged in any disruptive behavior on the plane, however, his statement remained unheard. In the end, Faust’s return flight was canceled by JetBlue and the airline even banned him from any future travel on its flights. The company cited his non-compliance with crew instructions as the reason for the ban.

Following the JetBlue incident Faust has referred to it as an act of “blatant antisemitism”. His fellow passenger Rachelle Almagor also commented on the incident confirming Faust’s version of the sequence of events that took place. She also mentioned that she felt discomfort in connection with the flight attendant’s “Free Palestine” pin and its prominent display.

As a result of the allegations, JetBlue has ordered an internal investigation. The airline extended its apologies to Faust and referred to the incident as a breach of company policies. Additionally, the airline has initiated a revision of its pin policy, aiming to facilitate a respectful environment for all passengers and crew members. Social media is afire with criticism toward JetBlue Airways following the incident. The majority of posts are in support of Paul Faust and are calling for a boycott of JetBlue.

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VICI Properties Inc., a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT), has unveiled plans to inject up to $700 million into The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for extensive refurbishment projects, marking a significant step in enhancing the renowned integrated resort’s offerings and guest experience.

VICI Properties Teams Up with The Venetian for Major Upgrades

This capital infusion, part of VICI’s Partner Property Growth Fund strategy, aims to fund various initiatives such as renovations to hotel rooms, optimization of the gaming floor, and enhancements to entertainment and convention facilities. The endeavor seeks not only to elevate the property’s overall appeal but also to augment its intrinsic value in the market.

According to John Payne, president and chief operating officer of VICI Properties, the collaboration with The Venetian Resort underscores a commitment to innovation and progress within the hospitality sector. He expressed enthusiasm about supporting impactful expansion endeavors at the Las Vegas landmark, citing the impressive performance achieved since VICI’s acquisition alongside funds managed by Apollo Global Management, Inc. in 2022.

David Kieske, chief financial officer of VICI Properties, emphasized the strategic alignment of the Partner Property Growth Fund strategy with the company’s overarching objectives. He highlighted the dynamic nature of VICI’s real estate assets and the potential for creative capital deployment to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.

VICI Properties’ $700M Capital Injection and Poker Room Expansion

The funding agreement entails an initial investment of $400 million to be disbursed in 2024, with an additional $300 million available for drawdown until November 1, 2026. Rent payments under the existing lease agreement will be subject to incremental increases, beginning on the first day of the quarter following each capital infusion, reflecting a 7.25% yield.

Furthermore, the agreement stipulates that incremental rent hikes will commence annually at a rate of 2.0% from March 1, 2029, with subsequent escalations tied to either a fixed percentage or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 3.0%.

The Venetian Capital Investment is expected to be financed through a combination of cash reserves and the partial settlement of forward equity sale agreements, underscoring VICI’s prudent approach to capital allocation and investment management.

Additionally, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas is relocating and expanding its poker room to a larger space on Level 2 of the Grand Canal Shoppes, set to open in the summer of 2024. 

In a broader context, this initiative exemplifies a growing trend among REITs, including VICI, to provide financing for tenant-driven enhancement projects in the gaming and hospitality sectors. Such arrangements not only diversify revenue streams for landlords but also contribute to the overall enhancement of property values, thereby benefiting all stakeholders involved.

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Real estate development company LVXP has revealed its visionary proposal for a transformative mixed-use project on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, signaling a new era of innovation and excitement for the city. Anchored by a cutting-edge entertainment and sports arena, the development aims to redefine the landscape of entertainment, hospitality, and urban living.

LVXP’s Transformative Development Set to Change the Game with State-of-the-Art Venue

Spanning a prime 27-acre site at 2601 South Las Vegas Boulevard, LVXP’s project promises to be a game-changer for the region, strategically positioned near renowned landmarks such as Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Resorts World Las Vegas. 

The centerpiece of the development will be a state-of-the-art venue designed to host a diverse range of entertainment and sporting events, offering an immersive experience like no other.

James R. Frasure Jr., CEO of LVXP remarked: “We are honored to be stewards of this significant milestone in the city’s legacy. Our commitment is to create a destination that captures the essence of Las Vegas and provides lasting benefits for the community. For me, this endeavor is more than a project – it’s a promise to uphold the spirit of innovation and enthusiasm that defines our local culture.”

In addition to the entertainment complex, LVXP’s ambitious vision encompasses a vibrant mix of retail spaces, convention facilities, luxury accommodations, and a world-class casino, promising visitors an unparalleled fusion of excitement and luxury. Notably, the site is also being considered as a potential home for a new NBA franchise, signaling a significant milestone in the city’s sporting landscape.

Chairman Segerblom Applauds LVXP’s Visionary Project

Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom expressed his admiration for the project, highlighting it as a pivotal development with extensive benefits for the community. He stated that the visionary project could potentially transform the Las Vegas Strip into a vibrant center of activity, providing long-term value and opportunities for both residents and visitors.

With a focus on sustainability and forward-thinking design, LVXP aims to create a landmark destination that sets new standards for urban development. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, bolstering the local economy and reinforcing Las Vegas’ position as a global leader in entertainment and hospitality.

Leading the charge in bringing this ambitious vision to life is a team of seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds, including real estate, construction, and entertainment. 

Nick Tomasino, chief construction officer at LVXP, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing his commitment to delivering a world-class destination that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

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