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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Hacksaw Gaming, the up-and-coming global supplier of games for online casinos, has announced that it has further expanded its reach in the United States following a partnership with BetMGM in West Virginia.

The supplier underlined that it had a long-standing relationship with BetMGM, one of the most powerful operators of online casinos and sports betting websites in the United States. In fact, the two companies also worked together in Ontario, when Hacksaw Gaming’s content became available on BetMGM’s website in May 2023.

The successful debut of the supplier’s games in West Virginia, also in partnership with BetMGM, takes the company’s presence in the United States to a whole new level and quite fast considering that its first foray in North America was last year in Ontario. Moreover, the supplier announced that it plans to expand into New Jersey in the coming months, also in partnership with BetMGM.

The operator currently has one of the top three sportsbooks in the state of West Virginia, and its online casino app received a portfolio boost once the content from Hacksaw Gaming got added to it. The first batch of games that were included in the offering following the signing of the agreement contained very popular titles such as Bombs and Outlaws Inc., with more games being added since and even more to come in the near future.

Fast Worldwide Expansion

Hacksaw Gaming was founded at the end of 2018 in Malta and since then it has expanded not only in North America but all over the world. The main focus of the supplier has been to create slot games for mobile devices, but the company’s casino games can provide plenty of thrills on desktop computers as well.

Speaking of its expansion in North America, in November 2023 Hacksaw Gaming announced it secured a provisional license in New Jersey, allowing the company to offer its content portfolio to licensed online casino operators in the state. That will allow the supplier to launch in this state with BetMGM.

However, Hacksaw Gaming also has a partnership in place with Light & Wonder, the global gaming giant, to support the roll-out of its content in North America. The two companies signed an agreement for this purpose back in 2021, when Light & Wonder was still operating under the old brand, Scientific Games.

The supplier has also announced several new partnerships in other parts of the world recently, including a deal with Caesars Digital in Ontario at the end of 2023 and a partnership with Soft2Bet to enter the Romanian market, along with an agreement with Betsson to expand its presence in the Croatian market.

Source: “Hacksaw Gaming Advances to West Virginia with BetMGM Partnership“. Hacksaw Gaming. March 22, 2024.

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In a decisive move following Richmond voters’ rejection of a casino proposal for the second time, Virginia lawmakers have unanimously voted to permanently remove the city from consideration as a potential casino site.

Richmond’s Removal from Casino Eligibility Sealed by 100-0 House Vote

The Virginia General Assembly, in a bipartisan effort, passed bills aimed at eliminating Richmond from the list of eligible host cities for a casino, reported 8News WRIC. The legislative action saw overwhelming support, with the House of Delegates voting 100-0 and the state Senate following suit with a 40-0 vote in favor of advancing the legislation.

The proposed bills, championed by lawmakers representing Richmond, including Del. Betsy Carr and state Sen. Lamont Bagby, signify a response to the clear stance expressed by the people of Richmond through their rejection of the casino proposal.

Sen. Bagby emphasized the importance of representing the will of the citizens, stating that he was voted in by the people of the city of Richmond and that they had expressed their disapproval twice.

The legislative move seeks to amend the state code, which previously listed cities like Portsmouth, Norfolk, Danville, and Bristol as eligible casino locations but had criteria that could potentially include Richmond.

The Proposed Legislation Follows Two Referendum Rejections

If signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the bills will effectively remove Richmond from consideration by eliminating language that previously made the city eligible. Criteria such as population size, property tax exemptions, and poverty rates would no longer apply to Richmond.

According to estimates from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, Richmond’s population exceeded 230,000 in 2018, surpassing the threshold for eligibility. 

Additionally, more than a quarter of the assessed value of real estate in the city was exempt from property taxes in fiscal year 2018.

The decision comes after Richmond faced disappointment in its casino endeavors, with voters rejecting the proposal by a significant margin in both 2021 and November 2023 referendums.

Meanwhile, the legislative process continues to unfold, with discussions around Petersburg’s eligibility for a casino still ongoing. Plans for a casino referendum in Fairfax County have been postponed until 2025. While there has been no immediate response from Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney‘s spokesperson regarding the legislative development, the ongoing 2024 General Assembly session is scheduled to conclude on March 9.

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Virginia lawmakers find themselves at the center of a heated debate surrounding the potential legalization of what are known as “gray machines” – arcade-style games that bear a striking resemblance to traditional slot machines but incorporate an element of skill. 

Virginia Lawmakers Clash Over Introduction of Slot-Like Machines into Local Businesses

Endorsed by various gambling companies, competing legislative proposals seek to introduce these machines into a myriad of establishments, ranging from truck stops to convenience stores, across the Commonwealth, reported the Associated Press.

The discussion has intensified as stakeholders grapple with the regulatory framework for these devices, which have proliferated in recent years despite being prohibited under a ban enacted in 2020. 

Manufacturers argue that these games, while resembling slots, require a degree of skill from players. However, their operation exists in a legal grey area, prompting debates on oversight and taxation.

One proposal, championed by Sen. Aaron Rouse and co-sponsored by Sen. L. Louise Lucas, aims to establish a regulatory structure overseen by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Under this plan, establishments with ABC licenses could host a limited number of terminals, with revenue taxed at 15%. 

Proponents argue that such a move would not only generate significant revenue for the state but also benefit small businesses, particularly those owned by first-generation Americans.

McPike’s Proposal Takes a Different Path for Slot-Like Gaming Regulation in Virginia

Conversely, another bill put forth by Democratic Sen. Jeremy McPike offers a different approach. This proposal seeks to regulate both skill games and slot-like video terminals under the regulation of the Virginia Lottery Board, with a higher tax rate of 34%. McPike’s bill affords local governments the discretion to prohibit these machines if desired and mandates player identification requirements.

Amidst these legislative maneuvers, concerns have been raised by opponents, including casino interests, regarding the potential societal impacts of expanded gambling. Critics fear a surge in gambling addiction and associated social problems, citing reports of crime linked to similar devices in other jurisdictions. 

Additionally, questions linger about the adequacy of oversight mechanisms, with some advocating for stricter monitoring and reporting standards to prevent potential abuse.

Notably, in October the Supreme Court of Virginia reinstated the state’s ban on slots-like skill machines, reversing a lower court decision and signaling ongoing enforcement efforts despite pending lawsuits. The decision underscored the state’s authority to regulate gambling and protect the public, while also highlighting challenges faced by skilled game operators like Pace-O-Matic in Virginia and beyond.

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The leading supplier of technology and solutions, powering gaming and lottery operators across the globe, International Game Technology (IGT), announced a partnership extension with the Virginia Lottery. Announced Monday, the new collaboration extends the partnership between the duo for three years through October 2033.

IGT confirmed that the deal was signed between the Lottery and its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation. Besides the three-year extension, the newly inked deal delivers options for further collaboration between the duo via three extensions for one year each.

Per the new agreement, the Virginia Lottery will benefit from enhanced solutions supplied by IGT. It will upgrade its lottery central system, communications network and at the same time, introduce new point-of-sale terminals, promising engaging experiences. The launch of the aforementioned features is expected around October 2025, IGT explained in a statement.

Under the newly extended and enhanced contract, the Lottery will benefit from Aurora, IGT’s newest central retail system. Some 5,500 retail terminals will be replaced with the Retailer Pro S2, allowing the Lottery to benefit from high-speed terminals that are also capable of dealing with large volumes of data.

The contract extension represents an important milestone for the Virginia Lottery and IGT. This is because the duo has been collaborating for more than two decades. Back in 2020, the Lottery selected IGT as the prime provider for instant tickets, while back in 2000, it first gained access to IGT’s leading technology.

Extended Contract to Bring New Experiences

Jay Gendron, IGT’s chief operating officer, global lottery, spoke about the long-term business relationship between the company and the lottery. “The upgraded technology being deployed for the Virginia Lottery as part of our latest extension will offer increased flexibility for the Lottery to easily manage its back-end operations,” he added. Finally, Gendron said that the introduction of IGT’s progressive jackpot feature promises to deliver exceptional experiences for players in Virginia.

“Since first partnering with the Virginia Lottery in 2000, IGT has helped us responsibly modernize our lottery offerings and drive sales growth for our business.“

Tony R. Russell, interim director of the Virginia Lottery

Tony R. Russell, the Virginia Lottery’s interim director, also praised the collaboration between the Lottery and IGT which spans more than two decades. He explained that this strategic long-term partnership enabled the Lottery to grow its operations while ensuring responsible offering. Finally, Russell predicted that the improvements under the new contract will not only deliver new experiences for players across the state but also help raise revenue for public education via Virginia’s K-12 program.

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Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden has reintroduced a bill that could pave the way for the construction of a resort-style casino, reminiscent of MGM National Harbor. 

Sen. Marsden’s Revised Casino Bill Targets Tysons Location

Sen. Marsden’s earlier attempt to introduce a similar bill faced setbacks, prompting a strategic revision to address concerns from residents, particularly in Reston. The new proposal is stringent about the casino’s placement, limiting it to Tysons and excluding Reston from consideration, reported NBC Washington.

The bill specifies that the eligible location for the casino must be within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, part of a coordinated mixed-use project development, outside the Dulles airport flight path, within two miles of a major shopping destination containing at least 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and outside the Interstate 495 Beltway. Notably, the bill singles out a particular parcel in Tysons — the site of a defunct auto dealership on Route 7.

The legislative journey for this proposal involves several steps. First, the bill must navigate through both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly and gain the signature of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. When asked about his stance on the matter, a spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin conveyed that he would review any legislation presented to him.

Should the bill receive approval, it would then proceed to the county level, where the county board would need to request a referendum. This referendum would allow Fairfax County voters to voice their opinion on whether they support the establishment of a casino. If the majority approves, the county would initiate a competitive bidding process for interested developers, who would subsequently seek a casino operator for the venture.

Uncertainties Surround Fairfax Casino Proposal Despite Economic Promise

Some proponents of the casino envision a comprehensive development that goes beyond mere gambling, including a convention center, hotels, restaurants, office space, and residences. This ambitious project aims to address the decline in commercial real estate tax revenue, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a void in funding for county resources.

State Senator and Democratic Majority Leader Scott Surovell stressed the importance of securing additional revenue sources to prevent homeowners from bearing the burden. He asserted that to maintain quality education, the responsibility of compensating for lost tax revenue would inevitably shift to homeowners, underscoring the county’s requirement for diversifying its revenue streams.

Despite the potential economic benefits and job creation outlined in a 2019 study by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, there is considerable opposition from local governments and community associations in the Tysons region. The path to establishing a casino in Fairfax County remains uncertain, and the proposal’s fate hinges on legislative approval and the voice of the county’s voters.

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Amidst growing concerns over Comstock Companies‘ push to establish a casino on Metro’s Silver Line outside the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County, residents of Reston are urging state lawmakers to reject any legislation supporting the controversial project.

Activists Challenge Casino Plans, Cite Deviation from Reston’s Planning Principles

On January 6, activists from NoRestonCasino.org, a group opposing the casino plans, placed signs outside the Fairfax County Government Center, calling attention to what they believe is a deviation from Reston’s planning principles, reported local media outlet Patch. 

The opposition argues that the Reston Comprehensive Plan, as well as the stance of Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn, does not align with the proposed casino development.

Lynne Mulston, president of the Reston Citizens Association, emphasized that, under current Virginia law, no legislation permits such development in Reston. 

Mulston stated that the recent endeavors of a major developer to garner favor with Virginia State Senators Surovell and Marsden, along with other elected representatives, to influence legislative action, suggest a disregard for the social, economic, infrastructure, and other impacts on the Reston community.

During the Public Hearing for Fairfax Delegation to the General Assembly, Jennifer Jushchuk, representing Save Our Sunrise, voiced concerns about the proximity of the proposed casino to residential areas, emphasizing the family-oriented nature of the Sunrise Valley Neighborhood in Reston. 

She mentioned that there is a single developer, Comstock, aiming to establish a casino and that they have significant investments in the properties surrounding the Wiehle Reston-East metro station, rather than in Tysons Corner.

Activists Highlight Environmental and Socio-Economic Concerns

Activists argue that the proposed casino contradicts the recently approved Reston Master Plan, which aimed to promote growth in key market sectors such as technology and higher education. 

Mac Cummins, the CEO of RA, expressed that a casino would go against and be incompatible with the goals outlined in the recently adopted plan, putting at risk the extensive community planning efforts made in Reston over the years.

Health concerns were also raised during the public hearing, with Michelle Widmann Kimmel of Healthy Reston highlighting potential environmental toxicity and socio-economic problems associated with casino developments. Kimmel urged legislators to consider the lack of empirical research supporting claims of economic benefits from casinos.

State Senator Dave Marsden and Delegate Wren Williams introduced bills in 2023, which were later withdrawn, and now plan to reintroduce an expanded referendum bill in the upcoming legislative session.

Residents hope that their collective voice echoed through various community groups and elected officials, will deter the state legislature from endorsing a casino that they deem unwanted and unnecessary for the vibrant community of Reston.

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In a public appeal, the Virginia State Police said that it is launching a dedicated hotline, Gaming Tip Line, which is aimed at helping authorities locate and shutter illegal gambling operations.

Illegal Forms of Gambling Now Targeted by the Public Eye

This comes after extended attempts by local authorities to limit the proliferation of illegal gambling properties that have continued to push their illicit business onto customers. A statement from the police reads:

“As the options and opportunities for legal gaming in Virginia expand, Virginia State Police is launching a statewide gaming tip line and online form for the public to report concerns of suspected gaming operations.”

Virginia police

The idea is to involve the public so that such operations are much harder to run, although they are unlikely to disappear completely just because an informant line has been set up.

Then again, there is a correlation between the lowering of illegal operations and higher public awareness and involvement. This comes at a time of reasonable doubts also raised about the nature of gambling expansion in Virginia, with one lawmaker said to have accepted donations from a casino developer.

The tip line need not deliver concrete evidence either, as people may just call in and leave tips about potential illicit operations that they only suspect. Meanwhile, Virginia continues to play a tug-of-war between bars, restaurants, and convenience store owners on the one hand and the Supreme Court on the other, which has taken a dim view of the so-called skill game machines in the state.

Skill-based games were banned in Virginia back in October by the Supreme Court of Virginia, finding the games to be nothing more than actual slot machines operating under a false pretence. Naturally, this has elicited a strong response from companies involved in the sector making a good buck out of it, and the owners of such establishments have confirmed that they would bear the brunt of this decision.

Arguing the Toss – Machines Have to Go

However, in the past two months since, the majority of such machines have been unplugged, indicative of the realization that no matter what the opposition, law enforcement will seize such games and most likely take punitive measures against any business owner that hosts such operations on their premises.

The machines, many owners said, were a lifeline for their business, and without them, they would simply go under, but this appeal has not swayed the Supreme Court. Now, Virginia’s police are taking matters further by encouraging the public to share evidence of suspected wrongdoing involving what is now considered illegal gambling.

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Amid campaign finance disclosures, a donation of $500 from NOVABizPAC to Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart), a staunch advocate of January’s casino bill, has brought attention to potential links between the political arena and casino development. These revelations have prompted significant public scrutiny as industry stakeholders employ all possible measures to secure an advantage in the competitive gambling landscape.

A Successful Casino Bill Can Be a Goldmine for Developers

The contribution from NOVABizPAC, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, to Williams’ campaign surfaced in finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections. Nick Clemente, the lobbyist who authorized the donation, has ties to Christopher Clemente, CEO of Comstock Companies. This connection raises eyebrows as Comstock Companies expressed interest in erecting a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.

For Comstock to proceed with their plans, the Virginia General Assembly needed to approve legislation enabling the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to initiate a referendum for voters to decide on the casino’s fate. In January, Delegate Williams and State Senator Dave Marsden (D-Burke) introduced almost identical bills (HB 2499/SB 1523) to grant the Board of Supervisors extended authority.

Campaign finance records also revealed that Williams received $500 from the chamber and a $2,500 contribution from Christopher Clemente, with the total sum from Clemente’s donations amounting to $12,500 for Williams’ 2023 campaign. Furthermore, former and current Comstock employees contributed $29,525 to Williams between 1 January and 30 May.

Lobbying Efforts Remain a Staple Industry Tool

Questions persist regarding Williams’ motivations for introducing the casino-related legislation. Marsden had earlier mentioned being approached by developers with relevant properties, although he later claimed ignorance about the specific referendum bill presented by Williams. However, piling coincidences cast doubt on these statements, especially given Williams’ proactive approach.

The politician has been a vocal supporter of Nick Clemente, urging voters to rally behind his lobbying efforts. A video on Williams’ Facebook page shows the delegate position Williams as an advocate for critical issues within the community, emphasizing the other man’s dedication to safety and protection. Williams also praised Clemente on X (formerly Twitter), dispelling doubts about their affiliation.

It was fun knocking on doors yesterday in the beautiful fall weather for Nick Clemente in Northern Virginia.

Delegate Wren Williams on X

The interconnectedness between campaign donations, lobbying, and legislative actions concerning casino-related bills has raised concerns regarding the integrity and transparency of political processes surrounding large-scale development projects. The implications of these financial connections have raised substantial public scrutiny, particularly concerning their influence on legislative decisions and the interests they represent.

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The leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment company, Caesars Entertainment, announced it expanded its offering on Ceasars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino for customers in West Virginia with the addition of unique games from IGT PlayDigital’s portfolio of titles. Announced Tuesday, the new collaboration saw players from The Mountain State gain access to a diverse range of popular games from IGT PlayDigital’s portfolio.

Thanks to the launch, customers aged 21, can now tap into new games that offer unique themes, engaging and rewarding features. Such include Caesars Cleopatra, the latest game from IGT, developed specifically for Caesars’ online gambling platforms. The new slot game combines an evergreen Cleopatra theme and features iconic Caesars Palace images.

With Caesars Palace in Las Vegas serving as the game’s background, the slot offers 20 paylines and comes packed with engaging mechanics. Players of the new slot game in West Virginia can expect player-favorite symbols and thrilling features that guarantee unrivaled experience and a chance for mouth-watering prizes.

The new game’s Cleopatra Bonus! offers players a chance to secure significant prizes by tripling the awards for the players. Landing five of the special Cleopatra symbols on a payline grants the customers a staggering award of 10,000x of the line bet.

The Operator Boosts Its Offering

Undoubtedly, the popular games from IGT PlayDigital will strengthen Caesars’ offering on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino for customers in West Virginia. Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Ceasars Digital’s VP of online gaming, revealed that the company is excited to expand its suite of games available via its two platforms for customers in the state. “This exciting game catalog is a perfect complement to the standout CAESARS CLEOPATRA title on our platform,” he explained.

“We are thrilled to have IGT PlayDigital’s vast suite of games available on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in West Virginia.“

Ricardo Cornejo Riva, VP of online gaming at Caesars Digital

Recently, BetMGM and Caesars enjoyed success in Las Vegas in light of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The arrival of the Formula One race to the state helped shatter betting records with BetMGM and Caesars reporting record growth in betting handle out of any motorsports event.

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