Casino

The post New Jersey Online Casino Player Wins $70k After Betting Just a Penny on Slots appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

A lucky online slot player in New Jersey managed to turn a $0.01 bet into a $70,718 win. The customer from Plumstead was using Hard Rock Bet Casino when he hit the 7,000,000x multiplier on Wolf Run as part of the operator’s Big Sunday Jackpot promotion.

Hard Rock Digital issued a statement promoting the win, with Senior Vice President of Casino Grant Williams highlighting how people can “win big even on the smallest of bets.”

only launched its new iGaming platform in New Jersey in February

The operator only launched its new iGaming platform in New Jersey in February, which integrates with its Hard Rock Sportsbook. Gross gaming revenue for its online casino hit $13.8m in April.

The post New Jersey Online Casino Player Wins $70k After Betting Just a Penny on Slots appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

The post Senate Passes Tips Bill in Major Boost For Nevada Casino Workers appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

Quite the feat

In a major boost for casino and hospitality workers, US Senator Jacky Rosen on Tuesday managed to get the No Tax on Tips Act she was backing across the line. She did so in spectacular fashion, securing the 99 votes she needed.

Not one of the 99 senators objected to her legislative gamble requiring “unanimous consent” to pass the bill. Senator Rosen took to X after her triumph, stating the legislation will bring “much deserved relief” to Nevadans:

The bill, which now heads to the House, would create a tax deduction worth up to $25,000 for tips. It would also be exclusive to workers earning $160,000 or less in 2025.

Trump card

In a news release, Rosen’s office reinforced the relief the No Tax on Tips bill will bring workers in Nevada, the state with “the highest concentration of tipped workers in the nation.”

“Nevadans sent me here to fight for them,” the Senator stated, although many social media users praised President Donald Trump for his hand in the bill’s success.

I am not afraid to embrace a good idea”

While the news out of Washington was dubbed a surprise by media outlets, the bill has gathered admirers ever since President Trump introduced the idea while in Nevada on his campaign trail last year. Rosen gave the POTUS his due, stating the no tax bill was one of the US leader’s key election promises. “I am not afraid to embrace a good idea, wherever it comes from,” she said.

The Republican-led Senate liked the idea too. They unanimously backed the bipartisan bill introduced in January by Sen. Ted Cruz with co-sponsors including Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto.

Senator Cruz was also in bullish mood on the Nevada senate floor Tuesday, stating that “one way or another” the bill would become law and bring “real relief to hard-working Americans.”

Appealing options

Cruz was referencing the win-win opinion that while the bill still needs to clear the House, “Republicans have been seeking to include a version of the proposal in their sweeping party-line package for Trump’s agenda.”

Allied with strong Democratic support, GOP leaders have the option of passing the bill separately while either removing it from broader legislation to reduce costs or spend the money elsewhere.

“I commend Democrats and Republicans, even at a time of partisan division, coming together and agreeing on this commonsense policy,” Cruz stated Tuesday.

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The post Caesars Takes First Bite of Oregon Sports Betting via Coquille Indian Tribe Deal appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

First time in Oregon

Caesars Entertainment has officially entered the Oregon sports betting market for the first time via a deal with the Coquille Indian Tribe. The casino giant’s state entry was made public Tuesday at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay.

The Nevada-based firm took to X to announce the launch of its sportsbook to coincide with the resort formerly known as The Mill Casino’s 30th anniversary:

The Oregon footprint allows Caesars Sportsbook-branded self-service wagering kiosks at Ko-Kwel, where bettors can now access player props, live in-play betting, and futures markets.

Brands in alignment

According to a Caesars news release, the ceremonial first bet was placed on Caesars Sportsbook self-service wagering kiosks at the casino, that also rebranded from Mill Casino on Tuesday.

Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said his firm was proud to partner with the Coquille and that it remained “committed to supporting Indian gaming.”

the first time is always significant”

Hession also underlined the importance to Caesars of gaining entry into Oregon. “Bringing our sports wagering offering to a new jurisdiction for the first time is always significant,” the exec stated. Hession added that the variety of markets offered by Caesars Sportbook will: “undoubtedly enhance the exceptional experience that the Coquille Indian Tribe provides to its guests.”

Coquille Economic Development Corporation CEO Margaret Simpson was equally optimistic about the new deal, stating the casino was “proud to have this iconic gaming brand join us.”

Simpson highlighted the two brands’ decades-long reputation for excellence in the gambling industry, adding the tie-up “aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing gaming opportunities and enhancing guest satisfaction.”

Moving on

The rebrand from The Mill along with the launch of Caesars Sportsbook will give Oregonian bettors something positive to enjoy following the headline-grabbing meltdown of one of the casino’s workers last year.

In August, ex-employee William Sherrill threatened to burn the Mill Casino “to the ground” after getting fired. Feds allege Sherril lost his job after threatening workers at the casino.

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The post Owners of Closed Montreal Casino Sue Local Mohawk Council for CA$220m Over False Claims appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

The owners of a casino in Montreal are suing the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake for about CA$220m (US$158m) over the property’s abrupt closure in March 2024. The then-chief in charge of gaming, Cody Diabo, is also a defendant in the case.

A report emerged in 2023 that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was looking into allegations about potential money laundering for criminals at the Magic Palace.

The complaint alleges that the casino’s future is in jeopardy due to the council’s actions, which the plaintiffs claim unlawfully terminated the gaming operations and breached due process.

believe the allegations are false and led to the destruction of their business

Stanley Myiow and Barry Alfred believe the allegations are false and led to the destruction of their business without proper evidence. The lawsuit says that “new evidence, including crucial admissions” proves that they were false claims and that there was a lack of due process.

Of the CA$220m (US$158m) figure, CA$155m (US$111m) relates to planned expansion of the facility that could not become a reality.

Another point of contention in the case is the possible conflict of interest concerning one of the Mohawk Council members who did not recuse themselves from decisions about the Magic Palace despite having links to a competitor.

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The post Florida Lauds Taking Down 10 Illegal Gambling Operations in April appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

Job well done

Florida gaming officials and local law enforcement have given themselves a pat on the shoulder for dismantling ten different illegal gaming operations across South and Central Florida in April.

joined with sheriff’s offices and police departments

According to a news release from the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), the body joined with sheriff’s offices and police departments in the state to execute the crackdown.

The FGCC stated six of operations it took down were in Okeechobee, with the rest in Daytona Beach, Dade City, and DeLand.

The state gambling regulator filed multiple charges against those targeted, including keeping a gambling house, underage possession of illegal drugs, and possession of slot machines.

Florida is heavily gambling regulated and only permits slots in licensed gaming establishments.

Crackdown

Any operator other than the eight pari-mutuels licensed in Broward and Miami Dade counties and the six venues under the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s control always ran a major risk of operating in the tightly regulated state.

proud to stand shoulder to shoulder”

FGCC’s Acting Executive Director Ross Marshman said in the Monday news release that the commission was “proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners as we collaboratively tackle illegal gaming throughout our state.”

Marshman added slots were only legal in “a handful of places” and directed gamblers to the FGCC website to check its licensed venues. The exec also warned Floridians and state business owners to “be wary of any establishment operating these types of gaming devices outside those authorized locations.”

According to the regulator’s release, the biggest bust was at Dolly’s Old Town Tavern in DeLand. Law enforcement officials there seized 14 illegal slot machines along with over $8,000 in cash.

Next biggest was the Mobil Gas Station bust in Okeechobee, where officials seized four illegal slot machines and $6,000 cash.

Warning shot

The FGCC also took the release to highlight how its legally authorized venues “ensure player protections, generate state revenue, and uphold game integrity.”

The FGCC ended on a warning, however, that illegal slots operators face criminal charges and administrative fines of up to $10,000 per machine, and risk suspension of their business permits and liquor licenses.

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The post Wynn Resorts Blames Persistent Opposition for New York City Casino License Race Withdrawal appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

With the application process for three highly sought-after casino licenses for downstate New York opening next month, Wynn Resorts has pulled out of the race. It had proposed building a resort in Hudson Yards in collaboration with billionaire Stephen Ross before announcing on Monday that it is no longer pursuing a license.

renovating existing properties, developing new projects elsewhere, and buying back company stock

In a statement, the company said a big reason behind the decision was the “recent rezoning process” and that it could better allocate its resources elsewhere, including renovating existing properties, developing new projects elsewhere, and buying back company stock.

It specifically highlighted the “persistent opposition” that the $12bn project close to the High Line would face if it got the green light despite its plan to hire 5,000 workers. Local community groups expressed outrage that plans to increase housing levels in the area were being sidetracked to make way for a casino.

Wynn Resorts concluded its statement by thanking its partner Related Companies and said that it still believes a casino in the area would be a great success.

Wynn is just the latest party to withdraw from the New York casino license bidding process, with Saks Fifth Avenue and Las Vegas Sands also doing so recently.

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The post US Casino Heavyweights Signal IR Intent With Meetings in Thailand appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

Talks underway

Two Nevada–based casino heavyweights have reportedly been in Thailand for talks regarding the country’s plan to launch integrated casino resorts (IR) by 2027.

According to the Bangkok Post, a Thai government official stated IR-related meetings with executives from both MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts had already taken place.

four major foreign investors have already scheduled meetings

Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Monday that four major foreign investors have already scheduled meetings with Thai authorities over the IR market.

Only MGM and Wynn were identified as two of the four major players stepping up their intent to take their Thailand IR interest to the next level.

Interests made clear

Thailand’s The Nation on Tuesday led with photographs of MGM’s President of Global Development Ed Bowers attending a Monday meeting, reportedly with Julapun.

Friday, Julapun was pictured meeting with Wynn.

The media outlet quoted the Thai official as stating two unnamed operators were also scheduled to meet with government representatives soon.

signalling clearly that we are open to discussions with investors”

Julapun stated: “We are now signalling clearly that we are open to discussions with investors, especially as we move forward with drafting legislation and seek to attract over THB100 billion ($3.01bn) in investment.”

The Bangkok Post meanwhile cited the minister stating his government was not targeting “small or unprepared investors.”

On the same page

The government finance deputy reportedly appreciated the level of intent coming from the two Nevada gaming juggernauts, stating the pair:

share the same view as us.”

Julapun stated after the meetings that MGM and Wynn “are interested in investing in Thailand and believe our legal framework is quite solid, especially regarding money laundering and gambling regulation.”

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The post Lawmakers Demand Probe Into $40bn DoD Expenditure Including Casino, iGaming appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.

Taxpayer-funded charges

Two prominent Republicans are demanding the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) carry out a full investigation into the Department of Defense’s taxpayer-funded charges at casinos, bars,and nightclubs.

a comprehensive review into DoD spending

US Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. James Comer want the GAO to conduct a comprehensive review into DoD spending incurred at “high-risk merchants.” These include casino ATMs and iGaming sites.

Sen. Joni Ernst took to X Monday to state Pentagon bureaucrats using government credit cards for such transactions was “indefensible:”

Under DoD Inspector General Steven A. Stebbins, a recent audit of the Pentagon department revealed nearly two charge cards per federal employee, with overall expenditure exceeding $40bn in the last fiscal year alone.

Spend questioned

Stebbins’ office found nearly 8,000 DoD credit card transactions at maximum risk locations, including casinos, over the past year.

an extra 3,246 transactions took place at nightclubs and bars”

According to news sources, an extra 3,246 transactions took place at nightclubs and bars, “many of them on federal holidays, Super Bowl Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, the day of UFC 300, Cinco de Mayo and New Year’s Eve.”

In a letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro last week, federal lawmakers Sen. Ernst and House Oversight Chairman Comer called for “urgently needed” reforms to charge card programs.

The federal lawmakers want Dodaro’s office to review the issuing and “management of government purchase, travel, fleet, and integrated charge cards and accounts across federal agencies.”

The duo cited a report from Stebbins’ office that found 15,610 questionable transactions including sports betting, dating apps, cruises, marijuana, golf, and fortune tellers. “We are skeptical these charges were for legitimate purposes or in service of the DoD’s mission for which the cards were issued,” Ernst and Comer wrote.

Rein it in

The federal lawmakers also accused the DoD of not employing anti-fraud systems, such as Visa IntelliLink Compliance Management, to pinpoint federal travel charge card abuse and fraud.

“With Washington $36 trillion in debt, the last thing we need is bureaucrats maxing out their tab and sticking taxpayers with the bill,” the pair wrote to Dodaro.

“There should never be more credit cards than federal employees.”

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