Mk Ssports-Encore Las Vegas Gambler Scoops Up $2M Playing Buffalo Power Pay

At around 1:45 am on Sunday, the guest hit the slot’s jackpot, securing them a $1,935,806.31 payday

Encore Casino Las Vegas USA Image Source: Shutterstock.com

A lucky gambler in Las Vegas has struck gold, winning a jackpot of almost $2 million dollar. The guest was visiting Wynn Resorts’ Encore Las Vegas on the famed Las Vegas Strip and playing a slot by Aristocrat Gaming.

According to an official release from Wynn Resorts, the guest was firing up the reels of Buffalo Power Pay, an American wildlife-themed game. At around 1:45 am on Sunday, the guest hit the slot’s jackpot, securing them a $1,935,806.31 payday.

The winner, who remained unidentified in the official press release, won the jackpot on a $60 wager, Wynn Resorts reported. As of the time of this writing, no additional information is available.

Another Bison-Themed Slots Enthusiasts Won Jackpot Prizes

In any case, the Encore Las Vegas player isn’t the only recent gambler to emerge richer from playing a buffalo-themed title. BetMGM’s Borgata Online brand just handed a huge jackpot to a customer who was enjoying the Entain-developed Bison Fury.

An exclusive to BetMGM’s brands, Bison Fury is an exciting title best known for its 1,000 ways to win, thrilling bonus and progressive jackpot.

According to BetMGM, the player won $417,404 on a $18 wager. What made this victory so special, however, is the fact that it was the same player’s second jackpot in nine months. The aforementioned win was scored in May but in August 2023, the player had won an additional $1 million playing Bison Fury.

The lucky gambler thanked BetMGM and Borgata Online for giving them this opportunity and changing their life.

Mega Millions Jackpot Continues Growing

Speaking of jackpots, the Mega Millions jackpot just survived another drawing, swelling to $251 million for the next drawing. Set to take place on July 19, the upcoming drawing will provide players with a shot at a life-changing prize with a lump cash value of $118.7 million.

The last time a player won the Mega Millions jackpot, for reference, was in early June when a player from Illinois hit the $560 million Mega Millions jackpot. This win followed three months of unsuccessful drawings.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Jamul Casino Hotel Tower Project Nears Completion

The hotel tower should significantly bolster the casino’s guest capacity, allowing guests to enjoy the venue’s leading offerings in unparalleled comfort

Construction of new real-estate facilities Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC), a wholly-owned enterprise of the Jamul Indian Village Tribe, celebrated another monumental step in the construction of Jamul Casino’s new 16-story hotel tower with a topping-off ceremony that included the placement of the final beam onto the structure. This milestone will set the stage for a spring 2025 opening for the long-awaited expansion project.

This Project Represents a Substantial Investment

The new tower will feature 200 beautifully appointed rooms, including 52 spacious suites and a curated collection of leisure experiences. First envisioned as a crystalline gem suspended against the Jamul mountains, this boutique hotel seeks to revolutionize the area’s hospitality market. An enclosed, climate-controlled pedestrian sky bridge will connect the tower to the existing casino, giving guests easy and comfortable access.

Some of the planned hotel’s many luxurious amenities include a 4,800 sq. ft. restaurant with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, retail space, meeting and banquet facilities, and a full-service spa and salon with an outdoor deck. Guests will have access to a fitness center, luxury guestrooms and suites for VIP guests, and an 11,000 sq. ft. rooftop pool deck complete with a jetted hot tub, cabanas, and a rooftop bar.

This expansion was possible thanks to a $515 million loan JIVDC took to cover its debts and expand its property, hoping to create 125 new permanent jobs and 1,000 constitution jobs. The Jamul Casino originally opened in 2016 and has enjoyed substantial success, creating over 1,200 permanent jobs and bolstering the local economy.

A New Hotel Tower Should Have Far-Reaching Benefits

The topping-off ceremony highlighted the project’s significance to the Jamul Indian Village and its future guests and visitors. After the formalities, the organizers held a luncheon to recognize the efforts of the construction workers who were instrumental in turning this premier hotel into a reality. Although significant work remains, this achievement indicates that the project is progressing according to plan.

Present at the ceremony were the Jamul Casino executive management team, Jamul Indian Village tribal members, and other key stakeholders. Erica M. Pinto, chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village and chairwoman of the JIVDC Board, thanked the building provider for the successful collaboration and expressed her excitement regarding the upcoming launch next year.

After years of conceptualizing and planning, we are proud to mark this significant milestone in Jamul Casino’s history.

Erica M. Pinto

As the project inches closer to completion, this new hotel should become a substantial boon for local communities by creating new economic lifelines. It should also reaffirm the Jamul Indian Village’s leading position in the region’s gambling landscape while ushering in a new era of luxury and hospitality for future visitors.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Mirage Closes, Treasure Island Offers Deals to Ex

Following the Mirage Hotel & Casino officially ceasing operations on July 17, Treasure Island Hotel & Casino will take over former guests and customers, providing a series of exclusive deals

Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Nevada Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The big day has finally come. The iconic, longstanding fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, Mirage Hotel & Casino, will finally shut down today at 11 a.m. after the planned farewell ceremony, ending an era and writing the final chapter of the megaresort.

The closure, however, marks the start of a massive rebranding and transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.

The transition will also see former Mirage hotel guests and casino patrons benefit from exclusive deals from Treasure Island Hotel & Casino as a means of ensuring continuity for individuals affected by the closure.

$30 Free Slot/Table Games Credit, 35% Off Room Rates

Former Mirage hotel guests will benefit from special 2-for-1 cocktail vouchers at check-in, room discounts of up to 35%, and $50 pool cabana credits available Monday to Thursday.

The offer will be available from April to October. The hotel hosts close to 3,000 guest rooms and also offers premium Cirque du Soleil entertainment via shows like Mystère.

Guests can also enjoy a large selection of dining options, visit the nightlife venues and clubs, or benefit from comprehensive shopping experiences.

Former Mirage casino players will receive $30 to play slots for free or $30 to wager on their favorite table game, as long as they agree to register and join the Treasury Rewards Club.

Even more, the property which is also located on the Las Vegas Strip, will match the comp offer for all Mirage casino customers who present their player’s club offer.

Reservations beyond July 14, Canceled and Refunded

Hotel guests with reservations at The Mirage beyond July 14 will have their bookings automatically canceled and refunded. 

Guests who used third-party platforms or online travel agencies to make their bookings are recommended to get in touch with the operators for refunds or rebooking.

Tickets purchased for shows beyond July 14 will go through the same refund/cancellation regime.

The new property, which was originally announced in May 2024, will feature a hotel spread across close to 700 feet shaped like a guitar.

The transformation will be initiated as soon as The Mirage officially ceases operations, bringing significant changes in the local job market by doubling the number of job openings that are currently available at The Mirage and generating 2,500+ jobs in construction.

Hard Rock will offer around $80 million in severance packages to those employees who have decided to stay at the property until the closure time.

The rebranding plans started as soon as Hard Rock International acquired The Mirage from MGM in 2022 for $1.07 billion.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Michigan Gaming Control Board Defends Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, stated that the so-called skill games do not comply with Michigan\’s penal code and warned that individuals or entities operating them will face legal action

Michigan's official flag Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has defended its severe anti-illegal gambling enforcement efforts, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding people’s welfare and implementing state laws. The statement was made following complaints leveled against it with regard to the sudden rise in casino-style electronic gaming machines in bars and restaurants across Michigan which are often referred to as “skill games.”

MGCB Challenges Legality of Skill-Based Electronic Gaming Machines in Michigan

These electronic gaming machines have increasingly become popular in various parts of this state over the past few years. Manufacturers argue that these machines involve some skill elements thereby qualifying under the exception for “redemption games” provided for in Michigan law.

However, according to the MGCB those claims are contested because more times than not such apparatuses operate based on luck just like traditional slots hence failing to meet legal exemption requirements.

Executive director of the MGCB, Henry Williams said that these devices are not compliant with the penal code of Michigan adding that individuals or entities found running them will be dealt with through legal means if necessary. Williams further pointed out that these machines, which frequently offer cash prizes or gift cards, are misleadingly presented as legal when they are not.

Joint Efforts Against Illegal Gambling in Michigan Lead to Multiple Convictions

Illegal gambling has been fought vigorously by both the Michigan Attorney General’s office and the MGCB together. Within five years since their collaboration began, 29 people have been convicted on a range of felony and misdemeanor charges related to illegal gambling activities while 436 unlawful machines were seized alongside substantial amounts of money and vouchers worth more than $191,000.

Some notable cases include sentencing five culprits involved in Stony Creek Internet Café illegal gambling venture at Ypsilanti Township in October 2023 where authorities confiscated 41 devices plus over $6,000 cash as well as gift cards, the conviction of three persons after a raid conducted on West Point Café located Flint in April this year whereby police officers recovered 26 units coupled with $7,500 cash alongside vouchers.

Williams raised concerns over the dangers posed by unregulated machines to consumers particularly young people who may be introduced to gambling at an earlier age because of the lack of proper control. He also mentioned that players could easily fall victim to unfair practices or even develop addiction problems as there is no adequate regulation of the machines.

MGCB has been accused of using heavy-handed tactics but according to its officials, their actions are lawful enforcement measures with an aim to educate the public about risks associated with such games.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Surpasses $1bn in 2024 Jackpots

With nearly 350,000 jackpots awarded for the year so far, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood sees jackpots drop every 47 seconds

US dollar bills on a pile. Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, a leading gaming and entertainment resort owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, once again surpassed $1 billion in awarded jackpots. 2024 marks the fourth consecutive year the casino surpasses $1 billion in jackpots and the latest achievement comes after recently a loyalty member secured a jackpot of nearly $6,000.

The $5,984 triumph came on June 12 at 11:25 AM. Thanks to the win of the lucky player from Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood surpassed the billion-dollar mark in awarded jackpots for the year.

A Jackpot Drops on Every 47 Seconds

So far this year, the property has awarded more than 346,492 jackpots with the average jackpot size being $3,340.99. Considering the number of jackpots, a grand prize is won every 47 seconds, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood reveals.

The largest jackpot for 2024 is $1.4 million. A fortunate player secured the hefty prize back in April.

Focusing on the bigger picture, the casino resort continues to award millions in jackpots every month. The total awarded jackpots since 2021 have now surpassed the mind-blowing $6 billion.

Players at Hard Rock Casino Hollywood can find the first-ever Dragon Link $1 million Grand Progressive slots. Since the launch of the fan-favorite games back in 2021, 15 fortunate players have secured jackpots of $1 million or more.

Guests at the premium hotel casino can also enjoy hits such as Dollar Storm Mega Grand Link, Huff & Even More Puff, as well as Journey to the Planet Moolah, among other popular slot games.

Currently, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood offers more than 2,500 of some of the most popular slot games. The casino’s 150,000-square-foot gaming floor is also home to 20 live roulette tables and 10 live craps tables. Visitors of the casino can also enjoy a non-smoking room, among other amenities.

“For the fourth consecutive year, we have awarded more than $1 billion in jackpots.“

Bo Guidry, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood

Bo Guidry, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood’s president, revealed that 2024 marks the fourth year in a row the casino surpasses $1 billion in awarded jackpots. He said that an ongoing goal for the premium gaming and entertainment venue is to deliver unique and unforgettable customer experiences.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Hands $1.5M Jackpot to Riverside Player

A resident of Riverside, the player had placed a $25 bet alongside a $5 progressive wager

Money raining down on a man Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, a tribal gambling property in San Manuel, announced that it has handed a $1.5 million jackpot to a lucky visitor. The historic jackpot was hit on July 4, presenting the player with an amazing Independence Day gift.

The guest, according to the casino, won $1,517,211 playing the Fortune Pai Gow game. A resident of Riverside, the player had placed a $25 bet alongside a $5 progressive wager, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino added. The winning hand saw the lucky casino visitor pull out a seven-card straight flush. His $5 progressive wager was responsible for the huge bonus payout, the tribal casino noted.

Kenji Hall, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino’s general manager, commented on the huge jackpot, praising the customer for their win. He said that Yaamava’ felt honored to turn another lucky Club Serrano player’s life around by making them a millionaire.

Hall emphasized the casino’s delight in being able to share such moments with its guests.

It is truly amazing to be part of some of the most extraordinary moments with our guests. Yaamava’ is the place to be for one-of-a-kind entertainment and gaming experiences AND the chance to win BIG!

Kenji Hall, general manager, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

Yaamava’, however, noted that this was not its only significant jackpot for 2024. The gambling property pointed out that, earlier this year, another Club Serrano member won a $1.3 million jackpot on Blazing Sevens Blackjack.

The significant payouts demonstrate the tribal casino’s potential to change people’s lives. Boasting a whopping 7,200 slot machines and some 150 table games to choose from, Yaamava’ offers guests multiple opportunities to enjoy their stay and win big.

More US Players Win Big

Speaking of huge payouts, an Encore Las Vegas gambler just scooped up a $1,935,806.31 prize. The player was enjoying Buffalo Power Pay, an American wildlife-themed title developed by Aristocrat Gaming.

The winner, who remained unidentified in the official press release, won the jackpot on a $60 wager, Wynn Resorts reported.

Earlier this year, another lucky player won a significant jackpot playing an American wildlife-themed game. That jackpot was secured by a Borgata Online player who won $417,404 on a $18 wager playing Bison Fury. This, however, was not the player’s first win as, a few months prior, he had won a $1 million jackpot playing the same game.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Reported Threat at the Borgata Results in Increased Police Presence

Law enforcement arrived at the property Thursday afternoon after an anonymous threat by a person who claimed to have guns and explosives

Borgata Casino in AC Image Source: Shutterstock.com

A large number of police officers and vehicles gathered at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Thursday afternoon after an anonymous threat. Just before 4 PM, the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) received a call from an anonymous male who claimed to be a guest at the luxury hotel and casino and was in possession of an explosives and guns.

The call resulted in the immediate dispatch of law enforcement to the Borgata where nearly two dozen police cruisers gathered. As announced by BreakingAC, the hotel and casino were also visited by the AC Bomb Squad.

Law enforcement blocked roads close to the property, diverting traffic. Moreover, the hotel and casino’s entrances were blocked by police officers while a sweep of the property was conducted.

A statement released by the ACPD revealed that an investigation into the threat is ongoing. In the afternoon, law enforcement said that there is no active shooter on site.

“The Atlantic City Police Department is currently on scene at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa conducting an active investigation. There is NO active shooter,“

reads a statement released by the ACPDNo Suspicious Individuals or Explosives Found

Local media reports revealed that some of the guests weren’t allowed to go back into the Borgata. Others didn’t even know that there was a threat. Still, guests were evacuated from some parts of the casino resort.

After an extensive search of the property by Borgata security in collaboration with law enforcement, the ACPD released an update, outlining that no suspicious individuals have been identified neither explosives or firearms were uncovered.

Patrol officers responded to the scene, and along with Borgata Security, conducted a sweep of the building during which no suspicious individuals or devices were located.

reads an update released by the ACPD

Law enforcement confirmed that parts of the property were temporarily evacuated but guests were later on allowed to return. The ACPD said that it will investigate the validity of the threat and encouraged everyone with information regarding the case to reach out.

So far there’s no confirmation about anyone being arrested in relation to the reported threat.

Users online speculated that a person was barricaded into one of the hotel rooms. However, neither law enforcement nor the Borgata confirmed those rumors.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Wildhorse Resort & Casino Cleared of COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic once pushed land-based operations across the US to their limits, munching into profit margins and putting the health of workers at risk with a now déjà vu nearly manifesting itself at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Covid-19 swab Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton has been cleared to reopen after an initial scare that a staffer had fallen sick of COVID-19 was put to rest.

The casino reopened on Wednesday afternoon and has undergone a careful inspection process from public health officials which cleared the property to continue doing business as usual.

COVID-19 Scare Sends Wildhorse Resort in Protective Overdrive

In a press statement sharing the reopening, Gary George, the casino CEO, said that Wildhorse has exceeded sanitary expectations, and stressed that the well-being of people who work and visit the resort is the utmost priority for the establishment.

The casino had to quickly wind down operations on Monday amid a scare that an employee had presumably tested positive for COVID-19.

The decision came from the Board of Trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which said that the casino should close the main building to minimize the risk of spreading and further cases.

In the hours following the decision, Wildhorse started sanitizing surfaces across its main venues, including the casino and hotel, the Children’s Entertainment center, arcade, restaurants, administrative offices, and the Cineplex.

To ensure the risk of transmitting any lingering COVID-19 virus is kept to a minimum, the casino deployed the Clorox Total 360 System, which is used to sanitize schools, hospitals, and clinics.

According to Wildhorse, the employee who was thought to have tested positive had limited exposure to other members of the staff, as they worked in a restricted area of the building that had no contact with the kitchen or the main floors.

Very Low Risk of Exposing Employees – No Risk to Guests

Wildhorse has also said that based on the Centers for Disease Control information, the people who may have come in contact with the employee, even in a closed environment, would be at a minimum risk of exposure or catching the virus.

This is not the first instance of a casino shutting down temporarily or partially to ensure that no COVID-19 is spread on its premises. Recently, the Indian Head Casino in Warm Springs followed a similar process after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Casinos are not risking a repeat of the situation which saw Las Vegas casinos shuttered for 78 days, leading to a gutting economic blow to Nevada and the industry as a whole. Recovery is still undergoing, but no one takes the risk of COVID-19 mildly even two years after COVID-19 was supposedly defeated.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-Cherokee Nation Is Not Considering a Vegas Casino Yet

For now, the Cherokees’ Vegas-facing ambitions are just a rumor but the nation didn\’t refute the possibility of considering a Vegas casino

A photo of the Vegas Strip Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The Cherokee Nation was said to be mulling over a potential foray into the Las Vegas casino industry. However, the tribe isn’t quite ready yet, according to the chairman of its gambling authority.

The Nation Is Not Ready for Vegas

John Sparks, chair of the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission, explained that the nation isn’t inherently opposed to the idea of tackling Las Vegas’ highly lucrative market but is not committed to any such plans yet.

As a fast-growing tribal operator, the Cherokee Nation has long been expected to show interest in Las Vegas. Sparks, however, refuted these claims at the recent National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS). He explained that, for now, the Cherokees’ Vegas-facing ambitions are just a rumor.

The tribal entity, for context, operates eight casinos in Oklahoma. The nation acquired the Gold Strike Hotel & Casino in Mississippi two years ago and is also pursuing a casino bid in Arkansas. A Vegas property would potentially strengthen the tribe’s gaming portfolio, poising it for further growth.

Sparks refrained from providing any predictions about the tribe’s potential foray into Las Vegas.

Tribal Gaming Has a Limited Presence in Vegas

Should the Cherokee Nation decide to pursue a casino in Las Vegas, it will likely seek a beneficial acquisition deal. According to analysts, however, this could be a major setback to any Vegas-centered plans, considering that at the moment there are no Vegas Strip casinos for sale.

To make matters worse, the economic situation has made casino M&A activity incredibly costly because of the associated high interest rates. While the Federal Reserve could lower borrowing costs, it is uncertain whether this would be enough to revitalize M&A activity within the casino sector.

As of the time of this writing, the only Las Vegas property operated by a tribal entity is Palms Casino Resort, a property near the famed Strip. Mohegan Gaming recently exited the Vegas gaming sector but the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock brand is set to reopen the Mirage in 2027.

Mirage Hotel & Casino, for context, just closed and is now preparing for its metamorphosis into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas.

-Mk Ssports

Mk Ssports-LVS’s New York Casino Inches Closer to Reality

The 42-year lease agreement was signed off by the Nassau County Planning Commission last week and approved by the Nassau Country Legislature Rules Committee this Monday

The Nassau Coliseum in NY Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Las Vegas Sands has celebrated a major milestone, which brought it closer to the fulfillment of its NY casino plans. The company, which hopes to create an integrated resort at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, just secured a key approval from the Nassau Country Legislature Rules Committee.

The approval greenlights a 42-year lease on the building, bringing the casino and hospitality company’s plans closer to reality. The approval by the committee means that the lease will now go to the legislature for further voting.

The 42-year lease agreement was signed off by the Nassau County Planning Commission last week. This development followed a major setback that saw LVS’s earlier lease agreement invalidated on the grounds that it violated the state’s open meeting laws.

If LVS is to launch casino gaming, however, it would still need to secure one of the three yet-to-be-awarded downstate New York casino licenses. The licenses in question are expected to be awarded in 2025.

Should the company secure one of the coveted licenses, it would build a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project at the landmark Nassau Coliseum site. The resort is expected to offer supreme gaming experiences, as well as a 5-star hotel, multiple restaurants and a variety of entertainment and leisure options.

Las Vegas Sands has a history of benefitting the communities it serves and is among the frontrunners in the casino license race.

Not Everyone Is Happy with LVS’s Progress

Las Vegas Sands’ New York casino has secured support from a variety of organizations, such as the Nassau Community College, Long Island University and Hempstead Chambers of Commerce. These applauded the casino plans as an opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and enhance economic opportunities in the region.

However, not everyone is on board with the casino plans.

Nassau Country residents and community leaders recently gathered in protest against LVS’s new casino. The property, which is set to become the second-largest casino in the United States, doesn’t sit well with many locals, who argue that the casino would overwhelm local infrastructure and alter the community’s character.

Say No to the Casino Civic Association is one of the main organizations fighting against LVS’s casino at the Nassau Coliseum.

-Mk Ssports