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The strike may affect not only the hotel operations but the venue\’s restaurants, housekeeping and food and beverage departments

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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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Alex Alvarado, the vice president of casino operations at MGM National Harbor, celebrated the player\’s success

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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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The case will likely progress into a trial as the man faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000

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Roberto Orellana, a man who allegedly scammed a casino worker out of $350,000, has pleaded not guilty in court. If convicted, the man faces up to 15 years in prison.

The 44-year-old was accused of scamming a cashier at Grand River Casino, a tribal gambling property in Mobridge, South Dakota. According to the allegations, the employee received scam texts on their phone from who appeared to be their boss.

The texts claimed that a firm was conducting an audit of Grand River Casino. According to the scam text, an alleged lawyer needed the money to help the casino avoid additional fines. The text told the employee to transfer the cash into Bitcoin at a machine in Aberdeen. A second text included detailed instructions, telling them to bring the money to the Dakota Sunset gas station in Mitchell.

Once there, the employee handed the money to two men who were waiting for them in the gas station’s parking lot.

The Man Pleaded Not Guilty to the Allegations

While authorities didn’t confirm how the casino realized the scam, the authorities were eventually contacted, prompting an investigation into the matter. After an expert from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the matter, the department was able to access the gas station surveillance and identify the credit card used by one of the two suspects.

The man who owned the credit card was Orellana from Omaha, Nebraska, the police understood. They also learned that he was the owner of the car that the two suspects used.

According to a report from the Mitchell Daily Republic, Orellana pleaded not guilty to the allegations on Tuesday. The case will likely progress into a trial as the man faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.

Federal authorities had requested a bond hold on Orellana but Judge Chris Giles denied changing the conditions.

The report didn’t mention anything about the man who was with Orellana when the casino employee brought the money. Authorities are yet to say what has happened to the money.

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Although the gambling bills made significant strides by passing the Alabama House on April 30, their momentum was abruptly halted by the Senate

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May 9 marked the end of the legislative session in the state of Alabama and, consequently, the failure of the highly controversial gambling bills, which the Senate did not pass.

Alabama’s Gambling Bills Stalled After House Approval

Despite the gambling bills’ successful passage at the Alabama House on April 30, their positive progress was stopped short by the Senate not even reaching the Senate floor for a vote.

To some extent, the bills’ demise was due to Sen. Greg Albritton last-minute change of mind. He supported the bills initially, however, he distanced himself from the legislation eventually when it reached the Senate, leaving the bills short of the necessary votes.

Notably the bills did not include the legalization of sports betting but facilitated the launch of a state education lottery, authorization of electronic games of chance, and regulation of traditional raffles and bingo.

The failed passage of the bills in the Senate means yet another setback for the already prolonged debate over gaming expansion in Alabama. The efforts of introducing comprehensive gambling legislation met serious resistance, which is very similar to the futile attempts to legalize gambling in Alabama in 1999.

House Lawmakers Decry Senate Inaction, Highlighting Lost Revenue Opportunities

Following the end of the Senate session, House lawmakers voiced their frustration regarding the Senate’s indecisiveness. Some of the proponents of the gambling bills such as Rep. Chris Blackshear expressed discontent as the failed passage of the legislation means yet another lost opportunity to secure additional revenue for critical sectors such as education and infrastructure, reported local media outlet Al.com.

Gov. Kay Ivey also echoed Blackshear’s sentiment and expressed disappointment over the Senate’s failure to act. She further added that every year the Senate keeps postponing gambling legislation.

Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, on the other hand, pointed out that Alabama residents will now keep going to neighboring states to buy lottery tickets and support the budgets of Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.

On a recent visit to Alabama, Donald Trump Jr. also used the opportunity to criticize the Alabama Senate for not passing the gambling bills and allowing state residents to vote on the introduction of a state lottery. Trump Jr. questioned why state lawmakers decided to direct funds toward neighboring states instead of keeping them in Alabama. Gov. Kay advocated for the launch of a state lottery emphasizing the importance of letting residents decide.

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Ted Pappageorge, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union Local 226, expressed that employees of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are relying on their strike to expedite the sluggish negotiation process

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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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On May 14, Running Aces submitted an amended complaint, broadening the scope of its original lawsuit targeting Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino

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Minnesota casino, racetrack, and hotel Running Aces has recently amended its federal lawsuit and added Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos, owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Running Aces has accused tribal casinos of offering unauthorized video games of chance in violation of federal and state laws.

Running Aces Alleges Illegal Advantage in Tribal Casinos’ Gaming Activities

Running Aces filed the amended complaint on May 14 expanding the scope of the initial lawsuit against Grand Casino Hinckley, Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino. According to the legal action, Running Aces alleges that the casinos along with the newly added Mystic Lake and Little Six have an illegal and unfair advantage because they are hosting unauthorized gaming activities, reported the Star Tribune.

Taro Ito, the CEO and President of Running Aces, underlined the gravity of the situation by saying: “For decades, tribal casinos and certain politicians have been falsely perpetuating that they are entitled to an exclusive right on gaming in the State of Minnesota, including electronic video games of chance. To the contrary, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA), which is a federal law, such an exclusive right is in fact prohibited.”

He further added that the current legal regulations in the state of Minnesota specifically prohibit the playing of electronic video games of chance for any person.

Running Aces Seeks Monetary Compensation in Heightened Legal Battle

The legal battle has become even more intense as Running Aces is not only looking for a court injunction but has also filed for unspecified monetary damages that the company is seeking from the executives of the targeted tribal casinos.

According to the filed lawsuit, through their offerings of Class II video slots and other video games, the respondents have violated both state compact agreements and Minnesota criminal law.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community responded to the lawsuit by defending the legality of its gaming operations. The tribal operator denounced Running Aces’ claims as baseless. It also accused the horse racing track of tarnishing the reputation of tribal gaming.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community confirmed that all gaming offerings at Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos comply with tribal, federal, and state laws.

This legal clash comes on the backdrop of a broader debate in Minnesota’s legislature over the expansion of gambling, which is focused mainly on sports betting and Historical Horse Racing (HHR). As part of the debate, tracks like Running Aces and Canterbury Park have expressed concerns that they are being sidelined in legislative discussions.

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Seattle\’s Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm initiated the lawsuit in January 2023 on behalf of two tourists aiming to recover alleged overcharges

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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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Turning 21, a young man gambled for only 30 minutes before he hit a massive $362,640 jackpot at the LINQ Hotel+ Experience in Sin City

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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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Snoop Dogg, the highlight of the event, was described as an “entertainment industry mogul” by Potawatomi Casino Hotel

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The Potawatomi Amplified Concert Series will welcome Snoop Dog as its initial headliner, engaging Potawatomi Casino Hotel guests with an unforgettable performance. The casino and hospitality venue will host this concert outdoors and will welcome almost 5,000 patrons.

The temporary concert venue will be set up on the former Cargill lot and will cover up to 200,000 square feet. The concert area will be able to welcome up to 4,800 patrons and will include a variety of seating options. Food and beer trucks at the venue will offer refreshments to visitors.

Concertgoers will be able to park at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel parking lot, which has a capacity for over 4,500 vehicles.

The concert is set to take place on June 15. Tickets can be purchased at paysbig.com, the Potawatomi’s official website, with prices varying from $89 to $249.

Potawatomi Casino Promises an Unforgettable Summer

Snoop Dogg, the highlight of the event, was described as an “entertainment industry mogul” by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. The tribal casino operator highlighted the singer’s experience in acting, media, business, Web 3.0, tech, entertainment and lifestyle, praising him for “raising the entertainment bar as a globally recognized innovator.”

Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s chief executive officer, Dominic Ortiz, said that the upcoming summer will be one of the most exciting summers Milwaukee has ever experienced. According to him, the Potawatomi Casino Hotel team wanted to give the people of southeastern Wisconsin “one more reason to visit the Potawatomi Casino.”

We are rolling out Potawatomi Amplified and the temporary venue, to host three concerts and we think people will be really excited when they hear the names we plan to announce.

Dominic Ortiz, CEO, Potawatomi Casino Hotel

This isn’t the first time Snoop Dogg has teamed up with a gambling industry player either. Earlier this year, the rapper participated in Roobet’s Make It Rain with Snoop Dogg campaign. The entertainment powerhouse was selected as Roobet’s official “Chief Ganjaroo Officer” in March and has been working with the operator ever since.

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The recent decision permits new applications from the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to add more slot machines and gaming tables at current venues

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In a recent vote, Vancouver’s ABC party has decided to change the city’s strict moratorium on gambling expansions. The amendment was passed despite opposition from health officials and calls for more public consultation.

ABC Councilors Approve Increase in Casino Slot Machines

The recent ruling allows new applications from the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which can increase the number of slot machines and gaming tables at existing venues such as the Parq Casino and Hastings Racecourseb, reported CTV News Vancouver. However, the amendment does not allow the construction of new casinos.

ABC councilors Mike Klassen, Lisa Dominato, Rebecca Bligh, Peter Meiszner, and Lenny Zhou voted in favor of the staff recommendation to relax the restrictions on gambling.

Peter Meiszner noted that the proposal is very modest. He underscored that it just allows the addition of machines within the currently operating casinos and not expanding or building new facilities.

Still, the decision was not passed with a unanimous vote. ABC councilor Sarah Kirby-Yung opposed the proposal citing significant reservations. She noted that according to the staff report, which was initiated by the BCLC, an increase of $5 million is expected in Vancouver’s annual gambling revenue.

Kirby-Yung further argued that these financial projections unveil that the proposal has far more significance than it appears to, which in turn means that there will be a considerable increase in gambling activities in the city.

Health Officer Warns of Gambling Risks as Council Approves Expansion

Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, Vancouver’s medical health officer, was also among the people who strongly opposed the amendment due to concerns about increased harm. He highlighted that gambling disorders can lead to severe problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and financial difficulties.

Dr. Lysyshyn also reminded lawmakers that gambling addiction is recognized as a mental illness. He emphasized that even a small percentage of gamblers developing addictions could have far-reaching negative effects on families and communities.

OneCity Coun. Christine Boyle and Green councilors Adriane Carr and Pete Fry also voted against the proposal. Fry expressed criticism as there was no comprehensive public consultation and questioned whether the amendment of the 2011 moratorium was legal.

On the other hand, Adriane Carr called for more extensive public engagement, noting that the original moratorium followed eight days and nights of public hearings.

BCLC representative Lara Gerrits defended the proposal saying that expansion is necessary. She pointed out that the city’s population has grown by 20% since the moratorium was put in place. She noted that the current gambling facilities often reach capacity, especially after major events. Gerrits also mentioned that 67% of gambling spending by Vancouver residents currently goes to other Lower Mainland facilities.The amended moratorium allows the council to assess each application individually, with input from Vancouver Coastal Health and the Vancouver Police Department. The police reported no specific concerns about the amendment during the council meeting.

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