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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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.

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Despite most theater workers joining the protest against the casino, some Broadway labor groups decided to support the project, leading to ongoing friction

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A planned casino in Times Square has driven a wedge between New York theater worker groups as a planned casino in Times Square has driven a wedge between New York theater workers and actors as discussions surrounding possible new casino developments in downstate New York and New York City escalate. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) New York Theater Locals has joined the No Times Square Casino Coalition, but not all actors share its stance.

A Casino Could Exacerbate Existing Problems

IATSE includes the Broadway League and several other groups opposing the casino plan who stood firm against any casino projects in the area. According to the No Times Square Casino Coalition, the theater district was the least suitable location for such a development, as other viable proposals for the limited New York casino licenses envisioned superior projects that would not ruin this historic part of the city.

Many IATSE locals participated in the recent rally against the proposed casino, expressing their rising concerns. The organization commented on this matter for the New York Post, noting that situating a casino near Broadway would be a mistake, as it would not bring meaningful economic benefits to the area and could even exacerbate existing problems like traffic congestion.

Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible. Meanwhile, our iconic theater district and Broadway are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

IATSE statement

The planned casino, developed by Caesars, SL Green, and Roc Nation, an entertainment company owned by rapper Jay-Z, will stand right in the heart of Times Square at 1515 Broadway. However, a poll financed by the No Times Square Casino Coalition revealed that 71% of locals opposed the development, fearing the project’s potential negative impact.

Not All Oppose the Casino

Despite rising concerns, not all theater industry groups stand against the casino. The Actors’ Equity Association spoke out in support of the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square project. The group was confident that SL Green and the other project stakeholders would bolster the area’s appeal and usher in lasting economic prosperity by collaborating with locals.

They’ve put in considerable effort to genuinely understand the ecosystem they’re entering so they can become positive contributors to a better Times Square and a better Broadway.

Actors’ Equity Association spokesperson

Brett Herschenfeld, Executive VP at SL Green, noted that the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, another leading Broadway group, too supported the project. He added that the casino would bring meaningful employment to the area, especially in the building and construction sector. Herschenfeld was confident that a new entertainment destination would bolster the theater industry through continued collaboration.

The ultimate decision regarding this project rests with Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State legislature. As the debate continues, the future of Times Square hangs in the balance, with the potential for a casino to significantly reshape the iconic theater district and its surrounding businesses. Their verdict will have lasting impacts on the city’s entertainment landscape and its vibrant cultural heritage.

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Certain politicians, including Assemblyman Tony Simone and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, have voiced their opposition to the plan

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Las Vegas Sands isn’t the only company to face difficulties in relation to its New York casino plans. Politicians representing the West Side of Manhattan have now also opposed Related Cos.’s plans to construct a Wynn-branded casino hotel in the High Line area.

The Property Would Add Gaming to the High Line

The planned property would cost approximately $12 billion to construct and is expected to receive the green light. Should Wynn secure one of the three downstate casino permits, the new property would have three towers, including one named after the operator company.

However, not everyone is on board as some believe that the new property would harm the community. Certain politicians, including Assemblyman Tony Simone, have voiced their opposition to the plan.

Simone is set to be a major challenge to the casino plans as he is set to be one of the six members of the board that will decide the fate of the three downstate casino licenses.

In any case, Related hopes to reach a mutually agreeable compromise. Its leaders highlighted the fact that they have met with High Line representatives multiple times and have made many meaningful amendments, addressing a variety of concerns.

Why Do People Oppose the New Casino Hotel?

A nonprofit group called Protect the High Line seeks to challenge the plans for a Wynn-branded property, arguing that it would obstruct views and take up place that could be otherwise used for residential housing.

According to Protect the High Line, the charm of the area is in its park space and elevation which allows visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. This argument was echoed by Assemblywoman Deborah Glick who agreed that more towers would negatively impact the area.

The Manhattan Community Board 4, on the other hand, was concerned about the property’s potential negative effect on housing in the area.

As mentioned, the Wynn property is not the only one to face opposition. Locals have also raised various concerns with other casino plans in the city. Some have suggested that new casino properties could cause a spike in gambling problems, while others have cited traffic and housing-related issues as their primary concerns.

In other news, politicians recently criticized the lack of a new tribal gaming compact.

-Mk Ssports

Penn Entertainment, which runs 43 casinos across the United States, faced rigorous examination during a Nevada Gaming Commission meeting

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The Nevada Gaming Commission criticized Penn Entertainment for major issues with compliance, such as having minors in casinos, allowing self-excluded persons to place bets, and slow updating of company policies. These failures became a key subject during the evaluation of Penn’s ongoing IPO, which was approved despite the raised concerns.

Penn Entertainment Pledges Policy Overhaul Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Penn Entertainment, which operates 43 American casinos including M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson and Cactus Pete’s Resort Casino in Jackpot, was subjected to intense scrutiny, reported CDC Gaming. Commissioner Rosa Solis-Rainey pointed out that persistent problems with compliance had been detected since 2020 when they were flagged up by previous examinations.

Chris Soriano, vice president and chief compliance officer at Penn Entertainment, told the Commission that the firm intends to complete its policy review by August 15. This delay has been caused by a far-reaching examination conducted together with outside legal counsel and a deep dive into its interactive business operations aimed at creating strong policies that work.

But Solis-Rainey expressed dissatisfaction with this postponement and asked what temporary measures are being taken to prevent more breaches. In response, Soriano said that Penn can improve communication among its properties and is working on a corporate policy that accounts for different regulatory environments across states. He admitted that dealing with 20 regulators each having unique priorities is difficult.

Penn Entertainment Faces Pressure to Enhance Internal Controls and Staff Training

Soriano explained about a recent initiative where information is provided to general managers who are then monitored for subsequent violations. This new system is being evaluated for effectiveness. Solis-Rainey, however, emphasized that improved communication alone is insufficient without corresponding internal controls. She stressed the need for tailored controls at each property to meet the overarching policy standards.

Commissioner George Markantonis agreed with these sentiments and further suggested that tying employee compensation directly to compliance performance could be effective. Commissioner Brian Krolicki acknowledged the complexity of managing compliance across 43 properties but underscored the critical need for swift and serious action. He noted that while progress had been made, the pace was unsatisfactory.

Soriano told the Commission that the company is serious about these issues and plans to meet with the Nevada Gaming Control Board in September for updates. He said that they are considering if staff training is enough because well-drafted policies need trained employees to implement them correctly.

Abi Silver was shocked by how many violations were reported and expressed concern at the extent of the issues. Soriano reiterated Penn’s commitment to addressing these concerns, recognizing the importance of a top-down approach to ensure that management and staff take compliance seriously.

-Mk Ssports

The project should provide substantial benefits to tribal communities, bolster local tax revenues, and provide visitors with a comprehensive leisure offering

Image Source: Ho-Chunk Nation

The Ho-Chunk Nation, one of the largest federally recognized tribes of Wisconsin, has released new details about their upcoming Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino in Beloit. This ambitious project will significantly expand the tribe’s gaming businesses from its six current locations. Drawing from its substantial experience, the tribe hopes to attract guests with a world-class casino and leisure experience.

The Project Must Overcome Several Challenges

April 2020 saw the tribe finally receive permission from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs to place 73 acres along Interstate 90 at Colley and Willowbrook roads into federal trust after petitioning for the land for decades. The Ho-Chunk Nation successfully argued that its people had long-standing historical ties to Beloit, located along Wisconsin’s southern border with Illinois.

The Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit casino will donate 2% of its GGR annually to local governments in return for Class III gaming privileges. This local share shall be further divided, with the City of Beloit receiving 70% and Rock County receiving 30%. Furthermore, 5% of annual GGR from Class III operations will go to the state of Wisconsin, rising to 5.5% if annual revenue goes above $350 million.

Despite the tribe’s ambitions, the new project must contend with the planned Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois, owned by Florida’s Seminole tribe. The Hard Rock location is just a 20-minute drive away and will likely open before Ho-Chunk’s casino, raising concerns regarding their competing interests in the area.

The Casino Will Bolster a Rich Cultural Heritage

Ho-Chunk’s $405 million project, a rather ambitious undertaking, would add a casino, convention center, and an 18-story hotel. The 240,478-square-foot casino would boast a 62-seat bar, four restaurants outdoors with patios, and a 76,413-square-foot conference center. The 312-room hotel will feature a lobby bar, rooftop bar, spa, and other attractive amenities.

The development has also spurred significant infrastructure upgrades throughout the area. The City of Beloit stands to benefit from $13 million in federal funds to upgrade roadways and infrastructure around the casino site. Improvements will include adding bike and pedestrian lanes on connecting roads, more traffic lights, and improvements to intersections.

The new casino should deliver an economic windfall for Beloit and the surrounding communities in terms of jobs and tourism. It also reflects Ho-Chunk Nation’s commitment to fostering economic development while creating activities further honoring their historical ties in the area. As it matures, the project will redefine the local hospitality landscape and raise a new benchmark for gaming and entertainment in the region.

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This plan aims to increase tourism and draw foreign money

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North Korea offers a rare chance to invest in its tallest structure, the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang. The government will give a casino operation license to any company that finishes the hotel’s long-delayed inside construction.

From ‘Hotel of Doom’ to Casino Boom

The Ryugyong Hotel, a 105-floor skyscraper, has been under construction since 1987. People expected it to open in 1992, but the Soviet Union’s fall stopped the project cutting off key financial help. The economic crisis and famine that followed pushed back its completion even more. While workers finished the building’s outside in 2011, the inside is still unfinished leaving the structure empty for decades.

Not long ago, Kim Jong Un told his people to look into how much money a casino in the Ryugyong Hotel could make, as reported by Radio Free Asia. He got this idea from how well the casino for foreigners at Pyongyang’s Yanggakdo Hotel was doing.

The government’s plan includes granting the rights to determine the casino’s location and operate it to a foreign entrepreneur willing to fund the interior construction. This plan aims to bring in money and know-how from other countries. The government thinks this is key to giving new life to tourism in North Korea.

The Ryugyong Hotel nicknamed the “Hotel of Doom” because of its long and troubled past, represents North Korea’s dreams and failures. The building’s LED front put up in 2018 now acts as a huge propaganda screen lighting up Pyongyang’s skyline with political messages and pictures. Still, the government anticipates that eventually, the hotel will work as a full-on luxury resort, with rooms, places to eat, a pool, and a place to play billiards.

Despite Past Failures, North Korea Revives Effort to Turn Ryugyong Hotel into Tourist Hub

This new casino plan comes after earlier attempts to get foreign companies involved in North Korea’s hotel business. In 2012, the German hotel group Kempinski said they would run the Ryugyong Hotel but backed out after North Korea’s nuclear tests and growing world tensions. Even with these problems, North Korea’s government still wants to turn the Ryugyong Hotel into a big tourist spot.

Currently, North Korea has two operational casinos. One is located at the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang and another at the Bipa Hotel in the Rason Special Economic Zone, near the borders with China and Russia. These casinos cater exclusively to foreign visitors, generating significant revenue from international tourists.

The Chinese government is hosting a trade show in Dandong China where North Korea plans to showcase its Ryugyong Hotel casino project. This effort aims to draw potential investors from nearby nations.

This push highlights North Korea’s pressing need to attract money from abroad to boost its tourism sector and overall economy. In other news, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) alleges that North Korea developed illegal gambling websites for a South Korean criminal organization, generating billions in profits and stealing personal data.

-Mk Ssports