Casino City’s Friday Five: Alberta iGaming, insider trading ban and jackpot edition

iGaming is set to launch on Monday in Alberta and many big-name operators are ready to go. Before we get into that, we have a potential online sports betting ban coming to Ohio, the Arizona governor stepping in to prevent insider trading, a new resort opening, and a $1 million win in Atlantic City.

Let’s begin with a massive hit in AC:

5. $4 bet turns into $1 million at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City
A lucky Florida woman celebrated Fourth of July weekend with a $4 slot machine bet that lit up a jackpot of $1,025,716 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City.

The guest won a progressive jackpot just after midnight on 5 July on a Wizard of Oz – I’ll Get You My Pretty slot machine.

4. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe officially opens
On 6 July, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino celebrated its grand opening, welcoming guests with a champagne reception before a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with longtime partner Lisa Vanderpump.

The fully refreshed casino floor features new slot machines, table games, a high-limit and poker experience and renovated Caesars Sportsbook. Guests can also check out the resort’s day-to-night coffee and cocktail bar, Cleo’s, as well as a variety of other newly designed bars, including Centro and Celeste.

Caesars Republic's transformation is COMPLETE! ?? Tonight's grand opening kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the celebration continued at Tessie's. What a night! ????? pic.twitter.com/HWE70OFDQy
— Caesars Republic (@CaesarsRepublic) July 7, 2026

3. Arizona governor bans state workers from insider trading on prediction markets
Yesterday, Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order prohibiting Arizona state executive branch employees from using nonpublic government information to profit on prediction markets.

By designating nonpublic information as confidential for this purpose, the order ensures state workers remain focused on serving Arizonans rather than personal enrichment.

Recent media reports and federal indictments have revealed that government employees outside of Arizona have used nonpublic information to win millions of dollars wagering on government actions, including international military operations.

2. DraftKings and other ready for iGaming in Alberta
DraftKings announced plans to launch its online sportsbook and casino, along with its Golden Nugget Online Gaming brand, in Alberta on 13 July. Alberta will become the second Canadian province and the 34th jurisdiction across North America where DraftKings Sportsbook is available. With the launch, DraftKings Casino will be available in five U.S. states and Golden Nugget Casino in four U.S. states, with both brands available in Alberta and Ontario in Canada.

DraftKings Sportsbook, DraftKings Casino, and Golden Nugget Online Gaming are set to launch in Alberta on July 13.

To celebrate, we'll host a watch party for the World Cup in Calgary at the Wildhorse Saloon, and our employees will volunteer with @FoodBanksAB in Edmonton.

Learn…
— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) July 9, 2026

FanDuel also plans to launch in the Canadian province on Monday and is celebrating the Alberta market launch with investments in communities around the province.

FanDuel is donating $50,000 to the A Dollar A Day Foundation to help bridge the gap between funding and frontline mental health programs in Alberta.

There are over 50 licensed operators set to go live in the new iGaming market, including bet365, BetMGM, Caesars and more.

1. Ohio lawmakers seek online betting ban
On Tuesday, State Representatives Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) introduced the Save Ohio Sports Act.

The bill would end online sports betting while preserving retail sportsbooks, prohibit parlays, prop bets, live and college betting, cap wagers at $100, and introduce new restrictions on advertising and payment methods.

“Monetizing addiction to fund public education is the wrong direction for Ohio. Who wins when predatory gambling preys on the vulnerable? It’s not our schools; that’s for sure!” said Newman. “It’s the trillion-dollar big gambling companies who win. How is this good for Ohio?”