Casino City’s Friday Five: Historic Las Vegas casino opening edition

Last night, the first night of the 2022 NFL Draft took place in Las Vegas and dreams for many young athletes became reality as they walked across the stage at the Bellagio Fountains on the Strip. The festivities don’t stop there for draft weekend, but before we get into what else is in store for fans, we have a major jackpot win at a Florida casino, Virginia dishing out its first land-based casino license, PokerStars introducing a new Betting Exchange and a familiar casino returning to Sin City.

Let’s begin with a six-figure win:

5. Slot player wins over $235,000 at Seminole Classic Casino
A lucky guest scored almost a quarter of a million dollars Saturday, 23 April on a slot machine at Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The guest was playing the AGS Liberty 7’s slot machine Saturday when they won $235,081. After the win, the progressive was reset to $40,000.

4. Virginia hands out first land-based casino license to Hard Rock
Following a review of application materials, a background investigation and a 7-0 vote, the Virginia Lottery Board issued to Hard Rock Bristol a facility operator’s license to operate Virginia’s first casino.

The Lottery’s Gaming Compliance Department will continue to work closely with Hard Rock Bristol as it prepares to open a temporary facility on the site of the former Bristol Mall in early July.

“Since enacted by the 2020 General Assembly, the Board’s priority for casino gaming in the Commonwealth is that it be conducted with integrity and in a responsible manner,” said Board Chairman Ferhan Hamid. “Today’s approval reflects the confidence we have in the rigorous and conscientious review conducted by Virginia Lottery staff.”

The Lottery continues to review application materials for three more proposed casinos in Danville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Each was approved by voters in local referenda in November 2020.

3. PokerStars sports betting exchange rolls out
This week's gambling video is exciting for anyone who likes to bet on sports: The launch of the PokerStars Sports Betting Exchange.

The betting exchange offers players different odds, as bets are placed directly against other customers. There is also Lay Betting, where players can bet on something not to happen, as well as on something to happen.

The PokerStars Betting Exchange is now available at both at PokerStars .com and .eu sites, giving its customers access to a sports betting exchange on a global level while maintaining a single account and wallet.

Richard Garrod, Director of Product at PokerStars, stated “We’re always looking at ways to bring PokerStars players something new, and to be able to do that in collaboration with our colleagues over at the world’s largest betting exchange is a huge privilege. Our research suggests that our customers would welcome the addition of an exchange product, with 70% of current sports bettors saying they want to get involved.”

2. Football dreams come true in Las Vegas with the NFL Draft
Last night, Travon Walker, a defensive end from Georgia, was the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and got the fun rolling. After that, 31 other players got to hear their name be called by Commissioner Roger Goodell. While it was a night to remember, the fun is not over.

Through tomorrow, official NFL events will take place alongside exciting experiences, viewing parties and world-class entertainment and shows that can only be found in Las Vegas.

Several resorts are participating in the celebration by placing football eye black stickers on iconic landmarks, including the lion at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the Sphinx at Luxor Hotel and Casino, the David statue at Caesars Palace and more.

The NFL’s interactive football theme park, the Draft Experience at The High Roller features immersive exhibits, sponsor activations and exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa. Attractions include the FedEx Air Challenge, Play 60 Zone, Bud Light Draft Tavern, Invisalign Photo Frames, and presentations of Super Bowl Rings and the Raiders Vince Lombardi Trophies from Super Bowls XI, XV, and XVIII.

There will be performances and shows all weekend, including rapper Ice Cube headlining Day 2 following Round 3 of the NFL Draft later today.

The first round of the 2022 #NFLDraft. Don't miss what happens next! ??

??: 2022 #NFLDraft continues Friday 7pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/THaRX6GRq4
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2022

1. Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas now open
The Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas has made its triumphant return and has officially re-opened the doors to one of Las Vegas’ most iconic casino resort destinations. With the opening, The Palms became the first Native American owned casino in Las Vegas.

Wednesday’s opening celebration began with a traditional Tribal ceremony led by the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Board and Palms General Manager Cynthia Kiser Murphey. The “Celebration of Community” continued throughout the day and evening with cocktails poolside and a fireworks extravaganza.

Having undergone more than a $600 million renovation in 2019, Palms Casino Resort boasts a diverse mix of bars and restaurants, featuring the return of popular outlets such as the highly acclaimed Scotch 80 Prime and Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon.

The resort also offers guests a resort pool area featuring a multi-level 73,000-square-foot space with two main pools and 39 cabanas, most with their own private pool. The space also features oversized daybeds and poolside lounge chairs throughout.

Palms Opening April 27th, 2022 ?? pic.twitter.com/vIsE31uBdR
— Palms Casino Resort (@Palms) April 28, 2022