Casino City’s Friday Five: Jackpots, openings and lawsuits

The gambling world saw some major developments this week, including a legal challenge from the Cherokee Nation in Arkansas, two life-changing jackpots, casino openings, a regulatory fine in the Netherlands, and Las Vegas preparing for the influx of racing fans.

Let’s begin with some big winners:

5. The Venetian Las Vegas awards $1.2 million slot jackpot
On Monday, a guest who wished to remain anonymous was playing $1 Million Dragon Link in the high limit gaming lounge on The Palazzo casino floor at The Venetian Las Vegas, winning the Grand Jackpot of $1,218,840 from a $50 bet.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, a lucky guest at MGM National Harbor kicked off November with a big jackpot. Playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em on 3 November, the guest was dealt a Royal Flush of diamonds, that paid a whopping $961,428.

4. Ksa penalizes Alimaniere Sociedad de Responsabilidad
The Dutch Gaming Authority imposed a penalty payment on Alimaniere Sociedad de Responsabilidad for offering illegal games of chance. Dutch players were able to gamble via the website time2spin1.com, without Alimaniere having the required permit.

With the penalty payment order, the Ksa demands that the illegal provider immediately cease and desist from offering its services. If the provider fails to comply, a penalty payment of €140,000 will be imposed, up to a maximum of €420,000.

3. Cherokee Nation sues Arkansas over last week’s vote
Last week, voters in Arkansas revoked a casino license for Cherokee Nation Entertainment that was awarded in Pope County. This 55% majority vote, also ensured residents won’t have a casino forced on them without a proper special election in order for the property to be approved first.

Cherokee Nation isn’t going quietly. Last Friday, they filed a lawsuit, asking that this amendment be deemed unconstitutional and a federal judge heard this case on Tuesday. To Cherokee’s dismay, the judge did not order a temporary restraining order and the license will be removed from Cherokee Nation Entertainment.

2. Chamonix Casino Hotel now fully open
Chamonix Casino Hotel, Colorado's newest casino destination, announced the completion of its multi-phased project at its official grand opening on 2 November.

The grand opening included a series of activities and meals for invited casino guests, culminating with entertainment by Jay Leno and country music star Tenille Arts.

Chamonix Casino Hotel features an expansive casino floor, with a variety of the newest slot machines, high-end table games and high-limits salon. Its 300-room hotel features the first luxury guest rooms in Cripple Creek. Chamonix's spa is now also fully open to the public.

Yesterday morning, a Virginia property also celebrated its opening. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol celebrated its anticipated grand opening with Hard Rock’s iconic guitar smash ceremony.

The 620,000-square-foot resort features nearly 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, 300-plus hotel rooms and seven dining options, including a Hard Rock Cafe.

The venue also offers a 2,000-plus seat Hard Rock Live, Rock Shop, designated non-smoking and high limit gaming areas, authentic music memorabilia and more.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol operated from its temporary facility, “Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock,” from July 2022 until 11 November 2024.

1. Las Vegas shifts into high gear for F1 Race Week
Race week is returning to Las Vegas for its second year, bringing three days of action from Thursday, 21 November to Saturday, 23 November.

New this year, the events will move even further into downtown Las Vegas for the debut of the inaugural Neon City Festival, the free music, art and culinary event with live entertainment and local vendors.

Below is just a taste of what Sin City will have to offer that week:

The Caesars Palace Experience will offer an exclusive fan zone with interactive exhibits and entertainment, which includes the viewing of two on-track race sessions.

Centrally located, Bellagio Fountain Club Packages will feature three-day tickets, access to Bellagio Fountain Club’s private indoor and rooftop hospitality decks, track and Fountains of Bellagio views, front row seats of the winner’s stage, rotating menus by curated chefs and more.

The race room packages at Palms Casino Resort include grandstand tickets, culinary experiences and more – with options available like the Above the Race Experience, which features a stay in the Empathy Suite, and the Sky Villa, which includes two nights in a villa with private pool access.

Dine #LikeACaesar during the #LasVegasGP race week with our one-of-a-kind experiences in the #HeartoftheStrip ?

?? Trackside lunch hosted by @GordonRamsay at @GordonRamsayHK
?? @suntory whisky omakase at @NobuRestaurants
?? @CognacLouisXIII dinner at #PeterLugerVegas
??… pic.twitter.com/RCvcwTnQQ2
— Caesars Palace (@CaesarsPalace) November 13, 2024