Casino City’s Friday Five: Jackpots, violations and illegal operators edition

Illegal gambling operators are outnumbering licensed sites by an incredible margin in Germany. In addition, we have Allwyn picking up majority stake in PrizePicks, a rare back-to-back jackpot story, some NBA prop bets for the upcoming season, and several violations at Pennsylvania casinos.

Let’s begin with some big payouts:

5. Back-to-back slot jackpots at Hard Rock Atlantic City
Lightning struck twice at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City last Friday and Saturday for a Florida man who won back-to-back slot jackpots totaling $104,475.

The visiting guest hit a $60,000 jackpot 19 September at 9:56 p.m., then returned to the casino on 20 September and won a $44,475 slot jackpot at 2 p.m.

The lucky guest, who chose to remain anonymous, won both jackpots playing Golden Century Dragon Link slot machines, although his big wins were on two different $5 denomination machines. He wagered $375 each time he won.

4. Pennsylvania levies $30,000 fine for underage gambling
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved a consent agreement resulting in a $30,000 fine against the operator of Valley Forge Casino Resort after it allowed a 13-year-old to gain entry to the gaming floor and gamble.

The Board also took actions to place 12 individuals on its various Involuntary Exclusion Lists.

Placement on an Involuntary Exclusion List prohibits individuals from either gaming in a casino in Pennsylvania, via an online betting site regulated by the Board, or a Video Gaming Terminal location.

At yesterday's Board meeting, the PA Gaming Control Board levied a $30,000 fine against Valley Forge Casino for allowing a 13-year-old to gamble for over six hours. The Board also banned 12 individuals statewide—three for leaving children unattended in vehicles while they…
— Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (@PAGamingControl) September 25, 2025

3. German illegal operators outnumber licensed sites
Only one in 12 German betting websites is legal, warns the German Sports Betting Association at the start of the UEFA Champions League season. There are at least 382 illegal-language websites offering sports comparison to just 34 legal betting sites.

With the start of the UEFA Champions League, the second most-bet competition in Germany after the Bundesliga, the volume of betting has skyrocketed.

"Players need to be especially vigilant at this time of year so that they don't accidentally end up with illegal providers. This is another reason why it is important that the legal providers are present with perimeter boards and TV advertising during the Champions League matches," said Mathias Dahms, President of the German Sports Betting Association.

2. Allwyn to acquire majority stake in Prizepicks
Earlier this week Allwyn International, the lottery-led gaming entertainment company, and PrizePicks, the daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for Allwyn to acquire a majority stake in PrizePicks.

Allwyn has agreed to purchase an approximately 62.3% stake in PrizePicks for an expected initial cash consideration of $1.6 billion.

PrizePicks will operate as a standalone brand within Allwyn, led by its CEO Mike Ybarra and the existing leadership team who will be retaining the majority of their existing ownership interest.

1. Top 10 best prop bets for the 2025/2026 NBA season
While most of the sports betting world here in the U.S. is fully focused on football, the NBA season snuck up on us and is just around the corner with the preseason beginning next week.

Below are a few of the bets we are keeping our eyes on for this upcoming year in the NBA.

Odds provided by bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook

Defensive Player of the Year
I don’t think our pick here will shock many, but the value might. Victor Wembanyama is nothing short of a freak of nature when it comes to his 7-foot-3 frame and his ability to stretch the floor and make it impossible for players to score at the rim.

The rising star of the San Antonio Spurs has a ridiculous reach and makes blocks almost automatic when someone tries to score over him from inside.

He is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at -175, and the only way we see him missing out on this honor and dethrone Cleveland’s Evan Mobley is if he can’t stay healthy for the season.

Bet $175 to win $100 on Wemby to take home DPoY

Most Improved
Even though we think Indiana will miss the playoffs, Benedict Mathurin could be a bright spot for the Pacers. When he is healthy, Mathurin has shown he can be a difference maker and a full season on the floor could show his true potential.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mathurin is dropping more than 20 points per night and his athleticism allows him to be a great on ball defender.

Bet $100 to win $1,500 on Mathurin to win Most Improved

Rookie of the Year
Everyone knew months before the draft who the No. 1 overall pick this year would be and that was none other than Cooper Flagg from Duke.

The 6-foot-9 rookie has great size and speed, along with his ability to score at all three levels. Flagg will get a lot of minutes next to Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington in the forward spots and he is going to shine early and often.

The most impressive thing I have noticed watching Flagg play is that for the most part, he lets the game come to him and takes what is given. He doesn’t try to force too often and that keeps himself out of bad situations.

Bet $175 to win $100 on Flagg winning RoY

Getting closer ?#MFFL pic.twitter.com/uNKeHEDqwJ
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) September 17, 2025