Casino City’s Friday Five: Lawsuits and acquisitions edition

Yesterday, New York announced it is suing Polymarket for alleged illegal gambling operations. In addition, we have Caesars getting approval from shareholders to acquire Fertitta Entertainment. Also this week, People Incorporated dropped out from acquiring MGM Resorts, a six-figure jackpot landed on the Las Vegas Strip, and a groundbreaking for a new hotel in Kansas is taking place.

Let’s begin with a life-changing win:

5. $630,865 jackpot at The Venetian Las Vegas
A guest at The Venetian Las Vegas was playing Face Up Pai Gow last Friday evening when they were dealt a seven-card straight flush.

The guest, who wished to remain anonymous, had placed the $5 side bet to trigger the resort’s Pai Gow progressive for $630,865.

4. Groundbreaking for new hotel at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
Kansas Entertainment is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on today at 10:00am CST for a new boutique hotel adjacent to Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.

Expected to open in 2028, the hotel will have approximately 140 rooms and suites and will be connected to the west entrance of Hollywood Casino. Additional details, such as food and beverage offerings, meeting space options, and other amenities will be announced at a later date.

3. MGM Resorts acquisition talks come to an end
This week, MGM Resorts International confirmed that People Incorporated has withdrawn its 1 June proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the company that it does not already own.

Over the past several months, a special committee of MGM Resorts' Board participated in negotiations with People to advance the interests of its shareholders. MGM Resorts will continue as a standalone company.

2. Caesars receives approval from shareholders to acquire Fertitta Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment shareholders have approved Fertitta Entertainment’s proposed $17.6 billion acquisition this week, clearing a major hurdle for the transaction. The deal, announced in May, values Caesars at $31 per share in cash and includes the assumption of roughly $11.9 billion in Caesars debt.

At a special meeting on 22 September, about 65.4% of Caesars’ outstanding shares voted in favor of the merger, which will result in creating one of the largest gaming companies. The transaction would take Caesars private under Fertitta ownership, bringing its extensive casino and hospitality portfolio under the Fertitta organization.

However, the shareholder vote does not finalize the acquisition. Caesars and Fertitta must still satisfy regulatory and other closing requirements before the transaction can be completed.

1. New York sues Polymarket over alleged illegal gambling
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a lawsuit against Polymarket for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform.

Polymarket launched in the U.S. in December 2025 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of sporting events, promising users “sports — followed by markets on everything.”

An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General found that Polymarket’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation that exposes New Yorkers — including those under the legal gambling age of 21 — to serious personal and financial risk.

The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Polymarket from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains and pay restitution to users.

Calling it a “prediction market” doesn’t change the facts.

If you’re taking bets in New York, our gambling laws apply.

Today, @NewYorkStateAG and I sued Polymarket for running an illegal gambling operation and preying on vulnerable New Yorkers.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 24, 2026