Casino City’s Friday Five: Openings, closings and records edition

The historic 2024 World Series of Poker is officially behind us but before we look ahead, we have some massive records to highlight from this year’s event. In addition, we have a new millionaire from The Venetian in Las Vegas, two new openings, and a farewell to an iconic Las Vegas Strip resort.

Let’s begin with a life-changing casino win:

5. $2 million Pai Gow jackpot hit at The Venetian Las Vegas
A lucky guest, who wished to remain anonymous, was playing Face Up Pai Gow last Sunday afternoon at The Venetian Las Vegas, when they were dealt a seven card straight flush. The guest’s $5 side bet triggered the resort’s Pai Gow progressive for $2,211,469.

This was the largest Pai Gow Progressive paid out in the resort’s history.

When a $5 side bet turns into $2,211,469! A very lucky guest was dealt a seven card straight flush while playing Face Up Pai Gow. This was the largest Pai Gow Progressive paid out in the resort's history. Who's feeling lucky? ?? pic.twitter.com/gF2P05lkpZ
— The Venetian Resort Las Vegas (@VenetianVegas) July 24, 2024

4. Lapa Lounge now open at Rio Hotel and Casino
The Rio Hotel & Casino announced the grand opening of Lapa Lounge, a cocktail destination that pays homage to the rich bohemian culture and social scene of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Lapa neighborhood.

Cocktail menu highlights include:

Lapa Sunset Mai Tai ($18): Featuring Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Grapefruit Lime Citrus, and Bitters.

Hibiscus Margarita ($15): Featuring Teremana Blanco Tequila, Tattersall Crème De Fleur, Hibiscus Syrup, and Fresh Grapefruit Lime Citrus.

The Tiki Tango ($25): This cocktail, featuring Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Falernum, Guava, and Fresh Grapefruit Lime Citrus, is served in a unique Tiki Glass you can take home.

Lapa Lounge is open Monday to Thursday 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday to Sunday 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

This comes half a year after the Rio announced it would be joining the Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s portfolio. The resort is also undergoing a fresh renovation. Phase one renovations began in 2023 and completed with upgrades and enhancements to the 1,501-room Ipanema tower, arrival area, building exterior, lobby, gaming floor, sportsbook, multiple food and beverage outlets, meeting spaces, and outdoor pool area.

Phase two will include a full renovation and redesign of the hotel’s 1,012 Masquerade Tower guestrooms and associated public areas.

3. Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire opens at Harrah’s Atlantic City
On 19 July, Buddy ‘Cake Boss’ Valastro celebrated the grand opening of Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire at Harrah's Atlantic City with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, sweet surprises and more.

Opening day guests received an exclusive meet-and-greet with Valastro and his family and an opportunity to purchase autographed merchandise like t-shirts, aprons, and mugs.

The new concept offers guests an array of Jersey-style sandwiches, a diverse selection of pizzas, a pasta station and Valastro's iconic desserts and cakes, fresh from New Jersey’s Carlo’s Bake Shop.

2. Top 10 things to miss about The Mirage Las Vegas
Casino City's Gary Trask reminisces about the legendary Las Vegas Strip resort's golden era following its official closing last week, from its iconic volcano and lush tropical ambiance to the unforgettable performances of Siegfried & Roy and the legendary sportsbook.

Below are just a few of Trask’s favorite things The Mirage had to offer:

The ambiance
Every mega-resort in Las Vegas has its own distinct ambiance, and The Mirage was no exception. The Mirage’s Polynesian theme was always a welcome sensation after walking off the hectic Strip.

Your entrance was greeted by an oasis of palm trees and shrubs, instantly transporting you to a balmy paradise. The opulence of the nine-story domed atrium and the sprawling indoor rain forest immediately created an immersive jungle atmosphere.

For those who like to visit Las Vegas to “escape,” The Mirage most certainly gave you that feeling.

Rhumbar
Trask hit his share of cocktail bars along the Las Vegas Strip over the years and Rhumbar at The Mirage has long been one of his favorite spots.

Rhumbar was the ideal spot to sit down on an outdoor patio to light a cigar, order a cool-looking cocktail or bourbon, sit on comfortable couches, and take in some live music and the surroundings. The renovated space offered an eye-catching and soothing design, with a vibrant color palette of yellow, pink, and mint that creates a cheerful and inviting atmosphere.

The volcano
The erupting volcano captivated crowds with its dramatic displays of fire, real heat, and water. As the sun set on the Strip, anticipation would build as visitors gathered around the 4.5-acre lagoon, eagerly awaiting the next show, highlighted by rumbling pyrotechnics and spewing flames.

Choreographed to music by Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussain, the volcano erupted, with 120 flamethrowers shooting flames into the air. Water jets propelled 12 feet high, cascading down like lava.

If you ever doubted the appeal and magnetism of the volcano, look no further than last week when the Strip came to a complete stop with every eruption.

#LasVegas said goodbye to @TheMirageLV today after 34 years. Hard Rock Guitar Hotel will take its place, with an anticipated 2027 opening. Last night, the feeling inside the property was one of nostalgia, while outside, crowds gathered to get a final look at the iconic volcano. pic.twitter.com/5Ow1JmfRx3
— Gary Trask (@casinocityGT) July 17, 2024

1. 2024 World Series of Poker shatters multiple records
After eight weeks of nonstop play, the 55th annual World Series of Poker concluded at the Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas on 18 July, punctuated by Jonathan Tamayo winning the Main Event.

This year’s Series made history with a record 229,553 total entries. The $10,000 Main Event alone set a new standard, boasting the largest prize pool in poker history at a staggering $94,041,600, surpassing the previous record of $93,339,900 from 2023.

In addition, the Main Event set a single-day entrants record on 6 July, when 5,014 entrants joined the field as part of flight 1D to help generate the largest prize pool in live tournament poker history.

A total of 34,717 places were paid at the 2024 WSOP, topping last year’s total of 32,282 for the record for total payouts in series history.

ICYMI: Day 1D of the 2024 WSOP Main Event set a new record for players in a starting flight with an incredible 5,014 runners joining the field! ??#wsop2024 pic.twitter.com/5YGDdK9Jr0
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) July 7, 2024