Casino City’s Friday Five: Poker, jackpots, and live dealer edition

Just before we rang in the New Year, a Florida casino guest celebrated with a life-changing $1 million jackpot win. In other gaming news, Caesars Entertainment launched its first live dealer studio in Pennsylvania, GGPoker expanded into the Canadian market with a new partnership in Toronto, the Global Poker Index announced its prestigious Players of the Year awards, and Circa Sports revealed the winners of its 2024 NFL contest.

Let’s begin with a massive win:

5. Player wins $1 million jackpot at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
A lucky player ended the year on a high note with a $1 million jackpot at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on 30 December.

The player hit a total of $1,055,817 on a $25 bet with a bonus winning combo on a Dragon Link slot machine.

What a way to round out the year! Congratulations to this lucky winner of over $1 MILLION dollars ????

?? Bet: $25
?? Win: $1,055,817.49
?? Playing: Dragon Link ?? pic.twitter.com/ZgNUpX5bwO
— Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (@SHRTampa) December 31, 2024

4. David Coleman crowned 2024 GPI Player of the Year
The Global Poker Index announces David Coleman from New Jersey as the 2024 GPI Player of the Year.

It was a battle until the year's final days as Coleman and 2024 GPI PoY runner-up Jesse Lonis fought to improve their score with less than 10 points separating them. Ultimately, Coleman’s 4,383.70 total across his top 13 qualifying results secured the victory and honor of calling himself the 2024 world’s best poker player.

Cherish Andrews held off four-time GPI Female Player of the Year Kristen Foxen to claim the 2024 title. Andrews, from Pennsylvania, won the 2022 GPI Female PoY before losing to Foxen in 2023.

???? David Coleman, Cherish @CherishAndrews Andrews, & Han Feng Win 2024 GPI Player of the Year Races
?? A record of 90 players win National Player of the Year honors
?? https://t.co/36Oq8P80yJ pic.twitter.com/1Xu0sJNo9j
— Global Poker Index (@gpi) January 6, 2025

3. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto announces partnership with GGPoker
Earlier this week, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto announced a new partnership with GGPoker as the official sponsor of The Poker Room at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

Under this exclusive partnership, Great Canadian Toronto is set to become the only destination in Ontario for hosting World Series of Poker tournaments, including WSOP Circuit bracelet and ring events.

The newly branded Poker Room will enhance the player experience, featuring upgraded high-definition televisions and modern furniture, high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated players’ lounge.

2. Caesars launches live dealer studio
On Wednesday, Caesars Entertainment announced the launch of the live dealer studio for players in Pennsylvania.

Caesars' online casino platforms in the Keystone State now offer a live dealer experience reminiscent of the energy and grandeur of the Caesars Palace Las Vegas gaming floor.

The new Philadelphia-based studio comprises five blackjack tables, including a VIP-exclusive blackjack table, one roulette table and one baccarat table.

Today, we announce the launch of our first branded online casino live dealer studio for players on @caesarsicasino, Horseshoe Online Casino and @CaesarsSports in Pennsylvania. Made possible through our partnership with @Evo_global, our marquee online casino platforms in the… pic.twitter.com/nc5Ujy7tZ1
— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) January 8, 2025

1. Winners of Circa Sports’ 2024 NFL contests
Circa Survivor and Circa Million VI came to an exciting close last weekend. After a thrilling season, the sports betting venture will pay out a record-breaking $20,266,000 among contests winners.

The largest prize pot in history, totaling $14,266,000, will be awarded to the eight winners of Circa Survivor. All eight contestants held a 20-0 record throughout the 2024-2025 season. Each winning entry will take home $1,783,250.

Contestant Team BP won the Circa Million VI full season, first-place prize of $1 million and a coveted, handmade Circa Sports blue jacket. Going into the final week of the contest, Team BP was in second place and went 2-2-1 over Saturday and Sunday pushing them to the top. Team BP ended the season with a 60-26-4 record, 62 points, edging out the competition by just a half-point.

#CircaSurvivor 2024 ????
2024 20-0 Winners

?? Winners: https://t.co/rf0rWjauqq pic.twitter.com/xqfK4xHUgy
— Circa Sports (@CircaSports) January 6, 2025