Casino City’s Friday Five: Poker, jackpots, and restaurant openings edition

The Borgata Poker Open has ended and the winner walked away with more than $400,000. However, that isn’t the biggest payday we had this week. We had three other six-figure wins from jackpots this week. In addition, a new food hall is coming to a Pennsylvania resort and a new restaurant concept headed for the Las Vegas Strip.

Let’s begin with a few wins from Florida:

5. Seminole Classic Casino guests hit big wins
Two guests won big jackpots on Dragon Link and Lightning Link slot machines at Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The first winner wagered $50 on a Dragon Link slot machine and struck the grand winning combination, earning a massive jackpot of $178,665 on 20 September.

Following this win, just three days later, on 23 September, another guest scored a bonus win on Lightning Link with a $25 wager, taking home $168,185.

The winning guests declined to be identified.

4. $415,733 win at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
A slot player at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City bet $3.75 and won a jackpot of $415,733.

The lucky guest placed the bet last weekend on a wide-area progressive Wheel of Fortune slot machine with a 25 cent denomination.

3. Valley Forge Casino Resort introducing new food hall
Earlier this week, Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania announced plans for a new food hall that will offer guests a variety of dining experiences.

The updated dining area will showcase four dining concepts, including Mexican, Asian, and American cuisine, along with a specialty coffee venue. These additions are designed to provide guests with a wide range of options, whether they’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal in a refreshed, contemporary setting.

Construction on the food hall is now underway, with a grand opening expected in early 2025.

2. Planet Hollywood Las Vegas to open new dining concept
Caesars Entertainment and Tao Group Hospitality will introduce Caramella, an Italian restaurant and lounge, at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas this winter.

Highlights of the menu created by Tao Group Hospitality’s Chief Culinary Officer, Ralph Scamardella, will include original takes on regional Italian favorites, indulgent pastas and a wide selection of prime steaks and chops served Tuscan-style with sides à la carte.

Caramella will feature views overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and an adjacent candy shop offering a wide selection of treats.

In partnership w/ @TAOGroup, we will introduce Caramella, an Italian restaurant and swanky lounge, @PHVegas this winter.

Highlights of the menu will include original takes on regional Italian favorites, indulgent pastas and a wide selection of prime steaks and chops served… pic.twitter.com/fAU0oNLpDX
— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) September 23, 2024

1. Dean wins Borgata Poker Open
The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Poker Open Powered by BetMGM featured 30 main events over the course of two weeks and awarded over $7,000,000 in total prize pools.

It concluded with the $3,500 Borgata Poker Open Championship that began with a field of 758 on 13 September and ended with Donovan Dean winning the title and $408,836 on 17 September.

Dean surpassed his previous live cash ($356,952) when he defeated Luis Ortiz in heads-up play. Ortiz won $283,446 and it represented a huge leap over his previous best live cash of $3,338. Kharlin Sued finished third ($195,599) and also scored a personal best live cash.

??THE CHAMP IS HERE ??

Donovan Dean is your @BorgataPoker Open Champion!

He bested a field of 758 to take home the mini @BorgataAC trophy + $410,452??

GG, Donovan ?? pic.twitter.com/uxrCnrSGGg
— BetMGM Poker (@BetMGMPoker) September 18, 2024