Casino City’s Friday Five: Week of openings edition

What a busy week we've had. The World Cup began play on Thursday, there's more big news on sports gambling and a Las Vegas casino opened new features. All this comes on top of the World Series of Poker, which had two big names end up back in the win column this week. Let’s start with the top story of the week: the 2018 World Cup: 5. Top 10 betting tidbits for the 2018 FIFA World Cup The World Cup opened up play yesterday with a match between host Russia and Saudi Arabia. Russia dominated from the beginning on the way to a 5-0 win.

The 2018 FIFA #WorldCup is currently averaging five goals per game!

The perfect start for @TeamRussia!#RUSKSA #RUS #KSA pic.twitter.com/jPPUiycsJD
— FIFA World Cup ?? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2018

Over the next month, teams will compete for the greatest honor in soccer by being crowned World Cup champions. The favorite to take home the trophy is Brazil with 7-to-2 odds prior to the first game of the tournament. Not far behind them is the German team at 4-to-1. Picking the winner is just one of the many things people can bet on throughout the World Cup. 4. World Series of Poker highlights Yes, the World Cup began this week, but don’t let that take all your focus away from the WSOP, either. The World Series of Poker started at the end of May and had some exciting events this week. There have been a lot of players winning a first WSOP bracelet, but not the events we are about to mention. Justin Bonomo seems like he just simply will not lose in a poker tournament lately. He defeated 114 players in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Heads-up championship event, adding another $185,965 to his WSOP career earnings.

Justin Bonomo won his second bracelet on Friday evening, defeating Jason McConnon in the finals of the $10,000 no-limit hold'em heads-up championship. https://t.co/PxPMMbDDJo pic.twitter.com/ZUsM5Er4gV
— WSOP (@WSOP) June 9, 2018

Not only did he win that event for his second bracelet, but he was also victorious in PokerGO’s Super High Roller Bowl for $5 million just over a week ago. Brian Rast also is having great success lately. He took home his fourth career WSOP bracelet after he won the $10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw championship event. The event win wasn’t the only topic of discussion. This tournament will forever be remembered as Doyle Brunson’s final appearance at the World Series of Poker.

I didn't mean to make such a fuss over my "retirement". I meant probably no more WSOP tournaments. That isn't written in stone however. When they start the mixed games on high stakes poker, I'll be there. Probably not so much cash games but I appreciate all the nice thoughts.
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) June 13, 2018

3. Stratosphere Casino celebrates new features

Now that’s how you welcome the brand new #Baccarat room at the #Stratosphere. #LionDance #Vegas #ICYMI pic.twitter.com/ztK11SUszj
— Stratosphere Hotel (@LVStratosphere) June 11, 2018

The Las Vegas casino has opened a new gaming pit and unveiled its new Asian menu, as well. As part of the reveal of the two features, the casino held a traditional Chinese Lion Dance earlier in the week. The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower made sure that the start time of the celebration included the number eight for good luck, so it began at 6:08. 2. Michigan approves internet gaming bill The plan was introduced by state Rep. Brandt Iden to regulate internet gaming in Michigan. It was approved by the Michigan House earlier in the week and is now awaiting the approval of the Senate, which is currently considering the matter.

PPA would like to thank Michigan state representative @BrandtIden for his leadership to get the iPoker/iGaming/Sportbetting bill through the House by a 68-40 margin. We look forward to getting a bill done this year so consumers in Michigan get the protection they deserve!
— PokerPlayersAlliance (@ppapoker) June 13, 2018

1. New Jersey sports betting There has been a lot of progress in sports gambling since the 14 May decision from the Supreme Court. Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, allowing sports betting at New Jersey casinos and racetracks. Ending a more than eight-year odyssey to bring sports betting to New Jersey, Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed a bill on Monday that legalizes wagering, making it likely that gambling could start later this week — just in time for the start of the World Cup soccer championship Murphy also placed New Jersey’s first legal sports bet. He did so at Monmouth Park, where William Hill officially opened a sportsbook that is now open seven days a week. Governor Murphy placed several bets and was joined onsite by State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin; former State Senator Raymond Lesniak; Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development, operator of Monmouth Park; and William Hill US CEO Joe Asher.

History has been made! Governor Phil Murphy has made the first legal
sports bet in New Jersey. The Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill is now
officially open 7 days a week! Come be a part of the excitement. pic.twitter.com/cheGiQ40gj
— Monmouth Park (@MonmouthPark) June 14, 2018

The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City also accepted its first legal sports bet. The Borgata Racebook will be renamed The Race & Sports Book while staying in the current location. The sportsbook was opened to the public on Thursday morning.

Who’s placing a bet at the Race & Sports Book this week? ?????????? pic.twitter.com/vx2EtwpVpR
— BORGATA (@BorgataAC) June 14, 2018

Be ready and on the lookout for more openings and sports betting news!