Casino City’s Friday Five: Winning big and sports edition

Sports betting has continuously been in the news as U.S. states make strides toward a legalized and regulated market. We have seen its presence from back in May to events happening just a few days ago. This week, another state signs off on mobile sports wagering, the NHL partners with a sportsbook operator, two lucky winners walk away with massive payouts and a casino expansion opens to the public.

Let’s begin with some big winners:

5. $515,000 jackpot at Delta Downs Casino
Having a jackpot payout for more than $500,000 is pretty impressive on its own. Having it occur twice in less than two weeks is just downright stunning.

That is exactly what took place at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel this month. Last Friday, a Texas resident parlayed a $5 spin into a life changing prize of $515,268.90 while playing Aristocrat’s 7UP nationwide progressive slot machine.

This was the second big payday, followed by one that happened only 11 days earlier when another Texas resident hit a $579,735.15 mega jackpot on Aristocrat’s Buffalo Diamond slot jackpot.

No matter which way you look at it, this was the second $500,000 jackpot won at Delta Downs in less than two weeks. Congratulations to tonight's lucky winner! When you're hot, you're hot! #Jackpot #WinningWeekend #DeltaDowns pic.twitter.com/OrbnzlciQJ
— Delta Downs Casino (@DeltaDowns) March 23, 2019

4. Maryland man wins $1 million playing Mississippi Stud at Bally’s Hotel & Casino
A nice way to go to Las Vegas during March Madness would be leaving $1 million richer without any of the winnings even being from sports betting, right?

Well then we should all be jealous of Maryland resident Kenneth Snoots.

Playing Mississippi Stud at Bally’s – Las Vegas, Snoots hit a royal flush and won a progressive jackpot for $1,094,138.95.

Recently, the Caesars Entertainment introduced more ways to win with linked table games jackpots across the entire state of Nevada, including Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker and Poker derivatives. In the last nine months, Caesars has awarded six table games jackpots exceeding $1 million across multiple Nevada properties. These jackpots are currently linked across 12 Caesars properties and total more than 275 tables.

?? $1,094,138.95 Progressive Table WINNER!! ??
Congratulations Ken on hitting the @CaesarsEnt statewide progressive mega jackpot. ???https://t.co/1IbYcJwIh7 pic.twitter.com/HJ1NwATgaG
— Bally's Las Vegas (@BallysVegas) March 21, 2019

3. Sycuan Casino unveils resort expansion
On Wednesday, Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, California announced that the $260 million hotel and resort expansion is now open to the public.

The repurposed resort features a 12-story luxury hotel tower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 suites. The property also boasts an expanded gaming area, new restaurants and bars, meeting and event space, a full-service spa and fitness center and a pool and gardens area.

"We have undertaken a number of renovations and expansions over the years, but nothing that compares to the size and scope of this project," said John Dinius, general manager at Sycuan Casino Resort. "This significant $260 million investment is an investment in Sycuan, but will also directly benefit East County in San Diego and set a new bar for gaming, entertainment and dining options available throughout the region."

It’s official! WE ARE OPEN?? Join us tonight for more celebrations and to experience this epic #projectionmapping on the side of the resort! PLUS, don’t miss our $10,000 #hotseat winner drawing at midnight!#casino #resort #sandiego #grandopening pic.twitter.com/9mnRqwN2j3
— Sycuan Casino Resort ?? (@SycuanCasino) March 27, 2019

2. William Hill and NHL announce partnership
On Wednesday, William Hill U.S. and the National Hockey League announced a multi-year partnership.
As part of the deal, William Hill is named the Official Sports Betting Partner of the NHL.

“This new partnership is yet another example of the innovative yet practical approach our League is taking with the emerging sports gaming industry,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “We continue to work directly with stakeholders to cultivate relationships across the sports betting landscape. Partnering with William Hill U.S., a leader in both the sportsbook and mobile betting marketplace, provides a tremendous opportunity to further fan engagement.”

As an official sports betting partner of the NHL, William Hill will receive promotional media in relevant NHL markets and will leverage branding opportunities in connection with the league’s calendar of marquee events.

William Hill and the @NHL announce multiyear partnership.https://t.co/Xu76Udb64q pic.twitter.com/X4PttmynQx
— William Hill US (@WilliamHillUS) March 28, 2019

1. Rhode Island governor signs mobile sports betting bill
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation on Monday that will allow sports bettors to place wagers posted by Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino from anywhere within state lines via a mobile app. The state lottery expects to have the app ready by November.

“The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors,” said Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who introduced the legislation along with Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello. “It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events. Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River. I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”

The two Rhode Island casinos introduced land-based sports betting late last year. The Granite State receives 51% of the revenue generated from sports betting.

Rhode Island Mobile Sports Betting Nears https://t.co/hxY4YvXqm8
— ThisWeekInGambling (@TWiGFeed) March 28, 2019