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Atlantic City Casino Newcomer Wins Colossal $1.6 Million Jackpot on Wheel of Fortune Slot on First Time Bet
July 4th, 20244 mins

Atlantic City Casino Newcomer Wins Colossal $1.6 Million Jackpot on Wheel of Fortune Slot on First Time Bet

Is it beginner's luck or just someone's good fortune? In an extraordinary turn of events, a man who claimed to have never gambled before hit a massive jackpot shortly after placing his first-ever bet at a casino resort in Atlantic City. The happy event took place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where the novice gambler walked away with nearly $1.6 million from a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on June 26. He informed the casino staff that it was his first visit to a casino, but despite his inexperience, he decided to try his luck by inserting $100 into a Wheel of Fortune slot. After losing most of his money, he made one of his last $10 bets, which triggered the progressive jackpot, resulting in a huge payout of $1,593,457.33.

Taking home the grand prize: luckiest player - and casino - ever?

Hard Rock in Atlantic City, in its social media platforms and in a press release, stated: "We weren't voted the luckiest casino for nothing. Congratulations to the winner of the life-changing $1.5 million jackpot." It added that the guest was playing with just a $10 bet and $1 denomination.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, boasting a total of 2,425 slot machines along with 130 live dealer games, was recently named the luckiest casino in New Jersey by Tripadvisor user reviews. Needless to say, this latest jackpot win only solidifies its reputation.

Despite the excitement of the win, the payout will not be immediate. The game manufacturer, IGT, confirmed that the nearly $1.6 million jackpot would be paid out over a span of 20 years as a stipend. But this particular win ranks among the top five slot wins in Hard Rock Atlantic City's history, adding to the celebrations of the casino's sixth anniversary last June.

IGT, the developer and manufacturer of the Wheel of Fortune slots, claims that these games are the most popular in the US tribal and commercial gaming sectors. Since their introduction in 1996, for instance, Wheel of Fortune slots have created 1,180 millionaires, awarding over $3.5 billion in jackpots. On average, a person wins a jackpot prize worth a minimum of $100,000 for every 72 hours on the machines.

Beginner’s luck in play at slots

The remarkable win by the Hard Rock guest epitomizes the concept of "beginner's luck," a term used to describe an unlikely success experienced by a novice in any sport, activity, or game. While it is often applied to skill-based pursuits, it also finds relevance in chance-based activities such as gambling. Some attribute beginner's luck to psychological factors such as "confirmation bias," where individuals tend to project outcomes based on their personal history. For example, newcomers to casinos who have never known the feeling that comes from repeated losses and lack the knowledge of the low odds of hitting a jackpot might be more likely to achieve a win.

Regardless of the reason behind the win - whether it was beginner's luck, confirmation bias, or another factor altogether - the anonymous winner has undoubtedly experienced a life-changing event. And while the odds of repeating such a success are slim, the pull of another big win might tempt the lucky gambler to try his hand at the Wheel of Fortune slot machine again in the future.

This extraordinary story of a first-time gambler striking it rich serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that casinos offer. For the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, it's another feather in the cap of what is already a celebrated reputation for luck and fortune.


New IGT Slot Now on Offer at Atlantic City Featuring the Legendary Whitney Houston
July 4th, 20244 mins

New IGT Slot Now on Offer at Atlantic City Featuring the Legendary Whitney Houston

It isn't only online casinos that are seeing a well-deserved revamp: land-based casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, are seeing a whole new line of slot games, too, starting with The Godfather slots, launched in 2023, to the newly-released Ace Ventura slots just a few weeks ago; and now, the Whitney Houston-themed slot from esteemed game developer IGT.

Hard Rock Atlantic City has unveiled an exciting new addition to its gaming floor: a slot machine dedicated to the legendary artist and singer Whitney Houston. Developed by International Game Technology (more popularly known as IGT), this impressive new game was launched in June and offers a unique gaming experience for fans of the award-winning artist, who garnered an impressive six Grammys during her lifetime.

Take a spin at slots with popular Whitney Houston songs complete with concert footage and photos

The Whitney Houston slot machine is a towering presence at Hard Rock Atlantic City, standing 11 feet in height and featuring two curved LCD monitors measuring 55 inches. These high-definition screens provide stunning graphics and immersive sound effects, creating a captivating environment for players. The machine is also adorned with a prominent "Whitney Houston" text on its front, making it easy to spot on the casino floor.

Of course, players can enjoy some of Whitney Houston's most iconic songs while playing the game, including hits like "So Emotional," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "How Will I Know." The slot machine also incorporates various bonus game content and symbols that showcase Whitney Houston’s lasting legacy, including photos and concert footage. What's more, one of its standout features is a collection of platinum records, and these records are meant to trigger a re-spin bonus when they appear on the reels.

IGT's Chief Operating Officer for Gaming, Nick Khin, expressed the company's excitement about the new game in an official statement. He says that IGT is more than thrilled to bring the star-studded Whitney Houston Slots game to casino floors all across the US, and Khin also added, "Whitney Houston slots exemplifies IGT's winning formula for licensed game themes: a world-class entertainment experience combined with a precise alignment of the licensed theme fan base and the slot player demographic."

The creation of this game was made possible through a collaboration with Primary Wave Music and The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, ensuring that the slot machine honors the late singer's memory. As you may already know, Whitney Houston passed away more than twelve years ago, in February 2012, but her legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

Needless to say, the Whitney Houston slot machine offers players a chance to win big, with a maximum jackpot amounting to $500,000. Hard Rock Atlantic City has shared a video of the slot machine on their Instagram account, giving fans a glimpse of the game’s impressive design and features.

Slot creativity at its finest with more movies and celebrity themes

New Jersey's land-based casinos have been increasingly innovative with their game offerings, incorporating popular culture themes in order to attract players. The recent additions to the lineup include Cheers, the classic television series, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective at BetMGM, and The Godfather slot machine was also introduced in 2023. These new themed games are apparently part of a broader trend aimed at enhancing the casino experience and boosting engagement among visitors.

As these exciting new games hit the casino floors, industry observers will be keen to see how they impact monthly revenue figures in the coming months. The introduction of the Whitney Houston slot machine at Hard Rock Atlantic City is expected to draw significant interest from both fans of the singer and slot machine enthusiasts, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic gaming scene in New Jersey.


Ohtani Henderson & Yankees Star Duo Headline 2024 MLB All-Star Game Starters
July 4th, 20244 mins

Ohtani Henderson & Yankees Star Duo Headline 2024 MLB All-Star Game Starters

The MLB All-Star Game 2024 is coming in hot, and fans are keen to see the top stars after the starters list has been announced with the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Gunnar Henderson, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and many other known stars leading the way when the Midsummer Classic takes on the big stage at the Globe Life Field this July 16th.

Fans voted for the starters, and the results were announced today after the MLB has finished tallying the total votes. The rest of the All-Star rosters, which includes the pitchers and various reserves will be announced this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Performances, statistics, and popularity have all played a huge role in helping the starters be voted by fans since the voting space opened months ago.

The Philadelphia Phillies lead the All-Star starting lineups with a total of three players voted, while the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres have a total of two stars each. In addition, there are a total of eight players who were voted into the All-Star game for the first time.

A Star-Studded Star Lineup

Top vote-getters in Phase 1 of fan voting were automatically named to the mix, with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Phillies lead star Bryce Harper winning those top spots. Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who is arguably the league’s biggest superstar right now, was also one of the top-voted players in the All-Star lineup. On top of that, 2023 Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award winner Gunnar Henderson was also named to the All-Star lineup.

Judge received the most votes in Phase 1 of fan voting, tallying a total of 3,425,309 votes. The Yankees star led the club to a promising climb for the whole month of June after a rough start in the season, which just says a lot about the hype that he has built to make a strong case for the All-Star Game.

The 2024 MLB All-Star Game marks the 94th edition of the said event. It will be televised nationally and will be hosted by the Texas Rangers at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. In addition, Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks will manage the National League Team and Bruce Bochy of the Texas Rangers will manage the American League Team.

2024 MLB All-Star Game Rosters: As it Was Voted

Bryce Harper is the player with the most All-Star selections in the National League lineup with a total of eight, and no other player has been selected more than five times, with Ohtani being the second-most player with selections at four. Here are the elected starters for the National League:

Player (No. of Selections) Team
William Contreras (2) Milwaukee Brewers
Bryce Harper (8) Philadelphia Phillies
Ketel Marte (2) Arizona Diamondbacks
Alec Bohm (1) Philadelphia Phillies
Trea Turner (3) Philadelphia Phillies
Jurickson Profar (1) San Diego Padres
Fernando Tatis Jr. (2) San Diego Padres
Christian Yelich (3) Milwaukee Brewers
Shohei Ohtani (4) Los Angeles Dodgers

The American League boasts the most total All-Star selections across various players. Jose Altuve leads that list with a total of nine selections, while both Jose Ramirez and Aaron Judge tied for second with six selections each. Here are the elected starters for the American League:

Player (No. of Selections) Team
Adley Rutschman (2) Baltimore Orioles
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (4) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (4)
Jose Altuve (9) Houston Astros
Jose Ramirez (6) Cleveland Guardians
Gunnar Henderson (1) Baltimore Orioles
Aaron Judge (6) New York Yankees
Steven Kwan (1) Cleveland Guardians
Juan Soto (4) New York Yankees
Yordan Alvarez (4) Houston Astros

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Gilas Pilipinas Delivers Upset in Massive Showdown against World no 6 Latvia
July 4th, 20244 mins

Gilas Pilipinas Delivers Upset in Massive Showdown against World no 6 Latvia

Electrified. Stunned. Silenced. You name it.

That’s what the crowd in Latvia felt when Gilas Pilipinas escaped with an 89-80 victory against the host nation team. The Philippines isn’t much of a competitive presence when it comes to basketball, but it does seem that the squad is slated to make a massive rally that will bring it to the top of the basketball world in the coming Paris Games this late July.

The Philippines, which was the host nation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, emerged with a shot at the Olympics after flipping the script in a snap in the OQT against Latvia. For one, the game ended indeed in a blowout as many experts predicted, just not with the teams that will be on the winning side by the end of the game.

Latvia was an easy favorite to win the game considering that the Philippines hasn’t won any games against European opponents in 64 years. Now the team seeks to end its 52-year drought in the Olympic men’s basketball tournament with a victory in their next game against Georgia.

A Wire-to-Wire Victory for the Philippines

Gilas Pilipinas is not much of a powerhouse team – despite basketball being the most prominent sport in the country. But after some managerial changes, which saw former coach Chot Reyes replaced with veteran master tactician Tim Cone at the helm, it did seem that Gilas would become a team to watch, especially after that gold finish in the 2022 Asian Games.

For starters, this was a massive story for Gilas in ages. The Philippines jumped out to a 32-16 lead in the first quarter and was up by 21 points by halftime after a promising buzzer-beater three from CJ Perez. Gilas had to fight back against some rapid runs from Latvia in the second half, but they responded well in the final moments of the game to keep the home team from pulling off a massive comeback.

Justin Brownlee – who was named Player of the Game – flirted with a triple-double in the victory with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds and was a solid presence on the rim. The Philippines fielded an impressive triangle offense, which opened up a lot of promising offensive opportunities that saw them build a big lead early in the game.

A Legendary Performance to Remember

No one expected the Philippines to win big in the qualifiers, let alone against a team like Latvia. This was a massive upset for the ages, and coach Tim Cone could not stress enough the importance of this victory that will set the tone for their campaign in the Olympic stage should they get lucky.

"I'm totally shocked to be sitting here in front of you guys after winning this basketball game," coach Tim Cone said. "This is not something we thought we were going to do. This is a big huge step for us to be able to play a Latvia team at home, and go at them face-to-face, and come out with a win. It's amazing, it's amazing for us."

Latvia came out with the home advantage, but they missed out on a chance to salvage their hopes after building on an 83-55 victory over Georgia. The team also missed the services of Boston Celtics star and NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis in the game due to an injury.

The Philippines now sets its eyes as it takes on Georgia later with a chance to seal their chances for the ticket to Paris. A win in their next game will see them advance to the semis and the final, with the lone winner securing the spot for the actual Olympics. Gilas has to either win outright or lose the game by not more than 18 points and avoid a 37-point turnaround in the standings.


Red, White, & Win! Special 4th of July Promotion
July 3rd, 20242 mins

Red, White, & Win! Special 4th of July Promotion

Celebrate the 4th of July with WOW Vegas' exciting "Red, White, & Win!" promotion. This special event features a prize pool of SC 5K and will reward 159 lucky winners. The promotion runs through the 4th of July, providing ample opportunity for participants to join the fun and win big.

WOW Vegas is known for its thrilling gaming experiences and generous promotions. This 4th of July, they are enhancing the festive spirit with a diverse lineup of games. Players can indulge in the sweet excitement of Sugar Rush 1000 and Sweet Bonanza 1000, venture into the wild with Congo Cash, or enjoy a culinary delight with Big Burger Load it Up with Extra Cheese. The celebration is topped off with the release of Crankit Up, a brand-new game launching on the 4th of July.

Promo Name: Red, White, & Win!

Validity: Through 04.07

Prize Pool: SC 5K

Winners: 159

Mechanic: Prize Drop

Games Included: Sugar Rush 1000, Sweet Bonanza 1000, Congo Cash, Big Burger Load it Up with Extra Cheese, Sweet Kingdom, Crankit Up (releasing on 4th of July).

Join WOW Vegas for this special one-day event and seize your chance to win a share of the SC 5K prize pool. With 159 winners, the odds are in your favor to have a memorable and rewarding Independence Day!

For more information about WOW Vegas and their promotions, read our WOW Vegas review, or visit their website.


Scott Seiver Secures Third World Series Victory Bracelet in 2024
July 3rd, 20244 mins

Scott Seiver Secures Third World Series Victory Bracelet in 2024

July 3, 2024 – Another win for the now seven-time World Series Poker Bracelet holder, Scott Seiver. Leading the $10,000 Deuce-to-Seven Single Draw Lowball Championship, Las Vegas Poker Pro gains the advantage in the WSOP Player of the Year competition. Seiver’s historic win last Sunday, June 30th brought the 39-year-old poker pro to a prestigious $10,000 no-limit deuce to seven single-draw lowball championships.

He took home the prize money amounting to a whopping $411,041, totaling over $26 million throughout the young pro’s poker career. In the annals of poker history, Seiver is the eighth player to win three bracelets in a single year, having previously won three in 1973, 1993, 1994, and 1995 with Puggy Pearson, 2002 with Phil Ivey, 2009 with Jeffrey Lisandro, and 2014 with George Danzer. Seiver is the first person to accomplish this amazing accomplishment in almost ten years.

In the annals of poker history, Seiver is the eighth player to win three bracelets in a single year, having previously won three in 1973, 1993, 1994, and 1995 with Puggy Pearson, 2002 with Phil Ivey, 2009 with Jeffrey Lisandro, and 2014 with George Danzer. Seiver is one of the youngest and the first person to accomplish this amazing accomplishment in almost a decade.

When asked about the historic win, Seiver exclaimed “I mean, I’m on cloud nine right now. I couldn’t be more excited. I thought I would do big things this summer, but I mean obviously you can never dream of something like this. But, I think I’m going to get more. I really do.”

Coming up in poker in a professional setting has always been a proven challenge for many pros and Seiver was not spared from this. When asked about winning this specific tournament, “It means everything to me. I was really devastated when I got second in this two years ago. I’ve always wanted this bracelet so much. This final table was unbelievably difficult. From two tables down, everyone was tremendous and honestly, that makes it even more special. I am good at this game, but I am not like world-class great. Getting to play with Jason Mercier, Billy Baxter… these are people who have won this tournament 10 times or whatever. It was very special.” Seiver only had to say.

Payouts and rankings were as follows:

Place Player Earnings POY Points PGT Points
1 Scott Seiver $411,041 840 411
2 Jonathan Krela $274,217 700 274
3 David Lin $187,177 560 187
4 Jeremy Ausmus $130,794 420 131
5 Jennifer Harman $93,615 350 94
6 Michael Watson $68,672 280 69
7 Aaron Kupin $51,661 210 52

About the World Series of Poker 2024

On July 3rd, the main event of the World Series of Poker began and will continue until the 17th. In its 55th year in Las Vegas, numerous winners have already been named in almost 700 events. In the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, Daniel Negreanu set a new record by winning his sixth bracelet. The main event found Ramiro Favi of Argentina claiming victory. With both familiar and unfamiliar faces winning big in the summer series, the WSOP cemented its reputation as the world's best poker tournament venue.

With 186 entries, a $1,729,800 prize fund was created for this tournament, which was divided among the top 28 finishers. Nearly all of the players who cashed were considered big names; among the numerous notables that ran deep were five-time bracelet winner Yuri Dzivielevski (17th), seven-time bracelet winner Billy Baxter (14th), six-time bracelet winner Jason Mercier (9th), and six-time bracelet winner Robert Mizrachi (8th).


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July 1 Powerball Results: Winning Numbers Announced, Jackpot Reaches $127 Million
July 3rd, 20241 mins

July 1 Powerball Results: Winning Numbers Announced, Jackpot Reaches $127 Million

July 3, 2024 – Saturday night’s winning Powerball numbers were 5, 9, 32, 39, and 55 with a Powerball of 9. The Power Play was 2X, however, no winners came forward since last Monday’s draw.

Based on lottery calculations, the winner of Monday's jackpot might get a $60.4 million cash out after taxes. The estimated $127 million jackpot continues to stay on as a coveted prize.

Playing the Powerball

A $2 Powerball ticket can be purchased at your local grocery store, petrol station, or convenience store. In some states, it's even possible to purchase tickets online.

To play, you have to write a total of six digits on your ticket. The numerals 1 through 69 will be represented by five white balls. The Powerball has a single red number between 1 and 26.

To increase your chances of winning and up the payouts for all prizes other than the jackpot, you can add a $1 "Power Play". Here, winnings can be multiplied by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X. You can also choose a "Quick Pick" option, where a cashier produces a Powerball ticket with numbers produced by a computer.

Powerball draws take place thrice a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings at 10:59 pm. If no one wins the jackpot, the monetary prize will rise by millions.

Learn more about the draw results from Powerball.


July 2 Mega Millions Results: Winning Numbers Announced, Jackpot at $162 Million
July 3rd, 20242 mins

July 2 Mega Millions Results: Winning Numbers Announced, Jackpot at $162 Million

July 3, 2024 – Friday night’s winning numbers were 4, 8, 19, 31, and 45, Mega Ball 8 with a Multiplier at 4x. Drawn after 11 pm ET, the estimated total jackpot is now $162 million. The lottery states that a winning player may get a lump sum payment after taxes that is estimated to be worth $74.5 million cash out.

If anyone actually won the lottery, the estimated cash value would be $74.5 million, which would have been theirs for the taking. The Mega Millions jackpot has been won by two players so far this year: one from New Jersey won an incredible $1.13 billion earlier in March, while another from Illinois won $552 million earlier in the same month.

Playing Mega Millions

Megaplier Number of Balls
2x 5
3x 6
4x 3
5x 1

Buying a lottery ticket for Mega Millions is simple and can be purchased at any grocery, convenience store, or gas station. Keep in mind though, in certain places, tickets are also offered online.

To be eligible to play, you need to choose six numbers. Five numbers will be represented by white balls with numbers ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is represented by a single number between 1 and 25. All you have to do to win in Mega Millions is match one number. However, the number has to be that Mega Ball.

The next draw is on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Draws are held every Tuesday and Friday at 10 pm CT. Learn more at Mega Millions winning numbers.


Average Nightly Rates for a Room in Sin City Expected to Climb Further as Tropicana and Mirage Say Their Final Goodbyes
July 3rd, 20245 mins

Average Nightly Rates for a Room in Sin City Expected to Climb Further as Tropicana and Mirage Say Their Final Goodbyes

As Las Vegas landmarks like the Mirage and Tropicana prepare for their respective exits, tourists and visitors to Sin City looking for lodgings also prepare for more expensive prices, as they vie for the best rooms in the Strip, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.

Las Vegas is bracing for an increase in hotel room rates as two major resorts, the Tropicana and The Mirage, are set to close. But the impending closures, while bringing a sense of sadness, are also anticipated to benefit other casinos along the Strip and create investment opportunities, according to industry analysts.

The Mirage will shut down later this month for an extensive multibillion-dollar transformation into a Hard Rock Hotel, a process that will temporarily take thousands of rooms off the market. In the meantime, Tropicana, which closed its doors in April, has already removed a grand total of 1,467 rooms from the Strip's inventory. With The Mirage’s impending closure on July 17, a whopping 3,044 rooms will also be unavailable for several years. Hard Rock International plans to overhaul The Mirage, originally developed by Steve Wynn in the late 80s, into a themed rock 'n' roll resort featuring a hotel with the iconic guitar shape.

John DeCree, a gaming analyst at CBRE Equity Research, predicts that the removal of close to 5,000 rooms will significantly benefit other Strip operators, particularly Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts. He explains further that with "more customers chasing fewer rooms," room rates are expected to rise.

Positive prospects for the Las Vegas strip amid closures

Tropicana's closure is permanent, as the site is being cleared for a possible Major League Baseball stadium. The Mirage's rooms will eventually return to the market around spring 2027, following the completion of Hard Rock’s renovations. In the meantime, the reduced room supply is likely to boost business for other casino resorts and hotels on the Strip.

DeCree notes that while the Tropicana's closure may impact some properties, the displacement of demand from The Mirage is substantial enough to affect all operators on the Strip. As a matter of fact, in the previous year alone, The Mirage's rooms produced almost $600 million in profit for MGM Resorts, with over 1 million inhabited room nights.

But despite strong recent quarterly performances and record gaming revenues from publicly traded casino companies, investors remain cautious. DeCree points out that even with new room inventory from the openings of Resorts World in 2021 as well as Fontainebleau in 2023, daily room rates have carried on rising, and the levels of occupancy have yet to reach pre-pandemic numbers from 2019.

With a robust event calendar and ongoing recovery in international travel and convention demand, we expect second-quarter 2024 earnings for the Strip to meet or at least slightly exceed expectations. The significant reduction in room supply could lead to conservative forward estimates, potentially boosting investor confidence, DeCree elaborates.

Investment opportunities in Las Vegas

DeCree believes that the contraction of room availability on the Strip could lead to stronger earnings for casino companies like Caesars, MGM, Wynn Resorts, and Golden Entertainment, which also owns and runs The Strat.

Due to a busy schedule of events and conventions, the mid-tier guest rooms at Caesars and MGM properties are often booked solid months in advance. DeCree suggests that less-popular resorts, such as the Sahara and The Strat, might benefit from the overflow of bookings that would have otherwise gone to The Mirage or Tropicana.

DeCree concluded that there are likely limits to how many additional room nights MGM and Caesars can accommodate, especially on the weekends and during peak events. This scenario could well present an opportunity for properties that are under-occupied, like The Strat, to see both higher occupancy and increased spending from guests.

As the landscape of Las Vegas’s hotel industry shifts with these two significant closures, one permanent and one temporary, the remaining resorts on the Strip could capitalize on the increased demand and potential rise in room rates. As we speak, investors and operators alike are closely monitoring how these changes will unfold in the coming years.


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LeoVegas Cements US Market Growth and Expansion with Recent Tipico Acquisition
July 3rd, 20244 mins

LeoVegas Cements US Market Growth and Expansion with Recent Tipico Acquisition

LeoVegas, a prominent player in the live casino, online casino, and sports betting sectors, is all set to significantly enhance its footprint in the U.S. market. The company has recently announced its acquisition of Tipico Group Ltd., the online casino and sportsbook technology and product platform - a notable move as Tipico winds down its operations in the US. This strategic deal also includes the acquisition of Tipico’s US technology, trading, and management teams, encompassing regions across the US, Europe, and Colombia.

A strategic scaling back by Tipico

Based in Stockholm and operating out of Malta, LeoVegas is actually an affiliate of MGM Resorts International. At the moment, the firm manages nine brands across ten jurisdictions. Meanwhile, Tipico is the leading sports betting operator in Germany with headquarters in Malta, and it has recently appointed its new Chief Executive Officer, Axel Hefer.

At the same time, Gary Fritz, MGM Resorts International Interactive president, emphasized the significance of this acquisition in a statement. He mentioned that the acquisition of Tipico's award-winning platform in the US marks a substantial milestone and strategy in MGM Resorts' global digital gaming arm, and it allows them to operate an exclusive sports betting platform. In addition, Fritz added that the deal provides MGM Resorts with full control over its whole tech ecosystem and praised the integration of Tipico's experienced US team, which is well-known for their superior pricing and product development and capabilities.

Building on prior investments

This acquisition follows LeoVegas' substantial investment in 2023, when, as you may already be aware, it acquired the game developer Push Gaming. The current deal with Tipico is seen as another pivotal step in LeoVegas' plans of international growth and expansion. By integrating Tipico's platform, LeoVegas aims to operate and manage a customized and branded sportsbook that is spread across all its international brands and markets.

Adrian Vella, the Chief Executive Officer of Tipico US, highlighted the company's achievements, stating, "Tipico has proven in one of the most competitive markets in the world that we can build proprietary technological solutions while running sophisticated lean operations."

On the other hand, Gustaf Hagman, the CEO of the LeoVegas Group, echoed this sentiment, noting that at LeoVegas Group, they believe in controlling their own technical destiny by having the best tech teams working in-house. Hagman continues, "Last year, we acquired leading game developer Push Gaming. Now, we are taking further steps and investing to control more parts of the iGaming technology ecosystem."

LeoVegas and Tipico looking ahead amidst stronger ties

The transaction between LeoVegas and Tipico is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2024. This acquisition is expected to further strengthen LeoVegas' position in the global digital gaming market, enhancing its technological capabilities and further expanding its market reach. With this strategic move, LeoVegas is ready to leverage Tipico's advanced platform and expert team to deliver superior gaming experiences across its international portfolio.

It can be said that LeoVegas' continued investments and strategic acquisitions underscore its commitment to innovation and leadership in the highly competitive iGaming world. As the company integrates Tipico's assets and expertise, its goal is to deliver enhanced value and experience to its customers while driving growth in the global market.


Player in Michigan Wins a Whopping $1.2 Million by Playing Online Slots at DraftKings
July 3rd, 20244 mins

Player in Michigan Wins a Whopping $1.2 Million by Playing Online Slots at DraftKings

Someone has hit the jackpot: a Michigan player (who will remain anonymous, and for good reason), just secured a substantial win at DraftKings – an amazing $1.2 million from the slot game Cash Eruption. But it seems that the player isn’t the only one who has won big in the Great Lakes state – he follows in the heels of another player who also took home the big prize in Blackjack 4, and other lucky winners in slot games like Cleopatra II and 777 Surge.

A fortunate player from Michigan has struck it big in DraftKings Casino, winning a colossal $1.2 million jackpot. The announcement came through a post on the casino's X social media platform, and while the identity of the lucky winner remains anonymous, it was revealed that they won the massive prize while playing the popular slot game Cash Eruption.

Cash Eruption, a slot with a fruit theme developed by IGT, is well-loved in the online gaming community. According to monthly reports by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, which analyze data from 30 online casinos across six US markets (including Michigan), Cash Eruption is one of the top-performing slot games. The game features a 5x3 layout along with 20 paylines, high volatility, and a 96% RTP. Aside from this, players can enjoy a variety of bonus features, including Scatters, free spins, Wilds, bonus respins, and a total four different Jackpots.

Celebrating a year of big wins for MI players

This year has been truly exceptional for MI players – and it’s only the middle of 2024! Michigan players have had a remarkable year on DraftKings Casino, with numerous big wins. While the million-dollar mark isn't reached every month, they have consistently secured significant jackpots. In May, for instance, a MI player won almost $800K on Cleopatra, while another lucky player landed a $576,163 jackpot on Ultra Blazing Fire Link.

But it's not just in slot games where Michigan players have found success. In May, an anonymous player won almost $500K on Blackjack 4, and other substantial wins include $711,852 on DraftKings Multihand Blackjack and $482,453 on another blackjack game, Hockey Blackjack.

But it doesn’t end there: the recent $1.2 million jackpot win at June’s end adds to a prolonged series of impressive victories for Michigan players in 2024. Earlier in the year, two players won $1,598,396 on 777 Surge and $1,653,849 on Cleopatra II, both in January. Except for April, when the largest jackpot was $100,000, virtually every month has seen significant wins by Michigan players across various games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games.

DraftKings: a leading operator in Michigan

DraftKings has firmly established itself as a top online casino in Michigan (as in other states, for that matter). According to data on revenue, it ranks as the third-best operator in the state, with $34.9 million reported for May 2024, just in revenue alone - even in what was considered a weaker month. DraftKings maintains a larger share of the market compared to BetRivers (in 4th place) and Caesars Palace Online (in 5th place).

Since launching in Michigan in 2021, DraftKings has already offered a vast array of gaming options, including thousands of slot games, progressive jackpots, and exclusive RNG games and live table games. The operator is also known for its competitive promotions and highly rated casino apps.

The recent $1.2 million jackpot win is a testament to the excitement and potential rewards available to players on DraftKings Casino. As Michigan's online gambling market continues to grow, players can look forward to even more thrilling opportunities to win big. Whether it's spinning the reels of popular slots like Cash Eruption or trying their luck at live dealer and table games, Michigan gamblers have plenty of reasons to stay engaged and optimistic about their chances on any casino game at DraftKings.


OKC Makes Flurry of Free Agency Moves Thrills Fans in Latest Development
July 3rd, 20244 mins

OKC Makes Flurry of Free Agency Moves Thrills Fans in Latest Development

There are a lot of NBA insiders for many teams, and it is easy to spot various trades, moves and different signings in just a snap. However, when it comes to Oklahoma City, even the likes of Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania are having a tough time to deliver the breaking news, and the Thunder has made moves even before the two insiders announced it.

Oklahoma City has brought in New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein on a three-year deal, while guards Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were extended to a new deal that would see them stay for more years with the Thunder but on a cheaper budget which allows the team to be flexible in its moves heading into the rest of the offseason.

The Thunder have had $35 million in its salary cap to use in the free agency market, and it does seem that the team have done a great job to make the necessary moves – all without losing a 1st round pick. That just shows you how much of a genius Thunder GM Sam Presti really is when it comes to building his roster for the coming season.

Hartenstein Brings Flexibility for the Thunder’s Rotation

After a promising playoff campaign with the New York Knicks, Hartenstein brings his talents to Oklahoma City with a three-year, $87 million deal. The German-American big man earned starting minutes after Mitchell Robinson was lost due to ankle injuries in the playoffs. In 75 games last season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Hartenstein addresses Oklahoma City’s issues on the boards, where they were ranked 27th in rebounds per game and 28th in rebound percentage. Despite those issues, the Thunder have finished with the best record in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record, eventually losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. With Hartenstein added, OKC hopes to finally remove the weakness of rebounding in their game.

At the age of 26, Hartenstein seems to be one of the best bigs in the game. He can go off as a playmaker, rebound the ball, and defend well with his length. Let’s not forget that Hartenstein also shot 64% from the field, including 33.3% from three, which makes him a perfect fit for Oklahoma City’s system.

Joe and Wiggins Return as Role Players for OKC

Fans were definitely pleased with the Hartenstein signing (although some others claim that he was overpaid). However, what thrilled Thunder fans most was the renewals of both Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who were impressive role players for the Thunder in the crucial 2023-24 run.

At the age of 25, Wiggins averaged 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the previous season while shooting 56.2% from the field and 49.2% from three. The guard was a spark plug off the bench and has blended well with his two-way performances with the team. The Thunder declined his $2 million player option and has agreed to a long-term deal for five years, worth $47 million.

On the other hand, Isaiah Joe, averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 45.8% shooting from the field, including 41.6% from three. OKC has offered him instead a four-year, $48 million deal that will see him embrace a promising shooter role for the team moving forward.


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