Casino City’s Friday Five: Big wins, anniversaries and Memorial Day edition

Before we know it, Memorial Day Weekend will be upon us and Las Vegas has something to offer and cater to everyone. In addition, we have Alberta sports betting making strides, a massive win from the Connecticut Lottery, cashless gaming coming to a Nevada property and an Arizona resort celebrating 25 years.

Let’s being with a life-changing win:

5. Retired firefighter wins big in Connecticut Lottery game
Patrick Gordiski and his wife were planning a much-needed vacation when the couple decided to buy a few CT Lottery scratch tickets for fun. After a few tries, Patrick played the CT Lottery’s “$500,000 CA$HWORD,” in which players scratch off a crossword-style puzzle to reveal potential prizes.

He uncovered the V, and as it turned out, that letter would spell another word for Patrick: victory. He had just won the game’s final top prize of $500,000.

The winning ticket was purchased at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich.

When Patrick scratched a V on his $500,000 Ca$hword ticket, it meant ??????????????! The retired firefighter and 9/11 first responder won the game’s final top prize—which he referred to as a belated birthday and early Mother's Day gift! https://t.co/n6iktyedJc pic.twitter.com/FQO7CgaAJe

— CT Lottery (@ctlottery) May 5, 2025

4. PENN Wallet launches at M Resort in Nevada
Earlier this week, Everi Holdings announced the company's digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment PENN Wallet at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson.

The PENN Wallet offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems.

M Resort is officially Cashless, Cardless, & Contactless! Download the @pennplay app to create your digital wallet! ?? ??

You can still use cash too!

— M Resort Spa Casino (@MResort) May 6, 2025

3. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder to toast to 25 years
Arizona Charlie's Boulder in Las Vegas will mark its 25th anniversary with a day full of festivities featuring champagne, cake and all-day bingo on 23 May.

Palace Grand Lounge will offer complimentary champagne and cake in honor of the occasion. Plus, throughout the month of May, players can pick up a special edition True Rewards card, available while supplies last, as a keepsake of the celebration.

Guests looking to complement their cake and bubbles with casino games can try their luck inside the award-winning bingo hall.

The anniversary celebration will wrap up with a high-energy performance by Mach Five inside Palace Grand Lounge starting.

2. Alberta sports betting moves in right direction
This was a big week for sports betting in the Canadian province. On Wednesday night, Alberta legislature’s Committee of the Whole passed the iGaming Alberta Act.

It sets the framework for sports betting in Alberta, and despite rumors of an early 2026 launch date, there is no official date yet.

In addition, this bill will create the Alberta iGaming Corp., a new agency with whom online gambling companies will have to set up deals with in order to operate.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, which operates the area’s only live online sports betting option, Play Alberta, will oversee the market.

1. Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is set to heat up this Memorial Day weekend packed with parties, shows and sun-soaked celebrations.

Below is just a taste of what visitors to Sin City will have the chance to experience in just a few weeks.

Jewel Nightclub at Aria Resort & Casino will host top hip-hop talent with performances from Fat Joe on Friday, Chase B on Saturday and Murda Beatz on Monday.

TAO Beach Club at The Venetian Las Vegas will feature thrilling performances all weekend long, with Greg Lopez on Thursday, Benny Benassi on Friday, Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo on Saturday, and Alesso on Sunday.

Renowned comedian, actor and podcast host, Sebastian Maniscalco, returns to Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas with exclusive performances of “Sebastian Live in Vegas” on Saturday and Sunday.

Guests looking for fun in the sun can splash into the new $20 million project, Go Pool, at Flamingo Las Vegas. The multi-pool complex will include a swim-up bar, DJs and a reimagined pool-side food and beverage menu.

The all-new GO Pool, a $20M project, is coming this spring! Enjoy a multi-pool complex, the Strip's only 30-seat swim-up bar, 33 VIP cabanas with exclusive access to three smaller pools, & a 50-ft "rain curtain" waterfall with DJs every day.

Book now: https://t.co/TmkpXtecW9 pic.twitter.com/jw6GAtaTVq

— Flamingo Las Vegas (@FlamingoVegas) February 11, 2025