Casino City’s Friday Five: Jackpots, investigations and New Year’s Eve edition

New Year’s Eve is less than three weeks away and Las Vegas has something for everyone who wants to celebrate and welcome 2025 in Sin City. In addition, we have a couple of jackpots to cover this week from Florida and New Jersey. There is a poker tournament set to hit another New Jersey casino, and lastly, the Dutch Gaming Authority is honing in on illegal sports bets.

Let’s begin with a couple big winners:

5. $501,184 slot jackpot at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
A New Jersey man won a massive slot machine jackpot of more than a half million dollars at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City.

The guest won a Mega Grand Jackpot of $501,184 with a $40 bet on a Dollar Storm Mega Grand Link slot with a $2 denomination. He opted for annual prize payments to maximize the value of the jackpot.

4. Record slot jackpot hits at Florida casino
A lucky winner from Plantation, Florida hit a record progressive jackpot on the Dragon Link slot machine.

The $2,856,079 jackpot was won with a $250 bet at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. This marks the seventh time the game has hit in excess of $1 million since January 2024.

?? JACKPOT ALERT ??

Our Dragon Link Jackpot has finally hit! Congrats to the lucky guest who walked away with over $2.8 Million ???? #AristocratGaming pic.twitter.com/dIicCNtP3D

— Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood (@HardRockHolly) December 9, 2024

3. Borgata Hotel Casino to host 2025 Winter Poker Open
On Monday, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa and BetMGM Poker announced the return of the Borgata Winter Poker Open to the Central Conference Center in Atlantic City from 2-17 January 2025.

The series will feature 32 main events, 26 secondary events, and a $5 million guaranteed prize pool.

The Mixed Event Mini-Series expands to 10 events, featuring the inventive B.E.A.S.T. Mix, which incorporates Triple Draw rounds with Stud. Players can also compete for the new BWPO Leaderboard, which guarantees $50,000 in prizes and rewards the Top 10 players based on their buy-ins, field sizes, and cashes.

2. Ksa investigates unauthorized sports bets
The Dutch Gaming Authority has conducted an investigation into the offering of unauthorized bets on sports competitions by license holders.

This included looking at matches and competitions, such as youth matches and amateur competitions and events, such as corners and cards. This offer is not allowed in the Netherlands, because there is an increased risk of manipulation.

The parties involved have been summoned to cease and keep the prohibited betting offer suspended. In addition, all providers who have not reported their unauthorized betting offer have been warned that they should be alert to these types of errors and report any incidents to the Ksa.

1. Las Vegas to welcome 2025 with entertainment and fireworks
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas will be a show-stopping celebration, with fireworks lighting up the desert sky and the biggest names in entertainment performing at iconic venues throughout the city.

Below are just a few examples of what guests can expect for the celebrations:

Following a sold-out North American tour, multi-platinum and GRAMMY-winning rock band Creed will ring in the New Year with two exclusive performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on 30 December and 31 December 2024, marking their first performance in Las Vegas in over 12 years.

Bruno Mars lights up Dolby Live at Park MGM this New Year’s Eve with performances on 30 December and 31 December 2024.

Ghostbar at Palms Casino Resort offers views of fireworks from the 55th floor of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating and music from a local resident DJ.

It’s the most wonderful time of year to be at the Palace?

Join us for festive fun while saying goodbye in style to 2024 and hello to a glorious 2025. We can’t wait to see you soon. pic.twitter.com/nWuFS7s0Fc

— Caesars Palace (@CaesarsPalace) December 10, 2024