Casino City’s Friday Five: Las Vegas adjusting edition

Sin City is starting to get its old look back with casinos and resorts reopening to the public, including Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino welcoming back guests yesterday for the first time since closing in March. These properties are open but have had to make some serious changes in order to abide by the state’s policies and laws. Before getting into some of the new protocols, we also have a massive jackpot win, a Lake Tahoe property renovation, a New York casino welcoming back some table games and a promotion at Intertops Casino Red.

Let’s begin with the Pai Gow win:

5. Pai Gow Poker jackpot win at Aliante Casino
Jesus, a frequent visitor to Aliante Casino Hotel and Spa, was playing Face Up Pai Gow Poker at around noon when he hit a seven-card straight flush with a joker, capturing a Pai Gow Poker progressive jackpot of $531,639.

Jesus, who had been planning to refinance his house this week, said he would instead pay off his mortgage with his winnings.

The properties’ Pai Gow Poker progressive jackpot will now reset at $150,000.

JACKPOT ALERT: @boydgaming awarded one of the highest Pai Gow Poker progressive jackpots of the year – more than a half a million dollars – to a Las Vegas local at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa on Sunday, October 4.

Congrats, Jesus! pic.twitter.com/FmPqOd2e6P

— Aliante Casino (@aliantecasino) October 5, 2020

4. $120,000 Haunted House contest at Intertops Casino Red
This month, during the $120,000 Haunted House casino bonus contest at Intertops Casino Red, everyone playing any of its games can win up to $500 every week.

Every week until 2 November, the 300 players with the most points will win $30,000 in bonuses. The players with the most points win the biggest prizes. The top 20 players each week are entered in a final draw for another $1,000.

"Competing with other players for the biggest bonuses adds an extra element of excitement," said Intertops Casino's manager. "You can earn points playing any of our games but I'm guessing our Halloween games will be the busiest this month!"

Haunted House promotion at Intertops Casino! Celebrate Halloween this month with your portion of spookily-good weekly prizes! https://t.co/nSGDRI322i pic.twitter.com/M3cjhaGlaJ

— Intertops Casino (@IntertopsCasino) October 6, 2020

3. Renovation of Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Casino Hotel completed
Harvey's Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino completed the renovation of all 519 guest rooms in the resort’s Tahoe Tower as part of a $41 million total property investment over the past two years. The tower’s balcony suites, with incredible views of the lake, were also remodeled in 2018.

“The completion of this major investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to elevating guest experiences at our resorts and advancing the Lake Tahoe tourism economy,” said John Koster, senior vice president and general manager for Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe.

The renovated Tahoe Tower rooms at Harveys provide guests with a comfortable, relaxing environment with a fresh and modern appeal.

Today, we announce that @harveystahoe has completed the 519 guest room renovation. The two year project includes the remodeled balcony suites with breathtaking lake views. Ready to visit #LakeTahoe?

Read the official release: https://t.co/PdQagfF7mG pic.twitter.com/SZ9XzwLI3D

— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) October 5, 2020

2. Roulette and craps return to Rivers Casino Schenectady
Following approval by the New York State Gaming Commission, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady has announced that its craps and roulette tables are now back in action. Roulette and craps were initially not available when the casino reopened its doors on Wednesday, 9 September, following a nearly six-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re thrilled that Rivers Casino was able to meet, or exceed, all of the state’s safety requirements to get craps and roulette back in action for our guests,” said Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady General Manager, Justin Moore.

Guests are now able to play on all of the casino’s table games, along with slots and other gaming machines. Plexiglass barriers separating players and dealers have been installed for safety at all craps and roulette tables, along with other table games and slots, and guests will be required to sanitize their hands before and after play.

1. Wynn Las Vegas launches new security screening program
Wynn Las Vegas announced a series of security measures designed to enhance its best-in-class guest safety program. Following a successful pilot program launched a few weeks ago, the stepped-up security measures will be in place Friday through Sunday evening.

Guests entering Wynn and Encore Resort will be scanned for metal and their hand-carried bags will be screened. The additional screening at the resort entrances complements existing security measures that are in place, including scanning hotel room keys at elevator entrances to ensure only current registered guests are admitted to the hotel towers.

"Wynn Las Vegas is known for offering the best guest experiences," said Marilyn Spiegel, President of Wynn Las Vegas. "These changes to our security program are devised to ensure our guests can continue to enjoy those experiences in a relaxed and safe atmosphere."