Casino City’s Friday Five: More Wire Act news edition
A month later, New Hampshire challenged the DOJ’s opinion in regards to lottery sales. In New Hampshire yesterday, the state's lottery commission was the first to argue the opinion to a federal judge.
Also this week, we have another massive jackpot winner, an online casino celebrating five years, plans for a new casino and the enhancement of a Las Vegas venue.
Let’s have the jackpot start us off:
5. $1.3 million jackpot at Venetian Las Vegas
International Game Technology’s Wheel of Fortune slots have awarded several jackpots of more than $1 million so far this year. On 3 March, the fourth of 2019 was won by a lucky slot player at The Venetian Las Vegas.
Playing the Wheel of Fortune slot, the player hit a jackpot for $1,311,818.
4. Caesars Entertainment enhances The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
On Wednesday, Caesars Entertainment announced plans to renovate The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Part of the evolution of the venue will include a new sound system, new moving light fixtures and a high-definition LED video wall.
The Las Vegas venue will now be home to multiple seating arrangements, including VIP banquettes with bottle service and general admission on the main floor.
"We're thrilled to make the best entertainment experiences in Las Vegas even better by enhancing The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with its innovative design and unique elements," said Jason Gastwirth, president of entertainment for Caesars Entertainment. "The timing of these enhancements couldn't be better as Caesars Entertainment and Live Nation now partner to program The Colosseum with a commitment to bring world-class performers to this refreshed, iconic entertainment venue. The best seat in Las Vegas just got better."
The Colosseum at @CaesarsPalace is getting a makeover! New lights, LED wall and sound system will turn the entertainment up to 11 as we join forces with @LiveNation, the #1 promoter in the world.
— CaesarsEntertainment (@CaesarsEnt) April 10, 2019
The best seat in #Vegas just got better.https://t.co/f6HiWjbLzV pic.twitter.com/E9ctMCucFi
3. BitStarz celebrates five years
BitStarz is welcoming players to take part in its birthday celebrations. New members will have the chance to get 20 free spins just for creating an account. Players can further take advantage of the offerings with 180 more free spins and up to $500 over the next four deposits.
If players want to be more involved with BitStarz, there is currently a promotion going on that will send one player to a six-night stay in Cancun along with a €50,000 prize.
BitStarz is 5 today! Join in the celebrations as we wouldn't be where we are today without our amazing #players! https://t.co/oeAmQ4rV3X #OnlineCasino #BitcoinCasino #Casino pic.twitter.com/CMU5VMhcW8
— BitStarz (@BitStarzInsider) April 8, 2019
2. Hard Rock International reveals plans for Hard Rock Cincinnati
Earlier this week, Hard Rock International collaborated with VICI Properties to acquire Jack Cincinnati Casino. Hard Rock will operate the casino's assets, and it will be renamed Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, with VICI owning the land and real estate assets.
"Hard Rock has been the No. 1 operator in Ohio since opening in the greater Cleveland market in 2013," said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International. "And now, we look forward to introducing our unique brand of casino entertainment to Cincinnati. On behalf of the 40,000 Hard Rock team members worldwide, I am pleased to welcome the more than 1,000 JACK Cincinnati employees into the Hard Rock family."
The property features 100,000 square feet of gaming space with approximately 1,800 gaming machines and 100 table games. Additionally, the property contains 33,000 square feet of meeting space, six high-quality restaurants and two bars. Hard Rock plans to introduce plans for property improvements later this year as well.
1. New Hampshire defends the lottery
The New Hampshire Lottery Commission has concerns that the Department of Justice will be against selling Powerball and Mega Millions tickets online. Therefore, arguments will be heard by a federal judge as the state challenges the Wire Act opinion that was released back in January from the DOJ stating that passing bets across state lines is prohibited, including for sports wagering.
To avoid this prohibition applying to lottery sales, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission is fighting back to keep their hopes of receiving $6 million this year and nearly $8 million next year through online options alive.
The Department of Justice wants the case dismissed, but the case of NH Lottery Commission against the U.S. Department of Justice stands.
We could be weeks away from a decision, but the case may end up at the Supreme Court no matter which side the ruling falls on.