Casino City's Friday Five: Saratoga, WSOP and Wrigley Field edition
Before we dive into those details, we have some other top stories of the week. We saw a Caesars Palace player win, not one, but three different jackpots! Wrigley Field in Chicago is expected to welcome a Draftkings Sportsbook location, Las Vegas is going to be the place-to-be for the Fourth of July, and if you are thinking of going to Saratoga, we have tips for you.
Let’s begin with a few big wins from the Strip:
5. Caesars Palace player wins three separate jackpots
Last weekend was a big one for a Caesars Palace guest who won three jackpots within 48 hours, totaling $1 million.
On Saturday, 17 June, the Caesars Rewards member won $400,000 after hitting a jackpot playing video poker at Caesars Palace. Just 10 minutes later, the same guest won another video poker jackpot for $200,000.
The guest’s winning streak continued to the next day with a third jackpot. On Sunday, the visitor landed another $400,000 jackpot playing video poker, also at Caesars Palace.
Congrats to this lucky @CaesarsRewards guest who hit 3 #Jackpots within 48 hours, totaling $1,000,0000 ??
— Caesars Palace (@CaesarsPalace) June 19, 2023
21+. Gambling problem? Call 800-522-4700. pic.twitter.com/HY1jNizSGD
4. Top 10 Saratoga Race Course trip tips
Saratoga Race Course is getting ready to start its season in just three weeks and I will be in attendance for one of the days on opening weekend. Having been to Saratoga a handful of times now, I have a few tips to pass along for anyone considering going there for a day at the races.
Get there early
The track opens at 11 a.m. and you should aim to get to the gate right at opening. The races do not begin until 1 p.m., but if you try and get there closer to noon, you are going to find yourself in the middle of a madhouse.
If you get there around 11, you shouldn’t have any issue finding parking that isn’t ridiculously far away from the entrance and you can explore the grounds before any of the races begin.
Reserve table at The Porch
Every year I have been to Saratoga, I have sat in the same spot. The Porch at Saratoga is a great place for your party to enjoy the day.
First of all, the location is great because it allows you to walk 15 feet from your table to the track’s rail and is right by the finish line. So as the horses make the turn and if you want to see your horse cash your bet up close and personal, you can.
Set a budget
Just like you would if you were walking into a casino, you must set a limit for yourself to wager on the races throughout the day. Make that limit a number you are comfortable and willing to lose in case it is a bad day bet wise at the track.
Not only that, but budget your bankroll across the nine or 10 races. Don’t go heavy on the opening races and end up not having anything for the final races.
3. DraftKings Sportsbook to open at Wrigley Field
On Tuesday, DraftKings and Levy announced that the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, will open its doors to the public on 27 June, with food and drink service.
Located at the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue and adjacent to iconic Wrigley Field, the year-round destination will first open as a sports bar and restaurant, with plans for DraftKings to later add retail sports betting.
Upon opening, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of different seating options throughout the 17,000- square-foot space, ranging from traditional tables and bar stools at the Jim Beam Bar, to plush booths, drink rail seats and semi-private spaces designed to fit groups of up to 25.
2. Las Vegas announces Fourth of July events
Independence Day is always celebrated with fireworks, entertainment and splashing under the sun in Las Vegas.
Below are just a few options for guests to make their Fourth of July Weekend memorable:
Visitors can view the Caesars Palace fireworks on 4 July from the resort’s front fountains. An elevated view is available at GIADA at The Cromwell, where an al fresco dining experience complements the show in the sky.
Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino presents its Star-Spangled Glamour celebration on Tuesday, 4 July. The rooftop cocktail lounge offers views of the evening’s fireworks displays in addition to a selection of craft cocktails, patriotic bites and live music.
This is a reminder that our shaded rooftop terrace is the perfect location to indulge yourself with a group toast from our Sunset Package to savor the longest day of the year! ???
— Legacy Club (@legacyclubvegas) June 21, 2023
To reserve: https://t.co/W4hCEMJaQX#LegacyClub #CircaLasVegas pic.twitter.com/A5N7G5UlcX
The Fremont Street Experience continues its Downtown Rocks free concert series during Fourth of July weekend, with Switchfoot and Skillet taking the stage on Saturday, 1 July. The downtown Las Vegas attraction also presents a digital fireworks display on its Viva Vision Canopy.
Resorts World Las Vegas brings back headlining artist Carrie Underwood, as the country songstress continues her REFLECTION residency at the Resorts World Theatre on Saturday, 1 July.
1. World Series of Poker names 2023 Hall of Fame finalists
Following a two-week nomination period, the World Series of Poker announced the list of the 2023 WSOP Poker Hall of Fame finalists.
With one new member inducted annually, the below 10 nominees will be considered by the 32 living WSOP Poker Hall of Fame members, who will allocate a ballot of 10 total points to determine this year’s inductee.
Here are the finalists:
- Josh Arieh
- Jeremy Ausmus
- Ted Forrest
- Kathy Liebert
- Mike Matusow
- Lon McEachern and Norman Chad
- Brian Rast
- Matt Savage
- Isai Scheinberg
- Bill Smith
We're thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated list of finalists for the 2023 WSOP Poker Hall of Fame! ??
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 22, 2023
Head to https://t.co/MhpatNLPvL to learn more about the ten nominees, the voting process, and the history of the Poker Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/F44QBMdPSJ