Casino City’s Friday Five: WSOP Europe and new casino edition
Also this week, there was a casino grand opening in Northern California, two more millionaires minted via Wheel of Fortune jackpots, a sports betting deal for Yahoo Sports and the crowning of a new World Series of Poker Europe Main Event champion.
Let’s begin with the jackpots:
5. Wheel of Fortune delivers two September jackpots
More than $3 million was awarded by International Game Technology’s Wheel of Fortune slot machines in September.
On 2 September, a Wheel of Fortune slot player won $1,462,097 at Ojibwa Casino - Marquette in Marquette, Michigan.
Nearly three weeks later on 19 September, another player took home $1,543,089 from Casino Arizona in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This brings the total to 13 players who have received at least $1 million from Wheel of Fortune slots in 2019.
Did you hear the MAJOR news?! A very lucky guest hit one of Casino Arizona's BIGGEST JACKPOTS for $1,543,089.09 on just a $10 bet on the Wheel of Fortune machine on 9/19. #CasinoArizona #WinBig #JackpotWinner pic.twitter.com/Myg2nVmZcm
— CasinoArizona (@CasinoArizona) September 25, 2019
4. Yahoo Sports and BetMGM announce sports betting partnership
On Tuesday, MGM Resorts International announced that Yahoo Sports had entered a partnership with MGM Resorts and Roar Digital.
Beginning this month in the U.S, BetMGM will power sports betting for Yahoo Sports and create collaborative content experiences and live events, while Yahoo Sports will become an official digital media sports partner of MGM Resorts.
"This partnership marks an important moment for BetMGM in the growing U.S. sports betting sector," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. "Integrating Yahoo's leading fantasy sports operations and content with BetMGM's world-class sports betting and interactive platform uniquely positions us to drive market share and large-scale adoption among sports fans."
BetMGM are excited to announce our Exclusive Partnership with @YahooSports, offering fans unprecedented experiences beginning this November. @BetMGM will power sports betting for YahooSports, who is an official Digital Media Sports Partner for @MGMResortsIntl. pic.twitter.com/V1Kp35e536
— BetMGM (@BetMGM) October 29, 2019
3. SugarHouse Casino rebrands to Rivers Casino Philadelphia
SugarHouse Casino celebrated its transition to the new Rivers Casino Philadelphia on Tuesday. The property, which opened back in 2010, is not changing ownership.
The rebranding represents a $15 million investment in the property, which includes the new $5 million BetRivers Sportsbook, a redesigned gaming floor and new amenities.
The BetRivers Sportsbook is three times the size of the previous location. It can fit 115 guests and is accompanied by nearly 100 screens, including a 56.5-foot by 10.5-foot LED monitor.
Today marked the exciting unveiling of Rivers Casino Philadelphia! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped with today's celebration. #GameOnPhilly
— Rivers Casino Philadelphia (@RiversCasinoPHL) October 29, 2019
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. pic.twitter.com/00jCN8berw
2. Hard Rock Sacramento at Fire Mountain makes debut
On Wednesday, a Hard Rock Guitar Smash kicked off the festivities to welcome guests into Hard Rock Sacramento at Fire Mountain. This weekend will continue the fun with a performance by Def Leppard on Saturday and promotions to follow on Sunday.
The hotel features 169 hotel rooms and suites, and a large meeting space venue, along with an outdoor pool and deck area for the leisure or business traveler. The casino holds 1,587 slot machines, 57 table games and high limit gaming rooms.
New Wild Card Rewards members will receive $10 in free play/free bet at signup along with being able to participate in the Ultimate $1,000,000 Cash and Cars Giveaway where they are guaranteed to win daily throughout the month of November. On top of that, members receive entries into the $100,000 giveaway on 24 November and a 2020 Mercedes GLC drawing on 30 November.
1. Kolonias wins the 2019 WSOP Europe Main Event
Alexandros Kolonias became the seventh player from Greece to win a World Series of Poker bracelet and the first to be awarded a seven-figure prize in a World Series of Poker event.
After defeating Claas Segebrecht heads up, Kolonias was able to lift the gold bracelet and realize he had just won €1,133,678.
The 2019 €10,350 WSOPE Main Event had 541 entries, making it the second-largest field in the tournament’s history. The total prize pool was €5,139,500.
"I still haven't figured it out in my mind what actually happened. I am really happy about the way I played in the beginning, One level was not so good when we had four left, but things worked out for me," Kolonias said.
Congratulations Alexandros Kolonias for winning the #WSOPEurope Main Event for €1,133,678 and your first WSOP bracelet.
— WSOP (@WSOP) November 1, 2019
RECAP: https://t.co/2cDkAO7Omv pic.twitter.com/pEl3WA6U1J