Casino City’s Friday Five: Live poker comeback edition

Cards are going back into the air in casinos across the U.S. Just two weeks ago, we saw that Beau Rivage Resort & Casino was welcoming back guests into the poker room. This week, we have another prominent casino in a major market doing the very same. Also this week, we have a new sportsbook hitting a Pennsylvania casino, a guest in Atlantic City becoming a millionaire, a new operating license for Mohegan Gaming and the Bally’s brand being sold by Caesars.

Let’s start it off with a massive win:

5. Hard Rock Atlantic City makes a guest a millionaire
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City is the spot to be for slot players right now since it has awarded more than $1.6 million in jackpots since Sunday evening.

Atlantic County resident and local plumbing and HVAC contractor, James hit a $1.3 million Royal Flush Mega Jackpot on Ultimate Texas Hold’em with a $5 progressive bet, becoming an instant millionaire.

“It is surreal to have hit a $1.3 million jackpot, especially because playing cards is a little different than laying pipe,” said James. “We plan to take care of our family, put money away for our kids and my wife deserves a nice trip.”

An additional jackpot of $90,000 was won by a Mays Landing local playing Blazing 7s Monday. The winnings this week also extend to a $168,657 Dollar Storm and $80,000 Double Gold slot machine jackpots Sunday.

In 24 hours, we paid out over $1.6 Million in jackpots!

What would you do with a million dollars? ?? pic.twitter.com/ZRmXYnUOCI

— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) October 13, 2020

4. Twin River acquires Bally’s brand from Caesars Entertainment
On Tuesday, Twin River Worldwide Holdings announced that it has purchased the iconic Bally's brand previously owned by Caesars Entertainment.

This acquisition will allow Twin River to maintain the Bally's name for the Atlantic City property that it has agreed to purchase from Caesars Entertainment and enables the company to rebrand virtually all of its portfolio properties under the Bally's name and logo.

As part of the deal, Twin River has agreed to provide Caesars Entertainment a perpetual license to use the Bally's brand at its existing Bally's - Las Vegas property.

3. Mohegan Gaming awarded operating license by Hellenic Gaming Commission
The Hellenic Gaming Commission selected Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to develop the first Integrated Resort and Casino in Greece.

The winning bid from MGE, submitted in partnership with GEK TERNA, proposes a state-of-the-art development plan, INSPIRE Athens, that includes a luxury hotel, premier entertainment venues, convention center, shopping, dining, casino, and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities.

“We are honored to have been chosen by the Hellenic Gaming Commission and believe that as the first Integrated Resort and Casino experience in Greece, INSPIRE Athens will further solidify the City of Athens as one of Europe’s most enticing and iconic destinations,” said Mario Kontomerkos, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s President and CEO.

2. William Hill opens sportsbook at Harrah’s Philadelphia
Yesterday, William Hill, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, opened a full-service sports book at Harrah's Philadelphia in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The William Hill Sports Book at Harrah's Philadelphia offers six ticket windows, 16 self-service betting kiosks and an expanded wagering menu that features InPlay betting.

Sports fans can also bet online through the “Caesars Casino & Sportsbook by Harrah’s Philadelphia” mobile app.

.@WilliamHillUS America’s leading sports book operator, together with @CaesarsEnt, today opened a full-service sports book at Harrah’s Philadelphia!

Find out more about our best-in-class sports betting experience: https://t.co/td8XfzJljv

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER pic.twitter.com/rz1ZbCGyAU

— Harrahs Philadelphia (@HarrahsPHL) October 15, 2020

This wasn’t the only headline for William Hill sportsbooks yesterday.

Following the successful launch of its pop-up sportsbook at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in July, William Hill unveiled a first-look into the permanent sports book location that is expected to open in early 2021.

The renderings showcase the multi-level entertainment space that will feature a full-service sports book with 12 ticket windows and 10 self-service kiosks, two VIP areas and one large private dining/event space.

“The success of the William Hill pop-up sports book has exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to create the next phase of the sports fan experience with our permanent location inside the Capital One Arena,” said David Grolman, President of Retail Operations for William Hill US.

Get your first ?? at the William Hill Sports Book at @CapitalOneArena that is expected to open in early 2021!

In partnership with @MSE, the @WilliamHillDC Sports Book offers a first-of-its-kind sports fan experience inside a professional sports complex.

Full Press Release ?

— William Hill US (@WilliamHillUS) October 15, 2020

1. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa to welcome back poker next week
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, NJ will reopen The Poker Room at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 21 October following its closure earlier this year amidst the coronavirus crisis.

Borgata Poker will return with 30 socially distanced tables following the company’s comprehensive health and safety protocols designed to protect employees and customers.

All poker play will be live cash games on seven-handed tables with polycarbonate barriers. Borgata’s Bad Beat Jackpot will immediately initiate, giving players the opportunity to lose their hand but win a prize of $100,000.

“We are happy to welcome back our loyal players as we reopen Atlantic City’s market-leading East Coast poker destination,” said Melonie Johnson, President & Chief Operating Officer of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

#BorgataAC's Poker Room REOPENS Wednesday, October 21 at 10am.

? The Poker Room will have 30 tables with polycarbonate dividers. Masks are required.

Must be 21 or older. Bet with your head. Not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER. https://t.co/ASt92s63ae

— BORGATA (@BorgataAC) October 15, 2020