Casino City’s Friday Five: Welcoming back the World Series of Poker edition

The 53rd edition of the World Series of Poker is underway but with a different feel to it. Last year, the tournament was moved to November due to COVID-19. Now back in its usual time of year, the WSOP has changed locations and is now being played on the Las Vegas Strip at Bally's – Las Vegas, which is being rebranded into Horseshoe Las Vegas) and Paris Las Vegas. We already have a bracelet winner from this year’s event but before seeing who took that victory, we have other top stories this week to go over. With just over a week until the Belmont Stakes, Mohegan Sun is gearing up for its watch party. We also have a jackpot win from the Las Vegas Strip, a Sunken Treasure contest at Everygame Casino Red and a new entertainment venue at a Sacramento property.

Let’s begin with some horse racing:

5. Mohegan Sun hosting Belmont Stakes viewing party
Fans can claim their spot in the new 11,000 square foot Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in Connecticut on Saturday 11 June for the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes.

The 140-foot video wall will feature some of today’s greatest thoroughbreds including Derby winner Rich Strike as they go stride for stride at the 1.5 mile track.

The Belmont Stakes viewing party is open for everyone 21 and over and there will be a “Belmont Special Alive for Five” contest taking place for Momentum members, who can enter for $10 fee with a chance to win a minimum guaranteed jackpot of $2,500 in cash as they try to pick the winning horse in five designated races.

Bring your excitement to our Belmont Stakes watch party at Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook June 11th! Place your wagers with the assistance of handicapper Mike "Mut" Mutnansky & receive a free t-shirt with a $50 wager on the Belmont Stakes! For info, visit https://t.co/sllpf6Iy6R pic.twitter.com/Dt1e1aB3Kt

— Mohegan Sun ?? (@MoheganSun) May 26, 2022

4. Sunken Treasure Contest at Everygame Casino
Until 4 July, players at Everygame Casino Red will compete for weekly prizes in the $150,000 Sunken Treasure Casino Bonus Contest.

Every week, the casino will award $30,000 with top players winning up to $500 each week.

Everygame Casino players earn points when they play any of the casino's hundreds of slots and table games. In addition to weekly prizes for 300 players with the most points, the top 20 each week are entered in a final draw for $1,000.

3. Harrah’s Las Vegas pays out massive Pai Gow jackpot
There was a jackpot on 31 May at a Pai Gow table at Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel for $253,746.

The Caesars Rewards member, Chad, was visiting Las Vegas from Iowa when he hit the jackpot with five aces in his hand. He plans to spend his winnings with his wife.

Congrats Chad L. on your $253,746 Major Progressive #Jackpot playing Pai Gow. ???? #ComeOutandPlay
Gambling Problem? Call 800-522-4700 pic.twitter.com/gfVbBaS7CB

— Harrah's Las Vegas (@HarrahsVegas) June 1, 2022

2. Hard Rock Sacramento at Fire Mountain opens Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Sacramento at Fire Mountain is unveiling the newly finished Hard Rock Live music and entertainment venue, which officially opens today.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the grand opening party tonight will feature an exclusive, sold-out performance from Grammy-winning and four-time platinum group, Maroon 5.

Hard Rock Live will serve as a flexible event center with the capability to host a multitude of programs including live shows, a variety of sporting events, galas and more. The venue features up to 2,500 seats or over 3,000 occupants for general admission, with no spectator further than 140-feet from the stage.

In addition, the destination will offer a second-level mezzanine with VIP skyboxes and balcony seating. Guests can also enjoy Hard Rock memorabilia cases displaying more than 40 iconic pieces, a photo booth, and a full-service bar.

THIS WEEKEND! Hard Rock Live Grand Opening Weekend closes out with the legendary Bret Michaels with the Cripple Creek Band on Sunday, June 5. Get your tickets before they're gone! ?? #hardrocksacramento #hardrocklivesacramentohttps://t.co/97LYcUrH52 pic.twitter.com/W1xjE9fJEF

— Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento (@HRHCSacramento) June 2, 2022

1. First WSOP gold bracelet of 2022 awarded
The 2022 World Series of Poker is officially in full swing. The first gold bracelet of the series was awarded Thursday morning to Katie Kopp in the $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em event.

Kopp, a long-time dealer and player from Cleveland, Ohio, navigated a field of 832 players to claim her first WSOP gold bracelet at Bally's - Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas and the top prize of $65,168.

Kopp, who finished third in this event back in 2018, was also the first person eliminated from this year's tournament on Day 1. She fired up her re-entry and the rest is history.

"The feeling is so surreal being here with my mom," she said. "We travel and deal together. My whole family plays poker. My grandpa taught us. My brother and sister both have rings and even my nine and 10-year-olds know how to play."

Katie Kopp grabs first gold bracelet of the series after taking down the $500 Casino Employees event to earn $65,168 and her first career bracelet.

??: Rachel Kay Millerhttps://t.co/sP1HE8D0OS pic.twitter.com/25S9pWBXav

— WSOP (@WSOP) June 2, 2022