Mohegan Sun guests hit three jackpots in just one week

Uncasville, CT – August 28, 2025 – Luck struck in spectacular fashion at Mohegan Sun last week, where guests hit three major jackpots in just seven days. The highlight came on August 23, when a guest playing the Buffalo Diamond slot machine with a $4 spin landed an extraordinary payout of $519,009.

The string of wins underscores Mohegan Sun’s reputation as a premier gaming destination in the Northeast. Large payouts not only generate excitement among regulars but also serve as a powerful draw for new visitors eager to try their luck. With its extensive gaming floor, top-tier amenities, and a history of headline-making jackpots, Mohegan Sun continues to stand out in the competitive casino market.

The wave of recent wins also reflects the strong performance of the property’s slot portfolio, as casinos nationwide lean into high-engagement games to keep energy levels high on the floor. Guests and staff alike are celebrating this unique streak of good fortune, reinforcing the casino’s image as a hotspot for thrilling, life-changing moments.

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Foxwoods Resort Casino Opens New Poker Room with Technology, Comfort, and Big Prizes

August 29, 2025 – Foxwoods Resort Casino is ushering in a new chapter for poker with the opening of its brand-new Poker Room, designed to offer players an elevated mix of competition, comfort, and innovation.

The official debut is set for September 9, starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by live play at 11:00 a.m. To mark the occasion, Foxwoods will host a $25,000 Hot Seat Giveaway: from noon until 10:00 p.m., players will have a chance to win $1,000 every 30 minutes, leading up to a $5,000 grand prize at 10:00 p.m.

Located inside The Fox Tower, the new Poker Room blends next-level amenities with state-of-the-art technology. Features include automated kiosks for quick seating, 37 large high-definition screens showing live sports and poker, and convenient access to the nearby DraftKings Sportsbook. The space is also directly connected to restaurants, nightlife, and expanded parking options, creating a comprehensive experience for guests.

“This space represents a new standard for poker on the East Coast,” said Jason Guyot, president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The Poker Room will operate Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. With its scale, design, and modern amenities, it aims to position Foxwoods once again as a premier destination for both casual players and seasoned professionals.

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Two major online casino brands exit the U.S. market

Two well-established online casino brands have officially announced their withdrawal from the U.S. market, specifically from operations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of financial performance and regulatory challenges.

Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

Key factors include lower-than-expected revenues, high operating costs, and an increasingly complex legal landscape. The exit is part of a broader strategic realignment to refocus investments on more profitable and promising markets, leaving room for more locally established operators.

Impacts and Outlook

The departure of these brands will reduce choices for local users and likely redirect player traffic toward other platforms. Business partners, such as game providers and affiliates, will also face adjustments. The move signals a potential reshaping of the competitive landscape, opening doors for emerging operators to gain ground.

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Pragmatic Play Launches Live Poker as WSOP 2025 Heats Up

The world of poker continues to evolve in 2025, driven by two major developments: the debut of Pragmatic Play in the live poker arena, and rising anticipation for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025. Together, they signal a renewed global focus on competitive, immersive, and technologically enhanced poker experiences.

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🎥 Pragmatic Play Enters the Live Poker Space with Casino Hold’em

One of the biggest headlines this year is Pragmatic Play’s official launch into live poker, with the release of a custom Casino Hold’em game. Known for its dominance in online slots and virtual table games, Pragmatic Play’s foray into live poker reflects the company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio.

Casino Hold’em is a version of Texas Hold’em played against the house rather than other players. Pragmatic Play’s version adds a premium streaming setup, real-time dealer interaction, and a dynamic interface to mirror the land-based casino experience.

More live poker titles are in the pipeline, including potential adaptations of Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and other hybrid game shows. This strategic expansion positions Pragmatic Play as a key player in the live casino vertical—particularly in markets where real-time engagement is a major driver of player retention.

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🏆 WSOP 2025: The Top Players to Watch

As the poker world prepares for the WSOP 2025, attention is turning toward the players most likely to make headlines at the iconic Main Event and beyond. According to expert coverage, this year’s series could break previous participation records, building on the momentum of post-pandemic growth and online qualifiers.

Veterans like Phil Hellmuth, who holds the record for most WSOP bracelets, remain key figures. But the spotlight is also shining on emerging players who’ve been dominating the online circuit and smaller live events. Names like Tadas Peckaitis, a well-known pro and strategist, have been consistently climbing the ranks, bringing a data-driven style of play that blends modern game theory with practical edge.

With rising prize pools, more global qualifiers, and a healthy mix of skill and unpredictability, WSOP 2025 is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

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📈 What This Means for Poker in 2025

Together, Pragmatic Play’s expansion and the excitement surrounding WSOP 2025 highlight several key trends shaping the poker landscape:

• Diversification of platforms: Live poker is no longer confined to Vegas or televised events. Digital studios with live dealers are becoming new arenas for competition.

• Player engagement: Gamified elements, professional dealers, and multi-language support in live streams are helping attract new demographics to poker.

• Global growth: With qualifiers and viewers from dozens of countries, poker continues to solidify its position as a truly global mind sport.

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🔚 Conclusion

Whether it's the high-stakes drama of the WSOP or the high-definition streaming of live Casino Hold’em, 2025 is proving to be a pivotal year for the evolution of poker. With companies like Pragmatic Play pushing the boundaries of format and access, and with poker legends and newcomers battling it out on the world’s biggest stage, the game remains as thrilling—and as strategic—as ever.

Stay tuned for more updates on poker tech, tournament results, and player spotlights from the heart of the action.

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Atlantic City casinos ready for a strong summer season

The Atlantic City casino industry is prepared to welcome visitors to the East Coast’s top destination resort this Memorial Day Weekend, marking the unofficial start to summer. This year is poised to be even better than last summer thanks to the significant capital investments made at casino properties across the city, the completion of the beach restoration project and the return of the airshow and beach concerts.

“Atlantic City casinos are ready to welcome new and returning visitors this summer with the best dining, entertainment and gaming amenities on the East Coast,” said Mark Giannantonio, president, Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ). “Exciting entertainment attractions and unique offerings are essential to continue to attract visitors to our great city. That is why the casino industry continues to reinvest in our properties to create world-class experiences for our customers.”

According to the LIGHT 2024 Impact: Atlantic City Casino Industry report, Atlantic City operators spent more than $200 million in capital expenditures in 2024 on new and revitalized dining, retail and gaming spaces. In the past five years, the industry invested more than $1 billion dollars on projects to enhance and differentiate their properties. The LIGHT report also details how the casino industry has had a profound impact on the state and region providing jobs and generating tax revenue that benefits New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents. The industry is one of the largest employers in southern New Jersey with 23,000 employees, and more than 80% are Atlantic County residents.

In addition, the casino industry continues to be a driving force in New Jersey’s tourism industry, according to the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism 2024 Economic Impact of Visitors to New Jersey study. Atlantic County was responsible for more than 20% of New Jersey’s overnight visitors, with approximately 10.91 million guests renting lodging in Atlantic County last year. Atlantic County was also responsible for the most same-day visitors at 13.1 million in-and-out guests. That represented nearly 19% of the state’s same-day visitor traffic.

“Atlantic City is an iconic seaside destination with diverse cuisine, headline entertainment and unique experiences,” said Gary Musich, president and CEO of Atlantic City. “If you’re looking to create memories this summer, look no further than Atlantic City.”

There is so much for visitors to look forward to this summer:

Atlantic City’s beach has been replenished: The Atlantic City beach is one of the city’s greatest assets. With the recent completion of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ $40 million project to replenish the sand on the beaches of Atlantic City, visitors will now have access to additional beachfront fun just outside the doors of the North Beach casino properties.

Atlantic City is the place to be for meetings and conventions: Conventions and meetings had a strong start in first quarter of 2025 under the leadership of Visit Atlantic City, hosting over 12 successful events, conventions and conferences generating 39,843 room nights booked and more than 104,000 attendees, resulting in a total economic impact of nearly $80 million.

The Air Show is back: Visit Atlantic City is hosting the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival on July 15 to 16 over the beaches of Atlantic City. The Soar & Shore Festival is a free, family-friendly event filled with nonstop entertainment, including aerial performances and a weeklong lineup of exciting festivities across Atlantic City.

Entertainment takes center stage this summer: Atlantic City is a top destination for concerts and shows with top headliners appearing at casinos all summer long. Performances from Ashanti, Erykah Badu, Sam Hunt, Heart, +LIVE+ & Collective Soul, Darius Rucker, Tom Segura, David Lee Roth, Chicago, Foreigner Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors, among others. And award-winning comedians including Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, Sebastian Maniscalco, Colin Jost and Nate Jackson, to name a few.

First-Class Dining, Hotel and Gaming Offerings: Atlantic City casinos are offering world-class experiences for their customers including Bally’s all new gourmet steakhouse, Park Place Prime; Noodles at Borgata, a Pan-Asian dining destination renowned for its signature takes on timeless favorites; The Hook at Caesars Atlantic City delivering a night of entertainment that’s as ever-changing as the tides; the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Atlantic City newly reimagined nightclub, The Balcony, will offer an all-new entertainment experience; Golden Nugget - Atlantic City guests will experience newly renovated rooms; Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar, a new multi-million-dollar entertainment destination, to open this summer; and Resorts’ newly expanded and reimagined Landshark Beach Bar to return this summer.

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Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas opens new poker room

With less than two weeks until cards are in the air at the 56th annual World Series of Poker, Caesars Entertainment is gearing up for a summer full of poker play with the opening of a new poker room on the Las Vegas Strip. With epic food, relaxing spa treatments and dynamic poker rooms, Caesars has everything needed to give poker players coming to town for the WSOP an elevated experience they can’t find anywhere else.

Shuffle Up and Deal

Today, the PH Poker Room, adjacent to Reflections, The Spa at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas on the mezzanine level of the resort, officially opened and began hosting its first poker games. Caesars Entertainment leadership and the general manager of the Poker Room were on hand to celebrate the first deal.

“With just 18 days from the first deal of World Series of Poker, we are raising the stakes by bringing the energy and excitement of tournament-style poker back to Planet Hollywood,” said Ken Ostempowski, SVP and General Manager of the resort. “Today, we are opening our newest poker room, PH Poker Room, an addition that will amplify the already incredible offerings we have for the thousands of poker players coming to our resorts throughout the summer.”

The 24-hour Poker Room spans 4,800 square feet and includes 23 poker tables – 12 for cash games and 11 for tournament play.

For additional poker play, the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame Poker Room at Horseshoe Las Vegas features 18 custom poker tables with upscale furniture and equipment to offer players an elevated gaming experience as well as a permanent exhibit to honor the legends of the sport.

Feast and Compete

Playing intense poker games can work up an appetite. Jack Binion’s Steak at Horseshoe Las Vegas will offer a legendary food challenge fit for the legendary tournament. Available Thursday, 29 May through Saturday, 12 July, the JB’s Callin’ Your Bluff Challenge includes a 32-ounce Prime Rib roasted to perfection with red wine balsamic roasted onions, roasted carrot garnish, horseradish and au jus, a 1-pound Idaho Russet Potato with six shots that include traditional toppings and a Chocolate Layer Cake with pretzel streusel and Bourbon white chocolate sauce. Challengers have 20 minutes to complete the meal. If it is finished in the time allotted, the meal is free. If not completed, the meal costs $149.99. The challenge is for a single person, and all food must be consumed from the plate.

For those looking for a slightly less ambitious meal, the 4-of-a-Kind Burger at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen at Horseshoe Las Vegas is the perfect burger, especially for those about to play their next hand. The burger includes two slices of crispy bacon, SMC (super melty cheese), Fiery dragon’s breath chili, tender smoked brisket and crunchy fried onions on a garlic-buttered brioche bun. Guests can indulge on this burger from Tuesday, 27 May through the end of World Series of Poker for $34.99.

Poker Faces and Perfect Hands

Players can relax and recharge between tournaments at Voie Spa & Salon at Paris Las Vegas. The Voie Customized Facial for $165 uses marine ingredients found along the coast of France to cleanse and restore the skin. This facial will offer the perfect, refreshed poker face, ensuring no opponent will catch any bluffs all tournament long.

The Voie Manicure for $65 includes a vanilla sugar scrub and hydrating moisturizer that will give anyone the perfect hand before hitting the tables.

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Las Vegas celebrates 120th birthday

Las Vegas celebrated its 120th birthday, as dignitaries and special guests came together to commemorate the destination’s incredible journey from a small railroad stop in the desert to the world-renowned Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.

Sphere’s iconic exterior LED screen – the world’s largest – lit up with its beloved emoji Orbi. Since its debut, Orbi has become a global phenomenon and had the honor of blowing out birthday candles on marquees across the destination, concluding with special birthday messages on Resorts World Las Vegas and Fremont Street Experience’s Viva Vision. Orbi™ has become part of the Las Vegas community, sweating through a heat wave, waking up with a daily cup of coffee and putting its party hat on every Friday and Saturday night.

To celebrate the milestone, a panel discussion took place at the Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino. Industry leaders and dignitaries reflected on Las Vegas’s evolution into a world-renowned tourism destination and shared personal stories, cherished memories, and unforgettable moments that have shaped the city's legacy.

Participants included:

- Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum
- Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley
- Jim Gibson, Clark County Commissioner and Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) board chair
- Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA
- David Schwartz, UNLV professor and gaming historian
- Andrew Simon, president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience
- Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of Circa Resort & Casino

The celebration included a stunning, custom-designed five-foot-five-inch birthday cake crafted and designed by Freed's Bakery, a long-time Las Vegas pastry shop. Paying tribute to the city's vibrant history, the multi-tiered showpiece highlighted iconic eras—from the legendary Rat Pack days to the glitz of Glitter Gulch and the golden age of Vegas entertainment.

The celebration ended with Steve Hill's champagne toast honoring Las Vegas's rich history, evolution, and exciting future.

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MGM Resorts announces new employment agreement with Bill Hornbuckle

MGM Resorts International announced that it has reached a new employment agreement with CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle through 31 December 2028. As part of his new employment contract, the company has also agreed to offer Hornbuckle an advisory agreement at the end of the term to assist with its integrated resort project in Osaka, Japan until its opening.

"Bill is an exceptional, visionary leader who successfully guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic while also positioning the business for long-term growth through new digital ventures, strategic M&A opportunities, and expansion into new international markets," said Paul Salem, Chairman of the MGM Resorts Board of Directors. "Bill has earned the trust, respect and admiration of his employees, peers, shareholders and this Board. We're thrilled that he has agreed to remain in his role for the foreseeable future."

"I am honored to continue leading this company at an exciting time of both digital growth and resort expansion in places like New York, Japan, Brazil and the Middle East. Our best days remain in front of us, and I'm thankful to our Board for their continued trust and support," said Hornbuckle. "The success we've enjoyed over the last five years is a testament to our leadership team and our employees who have embraced our culture of guest-centricity and continuous improvement. Together, we will continue to pursue our vision to be the world's premiere gaming entertainment company."

As CEO, Hornbuckle oversees all aspects of MGM Resorts' strategy, operations and hospitality and gaming development projects. He leads the company's global development efforts and its digital gaming strategy. He is a member of MGM Resorts' Board of Directors and serves as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of MGM China Holdings, which operates resorts in Macau. He is also Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, a non-profit organization focused on growing travel and tourism to the United States, and he previously served as Chairman of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on policy, regulation, programs and issues that impact the travel and tourism industry in the United States.

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WSOP Circuit thrives at Great Canadian Casino Resort in Toronto

Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto once again played host to the World Series of Poker Circuit Event in partnership with GGPoker and this year’s event shattered expectations, setting new records across the board. Great Canadian Toronto is the only destination in Ontario for hosting World Series of Poker tournaments including prestigious ring and bracelet events.

Running from 10-22 April 2025, the event saw 8,203 total entries across 11 WSOP Circuit Ring Events, marking a 35.9% increase from 2024. The total prize pool soared to an astonishing $7.56 million, up 35.4% year-over-year, as 3,150 unique players brought energy and excitement to Toronto’s premier casino resort. 11 WSOP rings were awarded at the event.

This year, Great Canadian Rewards members had exclusive access to purchase tickets online – a new offering for 2025 – resulting in 2,123 entries registered through the online platform. Last year, online registration was not available.

A highlight of the series was the prestigious $2,000 Main Event, which drew an incredible 2,139 entries and generated a record-setting $3.74 million prize pool, up from $2.8 million last year. With 413 Main Event online qualifiers from GGPoker (another sharp increase from 2024) the buzz around this year’s WSOP Circuit was palpable.

In a storybook moment, Pengxiang Ruan, a Great Canadian Rewards member and restaurant worker from Thornhill, Ontario captured the Main Event title and a life-changing $510,245 first-place prize. A passionate poker player for 10 years, Ruan plans to use his winnings to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant.

“This event proves once again that Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is the home for world-class poker in Canada,” said Michael Kim, Executive Vice President, Great Canadian Entertainment. “The record-breaking turnout, amazing competition, and incredible stories like Pengxiang Ruan’s are exactly what make the WSOP Circuit such a special experience. We are proud to exclusively bring the magic of the WSOP to Toronto and look forward to building on this incredible momentum.”

The various tournament events included the $3,500 High Roller Event which attracted 291 entries and built a prize pool of $906,465, and the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em drew a total of 847 entries, with a prize pool of $719,950. New events this year included the Ladies, Seniors, and Mystery Bounty, generating prize pools of $59,280, $172,800, and $585,420, respectively.

Great Canadian Rewards members enjoy exclusive perks, enhancing their loyalty experience at Toronto’s premier entertainment destination, and across all Great Canadian properties in Ontario. Great Canadian Rewards membership is free.

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The Farm Italy to open at Mohegan Sun

A new era of Italian dining is set to unfold at Mohegan Sun as Ballo Italian Restaurant, the renowned culinary destination located in Casino of the Earth, undergoes a remarkable transformation. Continuing under the visionary leadership of restaurateur John Tunney and his esteemed culinary, design and operations team, Ballo Italian Restaurant will be reimagined as The Farm Italy—OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S.

While the impressive architecture of Ballo Italian Restaurant remains, The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun will experience a stunning transformation—one that transports guests to the rustic elegance of an Italian countryside estate. With inspired décor, striking artwork, breathtaking lighting, and an elevated menu that celebrates Italy's finest flavors, the experience is poised to be nothing short of extraordinary.

"Transforming Ballo Italian Restaurant into The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun is more than just a name change—it's the evolution of our passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality," says owner John Tunney. “We’re bringing the heart and soul of The Farm Italy—handcrafted food, stunning design, and warm, welcoming energy—into a space that’s already meant so much to our guests. I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter, and to share an even more inspired dining experience with the Mohegan Sun community.”

Hailing from New York, The Farm Italy is part of the esteemed restaurant group behind Ballo Italian Restaurant, The Shed Restaurants, and Besimo Mexican Restaurants. Known for its unwavering commitment to seasonal freshness and the artistry of Italian cuisine, The Farm Italy has become one of the most sought-after dining destinations in New York. Now, with its highly anticipated expansion to Mohegan Sun, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in the magic of this coveted reservation.

“What will make Farm Italy Mohegan Sun truly special is its ability to bring forward the flavors of Ballo Italian Restaurant while reimagining and refreshing the venue, and introducing incredible new seasonal dishes as well,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “We are committed to offering exceptional dining throughout our entertainment destination, and our long and successful partnership with John Tunney is a key part of that reinvigorated strategy. We are thrilled to unveil The Farm Italy Mohegan Sun shortly after Memorial Day Weekend!”

At the heart of The Farm Italy's menu is a dedication to authentic, house-made dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Guests can begin their meal with signature house-baked bread, served warm, drizzled with premium extra virgin olive oil, and topped with a fragrant blend of herbs and flaky sea salt.

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