This week’s casino news starts off in Macau where revenue numbers are quite healthy but are still down from pre-pandemic figures. Another battle with a COVID-19 variant could hamper them even further.
Macau Casinos Still Struggling to Get Back to Pre-Pandemic Revenue Numbers
One of the world’s largest gambling markets has been struggling to recover from the financial impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic brought upon. The month of November was another mediocre showing for Macau casinos as they reported to bring in $834 million from bettors during the month. That is 55 percent more than what they got in October, but 70 percent less than what they got in November of 2019.
Unlike Las Vegas, Macau can’t seem to get itself back on track with all its travel restrictions getting implemented and then lifted again. Las Vegas just hit $1 billion in revenue for the eighth consecutive month, something that Macau hasn’t done in quite a while.
Macau could get worse news in the coming weeks. The omicron variant could end up causing a small spike in COVID-19 cases, which may wind up getting travel restrictions placed all over again.
MLB Franchise Pitches Offer For Las Vegas Casino
The Oakland Athletics continue to be exploring Las Vegas. It was just reported that the Major League Baseball organization decided to throw out a bid on the Tropicana Las Vegas, which is a peculiar move. The team hopes that they could turn the property into a new home field down the line, although they have been coy about the franchise’s potential move.
The city was already able to build a successful fan base with the Vegas Golden Knights being entered into the NHL back in 2017 and then the Oakland Raiders relocating to be renamed as the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
The Athletics also had an interest in both the Wynn Golf Course and some Caesars Entertainment-owned land, but neither property is on the table anymore for them due to a variety of reasons.
Bettor In New Jersey Breaks Online Slot Jackpot Record
Life took a wild turn for the better when one bettor in New Jersey struck a huge jackpot while playing an online slot machine. The player, who identified as “Dori B”, was able to hit on a $3.5 million payout, which became the largest in the history of the state of New Jersey when it comes to online gambling. The previous record was set in 2020 when somebody was able to win $3.2 million over a win.
The jackpot was hit when playing on BetMGM with the MGM Grand Millions game. BetMGM also operates in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
New Jersey has been flourishing lately when it comes to revenue numbers. During October, they were able to set a record for online casinos by winning roughly $127 million from bettors. Without a doubt, the state has the best online gambling market in the country and isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
Dori B admitted that the jackpot was life-changing for them. It all came from a $10 spin, which goes to show you never know what might happen!