Casino City’s Friday Five: New US iGaming launch and casino opening edition

26 June 2026

By Dan Ippolito

Caesars has announced plans to launch an online casino in Maine, paving the way for its iGaming product to go live in the state. In addition, we have a $1.5 million jackpot from Nevada, a new casino welcoming guests in Illinois, an update from the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, and a classic horse racing game finding a new home.

Let’s begin with a large payday:

5. $1.5 million slot jackpot hits at Edgewater Casino Resort
Last Friday morning’s visit to Edgewater Casino Resort turned into a life-changing moment when Edgar of Lake Elsinore, California, won a jackpot of $1,527,942 while playing a Wheel of Fortune slot machine.

The winning spin came on the penny denomination game. Edgar placed a $3 bet before hitting the jackpot.

4. Iconic horse racing game now at Golden Gate Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas’ last remaining Sigma Derby mechanical horse racing game officially found its new home at Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, bringing a beloved gaming attractions to the city’s first hotel.

Players place coin wagers on miniature horses as they race around a circular track, creating a communal gaming experience that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The attraction made its move from its former home – and Golden Gate’s sister property – The D Las Vegas to its new location. Golden Gate, which got rid of live table games in March, will benefit from the new game to bring in more traffic.

In the Year of the Horse, it’s only fitting that our Owner/CEO, @DerekJStevens, unveils the iconic Sigma Derby machine, NOW AT #GoldenGateVegas! ??

As the last remaining Sigma Derby machine in the world, it’s only fitting that it now calls Las Vegas’ FIRST historic hotel home!… pic.twitter.com/gcS05EVwIK

— Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (@GoldenGateVegas) June 20, 2026

3. Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora opens its doors
On Wednesday, PENN Entertainment celebrated the grand opening of Hollywood Casino Aurora, the new, $360 million casino and hotel. PENN’s latest land-based property replaces the former riverboat property that operated on the Illinois shores of the Fox River since 1993.

Guests can experience over 1,000 slot machines, over 50 table games, a baccarat room, a retail sportsbook, national and Chicagoland celebrity-led dining, a 226-room premier hotel and wellness spa, an event center and more.

The sportsbook includes one of Chicagoland’s largest TV screens, sports betting tellers, and sports wagering and racing kiosks, along with interactive games.

The ribbon cutting is more than tradition; it’s a symbol of progress, of change, and of honoring everything that brought us here.

From the old to the new, one thing remains unchanged: the heart of Hollywood Aurora. The people. The community. The spirit that made it what it is.… pic.twitter.com/Q0RuErnYfC

— Hollywood Casino Aurora (@HollywoodAurora) June 24, 2026

2. Anton takes home first WSOP gold bracelet
The first WSOP bracelet is always the most elusive, but it eludes Alex Anton no longer, as he took down the $10,000 Mystery Bounty No-Limit Hold'em for $678,300.

Also cracking WSOP headlines this week was the second woman of the series to nab a World Series of Poker bracelet, Michelle Chin defeating Daniel Strelitz heads-up to claim victory in the $1,500 Limit 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw and win $161,313.

First Bracelet for Michelle Chin

Chin outlasted a 657-entry field over three days of competition to win Event #58: $1,500 2-7 Lowball Triple Draw.

The victory earned Chin her first WSOP bracelet and $161,313! Chin also becomes the second woman to win an open WSOP event this… pic.twitter.com/b1mPHZ5XHU

— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 23, 2026

1. Caesars announces planned Maine online casino launch
On Wednesday, Caesars Entertainment announced the expansion of its existing partnership with three Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation, to include online casino gaming in Maine.

The long-term agreement positions Caesars and its tribal partners for a potential iGaming launch in the state in 2026.

Under the expanded agreement, Caesars plans to bring three online casino brands to Maine: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook, and Horseshoe Online Casino.

This expanded partnership builds on the successful launch of Caesars Sportsbook in Maine in 2023.

Today, we announce the expansion of our existing partnership with three Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation, to include online casino gaming in Maine. The long-term agreement positions us and our tribal partners for… pic.twitter.com/MiXom8Lnsw

— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) June 24, 2026