Category: Uncategorized

A whim turned into a win for one Oregon Lottery player. 82-year-old Brooks Keebey matched for a $1 million Powerball prize in a historic drawing — and he doesn’t mind that it wasn’t the billions it might have been.

Back in early November, hopeful people across the US had been feverishly scooping up Powerball tickets for the world-record-setting $2.4 billion drawing on Nov. 7.

The retired Oregon truck driver was happy with his eventual million-dollar win, even though only the unmatched Powerball number stood between him and those billions. Asked if he felt disappointment at not winning the mind-blowing jackpot, Keebey said, “I’m not greedy.”

Winner purchased $10 worth of Powerball tickets on a “whim”

Acting on a drawing-day impulse, Keebey had purchased $10 worth of Powerball tickets at the TNT Hollywood Tavern in Salem, where he and his wife reside.

The delayed drawing on the night of Nov. 7 just increased the suspense for people holding tickets. After the drawing finally took place the morning of Nov. 8, Keebey scanned his tickets at a different local store.

The terminal instructed him to see customer service. It turned out he’d matched the first five numbers, only failing to match the Powerball.

After state and federal taxes of 8% and 24%, respectively, were taken out, he took home about $680,000, according to the Oregon Lottery. And his plans for his prize money seem as modest as his words about his win: a used Cadillac for his wife, paying property taxes, and using the money for the rest of his retirement.

Oregon even had another $1 million Powerball winner from the drawing. That new millionaire hasn’t claimed their prize yet.

Oregon Lottery sold almost $33 million in Powerball tickets

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the jackpot runup from Aug. 3 to the record $2.4 billion prize created a Powerball ticket stampede across the country. Some people who live in one of the five states where no lottery exists drove to other states to get them.

Here in Oregon, the Lottery sold almost $33 million in tickets during that time. State retailers who sold those tickets collectively received more than $2.6 million in commissions. Plus, per usual, sellers saw bonuses from lower-tier wins.

Jackpocket, the country’s leading third-party app that acts as a lottery courier service, recently announced it saw “record participation” in the runup, too. Altogether, its users won over $14 million in Powerball prizes during that time.

Increased odds against winning create giant Powerball jackpots

If it seems to you that Powerball jackpots have been getting bigger, like the $2.4 billion won by a Southern Californian in the drawing that also netted Keebey his $1 million prize, you’re right.

At the same time, the odds against winning them have also increased — by design, it seems. In 2015, the lottery added more number combinations. That changed the odds from 1 in 175 million to the current 1 in 292.2 million, as economics professor Victor Matheson told CNBC.

And making jackpots harder to win increases the jackpots themselves, since they roll over from one drawing to the next if no one matches all the numbers.

Advice from the Oregon Lottery

The Oregon Lottery has some advice for its players to protect any jackpot wins:

• Sign the back of your ticket
• Consult with a trusted financial planner or another professional

And, of course, you can’t win if you don’t check your ticket! And in Oregon, you must claim a prize before a year passes.

According to its website, the Oregon Lottery started selling tickets on Apr. 25, 1985. Since then, it has earned almost $15 billion. About a third of its sales revenue goes to beneficiaries including:

• Economic development
• Public Education
• State parks
• Veterans’ services
• Watershed enhancements

The largest Powerball prize ever won in Oregon to date was worth $340 million. That big win happened in 2005.

Two casino-related robberies within three weeks have spurred a warning by Washington State’s Renton Police spokesperson, Sandra Havlik. Her warning stems from recent Renton robberies in which suspects may have followed their victims home from local casinos.

Washington casinos are a popular destination for Oregon residents and they should stay alert to someone possibly following them from a casino.

In the second of two nighttime incidents, a male suspect assaulted and robbed a returning 81-year-old casino patron of about $1,000 cash outside her Renton house. A few weeks prior, two men robbed a 59-year-old casino employee arriving back at her Renton home; they got away with $5,000.

Police view the two crimes as separate. “We have nothing right now to tie them together,” Havlik said.

As cashless casinos increase in number, they may cut down on robberies. But in the meantime, the RPD’s Havlik wants Renton residents carrying cash winnings to remain aware that someone could be following them.

81-year-old robbed after a winning night at Muckleshoot Casino

What started out on Oct. 6 as an elderly patron’s fun night at the Muckleshoot Casino ended with fear, bruises, and a hospital trip for her.

She reportedly scored a few wins at Muckleshoot in Auburn and then got into her car in the parking lot. Then she drove home with $1,000 to $1,200 in her purse.

On arriving home and unaware of any impending danger, she exited her car. A man, only vaguely describable afterward because of the night darkness, assaulted her and grabbed the money.

She had fallen to the ground out of fright, the victim’s daughter told the police. The daughter called in the crime at around 2:45 a.m., saying that the assailant had hit her mother in the head.

The victim was taken to the hospital and was expected to recover.

Washington casino employee robbed at Renton home

Another frightening robbery occurred in Renton just a few weeks before. The victim this time had left the Macau Casino in Tukwila, her place of employment, in the pre-dawn hours.

When the 59-year-old woman arrived home just before 4 a.m., two males robbed her of the $5,000 she was carrying. Again, describing the robbers proved difficult because the crime took place in the dark.

Casino winners seem unfortunately vulnerable to people looking for someone to rob. There have been cases of casino patrons being shadowed by others who later robbed them.

Oregon’s not without casino-linked crime, either. In a very frightening incident this summer, Javier Francisco Vigil allegedly drew a pistol at a cashier’s cage and threatened to “bathe everyone in blood.”

After being handed $70,000, he fired at a tribal police officer and was wounded in the ensuing gunfire exchange, and then arrested.

How to stay safe while gambling at Washington casinos

Casinos have a vested interest in the safety of their customers. Their reputations are at stake, and they can suffer economic damage from news coverage or customer chatter following a crime linked to them.

Because of that, as well as for other self-benefits, most casinos have operational security, including security cameras with multiple views all over the property. Unfortunately, the cameras didn’t prevent the crime.

So even with plentiful surveillance, patrons themselves need to have “situational awareness.” Here are some tips for staying safe at casinos:

1. If possible, request your winnings in a check instead of cash.
2. Use the service button to call a slot attendant.
3. Request that security escort you to your car, especially if you’re taking winnings home.
4. Use the buddy system when visiting a casino. Slot players are in an especially vulnerable position since they play facing forward.
5. Friends can take turns watching each other’s backs.

It’s not uncommon for casino crime victims to be elderly and alone. Casino parking lots seem to be a particularly vulnerable place, and patrons should remain aware of carrying cash into a casino as well as out of it.

If someone thinks they’re being tailed, she advises heading to a police station or a public place where they can call 911. Anyone with any info regarding the recent Renton robberies should call the Renton Police Department.

International Game Technology (IGT) announced plans to provide the Oregon Lottery with cashless solutions in the form of its INTELLIGEN central system.

The technology will be enabled on over 11,500 video lottery terminals (VLTs) that are currently offering Oregon gambling products via the Lottery. Ryan Reddy, IGT’s Senior VP said:

“As the demand for cashless technology has grown tremendously over the last two years. IGT applauds the Oregon Lottery’s continued forward-thinking approach to evolve with industry innovations while maximizing contributions to good causes in the state.”

Cashless technology pays out winners faster

Currently, there are two options for redeeming winning lottery tickets with the Oregon Lottery. Winners redeem either by mail or in person, depending on the prize amount.

IGT’s account-based technology connects all VLTs in the state seamlessly while allowing players to create online accounts to speed up the process for redemption.

Reddy says the new technology will allow the Oregon Lottery to keep up with the evolution of both state guidelines and the growing customer demand for speed and efficiency. “The Oregon Lottery operates one of the most successful VLT programs in North America,” he said.

Cashless means no more worry over losing paper tickets

The days of paper tickets and manual prize redemption will soon be coming to an end, it would seem. Another benefit of the Lottery implementing IGT’s enhanced functionality is that the process will be more secure overall.

Players will be able to both pay for and redeem Lottery tickets electronically. Instead of having to deal with a physical paper ticket until they claim their prize money. Lottery Director, Barry Pack said:

“Through the deployment of IGT’s account-based solution. Oregon Lottery VLT players will gain the ability to save large winnings to player account for redemption, removing the need for paper tickets which can be lost or stolen.”

IGTPay is a compliant and secure payment gateway accessible on mobile devices. Players can set up and fund a user account to purchase Lottery products at VLTs.

Oregon Lottery expects to learn more about its customers

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is vital for any business selling any product. According to Pack, the Oregon Lottery has had a long-time goal of learning more about its customers.

Demographics and other information would help the Lottery to market its products more efficiently. In turn, increasing revenue benefits programs that the state Lottery funds.

Implementing an account-based system for the Oregon Lottery is a “small step” towards this goal, according to Pack.

Oregon casinos also upping their technology game

The Oregon Lottery isn’t the only gambling entity in Beaver State working toward enhancing gaming technology.

Last month, Chinook Winds Casino Resort announced its launch of Quick Custom Intelligence software that would streamline the casino’s data collection practices and generate more revenue.

The new software will enhance operations, player development, and marketing for the Oregon casino.

Spirit Mountain Casino also took some big technology leaps last month by installing an Electronic Table Games Pit on the casino floor. The electronic table games are provided by the gaming company Interblock and include roulette, blackjack, and craps.

Looks like Lincoln City has a winning pair. Chinook Winds Casino Resort and Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) Unified Gaming Platform have teamed up.

On Sept. 20 they announced the Oregon casino’s QCI software launch. These casino departments have already trained in the data-driven platform’s usage:

• Marketing
• Player Development
• Casino Operations

QCI casino partners can choose on-site, hybrid, or cloud-based technology. The platform then aligns these departments around one view of a property’s data. The technology helps casinos make the most of their resources, increase customer loyalty, and manage their marketing campaigns.

In addition, according to Dr. Ralph Thomas, founder, and CEO of QCI, with his company’s campaign management and slot analytic tools, casinos can:

1. Adjust their product mixes without negatively affecting their customer service or revenues
2. Instantly interact with high-value players in real-time.

In short, and as it says on the website, QCI puts a casino’s data to work and generates more revenue.

Mutual admiration between partners

Both sides eagerly welcomed the new partnership, resulting in a kind of mutual admiration society. John Wheeler, Interim General Manager of Chinook Winds, said that they wanted to give their team the best tools currently available.

He believes that Chinook Wind’s team will benefit right away “from a solution that will scale with our efforts to provide a great gaming experience.”

In response, Thomas said that his company feels honored that the Oregon casino chose their platform.

QCI’s a hit in Nevada and elsewhere

QCI already has some other more than satisfied customers. The technology gets applause from two casinos in Nevada, Legends Bay Casino and Casino Fandango.

They recently deployed the Nimble edition of the platform, which was designed for casinos with fewer than 1,000 slots.

Traci Ferrante, the Regional Vice President at Information Technology for Olympia Gaming, operator of the two Nevada casinos, noted the marketing tool has already streamlined and shortened the process of loading marketing offers. It has also prevented data entry errors.

She went on to say that QCI software boosts the analytics and decision processes at both casinos. She further explained that the software’s ability to link player data with slot data is invaluable. So is the ability to know who is playing on the casino floor at any given moment.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois launched QCI this past March. Tim Schipper, director of player development there, praised QCI. He mentioned that “all the important aspects of player development” and providing real transparency are covered.

And over in Oklahoma, Osage Casinos also recently started using the QCI platform. Kimberly Pearson, Chief Operating Officer there, summed up QCI’s advantages pretty succinctly: “Their AI technology is more advanced than anything else we have seen on the market.”

In all, over 75 casinos in North America currently use QCI. Over 4,000 sites internationally use QCI, too, according to Dr. Thomas. He stresses that the company aspires to keep developing products to meet the “dynamic” needs of partnering casinos like Chinook Winds.

Life’s a beach at Chinook Winds, Oregon casino

Chinook Winds Casino Resort is situated right on the beach in Lincoln City. It’s owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The Oregon casino offers a wide range of attractions including:

• 4 full-service restaurants
• An 18-hole golf course
• 1,000+ smoke-free slots
• 600-seat bingo hall
• Blackjack, craps, and roulette
• High-stakes lounge
• Sports betting
• Entertainment

The next time you visit the Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, Oregon, you might notice a few new games.

In late September, Interblock – a gaming company – installed an Electronic Table Games Pit. The addition features three new games. Spirit Mountain Casino slot manager Mike Colton commented:

“We are excited to have this product on our floor. Not only is this an opportunity for guests to continue playing when our pit closes for the night, but it also gives players who are not as familiar with table games a chance to learn without live game pressures.”

Interblock hopes to transport Oregon gamblers to “the casino floor of the future” with its additions of roulette, blackjack, and craps.

What games did Interblock install at the Spirit Mountain Casino?

MiniStar Golden Ball Roulette gives casino goers “a new spin on a fan-favorite.” The main draw is the extra golden ball, which the company says will appear several times an hour. It’s an exclusive side bet that can boost a player’s winnings up to 350 times if won.

For those interested in playing cards, Universal Cabinet Video Blackjack simulates the traditional blackjack experience. Players can start the game at their own pace, rather than playing with others. The game features realistic card dealing to help drive the excitement of a traditional live blackjack game.

Interblock also installed Universal Cabinet Craps — arguably the company’s most player-sensitive game in the casino. Users can control how high the dice jump by how hard they press the mechanical button on the machine.

“We are delighted to partner with the Spirit Mountain Casino team and replace one of their Live Pits with our Electronic Table Games Pit,” Interblock Western Region Director of Sales Gregg Levine said in a statement.

What to know about Spirit Mountain Casino

Spirit Mountain Casino resides at 27100 SW Salmon River Hwy in Grand Ronde, just about an hour south of Portland. The casino is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

According to its website, Spirit Mountain Casino is a “premier destination for anyone looking to get away from it all.” The location features plenty of games in its 90,000-square-foot gaming space, hotel accommodations, food, and entertainment.

Check out Spirit Mountain’s calendar for a full list of upcoming events, like the Little River Band concert on Dec. 1. The casino offers the Coyote Club, which gives exclusive benefits like complimentary concert tickets, free food, and lodging, as well as other discounts.

The Spirit Mountain Casino has been in business for more than 25 years, opening in 1995. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde owns the casino. The CTGR consists of 27 individual Native American tribes with ties to the Oregon area.

Oregon gambling revenue goes toward non-profits

The CTRGR wanted to give back to the community, so in 1997, it formed the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. This fund allocated 6% of all casino revenue to non-profit organizations across western Oregon.

As of October, the fund awarded more than $87 million in grants so far this year. Funding goes toward issues such as education, health care, arts and culture, historical preservation, and more.

30 years of luxury gaming with Interblock

For the last 30 years, Interblock created luxury gaming. The company focuses on automated games featuring dealer assist and video. Interblock is recognized in more than 234 jurisdictions across the world, according to its website.

And just like that, the Seattle area became home to two DraftKings sportsbooks on Sept. 20.

Tulalip Tribes own both of the Washington state casinos that now feature the retail sportsbooks:

• Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville, WA
• Quil Ceda Creek Casino in Tulalip, WA

Now Oregon gamblers and sports fans near the Washington state border or traveling to the Seattle area will have a couple of new casinos to visit.

Guests celebrated the simultaneous openings with ceremonial ribbon cuttings, celebrity athletes and inaugural sports bets.

Brandon Jones, DraftKings Sportsbook manager at Tulalip, said:

“These new retail sportsbooks will take our existing world-class gaming experience to a new level.”

The Tulalip-DraftKings partnership was announced in January. Tulalip joined 18 other tribes that are now federally recognized and able to offer sports betting in Washington state.

In a press release, Teri Gobin, the chairwoman of Tulalip Tribes, had positive things to say as well. Referring to the casinos’ step forward in partnering with DraftKings, she said:

“We’re ready to take our gaming experience to the next level. Like Tulalip, DraftKings is committed to excellence, and together, we’re going to give sports fans a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Drumming up sports betting at Tulalip, Washington casino

It took several smiling notable guests to cut the red ribbon at the Tulalip DraftKings Sportsbook. Besides Gobin, they included legendary Seattle Mariners pitcher and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Randy Johnson, aka the Big Unit.

Then followed an even more traditional celebration, one with live Indigenous drum beats and vocals. Serving as a reminder that the casino sits on native lands, according to Tulalipnews.com.

Fittingly, Chair Gobin placed the sportsbook’s first bet and her first sports bet ever. She bet $10 on a Seahawks-over-Broncos win.

The 5,005-square-foot Tulalip sportsbook is currently open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features:

• In-game sports betting
• 800-square-foot LED TV screen that allows guests to watch up to 10 live sports events simultaneously
• 20 touchscreen betting kiosks in the lounge
• 10 more 24/7 kiosks throughout the gaming floor
• 4 over-the-counter ticket windows
• Cash-only wagering
• Cocktail service
• Menu choices
• Odds boards
• Tickers showing live-score updates, plus statistics and player info

Johnson added his thoughts to the news release, calling DraftKings “a household name when it comes to sports and entertainment. It’s an honor to be celebrating this moment as sports betting expands to an area that meant so much to me during my playing career.”

Q-ing up DraftKings sports betting

At the same time, over at 1 ½-year-old “the Q,” another DraftKings Sportsbook opening, got the red-ribbon treatment. Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver and Hall-of-Famer Steve Largent was on hand for the festivities.

The Q’s new DraftKings Sportsbook is currently open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features:

• 20 sports-betting kiosks, some open 24/7
• 3 over-the-counter ticket windows
• Cash-only wagering
• 4 video walls totaling almost 900 square feet. Guests can watch up to 10 games simultaneously.
• Odds boards
• Tickers with live-score updates, statistics, and player info
• Beer and wine bar
• Food choices

Meet the Tulalip sportsbook manager

Jones, the Tulalip sportsbook manager, has worked in the casino business for 17 years — and he’s only 35. That lets him look at things with experience combined with a fresh eye.

He explained that the company designed the sportsbook with the new generation in mind. According to TulalipNews.com, he said:

“A lot of people my age and younger aren’t interested in bingo or keno, but are super engaged in all forms of sports entertainment, whether it be professional or college level.”

Jones added that the Tulalip Tribes expect to keep evolving their sports betting offerings. They’re already moving ahead with facilitating e-game betting.

Jones started his casino career working in the cage.

“It means so much to be a Tulalip tribal member and be able to build something all-new from scratch that adds so much value to the reservation, from both a business and community perspective.”

He added that the sportsbook offers tribal members somewhere to gather. And enjoy Washington teams’ games — pro and collegiate — “with all the high energy of a local crowd.”