One lucky gambler was racing to the cashier’s window during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix last weekend.
The guest, who chose to remain anonymous, placed a $50 bet on the Dragon Link slot machine, in the high-limit gaming lounge on the casino floor of The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, and hit a jackpot of a staggering $1,027,980.
That’s over 20,000 times their original wager.
The win rivals another huge jackpot that was taken home by another guest at the Venetian Resort earlier this month. That lucky winner multiplied their bet 24,000 times, winning $1.2 million.
Las Vegas Grand Prix Figures Not in Yet
We still don't know how much revenue this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix made compared to last year's, but it's expected to be lower. There are a few reasons for this.
Around 300,000 people from both the U.S. and other countries were anticipated to attend the race week, which is slightly fewer than last year. Additionally, hotel and ticket prices have decreased, with some practice round tickets going for as little as $60 each. But tickets for the race eventually did sell out.
F1 Forces Cancellation of Some Las Vegas Shows
Although hotel bookings weren’t quite the same as a year ago, many of the typical attractions you find along The Strip were negatively impacted by the race once again this year.
F1 takes over Las Vegas' main street for its performance space, making it difficult for tourists and employees to reach any resort on the Strip quickly.
As a result, tourists either skipped Las Vegas during the first F1 Grand Prix, got frustrated by the traffic difficulties, or couldn't get to the Strip's Tix4Tonight kiosks to buy discounted tickets for the day. Consequently, show tickets sold poorly, leading to significant operating losses.
This year, a number of shows shut down for the weekend, knowing it would be an uphill battle to attract an audience. Those that canceled included Carrot Top’s comedy act, the 'Fantasy' burlesque revue at Luxor, Shin Lim’s magic show at the Palazzo, 'Awakening' at Wynn, and 'Menopause The Musical' at Harrah’s, all on hold until at least Sunday.
Las Vegas Strip Returning to Normal
Things are already getting back to normal in Las Vegas. With the start of the holiday season and a big football weekend ahead, the crowds are expected to be back in Sin City, canvassing Las Vegas Boulevard. The F1s will be replaced with the typical foot traffic you’re used to seeing.
