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In a landmark signing, the Colorado Rapids have secured the services of promising Australian center-back Lucas Herrington. The club confirmed today, August 13, 2025, that Herrington has inked a four‑year contract through the 2029 season, with club options extending into 2030. The deal will become effective following the transfer of his International Transfer Certificate and completion of visa requirements, with Herrington set to arrive in Colorado in January 2026. At just 18 years old, Herrington already boasts impressive credentials. Born July 5, 2007, in Brisbane, Queensland, he progressed through local youth setups – including Taringa Rovers, Toowong FC, and Brisbane City FC – before entering the Brisbane Roar academy in 2019. His rise accelerated in September 2024 when he signed a three‑year A-League scholarship with Brisbane Roar and soon made his professional debut on December 14, 2024, in a match against Western Sydney Wanderers. During the 2024–2025 A‑League season, Herrington made 17 appearances and found the back of the net once. Herrington has also stood out on the international stage. As a key member of Australia’s youth squads, he contributed to the U‑19 team’s third‑place finish in the 2024 ASEAN U‑19 Boys Championship and played a vital part in Australia’s triumphant 2025 AFC U‑20 Asian Cup campaign. A Vote of Confidence in Future Potential Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor lauded the young defender’s attributes: “Lucas is a talented young center back with great size, athleticism, and composure beyond his years. He’s already shown he can compete at the senior level, and we’re excited to bring him into an environment where he can continue to grow and develop with us”. Brisbane Roar has secured a club‑record transfer fee for the teenager. Roar coach Michael Valkanis echoed the sentiment, underscoring the special nature of Herrington’s progression from academy prospect to professional transfer: “To have come through the academy from under‑13s makes it even more special,” said Herrington himself, reflecting on his journey. This signing reinforces Colorado Rapids’ growing reputation as a club that develops and nurtures young talent before exporting them abroad. Observers note that Herrington had piqued the interest of several European clubs, yet opted for the Rapids’ clearly defined development plan and pathway to first-team football. Looking Ahead The move aligns Colorado with established trends of cultivating promising defenders – such as Auston Trusty, Cole Bassett, and Sam Vines – who have emerged from the Rapids system and drawn attention overseas. Herrington will finish his commitments with Brisbane Roar through the first half of the 2025–26 Australian season before heading to Major League Soccer. His arrival in January 2026 promises to inject fresh energy and international youth pedigree into Colorado’s backline – adding to a roster already rich in defensive options. For the Rapids, this is more than just a transfer; it's a strategic investment in the club’s future identity as a hub of young talent capable of thriving on both domestic and international stages.

Casinos all around the United States have reported a decrease in visitors for the month of July, and July has in fact been called the second-worst month of this year when it comes to foot traffic in casinos. Casino visitation slowed sharply in July, marking the second-worst month for the US commercial gaming industry this year, according to data from Jefferies Equity Research. Foot traffic was down nearly 10% nationwide compared to July of 2024, raising concerns about Las Vegas' short-term prospects. Sharp declines across major markets David Katz, Jefferies Managing Director, reported that the July downturn was only eclipsed by February's slump in 2025. The slowdown was most pronounced in Illinois, where casino entries plunged more than 13% year over year. Atlantic City's nine casinos saw an 8.5% drop, while Detroit's three properties experienced an 8% decline. Nevada properties matched the national average, but the Strip's muted summer atmosphere has been drawing attention online. Overall, casino visitation across the US remains nearly 20% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Analysts attribute these figures to a mix of macroeconomic challenges, changing consumer behavior, and competitive pressures from online gambling. Las Vegas feels the pinch Despite Las Vegas ending a four-month gross gaming revenue (GGR) decline in June, the July numbers - yet to be officially reported - are expected to show another negative turn. Over the past 12 months, GGR in Clark County is down by 1%, with the Strip's casino win 3% lower. "Regional gaming is better positioned for growth in the near term compared to Las Vegas, where expectations for the Strip are confirmed to be low," noted Katz. This sentiment reflects a broader belief that regional casinos, which rely more on local markets than tourism, could rebound faster in the months ahead. Economic signals offer mixed outlook The US economy showed signs of life in the second quarter. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3% after contracting by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2025. The gains were largely driven by a reduction in imports and stronger consumer spending, partially offset by weaker investment and exports. However, the BEA also reported that inflation - measured by the price index for gross domestic purchases - rose 1.9% in the same quarter. While moderate, this uptick could weigh on discretionary spending, particularly for leisure activities such as casino gaming. Online competition adds pressure A growing concern for the brick-and-mortar industry is the rise of illegal, unregulated online gambling platforms. The American Gaming Association recently estimated that these operators account for nearly one-third of the gaming market in the US, depriving states of more than $15 billion annually in tax revenue. "Illegal gambling operators are thriving at the expense of American consumers, siphoning billions in tax revenue from state governments, and undercutting the efforts of the legal market," said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. "It's time for a national crackdown on the pervasive illegal market that is draining state coffers and putting people at risk." The figures from the AGA suggest that illegal online casinos and sportsbooks collectively generate $23.6 billion in annual revenue. Analysts believe that part of the decline in in-person casino visits may be linked to the convenience and accessibility of these offshore sites, which often operate without the same regulatory oversight as licensed properties. While the remainder of 2025 remains uncertain, analysts are watching closely to see whether August will offer signs of stabilization. With economic conditions in flux and competitive pressures mounting, casino operators - particularly in Las Vegas - face the challenge of drawing visitors back through promotions, events, and expanded entertainment offerings. For now, the data suggest that regional markets may recover more quickly, while the Strip will need a sustained boost in both tourism and local spending to regain its pre-slowdown momentum.