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In a partnership between Lacoste and the Novak Djokovic Foundation, a tennis court in Belgrade was inaugurated with the hopes of celebrating the legacy of one of the tennis elites. It is dedicated to further inspiring young players to pursue their tennis dreams while also providing charity work at the highest level in Djokovic’s hometown of Belgrade. Sitting at the heart of the native city, the court pays tribute to Djokovic’s career highlights and will be operated by the entire foundation as part of its educational program. The elite tennis star himself was present at the inauguration and spent time with local children on the tennis court. The special design of the court has the approval of Djokovic. This court by the foundation is one of the few steps they are taking in leading the way to combat educational inequality in the country. For what it is worth, Djokovic’s legacy in Serbia is showing up indeed to be a promising look at this point, and it is an inspiring one. A Court With Bigger Purpose The facility, located in the historic Dorćol district, had been temporarily closed following Djokovic’s decision to return the land to the city in May 2023. Now, under his personal stewardship, it has been revitalized to serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes. The facility, now known as the Novak Djokovic Tennis Center, boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including multiple clay courts, a modern gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for physical therapy and sports science. These upgrades aim to provide young athletes with the tools they need to excel both physically and mentally. “I am super pleased that we are able to offer this to this city and this part of the town that has a lot of families and children that are excited to try their luck with tennis,” said Djokovic, who attended the event and rallied with local children on the court. “My greatest wish is for the children to feel completely free, happy, themselves. As an athlete, there is no greater joy for me than seeing many children doing sports and being outdoors.” Djokovic is already a legendary player in tennis, and he is definitely making a bigger legacy with his impact on his country. Working for Bigger Goals than the Sport The court is part of a broader initiative that includes similar projects in cities like Clichy, São Paulo, New York, and Grasse. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to expanding youth access to tennis and promoting physical activity among young people worldwide. The Novak Djokovic Foundation, co-founded by Djokovic and his wife Jelena, has been instrumental in supporting educational initiatives in Serbia, including the construction and refurbishment of schools. This new court further underscores their dedication to fostering community development and providing opportunities for the youth. “This center is not just about training; it’s about building a community,” Djokovic said about the tennis court. “A community that supports, encourages, and believes in each other.” With this initiative, Djokovic continues to leverage his platform to make a positive impact, combining his passion for tennis with a commitment to social responsibility. The Belgrade court stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his dedication to nurturing the talents of future generations. Djokovic is slated to play straight in the Geneva Open and is likely headed towards bigger heights in the coming clay tournaments, especially the upcoming Roland Garros.

The 2025 NHL Western Conference Final is set to showcase a thrilling matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars, two powerhouse teams that have dominated the postseason with their high-octane offenses and resilient defenses. This series promises to be a spectacle, featuring some of the league's top talents and compelling narratives. The Oilers enter the conference final with a potent offensive lineup led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has been a playmaking machine, while Draisaitl has been a consistent goal scorer. Supporting them is Zach Hyman, who has netted 11 goals in the playoffs, and defenseman Evan Bouchard, who leads all playoff defensemen with 20 points. Goaltender Stuart Skinner has been solid between the pipes, providing stability when needed. The Stars have demonstrated remarkable depth throughout the postseason. Miro Heiskanen leads the team in playoff points with five goals and eight assists. Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been exceptional, earning praise for his performances in the conference finals. The Stars' balanced attack, featuring veterans like Jamie Benn and emerging talents such as Wyatt Johnston, has made them a formidable opponent. The Path to the Conference Finals The Oilers' path to the conference final has been marked by resilience. They overcame the Los Angeles Kings in the first round with a four-game sweep, showcasing their offensive prowess. In the second round, they faced a tougher challenge against the Vegas Golden Knights. After a dramatic Game 3 loss, the Oilers bounced back to win the series in five games, with Kasperi Kapanen scoring the series-clinching goal in overtime. On the other hand, the Stars had a challenging road to the conference final. They defeated the Colorado Avalanche in a six-game series, with key contributions from players like Colin Blackwell. In the conference semis, they faced a tough opponent in the Winnipeg Jets. Despite the Jets' strong performance, the Stars managed to advance, with Oettinger's goaltending being a significant factor in their success. As the series unfolds, fans can expect intense competition and memorable moments. The winner will not only claim the Western Conference title but also gain momentum heading into the Stanley Cup Final. With both teams hungry for success, the 2025 Western Conference Final is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups in recent memory. Expectations and Key Showdowns This series is poised to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of explosive performances. The Oilers' offensive firepower and the Stars' defensive depth create an intriguing contrast. Goaltending will be crucial, with both Skinner and Oettinger needing to make timely saves to keep their teams in contention. Ultimately, the team that can capitalize on special teams opportunities and maintain defensive discipline will have the upper hand. Some of the key rivalries for this series would be crucial as well. McDavid's speed and playmaking ability will test Oettinger's reflexes and composure. Oettinger's performance could be the X-factor in this series. Draisaitl's scoring touch against Heiskanen's defensive prowess will be a critical battle. Heiskanen's ability to neutralize Draisaitl could tilt the series in Dallas's favor. However, one thing that puts an interesting note in the clash would be the Oilers boast a league-leading power play, while the Stars have been effective on the penalty kill. Special teams play could prove decisive in close games. This is the eighth time that these two teams will collide in the postseason. The Stars have won five of these meetings, but the Oilers have won the Conference Final last season in six games, which is likely to be the same outcome for the upcoming games.

A proposed bill for online sports betting in Alaska, HB 145, has gotten its very first hearing with the House Labor and Commerce Committee. If it passes, it will effectively legalize sports betting in the state, serve as a revenue source, and even dissuade Alaskan users from accessing illegal sports betting, which is already happening, according to GeoComply. A proposed bill to legalize online sports betting in Alaska took its first step forward this week as the House Labor and Commerce Committee held a hearing on HB 145, introduced by Representative David Nelson. The legislation aims to bring regulated online sports wagering to the Final Frontier, a move supporters argue would curb illegal activity, generate tax revenue, and modernize Alaska's gambling laws. HB 145: a framework for legalized sports betting House Bill 145, introduced in March, outlines a framework for establishing a regulated online sports betting market in Alaska. Under the proposal, as many as 10 operators would be licensed to offer sports wagering to residents and visitors, with no requirement to be tied to existing land-based gaming operations. The bill sets a license fee of $100,000 per operator and proposes a 20% tax on adjusted gross sports betting revenues. This is a market that already exists in Alaska - we're just not benefiting from it, Rep. Nelson said during the hearing. "Alaska needs more diverse sources of revenue, and legalized sports betting is a simple solution," he added. Strong demand despite legal barriers Testimony from John Pappas, geolocation service GeoComply's senior advisor, provided striking data on Alaskans' interest in sports betting. Between the 1st of January, 2024, and the 1st of May, 2025, the geolocation service logged 126,933 attempts from within Alaska to access legal sportsbooks in other states. All attempts were blocked. Pappas also revealed that GeoComply detected 23,000 unique online sports betting accounts originating from Alaska, marking a 60% increase compared to the prior year. These numbers clearly demonstrate a substantial and growing consumer demand for legal sports betting in the state, Pappas said. Without a legal option, Alaskans are turning to illegal operators, exposing themselves to potential fraud and unregulated betting environments, he continued. Addressing the black market Rep. Nelson emphasized the risk posed by the continued use of illegal sports betting sites. He argued that legalization would not only protect consumers but also generate revenue for the state. Thousands of Alaskans are currently betting through illegal operators. By legalizing the market, we can ensure safer betting environments and collect taxes that help fund public services, Nelson said. The bill also includes provisions designed to protect both residents and visitors. Licensed operators would be permitted to accept bets from anyone physically located in Alaska, including seasonal workers and tourists, helping the state capture additional tax revenue from non-resident bettors. Key provisions of HB 145 If passed, HB 145 would establish the following regulatory parameters: Limit of 10 online sports betting licenses Applicants must operate in at least three other US states $100,000 license fee per operator 20% tax on adjusted gross sports betting revenue Minimum betting age set at 21 Permits betting on college sports and the Olympics Credit card deposits allowed Daily fantasy sports remain unregulated Licenses would be awarded by the Alaska Department of Revenue based on applicants' projected gross revenues, operational experience, and anticipated tax contributions. No vote yet, but momentum builds Although no votes were taken during the committee hearing, HB 145 received a generally favorable reception, with lawmakers expressing interest in further examining the potential benefits and regulatory challenges of legalized online sports betting. The bill marks a notable shift in Alaska's historically cautious approach to gambling. If it advances, Alaska would join the growing list of US states that have embraced online sports betting as a source of revenue and consumer protection. This is an opportunity to regulate something that is already happening and make it work for Alaska, Nelson concluded. The legislation now awaits further discussion and potential amendments before it can move to a vote.

As we all know, Robinhood has been in partnership with Kalshi for a while now. And this week, Robinhood has just launched moneyline sports betting for the NHL and the NBA, and users can now trade on which team will win in an NBA and NHL series game. Robinhood, the popular financial trading platform, is making a bold push into the world of sports betting. On Monday, the company began offering single-game moneyline betting markets for both the NHL and NBA playoff games, an expansion of its offerings through its ongoing partnership with prediction market platform Kalshi. This move comes after Robinhood previously dipped its toes into sports-related markets during the college basketball postseason, offering futures-style bets. However, this week's launch marks the company's most direct foray into moneyline-style trading for individual sporting events. NBA and NHL playoff games now available As part of the new initiative, Robinhood users can now trade contracts on the outcomes of key matchups in the NHL and NBA playoffs. Specifically, the platform has launched markets for: NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks. NHL: Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars These contracts effectively allow users to speculate on which team will win each matchup, mirroring traditional moneyline sports bets found at major sportsbooks. However, they are framed in the language of event-based trading - essentially enabling participants to "invest" in sports outcomes the same way they might speculate on financial markets. Robinhood had previously experimented with college basketball markets, offering contracts on which teams would advance in the tournament. While technically classified as futures, these bets functioned much like moneylines. The latest development demonstrates a maturing of Robinhood's sports trading model, aligning it more closely with mainstream sports betting platforms. Kalshi's role and the future of sports markets Robinhood's sports betting markets are powered by Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market platform known for offering event-based contracts. But while Kalshi already provides a range of single-game markets - particularly for baseball - these have not yet been integrated into Robinhood's platform. Interestingly, baseball betting has yet to gain traction among Kalshi users. Trading volume for Major League Baseball games has been relatively low compared to other sports, such as football and basketball. As a result, Robinhood may be prioritizing higher-interest markets for now. Nevertheless, Robinhood's involvement tends to generate a noticeable bump in trading activity. Whenever the platform has featured Kalshi's sports markets in the past, volumes have increased significantly, demonstrating Robinhood's potential to drive growth in event-based trading. Kalshi rolls out NFL win totals markets In a separate but related development, Kalshi has launched new markets tied to the NFL's 2025 regular season. With the league's official schedule now released, users can trade on team win totals for the upcoming season. These markets allow users to take positions on whether a given team will exceed or fall short of a specified number of wins. For example, sportsbooks like DraftKings typically list a line such as "Philadelphia Eagles - Over/Under 10.5 Wins." Kalshi' version enables a similar trading experience, though structured through event contracts rather than traditional sports betting mechanisms. Industry experts suggest that this model - trading on over/under win totals - may be more appealing to users than attempting to predict exact win totals, which tend to involve more complexity and less liquidity. Financial trading meets sports speculation Robinhood's latest move reinforces a growing trend of a conjunction between financial trading and sports betting. By offering markets that resemble moneyline bets within a regulatory framework that is typically reserved for financial products, the company is blurring the lines between investing and wagering. For Robinhood, the strategy represents an opportunity to attract a younger, more engaged audience while diversifying its core offerings. For Kalshi, the partnership opens the door to broader market participation and increased liquidity for its sports-related contracts.

Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games without pay by the MLB after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing substance under the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, announced on May 18, 2025, takes immediate effect and renders Alvarado ineligible for the remainder of the regular season and any potential postseason play. At the age of 29, Alvarado has made himself one of the best players on the bullpen for the Phillies this season. He is posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts over 20 innings pitched. He leads the team with seven saves and five holds, contributing significantly to the Phillies' 27-18 record as of the suspension announcement. The timing of the suspension is particularly damaging, as the team is contending for the National League East title and a playoff berth. This is definitely a bad news for a team that has strong World Series aspirations and may well be hurting their chances now more than ever. A Tough Break The Phillies expressed disappointment over Alvarado's violation but reaffirmed their commitment to MLB's drug policy. In a statement, the team emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game and supporting the league's efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances. “It’s disappointing for sure,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Sunday morning at Citizens Bank Park. “There’s no question about that. We’ve had other issues come up at various times. I end up treating it like an injury because you need to replace somebody for 80 games and then hopefully into the postseason.” With Alvarado sidelined, the Phillies face increased pressure on an already underperforming bullpen. Relievers such as Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering have yet to meet expectations, and the team may need to explore trade opportunities to bolster their relief corps. However, with many teams in contention for playoff spots, acquiring quality bullpen help may prove challenging. Under MLB's drug policy, a first positive test for a banned substance results in an 80-game suspension without pay. A second offense leads to a 162-game suspension, and a third offense results in a lifetime ban from the league. Players are not eligible for postseason play during their suspension, regardless of when it concludes. Alvarado has the right to appeal the suspension, but unless the appeal is successful, the penalty will stand. If upheld, the suspension will serve as a significant setback in his career and the Phillies' season. Losing Alvarado Alvarado is in the final year of a three-year, $21.5 million contract extension signed in February 2023, which includes a $9 million club option for the 2026 season. The suspension raises questions about his future with the team, as the Phillies will need to assess the impact of the violation on his performance and reputation. José Alvarado's suspension marks a significant development in the 2025 MLB season, highlighting the ongoing challenges teams face in maintaining compliance with league policies. This is, after all, not the first time that a player has been suspended for drug use as well. For the Phillies, the loss of their top reliever presents both a tactical and emotional hurdle as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most reliable pitchers. The team's response and any subsequent roster moves will be closely scrutinized as they aim to remain competitive in the National League East.

In a significant move that underscores the San Francisco 49ers' commitment to their future, quarterback Brock Purdy has agreed to a five-year, $265 million contract extension, with $181 million guaranteed. This deal positions Purdy among the NFL's elite quarterbacks and secures his place as the centerpiece of the 49ers' offense through the 2030 season. Purdy's journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable. Drafted as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, earning the moniker "Mr. Irrelevant," Purdy quickly proved his worth. After injuries sidelined starting quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy stepped in and led the team to a 5-0 record to close the regular season. In his second season, Purdy continued to impress, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Despite a challenging 2024 season where the team finished 6-11 due to injuries, Purdy maintained solid individual performance, throwing for 3,864 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Purdy Deal Purdy's new contract makes him the highest-paid player in 49ers history and places him among the top quarterbacks in the league. With an average annual value of $53 million, the deal includes $165.05 million allocated to the first three years and $215 million over the initial four years. This structure provides the team with salary cap flexibility while ensuring Purdy's financial security. General Manager John Lynch had previously expressed confidence in reaching a deal with Purdy, and the extension reflects the organization's long-term vision. Purdy's commitment to the team was evident as he participated in offseason workouts before finalizing the contract, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season. With Purdy secured, the 49ers can focus on building a competitive roster around their young quarterback. The team has already extended tight end George Kittle and is expected to address linebacker Fred Warner's contract next. Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of creating roster competition, especially with various positions open and rookies expected to contribute. Purdy, Kittle, and Warner are seen as culture-setters, vital to establishing a high-energy, focused environment as the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season. A Renewed Hope for Purdy and the Niners Brock Purdy's 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers was marked by resilience and adaptability amid a challenging year for the team. Despite the 49ers finishing with a 6–11 record – their first losing season since 2020 – Purdy's individual performance remained a bright spot. Over 15 games, Purdy threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 96.1. While these statistics represented a decline from his impressive 2023 season, they still reflected a solid performance under difficult circumstances. Notably, Purdy demonstrated increased mobility, rushing for 323 yards and leading the team with five rushing touchdowns – his most successful season on the ground to date. Throughout the 2024 season, the 49ers faced significant injuries to key offensive players, including running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and offensive tackle Trent Williams. These setbacks impacted the team's offensive consistency and overall performance. Despite these challenges, Purdy showcased his ability to adapt and lead. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Purdy to see if he can lead the 49ers back to championship contention. With a strong supporting cast and a renewed sense of stability at the quarterback position, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run.

Casinos in Atlantic City are feeling the pressure once again, as the latest report from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has revealed that onsite casino gaming revenue has gone down this April. Physical casino revenue has continued its decline, showing a 2.7% decrease from April of last year, and this amounted to a loss of nearly $6 million. Meanwhile, iGaming revenue continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Atlantic City's nine casinos continue to face headwinds, with the latest revenue figures from April 2025 showing a nearly 3% decline in brick-and-mortar gaming performance compared to the same month last year. As the traditional casino industry in New Jersey grapples with reduced in-person activity and dwindling sports betting revenue, the steady rise of online gaming provides a rare bright spot. In-person casino revenue drops yet again According to data released Friday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, gross gaming revenue from Atlantic City's physical casinos totaled $211 million in April, down 2.7% year-over-year. This equates to a loss of approximately $5.9 million from April of 2024. The drop was driven largely by a sharp decline in table game earnings. Dealers retained just under $48.8 million from players' wagers - a drop of $9.3 million or nearly 16%. Slot machines fared better, with revenue increasing 2.1% to $162.2 million, but not enough to offset the broader decline. So far in 2025, retail casino revenue has lagged behind 2024’s pace. From January through April, Atlantic City's casinos have collectively earned 2% less than during the same period last year, translating to $17.5 million less in revenue from in-person gambling. Sportsbooks see fewer bets, lower profits Atlantic City's brick-and-mortar casinos aren't alone in their struggles. Sports betting revenue in New Jersey is also on the decline. From January to April 2025, total sports wagers amounted to $4.2 billion - a billion dollars less than the $5.2 billion bet during the same timeframe in 2024. Oddsmakers won a total of $90.5 million in April, a 15% decrease compared to April 2024, when they earned $106.2 million. So far this year, sportsbooks' total revenue stands at $357.6 million, down 18% - or $76.6 million - compared to this point last year. Analysts suggest several potential reasons for the decline: increased competition from offshore operators offering better odds, economic constraints curbing discretionary spending, and possibly the success of responsible gaming initiatives encouraging more cautious betting behavior. Online casinos continue to thrive While Atlantic City's casinos and sportsbooks stumble, New Jersey's iGaming sector remains a powerhouse. In April alone, online casino platforms raked in $235.2 million, up 25% from the previous year - a gain of $47.2 million. Year to date, the iGaming sector has generated more than $908.4 million in revenue, representing a 21% increase over 2024. The bulk of that growth has come from online table games, slots, and poker, demonstrating the increasing shift in consumer preference toward digital gambling platforms. All eyes on summer recovery Industry stakeholders are now pinning their hopes on the summer season, traditionally Atlantic City's busiest time of year. With thousands of visitors expected to descend on the coastal resort from Philadelphia, New York, and North Jersey, casinos are hopeful for a revenue rebound. Beach restoration projects along the northern end of the Boardwalk have improved public spaces, and local officials believe this could enhance the city's appeal. James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, praised the city's hospitality workforce and expressed optimism for the months ahead. "Tourists who visit Atlantic City receive first-class service from dedicated workers in the casino hotels," said Plousis. The enthusiasm shown at the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority's 'Host Awards' foreshadows a promising summer season, he added. Competitive pressures loom Looking further ahead, Atlantic City may face even stiffer competition. New York is expected to announce the locations of three new big-time casinos in the near future. With full-scale gaming - including slots, table games, and sports betting - these venues could divert traffic from Atlantic City as they draw patrons from densely populated regions closer to home. With that in mind, the next few summers may prove pivotal for Atlantic City’s long-term viability. Casinos must not only capitalize on seasonal tourism but also refine their value propositions to retain regional gamblers as new options emerge.

Caesars Entertainment has done it again: on the heels of its newest NBA-themed slot game, NBA Triple Double Power Combo, and the recent launch of the Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender, comes its latest live dealer game with another NBA theme. The new live dealer blackjack game is available for players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, and it features an NBA felt table designed like a basketball court. Fans of the NBA and online gaming alike have something new to cheer about. Caesars Entertainment has unveiled a brand-new live dealer blackjack experience, blending the excitement of professional basketball with the thrill of casino gaming. The new NBA Blackjack Live Dealer Game is now available on Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Caesars Palace Online Casino, offering a courtside seat to the action - without ever leaving your home. Thanks to a partnership with the National Basketball Association, Caesars has introduced a 3:2 blackjack game that not only delivers traditional card action but also immerses players in an NBA-themed environment. The release of this game follows closely on the heels of another recent launch - Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender - demonstrating Caesars' momentum in expanding its online gaming portfolio. Where and who can play? The new live dealer game is now live for eligible players 21 years old and older in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The game features a custom felt layout with an NBA theme that mirrors the design of a basketball court, effectively capturing the NBA Playoffs' spirit and enhancing the player experience with an authentic sports atmosphere. "This expanded live dealer experience, created in collaboration with the NBA, is another example of our commitment to delivering engaging and innovative content across our digital gaming offerings," said Senior VP & Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland. "Caesars aims to provide immersive and exciting experiences for players, and this new game certainly delivers." A slam dunk for sports and slot fans alike As basketball fans tune in to the NBA Playoffs, Caesars is doubling down on its sports-themed gaming options. In addition to the blackjack release, the company has also introduced an NBA Triple Double Power Combo slot game, as we have previously reported. This fast-paced slot game puts players right in the middle of a packed arena with a background designed like a basketball court and cheering virtual fans to amp up the excitement. The slot machine combines vibrant basketball imagery with classic gameplay mechanics to create an experience that's just as fun for die-hard sports fans as it is for seasoned slot enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hit 21 or land a lucky spin, Caesars Entertainment's new NBA-themed gaming experiences offer something for everyone. These releases come at a time when interest in basketball is at a peak, giving fans a whole new way to engage with the sport they love. Play responsibly and stay in control While the excitement of online gaming and NBA action can be hard to resist, responsible gambling remains a top priority. Caesars, along with platforms like Action Network, encourages players to game responsibly. Tools are always available to help players set limits on deposits, time spent playing, and spending, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience for everyone. Gambling should always be viewed as a form of entertainment. If it begins to feel like a source of stress or financial strain, it's important to seek help and take advantage of the resources available. With the launch of its new NBA-themed live dealer blackjack and slot games, Caesars Online Casino is bridging the gap between sports and gaming in innovative ways. By combining top-tier branding with immersive gameplay, the company continues to position itself at the forefront of the digital casino landscape. As the NBA Playoffs heat up, so does the action on Caesars' online platforms.

Game 7 is where the best players are defined, and OKC made sure that they would get the last laugh in this series as the Thunder stormed through the Nuggets for a 125-93 victory. It was a huge rally for OKC, who were down by as many as 11 points in the first quarter. Now they are bound for the Western Conference Finals. This marks the first time OKC has reached the WCF stage – since 2016, which was also coincidentally the last time Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played together. Now the Thunder’s new era takes its chapter to another level and it cannot be denied that it has been one of the expectations from the team after its tough exit last season. In the biggest stage of any playoff series, the Thunder did not falter, and it has immortalized the reputation of Paycom Center’s loud crowd as it showed up well in this game. Now, the Thunder’s focus shifts to the upcoming West Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, another rival that needs some showdown to close out. A Thunderous Finish OKC did not start strong and was trailing away from the Nuggets and slowly fought its way back. The second and third quarters were crucial in helping them build a huge lead to keep the Nuggets away and prevent any potential comebacks. This game was a defensive clinic for the Thunder, who piled up the best defensive numbers of the series so far. Oklahoma City matched Denver in crashing the board – which has been always in the Nuggets’ favor, 44 to 47. However, OKC stood out on the defensive side, forcing a total of 22 turnovers to just nine of their own. Denver also got outscored in the paint, 64-42. Everything played out well for OKC, and it cannot be denied that this was theirs to lose. The energy has been there for the Thunder all the time, and the crowd followed through with one big play after another. Denver could not keep up with OKC for the rest of the game before they eventually waved the white flag. With nine minutes left in the fourth. Nikola Jokic finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He did, however, have five turnovers and finished the series with a ratio of 41 assists to 31 turnovers, which is a huge difference from his previous series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic had 71 assists to 21 turnovers in that run. A Night to Remember Jalen Williams was disastrous in Game 6 but responded well in Game 7. The first-time All-Star finished with 24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while shooting 10-of-17 from the field, including 17 points in the second quarter alone to push the lead for the Thunder to double-digits. Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, however, made the biggest difference in the game with their defensive impact. The defensive duo had the highest +/- by the end of the game, with Caruso having +40 on 11 points, while Wallace had +38 with seven points – including a thunderous slam over Nikola Jokic. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept his game alive for the team and was consistent without any turnovers. SGA had an MVP night with 35 points, four assists, three rebounds, and steals apiece on 12-of-19 shooting from the field. This was a picture-perfect finish in the semis for OKC as they now remain the only 60+ win team in the playoff chase.

Fans at the Foro Italico were treated to a fantastic final showdown between world no. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who has been on a hot ride as he went on to claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title as he cruised for straight sets against the defending champion of the Italian Open. Of course, the expectation for this clash was an Italian fairy tale like last year’s. However, Alcaraz made sure that he would be able to crash the party, and so he did as he went on to score wins in straight sets to close out the world no. 1 and defending champion. That also snapped Sinner’s 26-match winning streak that spanned from last year. Alcaraz sealed the ordeal in just an hour and 44 minutes to secure his 19th tour-level trophy. That victory now sees him tied with Sinner as the player with the most tour-level trophies among those ATP stars born in the 2000s. Now, Alcaraz shifts his focus to the next task at hand – the French Open. A Winning Groove Alcaraz came, saw, and conquered this iconic tournament in Rome. He saved two set points in a tight opener before he carried the same pace heading into the final set. The Spanish star defeated Sinner in a 7-6 (5) and 6-1 affair in the final of the Italian Open with ease, extending his dominance in their head-to-head series at 7-4. “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome title, hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” said Alcaraz. “The first thing I want to say is that I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back after three months and making the final of a Masters 1000 in his first tournament back. It’s something insane, so I have to congratulate him.” This match was no different for Alcaraz, who approached it with a gritty mentality and proved that he can be a masterful player on different facets as well. Alcaraz played well from the first point all the way to the final one, keeping his level mindset and showing that he can win on different play styles as well. Alcaraz now also becomes the first player to claim three ATP Tour titles this season, and the first to score multiple titles in the clay campaign. He also leads the Tour this season with 30 wins and is the fifth man to win all ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in the clay, joining the elite company of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten and Marcelo Rios. Building a Strong Pace Alcaraz had to pull out from the Madrid Open due to an adductor injury. His return to form in Rome was a promising sight, and he only lost one set en route to the title. Since last May, Alcaraz stands at a 27-2 record in that regard, and now he has his eyes on the Roland Garros campaign now more than ever. “All eyes are on Paris right now, on Roland Garros,” said Alcaraz. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give me great confidence going to Paris. I always say ‘The final is not about playing, the final is about winning’. I just repeat that approach everytime I play a final.” Alcaraz is one of the elite players on clay, and it cannot be denied that he is starting to earn a massive reputation of high-level performances in that surface. This recent swing at the Italian Open says it all, and he may be able to cap off a huge finish in the clay as well.

A man from Surrey in British Columbia, Canada, has taken the largest jackpot lottery prize ever amounting to CAD $80 million. The prize is the largest ever prize given to a single person, and Justin Simporios says it has made many of his dreams a potential reality. He plans to spend more time with his family and will pay off his sister's medical school debt, help his mother retire early, and go on a family trip home to the Philippines - aside from all that, he wants to see an LA Lakers' game before LeBron James retires. A Surrey resident has become the largest single lottery winner in Canadian history after claiming an incredible $80 million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9 draw. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation confirmed the win as the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the province - and to a single individual nationwide. The lucky winner, 35-year-old Justin Simporios, accepted his cheque with tears in his eyes and a heart full of gratitude. "This feels like a dream," he said, reflecting on the life-changing moment. Sleepless night after life-changing news Simporios, who describes himself as a deep sleeper, said the discovery left him too excited to sleep. "It was 10:30 pm," he recalled. "I saw someone had won $80 million in Surrey. I joked to my wife, "We're millionaires!" She told me to stop making that joke." Unable to shake the feeling, Simporios manually checked each of his numbers before using the BCLC Lotto! App to confirm the win. "When I scanned it and saw the result, I cried and shouted, "We're millionaires!"" he said. He woke his wife to share the unbelievable news. Initially skeptical, her disbelief quickly turned to joy, despite their daughter not feeling well that night. She agreed it was a good enough reason to wake her up, Simporios laughed. Family first: a promise to give back As he stood onstage accepting the cheque, Simporios expressed that his first priority would be supporting his loved ones. "I'll pay off my sister's medical school debt and help my mom retire early," he said. My family has always supported me, and now I can give them a head start in life, he added. He also shared plans to spend more time with his wife and daughter, emphasizing that quality time with loved ones would be the biggest change in his life. I want to live with purpose and help the community around us, he said. "I've struggled before and needed help. If I can give even an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can." Bucket list dreams: LeBron and a trip home One of Simporios' biggest personal dreams is to see his basketball hero, LeBron James, play live before the NBA superstar retires. With James nearing the twilight of his career - the 2024 - 25 season would mark his 23rd - the clock may be ticking, but Simporios is hopeful the trip to an LA Lakers game will soon become a reality. In the meantime, a visit to the Philippines for a long-awaited family reunion is also on the horizon. "My wife and kid have never visited," stated Simporios. That's something we can do now. This is about more than money. It's about making time count, he continued. Historic win for BC and Canada Lotto Max, a popular nationwide lottery game known for its massive jackpots, is drawn twice weekly and administered across Canada through provincial lottery bodies like BCLC. While the province runs its own smaller lotteries such as Keno and BC/49, Lotto Max is known for producing the country's biggest wins. Simporios purchased his ticket at the Walmart Supercentre in Central City, Surrey - a seemingly ordinary place for an extraordinary event. As BC celebrates this historic win, Simporios remains grounded, already thinking about how he can uplift others. I want to help where I can, he emphasized. He added, this win is not just for me - it's for everyone I love and for the community that raised me.