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RSI has just introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing gaming awareness and literacy for the youth. The program, called Gaming Literacy Aiding Decisions (GLAD), is an innovative program meant to help educators enhance the gaming literacy of high school students as well as promote Rush Street Interactive's responsible relationship with the social aspects of gaming. Rush Street Interactive, a leading online gambling operator, has announced the launch of a forward-thinking educational initiative aimed at enhancing gaming literacy among teenagers. Developed in partnership with Integrity Compliance 360, the Gaming Literacy Aiding Decisions (GLAD) program is designed to provide educators with the proper tools to help high school students make informed and responsible choices in a landscape increasingly shaped by digital entertainment and gambling. Bridging the educational gap in a changing gaming environment With the rapid evolution of technology and entertainment, teens today are growing up in a world where online gaming and gambling are more accessible than ever. Recognizing this societal shift, RSI and IC360 have committed to proactively addressing the educational void surrounding responsible gaming. "Consumers today have more entertainment options than ever before, including within the gaming space," said Chief Executive Officer of Rush Street Interactive Richard Schwartz. "As technology continues to evolve, entertainment options such as online gambling have become increasingly mainstream. Like any material societal change, this evolution requires thoughtful education and honest, open dialogue - particularly for youth." Schwartz emphasized the importance of not only acknowledging the prevalence of online gaming but also preparing the next generation with the knowledge to navigate it responsibly. At RSI, we believe our role extends beyond financial contributions. We have a responsibility to empower young people with the tools to make educated decisions about gambling - now and in the future, he added. A curriculum built for relevance and responsibility The GLAD initiative seeks to be a cornerstone in responsible gaming education by providing a structured, engaging curriculum for high school educators. It is tailored to help students understand the mechanics and risks associated with gambling while fostering critical thinking around their personal choices and media consumption. The curriculum's pilot phase has launched in Delaware and New Jersey, where IC360 and RSI have been collaborating with local school districts through a series of speaker events and educational workshops. These early-stage deployments aim to collect valuable feedback and establish performance benchmarks, ensuring the program remains responsive and effective as it expands. Partnership setting new standards in Responsible Gaming education IC360, known for its leadership in compliance and responsible gambling solutions, sees the collaboration as a significant step toward shaping healthier attitudes in younger audiences. "We are proud to partner with Rush Street Interactive, a company that has not only identified the need for gambling literacy among young people but has also taken meaningful, proactive steps to lead the way in addressing this critical educational gap," said Co-CEO and President of IC360, Eric Frank. Frank praised RSI's approach as a model for other industry leaders, saying, "Their demonstrable commitment to supporting educators and empowering students sets a new standard for creating informed and responsible attitudes toward gambling." A scalable, impactful initiative The long-term vision for GLAD involves expanding the program beyond its pilot regions to reach schools across North America. RSI as well as IC360 plan to use insights from the initial rollout to refine content and delivery strategies, ensuring the program remains engaging, relevant, and scalable. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and knowledge, the GLAD initiative is set to foster a generation of students who are not only aware of gambling's presence in modern entertainment but are also prepared to approach it with critical awareness and responsibility. As digital entertainment continues to shape cultural norms, RSI's initiative stands as a proactive and socially conscious effort to educate youth, reinforcing the industry's potential to lead in positive change for society.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook addressed his contract situation during a recent appearance at a Celebrity Poker Tour event in Las Vegas. When asked about the possibility of a holdout, Cook remained tight-lipped, stating, "I necessarily don't want to talk about it right now, because it's like, it's something I want to hold in to myself. Just let the business take care of the business." Cook, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is set to pay him $5.3 million in 2025. He has been a standout performer for the Bills, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024. His impressive performances have fueled discussions about a potential contract extension. In February, Cook hinted at his desired salary by stating, "I just want to get what I deserve," and later emphasized his goal of securing "the big bucks." Reports suggest that Cook is seeking an extension worth $15 million per year, which would place him among the highest-paid running backs in the league. Now he is keen to get that into reality. Cook and the Hunt for Bigger Pay However, contract negotiations between Cook and the Bills have reportedly stalled. General Manager Brandon Beane indicated that while preliminary talks occurred, the team is now focused on other priorities, including the draft. Cook has also been absent from the team's voluntary offseason workouts, though Beane expressed confidence that he will be ready when the season begins. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Cook remains focused on his performance and his commitment to the team. He concluded his remarks by stating, "However it works out, it works out. I mean, I just make sure the business is a business, and just do whatever I can to always be there for my teammates, and however it works out, it works out. And then we go play football." As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Cook's status and whether the Bills and their star running back can come to terms on a new contract. The Cook Impact James Cook has solidified his role as a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills' offense, particularly during the 2024 season. The 25-year-old running back led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns, tying O.J. Simpson's franchise record for most in a season. His performance was instrumental in the Bills' high-scoring offense, which set a new franchise record with 525 points in the regular season. Cook's versatility was on full display as he contributed significantly in both the rushing and passing games, accumulating 1,267 yards from scrimmage and earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Beyond his on-field achievements, Cook has become a leader in the locker room, earning praise from head coach Sean McDermott for his development and leadership qualities. His consistent performance and leadership have made him a valuable asset to the Bills, prompting discussions about a potential contract extension. While negotiations are ongoing, Cook's impact on the field and in the locker room underscores his importance to the team's future success. After all, he was instrumental in most of their playoff successes, and it would be fun to see him get another chance at the postseason and finally break that drought on the Super Bowl with the Bills soon enough. Cook definitely deserves a lot of credit for his success with Buffalo, and the team should definitely consider paying him better.

In a decisive move signaling a shift in direction, the Colorado Rockies have relieved manager Bud Black of his duties following a dismal 7–33 start to the 2025 MLB season. The decision comes on the heels of a 9–3 victory over the San Diego Padres, which ended an eight-game losing streak but was insufficient to salvage Black's tenure. The Rockies' performance this season has been marked by inconsistency and underachievement, culminating in a franchise-worst 21–0 loss to the Padres the previous day. Black, who became the Rockies' all-time winningest manager in 2024, managed the team for nine seasons, compiling a 544–690 record. Under his leadership, the Rockies reached the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 but have since struggled to maintain competitiveness. The team's ongoing challenges, including back-to-back 100-loss seasons in 2023 and 2024, prompted the front office to seek a change. A New Dawn In the wake of Black's dismissal, third-base coach Warren Schaeffer has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season. Clint Hurdle, a former Rockies manager and the franchise's all-time winningest skipper, will serve as the interim bench coach. General Manager Bill Schmidt expressed confidence in Schaeffer's ability to connect with players and improve team performance, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to reverse the team's fortunes. As the Rockies embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding the team's culture and performance. The remainder of the 2025 season presents an opportunity for Schaeffer and the coaching staff to assess the roster and implement strategies aimed at long-term success. The Rockies' ownership and management are committed to making the necessary changes to restore the team to competitiveness in the National League West. Schaeffer, previously the team’s third base coach and a respected figure in the Rockies’ player development system, steps into one of the most challenging managerial roles in baseball. But does he have the tools – and time – to make an impact? Schaeffer Stepping Up Schaeffer’s most immediate opportunity lies in player development and clubhouse culture. A former minor league manager within the Rockies’ system, he has strong relationships with many of the team’s younger players, including top prospects like Adael Amador and Yanquiel Fernandez. Giving these prospects meaningful playing time could inject life into a stagnant roster. Schaeffer’s background managing in the minors gives him insight into the Rockies’ farm system. These changes wouldn’t solve every issue overnight, but they would signal a bold shift toward player growth, accountability, and future competitiveness. One should expect that he will instill more aggressive baserunning and better situational awareness, turning the Rockies into a more dynamic, high-effort team. Additionally, Schaeffer is expected to emphasize fundamentals, baserunning, and defensive improvement – areas where the Rockies have consistently struggled. With Clint Hurdle stepping in as interim bench coach, Schaeffer will also have a seasoned voice beside him to help stabilize the team’s leadership. If the Rockies are to salvage anything from 2025, it won’t be about a playoff push – it will be about setting the tone for 2026 and beyond. Schaeffer’s success will hinge not just on wins, but on whether he can inspire effort, reestablish development priorities, and restore a sense of direction to a franchise adrift. The challenge is steep – but for Schaeffer, it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime that he should not pass up with Black now moving on from the team.

After the new pope was selected - and the choice was a big surprise indeed - there has been an influx of new wagers from sports bettors who have 'renewed their faith' on other long shot bets. According to experts, other sports bettors are now placing their bets on teams like the Bears, Villanova University, and more - thanks to the so-called "pope effect." In a surprise twist that caught both religious scholars and sports bettors off guard, Robert Francis Prevost was selected as the new Pope this past Thursday, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. But despite being listed at +5000 odds at BetMGM - with less than 1 percent of total bets placed on him - a small group of hopeful wagerers cashed in big. The betting market for the next Pope, available only in Ontario, rarely attracts headlines, but the shock of this outcome sent ripple effects well beyond the Vatican. From Chicago to the Vatican Pope Leo XIV's roots are firmly planted in American soil. Born in 1955 Chicago, he earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University in 1977 right before embarking on his religious journey. Though his path to the papacy was unorthodox and unexpected, glimpses of his life in America, including an appearance in Game 1 of the 2005 World Series broadcast between the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox, have added to the public fascination. What followed his selection, however, was something no oddsmaker could have predicted: a surge of faith-based bets on sports teams connected to his past. Chicago sports teams experience betting boom Following the papal announcement, sportsbooks across North America were flooded with bets on Chicago's major sports teams. Hard Rock Bet reported record-setting betting activity on both the Cubs and the Bears. Thursday marked the highest single-day volume of wagers on the Cubs to take home the World Series and on the Bears to lay claim on the Super Bowl since those markets first launched. "Sports fans are looking for anything, even potential divine intervention, to help their favorite teams win," said SVP of Sportsbook at Hard Rock Bet, Neil Walsh. "Some of our players look at data, others rely on gut feeling, and in this case, potentially a higher power." ESPN BET echoed that sentiment, reporting that the Bears received more than twice as many Super Bowl bets as any other NFL team in the 24 hours following the Pope's appointment. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams even fanned the flames with a cryptic tweet, further fueling fan excitement. Interestingly, while the Cubs ranked third in total World Series wagers during that period, the White Sox - despite their connection to the Pope's World Series cameo - didn't receive a single bet. Villanova Wildcats see miraculous betting surge Perhaps the most dramatic spike in wagers came for the Villanova men's basketball team. Currently listed at +8000 to win the 2026 NCAA men's national championship at BetMGM, the Wildcats suddenly became a betting darling. "The interest in Villanova basketball picked up pretty much as soon as we saw the white smoke," said VP of Sportsbook Strategy & Growth at ESPN BET, Adam Landeka. "More than 50 percent of all futures bets and nearly a third of the total handle for next year's NCAA men's title have come in on the Wildcats." At BetMGM, Villanova went from less than 1 percent of national title bets to claiming 22 percent of all such wagers in just one day. Combined data from Hard Rock Bet and ESPN BET also showed that Villanova attracted more bets than all other college basketball teams combined in the wake of the papal announcement. Faith, fandom, and futures The intersection of sports betting and religion is usually nonexistent, but Pope Leo XIV's unexpected rise appears to have inspired a unique blend of devotion and superstition among fans. While divine intervention may not be quantifiable, the numbers coming from sportsbooks are very real - and very unexpected. As fans ride the wave of what some are calling "the Pope Effect," sportsbooks are watching closely. Whether or not Chicago teams or Villanova cut down nets or hoist trophies in the coming seasons, one thing's for certain: Pope Leo XIV has already made an impact well beyond the walls of the Vatican.

The Oklahoma City Thunder collapsed hard in Game 3 when they could not buy a single bucket in overtime against the Denver Nuggets. When they went down 2-1, many fans were quick to criticize the Thunder for their inability to close out tight games. So when they came into Game 4, the approach was different, and it paid off well. The Thunder showed that they can adapt, improvise, and overcome against a team that has so much experience on the big stage. Considering how the Denver Nuggets have been a solid squad over the years, OKC’s perfect response shows a lot about how the Thunder really has been great this season so far. Now they have tied the series, and it is going to be in Oklahoma City once more. As the playoffs continue, road wins continue to steal the show. However, the OKC-DEN series has been a beast, and both teams have managed to respond well in time as they continue to put up impressive game performances. At this point, the fight continues in this series and is likely to bring huge adjustments one game after another. The Response of the Thunder OKC went 10-deep in its roster for Game 4, and it actually paid off as the Thunder saw a promising 35-8 twist on bench points – with Aaron Wiggins, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace combining for eight of OKC’s 10 three-pointers. It was a brilliant game for the Thunder, who took a 21-8 lead early in the second quarter and had control of Game 4. They did, however, go down by six to start the fourth quarter. OKC responded with an 11-0 run from that point and did not keep their foot off the gas – throwing haymakers after haymakers as Denver tried to desperately claw their way back for a win. Eventually, the game went down the wire – to fouls and free throws to end the fourth. OKC executed its plays well down the stretch, very much different compared to the last two games that ended in single digits. It was a promising sight for the Thunder, and they have done a great job of tying this series when it mattered most. The MVP Battle Neither star performed well in this game, but it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who shined bright on the big stage as he scored nine big points in the fourth quarter to push OKC to a promising victory. He finished the game with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 8-of-19 shooting from the field. On the other hand, Nikola Jokic did not play well to his standards. The 2024 MVP finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds on 7-of-22 shooting. What was surprising is that he only had three assists – the lowest number he had in that regard for the whole playoffs. The game plan has been working for both teams. Denver is forcing SGA to be a playmaker, while OKC is forcing Jokic to be a scorer. So far, that has turned well to be true for both teams while both stars have responded at a great level. What mattered so far is the surrounding players to support them, and OKC’s depth has shown to be a huge advantage in its own right so far. Now that the series will be shifting to OKC, the homecourt advantage also returns to the first seed in the West. This victory by the Thunder has undone any progress that the Nuggets have made, and now they have a prime chance to close this series in six or seven games.

Mark Stone's injury has cast a shadow over the Vegas Golden Knights' playoff aspirations, particularly in their pivotal Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers. After sustaining an upper-body injury in the first period of Game 3, Stone was ruled out for the remainder of the contest and is considered week-to-week. This marks a significant setback for the Golden Knights, as Stone has been a cornerstone of their offense, contributing 53 points in 56 games during the regular season. Despite his absence, the Golden Knights remain focused on the task at hand. Head coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the need for the team to rally together and compensate for Stone's absence. "We can make up some of the offense as we go along, but if we play good defense with this team, that generally leads to good offense," Cassidy remarked. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how the Golden Knights adapt to this challenge and whether they can continue their playoff run without their captain. The Stone Dilemma The Vegas Golden Knights enter tonight’s pivotal Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers without their captain, Mark Stone, who is sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained in the first period of Game 3. Despite Stone’s absence, the Golden Knights remain confident in their depth and resilience as they aim to take a commanding 3–1 series lead at T-Mobile Arena. Stone, who led the team with 56 points this season, has been a cornerstone of Vegas' offense. His leadership and scoring ability will be missed, but the Golden Knights have demonstrated their depth throughout the season. “You just have to keep playing, that’s what we did last night. He went into the dressing room and we kept playing,” Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev said on Sunday. “It’s not easy when Stone is not out there, but the guys started to play extra hard.” Players like Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, and William Carrier have stepped up in previous games, and they will need to continue their strong performances in Stone’s absence. Additionally, goaltender Adin Hill is expected to start, bringing stability to the crease. Stone has eight points (four goals, four assists) in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games, including four points (two goals, two assists) in this best-of-7 series, which Vegas trails 2-1 after Reilly Smith won Game 3 by scoring with 0.4 seconds left in the third period. The Chance for the Oilers The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are formidable opponents but have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their penalty kill. The Golden Knights' power play, ranked seventh in the league, could exploit this weakness to gain an advantage. Vegas' defensive unit will also play a crucial role in containing Edmonton's high-powered offense. While Stone's injury is a significant setback, the Golden Knights' depth, leadership, and strategic play provide a solid foundation for success in Game 4. The team remains focused and determined to continue their playoff run and capitalize on the opportunity to extend their series lead. With the way the Oilers are playing this time, the Golden Knights are expected to be in for a tough struggle without their leading scorer and captain on the ice. Reports are yet to come in surrounding Stone’s availability, so there’s still a lot of hope for their chances to turn this series around as it is tied at 2-2.

DraftKings has reported a loss for the first quarter of the year because of favorable bets, but it still shows a favorable outlook. The March Madness event, in particular, was able to offset the Super Bowl, yet DraftKings still had revenue of $1.41 billion, a 20% increase from the same time last year. Sports-betting platform DraftKings posted a narrower-than-expected loss in the first quarter, driven by strong customer engagement and platform improvements. However, the company cited 'customer-friendly sport outcomes in March' - a reference to bettor-favored results during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - as a key reason it refrained from raising its full-year revenue forecast. Despite this, shares rose 1.8% in after-hours trading. DraftKings shares and revenue rise DraftKings reported a first-quarter loss of 7 cents per share, slightly better than the 8-cent loss projected by analysts. Revenue for the quarter hit $1.41 billion, a 20% increase from the same period last year, though it narrowly missed the $1.43 billion consensus forecast by FactSet. The company attributed its growth to an expanding user base and improved retention of betting dollars. Additionally, DraftKings credited its recent acquisition of Jackpocket, a digital lottery app, for helping to drive top-line performance. Chief Executive Officer Jason Robins emphasized that platform enhancements and solid consumer activity helped boost results despite macroeconomic challenges. Our continued focus on product innovation and user experience is paying off, Robins said. Customer metrics such as deposits, engagement time, and betting frequency remain strong, even as broader economic conditions evolve. DraftKings says sports outcomes played significant role Still, Robins acknowledged that March's sports outcomes - especially during the NCAA tournament - played a role in muting the company's full-year optimism. "If not for customer-friendly sport outcomes in March, we would be raising our fiscal-year 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance," he said. The 2025 March Madness tournament, marked by the dominance of favored teams and a relative lack of upsets, led to a higher-than-usual number of successful bets by customers. This dynamic reduced the company's overall profitability for the period, effectively offsetting what executives described as a "favorable" Super Bowl outcome, where sportsbooks had generally benefited from the underdog Philadelphia Eagles' surprise win. In its letter to shareholders, DraftKings explained that March's bettor-friendly environment "more than offset" gains from the Super Bowl, impacting its ability to revise its fiscal forecast upward. DraftKings' expectations and reactions from investors DraftKings now expects full-year revenue in the range of $6.2 billion to $6.4 billion - slightly down from its previous outlook of $6.3 billion to $6.6 billion. However, analysts at Bank of America had already signaled that the market had priced in potential headwinds from March Madness, suggesting that investor reaction was tempered by adjusted expectations. Despite the modest pullback in guidance, DraftKings remains optimistic about its positioning. The company said it is "well-positioned" to navigate current economic conditions and highlighted the resilience of online gaming, noting that similar platforms demonstrated stability during the global financial crisis. "We are beginning to realize efficiency as broader corporate demand softens in areas such as advertising," the shareholder letter added, pointing to tightening budgets in non-core areas. Confidence in DraftKings continues Over the past year, DraftKings shares have fallen 19.7%, with a 5% decline so far in 2025. However, Thursday's after-hours uptick suggests investor confidence remains intact, especially as sports betting continues to mature and expand across the US. Looking ahead, DraftKings will likely continue focusing on operational efficiency, user growth, and navigating the variance that inevitably comes with the sports-betting business - where sometimes, even winning results can feel like a loss on the balance sheet.

The Boston Celtics may be in deep trouble now more than ever as they have faced adversity for the first time in the playoffs. The defending champions are down 0-2 in their East Semis against the New York Knicks. With the series shifting on the road, it does seem that fans would be right to be worried with the way this postseason run is turning out to be. Two games, two 20-point leads, two losses. That has been the story so far in this series as the Celtics have found themselves in winning positions in both games, only to end up choking in the fourth and having a massive meltdown down the stretch. With the series still two games away from ending should the Knicks win the next matches, it is safe to say that the Celtics are in danger. In fact, all home teams in the second round of the playoffs this season have gone 0-6 before the Oklahoma City Thunder won in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. The Cleveland Cavaliers have also lost its first two, and the Minnesota Timberwolves lost its first game. If the Celtics are keen to win their second title in a row, they need to respond well. The Meltdowns Boston has found itself leading by 20 in both Games 1 and 2, and yet the Knicks continued to chip away and put in some impressive plays before eventually stealing the game away. In both games, it was Mikal Bridges who delivered the knockout punch for the Knicks, stealing the ball away from Jaylen Brown in Game 1, and then doing the same against Jayson Tatum in Game 2. Both Boston stars failed to put up a shot attempt in the dying seconds of the game, which says a lot about the struggle that really has the Celtics engulfed with so far. In fact, Tatum and Brown combined for just two points in the fourth quarter of Game 2, going 1-10 from the field. As a team, Boston scored only 17 points and was 5-24 from the field, including 2-11 from three. New York was laughed at and trolled for most of the season as it went 0-10 against all 60-win teams, and yet it has gone 2-0 versus Boston so far. This just says a lot about the big difference of the intensity in the NBA Playoffs – especially in the second round so far. The Three-Point Dilemma The Boston Celtics is the best three-point shooting team in the league this season. And it makes perfect sense that they would also have a lot of misses as they attempt the most threes in the game. So far, it isn’t working well for the defending champs as they have now attempted 100 threes in just the first two games. It hasn’t really been a big difference as the Knicks certainly shot better than them, which says a lot about how the three should be a massive problem for the Celtics at this point. For a team that continuously drops a lot of bricks from three, it is certainly killing their chances. Out of those 100 attempts, Boston has only made 25 threes. It is a huge difference maker considering that this is a series that will need to see at least six games if the Celtics are going to keep their title hopes alive.

After 10 years with the English Premier League giants Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne is now on the hunt for his next team in his soccer career as MLS club Chicago Fire is actively in talks with the star midfielder’s party and is expected to land a deal once the current EPL season ends. Back in April, De Bruyne announced that he would be moving on from Manchester City – ending his run as one of the most highly acclaimed players in the history of the club. According to multiple sources, Inter Miami is also expected to join in on the talks and maybe in contention for the star midfielder’s signature as well. So far, bringing in De Bruyne is indeed going to be a promising addition to Chicago Fire, who is in dire need of a playmaker and can command across the pitch. This just says a lot about how Chicago is going to make an impressive upgrade with the hopes of climbing up in the league standings and making a rise to a higher level of contention. Chicago’s Gamble Chicago currently ranks outside of the top nine in the MLS standings. The club is ranked 11th overall as of the time of writing and is definitely not likely to come up with even more winning strides in the season. That 3-4-4 record isn’t really much of a great indicator, and one can say that Fire needs a lot of changes in its roster if they are going to make the most of their chances now more than ever. De Bruyne is an expensive talent – but Chicago certainly has the means to land his signature. Sure, Inter Miami does own the discovery rights for the Belgian star, but the team has already filled its max number of designated players in Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, which means that Chicago’s window is certainly wide open with this potential signing. Chicago, on the other hand, only has one filled spot in the designated players. This means they can even add one more international talent should they find the best fit for their team. It is also noted that the Fire would not even pursue De Bruyne initially if it wasn’t for owner Joe Mansueto’s aggressive and ambitious leadership in the club. De Bruyne’s Resume A six-time champion in the Premier League, a Champions League winner in 2022-23, and having 189 goals to his name in Manchester City history, De Bruyne is definitely a talent to watch, and a huge boost should the Chicago Fire acquire his talents. However, it seems that Chicago will really need to lock in if they are going to bring him in with competition all around. "I’m open for anything, anything, just because I have to look at the whole picture," De Bruyne said. "I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family. I don’t know what that is, because it depends on when you speak to people and what they say about projects or something, like I said, I still feel like I can play at a good level, but then after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more." Still, all signs point toward the likelihood that Chicago will be bringing him in. While there are many rumors about how De Bruyne is expected to sign with other teams, Chicago is emerging as the leading club to look out for in the said sweepstakes for the midfielder.

Even though betting on the odds of an American pope were very long, several bettors made the right choice - and earned over $50,000 in the process. These six bettors used the prediction platform Polymarket and made a minimum of $20K on their wagers. The leader of the six made an astonishing $63,650.65 off a $1,000 bet – a whopping 6,000 ROI. In an unexpected turn of events, a handful of savvy gamblers earned life-changing payouts after wagering on Robert Francis Prevost as the next pope - a candidate considered a major longshot just hours before his surprise selection. The unexpected election sent shockwaves through online prediction markets and delivered outsized profits to a few well-positioned bettors. Massive payouts on long odds On the blockchain prediction platform Polymarket, a handful of users - a mere six - walked away with profits of more than $20,000 each after betting on Prevost, according to public data available on the site's decentralized ledger. Topping the leaderboard was a user with the handle 'JustPunched', who turned a modest $1,059.52 wager into an astounding $63,650.65 profit - an ROI of over 6,000%. Rival platform Kalshi also saw one of its users strike gold, turning a mere $526 bet into a whopping $52,641 payout. The outsized returns came thanks to Prevost's slim odds going into the final hours of the papal conclave. As of 12 pm EDT on Thursday, Prevost's implied chances of being selected stood at just 1.6% on Kalshi and 1.8% on Polymarket. In practical terms, that meant a $170 bet placed at midday would have yielded a staggering $10,000 return if placed on Prevost. $40 million in papal betting volume The surprise election contributed to unprecedented interest in betting on religious leadership. Combined, Kalshi and Polymarket saw $40.4 million in total betting volume on their papal markets - an indicator of both growing enthusiasm and financial risk in the emerging world of political and cultural prediction markets. Not everyone emerged victorious, of course. On Polymarket alone, a minimum of nine users lost more than $10,000 each after backing the heavy favorite, Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, who was widely seen as the frontrunner leading into the final hours of the conclave. From Chicago to the Vatican The new pope, Robert Francis Prevost, hails from Chicago and is a graduate of Villanova University. At 69, he has become the first American to ascend to the papacy - an outcome few predicted, even among seasoned Vatican watchers. His victory marks a major departure from tradition and is already sparking both celebration and controversy across global Catholic circles. Prevost's election marks a notable moment not just for the Church but for the evolution of political prediction markets, where people now regularly wager on major news events. Prediction markets on the rise Both Kalshi as well as Polymarket rose to greater prominence during the 2024 US presidential election. The platforms gained attention for their sharp divergence from polling-based models, with both leaning more heavily toward a Trump victory than traditional forecasts. Their growing popularity reflects a wider shift toward 'wisdom of crowds' approaches in political forecasting. Kalshi, in particular, has high-profile backers, including billionaires Charles Schwab and Henry Kravis as well as Donald Trump Jr., who actually serves as a strategic adviser to the firm. As these platforms continue to grow, the papal election has become their latest proof point: real-time, decentralized betting markets can sometimes outmaneuver conventional wisdom - and handsomely reward those willing to take the boldest risks.

Clément "Clem" Desplanches is sure gaming at a high level this time with the way he is racking up impressive wins in the recent StarCraft II A-Tier tournaments as of late. It cannot be denied that he is starting to build up a strong momentum for his title defense campaign in the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025. This year has been nothing short of elite for Clem, who has been scoring one tournament win after the other. Since the year 2025 tournaments have begun, Clem has either finished as the winner or the runner-up of an A-Tier tournament six times, which is more than any other player this year, with herO and MaxPax having the second most at two. The French wonder kid has taken down one elite star after another, and it is safe to say that this is him getting the gauge of his potential opponents heading into the coming months. With three big A-Tier tournaments left to play before the Esports World Cup, it seems that this will be the last runs that Clem needs to win at the very least. Clem Gunning for Wins Clem claimed his first win in 2025 with a revenge game against MaxPax in the OSC Championship Season 12, where he avenged his loss in the prior LiuLi Cup 2024 Grand Finals. He would go on to finish as a runner-up in the next two tournaments, losing to Cure in the WardiTV Team Liquid Map Contest #13 and then to Serral in the PiG Sty Festival 5.0 – both in the Grand Final stage of the respective tournaments. Since then, Clem has managed to beat MaxPax once more with a victory in the WardiTV Spring Championship 2025, and followed it up with the recent PiG Sty Festival 6.0, where he defeated herO as well. The next three tournaments to look out for Clem are Bellum Gens Elite Stara Zagora 2025 (June 4-7, 2025), HomeStory Cup XXVII (June 27-29, 2025), and the Championship of Russia 2025 (June 21-July 21, 2025). All of these have impressive prize pools compared to the last competitions that Clem played in, so it is easy to expect that he would be eager to play in the aforementioned tournaments. In hindsight, Clem has won or finished as the runner-up in the last six A-Tier tournaments this year, and that says a lot about the impressive pace that he is riding in for possibly a promising win to look out for. Driving the Pace The Esports World Cup 2025 tips off on July 7th, with games for Dota 2, Rennsport, and Valorant kicking off on the next day. StarCraft II games, on the other hand, doesn’t begin until July 22, which means that Clem will be either opting to skip the Championship of Russia or push through a tight schedule heading into the massive tournament. It can be remembered that Clem took home the big trophy of the inaugural run of the Esports World Cup last year, beating his rival Serral in a massive 5-0 sweep in the Grand Finals. In that run, Clem walked off with $400,000 in prize earnings, while Serral placed second and earned $150,000. With a lot of teams expected to show up and challenge Clem’s dominance, the French star’s hopes of winning and defending his title stand tall at this point.