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It is no surprise that Connor McDavid is really having yet another MVP season for the Edmonton Oilers, but it cannot be denied that the team is also struggling to come up with some impressive strides that are expected of them – with fans and critics getting really worried about the way their performances have led to just tough losses. The Oilers are now 3-2 in its last five games prior to today’s clash with the Montreal Canadiens. That isn’t much of a bad vibe, but looking at the context, the Oilers are now falling behind in the race to the top of the Western Conference – in a year where they are expected to build off from their impressive Stanley Cup Final run. At this point, it is already an alarming pace for the Oilers, and Edmonton fans can’t even be more worried for its chances this year. It is hard to argue that the Edmonton Oilers are really trying to find a way to the top, but with the Western Conference starting to be a tougher side of the NHL, it seems that a late comeback into the season will definitely hamper their chances of returning to the playoffs. Considering how they are a favorite to win the Stanley Cup Final this season, it does seem that the team’s hopes rest upon how they can turn their season around. An Unfortunate Loss to Toronto The Oilers are one of the best teams in the league, and for good reason. The team certainly returned home with its fans expecting them to continue riding on an impressive winning streak in their games. So far, it has been quite a disappointment with the Oilers losing 4-3 in overtime, and the fact that it is nationally televised just puts more into perspective at how Edmonton is really on a losing stride. In that loss, McDavid played well and nearly had a career night had it not been for the loss. It was the first and only visit by the Oilers to Toronto this season. At the age of 27, McDavid has now tallied a total of 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 11 career games at Scotiabank Arena including eight (two goals, six assists) in his past three appearances. What could have been a promising run for the Oilers ended up in a disappointing loss instead. It cannot be denied that the MVP stocks for McDavid remains at large, but now the likes of Nathan MacKinnon (+375), Kirill Kaprizov (+350), and Nikita Kucherov (+360) are now ahead of him in the MVP race, which says a lot about the impact their losses has seen overall. A Tough Look for the Oilers Edmonton gave up a total of nine goals in the last three games, with five of those coming in the back half of the third period and even another in overtime. That is a whopping total of 5:05 of ice time where the team has now given up losing points in its stretch, which says a lot about their deteriorating offensive scheme. Offense has been not much of a worry for the Oilers with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl putting up impressive performances of their own – but it is the massive defensive mistakes that have really hurt their chances so far. And this just puts things into perspective for the Oilers as they seek to go for more impressive wins down the stretch – while trying to navigate their path on the wild West. At this point, it is safe to say that Connor McDavid’s MVP season will surely depend on how the Oilers can find their way to the top once more. For now, they need to address their struggles if they are going to contend once more.

Don’t blink now – the Cleveland Cavaliers are enjoying the best start to an NBA season after the team has clinched its 15th win of the campaign and is yet to be defeated by any team in the NBA. With the next team in the schedule coming to be the Boston Celtics, it seems that there are many handsome wagers being made with massive fan following also sparking up. So far, the Cavaliers are 15-0 in the season, and the only team undefeated in the NBA right now. However, it seems that they are coming against the Boston Celtics with a lot of fire in them, and it says a lot about how this game is expected to be a high-stakes clash that will really rile up a lot of fans. With Cleveland’s perfect start on the line, it does seem that this showdown against the Celtics will highlight a lot of impressive performances and will certainly attract a massive fan viewing when it airs. It is definitely great for the NBA, and everyone will be watching – which means it will be great for the fans as well – especially for those who will bet on the games. A Streak on the Line The Cavaliers are set to visit the Boston Celtics at home with their 15-game winning streak on the line. They are trying to be the second team in the history of the game to go 16-0 to start the season. Just when you think the stakes couldn’t be any higher, it can be remembered that these two teams also met in the previous NBA Playoffs – where the Cavs fell 4-1 to the then-champions of that same campaign. "Celtics play a different style with their five out and five shooters, so it's going to be a real test for us," said Atkinson. "We're at that point right now, 15-0, let's test ourselves against the best and see where we stand and see where we got to make adjustments or not make adjustments. It actually comes at the perfect time to give us a good measurement of where we are." Kenny Atkinson is also the first and only coach to start his season with a new team at 15-0. He did even feel confident in his games when he opted to rest Donovan Mitchell in their win against the Charlotte Hornets. That 15th win to open the season allowed the Cavaliers to join the Golden State Warriors (2015-16), Houston Rockets (1993-94) and Washington Capitols (1948-49) as the only teams to open 15-0. So far, this streak is on the line, and fans can expect to see bigger performances from the top players in the league as they seek to make a statement win on top of each other. Blazing Showdown Underway Both the Celtics and the Cavaliers are coming off a victory in their respective games. Boston stole a key win against the Toronto Raptors when they survived an OT clash behind Jayson Tatum’s buzzer-beating three. So far, this has been quite shaky season for Boston, but they are still second in the Eastern Conference after a turbulent campaign in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, are seeking to continue winning in the NBA Cup (which will be the designation for their coming game). It is expected that Mitchell will also be returning to the lineup so that the Cavaliers can play at full strength in this game against the Celtics. So far, the odds favor the Cavaliers to win, but with the unpredictability of the NBA, it is expected that this game will go down to the wire.

Josh Allen had an MVP night, and so did Patrick Mahomes, but the Bills went on to steal the spotlight of the show as they claimed a 30-21 victory to finally put an end to the Chiefs’ winning streak of nine games in a row, and it cannot be denied that this win definitely punctuates the fact that the Chiefs won’t be going undefeated in the season where they are expected to repeat for the Super Bowl. The Bills now extend their own winning streak to six games in a row – all while handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season. So far, this has been quite a promising campaign for Buffalo, who is still yet to lose at home in the 2024 NFL season. This just says a lot about how they came determined to beat the Chiefs and show that they are not immortal this season. So far, it has been a flashback and a preview for the coming AFC playoffs. Both of these teams are expected to contend for the big stage, and it cannot be denied that the rivalry is boiling hot right now with the way the two teams have collided in their first meeting. These two contenders will also play again in January 2025 to provide another episode of this huge spectacle. A Win to Remember This victory against the Chiefs marks the fourth overall win that the Bills had over the Super Bowl champions in a row. This is a massive feat considering how Mahomes has played in all of them despite having three Super Bowl rings. However, it cannot be denied that the “what comes after” part for the rivalry is quite a twist – with the Bills losing all three playoff games in a row to the Chiefs. Those big losses have tainted Josh Allen’s career – but with him budding some impressive case for the MVP this season, maybe things will be different after all. "It means we got to nine wins," said Allen, his expression almost completely flat. "I know from the perception outside, it's a really big game and what it means for both fan bases and the league. We're in Week 11, we're 9-2. Last time I checked, nine wins doesn't get you in the playoffs. Given our history, we tend to meet in the playoffs. We're not there yet. We'll focus on that when we get there." Sunday’s performance was a massive finish, and it cannot be denied that the Bills certainly had that impressive swagger for most of the game and made sure that they will come up with a statement win, which says a lot about how their pace in the season so far. By the Numbers The Bills grabbed a 6-0 lead behind a touchdown by James Cook in the 10th minute to finish the first quarter. Kansas City battled back with a TD from Xavier Worthy behind a 10-yard pass from Mahomes and a Spencer Shrader kick and retook a 7-6 lead. Buffalo would go on to end the half with a bang after Tyler Bass scored a buzzer-beating field goal and take a 16-14 lead heading into halftime. The third quarter was a bummer, but then the Bills pulled away with a touchdown from Curtis Samuel to edge the Chiefs at 23-14. The Chiefs would close the gap at 23-21 behind their own TD from Noah Gray and a field goal from Shrader, but Josh Allen slammed the door shut with a 26-yard touchdown and a kick from Bass to close the game with a 30-21 win.

Jannik Sinner had started the season with a bang, and he definitely finished it with a bang as well. In front of the raucous crowd of Turin, home crowd favorite and ATP world no. 1 Jannik Sinner completed the ATP Finals rally with a strong finish like no other, showing that he is indeed the best player for this year after capping off a tour-leading eighth title win, proving that he is the most dominant player of the big stage right now. Just like that, Sinner came to play in the ATP Finals and did not drop a single set right from the start, beating Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and even Taylor Fritz in the group stages. The world no. 1 would go on to beat Casper Ruud in the semis stage before finally taking down Fritz in the final. This has been a stellar year for Jannik Sinner, completing the rally right from winning the Australian Open all the way to the ATP Finals, it cannot be denied that the Italian star has proven his worth on the big stage, and one can say that this will be quite a promising feat to remember for one of the best players to ever play the game. Capping Off a Strong Season It did seem that Sinner has enjoyed what can be said as a flawless performance in the ATP Finals. He has become the first Italian to win in the tournament’s 55-year history, and it is only fitting that Sinner would cap off his dominant year at his home soil, in front of his fans. That really was a season to remember, and that certainly says a lot about his success at the age of 23. “It’s amazing, it’s my first title in Italy and it means so much to me,” said Sinner, who improved to 50-3 on hard courts in 2024. “It’s something very special. I just tried to understand what works best for each opponent, trying to play my best possible tennis. That was the key. It was a very high level tournament from my side. At times, I couldn't have played better, so I am very happy.” With his 70th win of the season, which is a Tour record, Sinner now joins Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only players to win the Australian Open, US Open, and the ATP Finals in the same season. The world no. 1 is also the first player born in the 2000s to win the ATP Finals. It can be remembered that he finished close to winning it all last season before falling to Novak Djokovic in the tournament final as well. Strong Finish to Remember With a 12,500-strong crowd in the Inalpi Arena, Jannik Sinner played at a high level, showing that he has what it takes to win it all. He played his cards right in every game against the American, and he sure did prove that he could produce a massive performance and even continue to come up with perfectly-laid attacks on Fritz for most of the tournament. Sinner definitely limited Fritz’s ability to capitalize on the wing, which has been the American’s strong suit for most of the season – showing that he has what it takes to come up with strong defense with offense as well. By the end of the tournament, Sinner came up with a total of 10 aces out of the 21 first serves that he landed. Now, it is a landmark finish for Sinner, and he will definitely wrap up this campaign with a bang now more than ever, and it is expected that he can continue to win big while delivering the best of his season – and hopefully translate it to a big run next year.

The best casino and resort golf courses were unveiled last week, and the list was once again dominated by tribal casinos. It includes the Barona Creek Golf Club, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Saguaro Course, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, and a total of 24 out of the 50 top spots. Golfweek has unveiled its much-anticipated rankings for the best casino golf courses of 2024, and Native American-owned courses dominate the list once again. Of the Top 50, tribal-owned tracks claim nearly half, showcasing their growing prominence in the world of high-caliber resort golf. Shadow Creek tops the list again For 2024, Shadow Creek Golf Course of MGM Resorts, located in Las Vegas, once again claims the number one spot, maintaining its status as the pinnacle of casino golf. Shadow Creek's exclusivity comes with a steep price: $1,250 per round. MGM also takes second place with Fallen Oak Golf Course at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Notably, Fallen Oak combines luxury with accessibility, priced at $275 per round. Rounding out the top three is a tie between two courses: the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in Indiana and The Old White Course at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. Both venues stand as premier non-tribal entries, with The Greenbrier's course costing $665 for non-guests. Tribal golf courses dominate the Top 10 The tribal influence becomes more apparent starting from the tied-for-third spot, claimed by Yocha Dehe Golf Club, part of the Cache Creek Casino Resort in California. Owned and managed by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, this course exemplifies the championship quality associated with tribal golf properties. Other top-ranked tribal courses include: Barona Creek Golf Club, taking the number six spot, owned by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, near San Diego. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Saguaro Course is at number 7, and it is part of the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is at number eight, and it is a Minnesota course owned and run by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Atunyote Golf Course takes the 9th spot, and it is part of the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York, owned by the Oneida Indian Nation. Value meets championship quality While MGM's Shadow Creek and Fallen Oak courses boast luxury appeal, tribal-owned courses stand out for their value. For instance, a weekend round at We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro Course in Arizona is priced at $170, significantly less than many top-ranked courses. Eagle Falls Golf Course in Southern California offers an even better deal, with rates as low as $100 after 1 pm. These prices reflect a commitment by tribal operators to make world-class golfing experiences accessible without compromising on quality. Golfweek's ranking methodology Golfweek's rankings rely on evaluations by hundreds of raters who assess courses based on 10 detailed criteria. These include design integrity, routing, greens quality, variety of holes, landscape management, and overall aesthetics, among many others. The "walk in the park test" adds a subjective dimension, considering whether a course provides an engaging four-hour experience. Scores are averaged across these criteria to produce a final rating, ensuring only the most deserving courses make the list. Tribal legacy in casino resort golf Beyond the prestige of rankings, the dominance of tribal courses demonstrates a broader trend in the golf and hospitality industries. With 24 of the remaining 40 spots in the Top 50 claimed by Native American-owned properties, their influence is undeniable. These courses, set amidst stunning natural landscapes and designed to the highest professional standards, continue to attract golfers from around the globe. As tribal nations enhance their offerings, they provide a more affordable alternative to traditional luxury resorts like Shadow Creek, making championship-caliber golf accessible to a wider audience. For 2024, the message is clear: whether you're seeking exclusivity or value, tribal casino golf courses deliver some of the best experiences in the game.

The Atlantic City casino workers who are fighting for a smoking ban have a new ally: the Republican party of New Jersey. The ongoing fight has been on the table for years - but now, it looks like it will finally end with a new bill sent to the desk of the governor asking for Atlantic City casinos to be 100% smoke-free. Atlantic City casino workers advocating for a smoke-free indoor environment have welcomed a significant new ally in their ongoing fight. A growing grassroots coalition seeking to ban smoking inside the city's nine casinos has now garnered the support of key Republican leaders in New Jersey, intensifying pressure on Democratic lawmakers to act. The push to end indoor smoking in Atlantic City's casinos has been a contentious issue in the state's capital, Trenton, for years. While prior legislative sessions demonstrated strong bipartisan support for a smoking ban, efforts to pass such a law have been repeatedly stalled. The current measure, Assembly Bill 2143 (AB2143), has gained considerable traction yet remains stagnant in the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee. The stalemate over the casino smoking ban Democrats, who hold majorities in both the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate, have faced criticism for delaying progress on AB2143 despite widespread support. Assemblyman Bill Moen, chair of the committee where the bill resides, has yet to bring it to a vote. Reports suggest that Democratic leaders are heeding concerns from the casino industry, which argues that a smoking ban could lead to job losses, decreased tax revenue, and even potential closures of Atlantic City resorts. Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio condemned these delays in September, urging Democrats to prioritize worker safety over industry lobbying. This week, Assembly Republican Whip Brian Bergen (R-Morris) joined the call for immediate action, accusing Democratic leadership of neglecting casino employees' health. "Leaving the casino smoking ban bill off the Tourism Committee's agenda is more than an oversight - it's an insult," Bergen said in a statement. He went on to say that there is enough support from both sides of the aisle to advance this bill. The speaker has no excuse not to act immediately to protect workers from secondhand smoke. Bergen emphasized the inconsistency in the state's smoking laws, which already ban smoking in outdoor public spaces like beaches and parks while allowing it in casinos. He said that casino employees have waited long enough for a healthy workplace, and it's inexplicable why expanded protections haven't been expedited. Bipartisan momentum builds AB2143, introduced in the beginning of the year by Assembly Members Herb Conaway and Moen, has attracted 43 co-sponsors in the Assembly, indicating enough support to pass the 80-seat chamber. Meanwhile, its companion bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 1493, has secured the backing of 17 senators in the 40-seat chamber. Senators Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale spearheaded the Senate version. Despite bipartisan backing, Democratic leadership has slowed the legislative process, citing economic fears voiced by the Atlantic City gaming industry. Casinos claim that eliminating smoking would deter gamblers, reduce revenue, and lead to layoffs. However, worker advocates argue that the health risks posed by secondhand smoke far outweigh the industry's concerns. GOP steps up pressure Republican leaders see the issue as a rallying point to challenge the Democratic majority's priorities. "If Democrats are serious about protecting workers, Republicans are ready to help pass the bill. We need legislative action, not excuses," DiMaio asserted earlier this year. With support growing across party lines, the spotlight now falls on Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to move the bill forward. GOP lawmakers and worker advocacy groups are urging Coughlin to instruct the Tourism Committee to schedule a vote on AB2143. A broader movement for workplace safety The coalition advocating for the casino smoking ban represents not just workers but also public health advocates and some casino patrons. They argue that indoor smoking bans in other states have proven successful without catastrophic impacts on local economies. "New Jersey has applied the smoking ban to outdoor locations, beaches, and parks," Bergen noted. It's high time we extend the same protections to casino employees who are forced to work in hazardous conditions, he added. As 2025 approaches, the renewed push for smoke-free gaming is expected to dominate legislative discussions. The outcome will determine whether New Jersey's lawmakers prioritize worker health over the casino industry's lobbying efforts. For many casino workers, the hope is that the tide is finally turning in their favor, thanks to growing bipartisan support and an increasingly vocal grassroots movement. Whether you're a fan of smoking or prefer a smoke-free environment, the choice is entirely yours. Play at online casinos in NJ where you're free from the restrictions and rules of land-based venues—enjoy the game on your own terms, anytime, anywhere.

The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has launched a formal complaint against online lottery couriers, stating that these services have affected their finances and livelihood. The tribe owns and operates the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, and they have said that online lottery couriers don't just deliver tickets - they provide comprehensive iGaming experiences that mimic unlawful gaming. In a strongly worded letter to the Texas Senate's State Affairs Committee, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has expressed serious concerns over the spread of online lottery couriers, which they contend constitute an illegal expansion of gambling in the state. Jason C. Nelson, the tribe's general counsel, warned that the financial well-being of the tribe is at risk due to these services, which he argues are "directly and adversely" impacting the tribe's revenue streams. Affecting the Kickapoo Tribe's revenues The tribe's primary source of gaming income, the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel located on their reservation near Eagle Pass along the Rio Grande, is a class II establishment offering bingo machines and poker. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the tribe is permitted to operate class II games, which are allowed if a state legalizes that type of gaming in some form. However, to operate class III games - such as Las Vegas-style slots and table games - the tribe would need a negotiated compact with the state, a process the state has historically resisted. According to Nelson, online lottery couriers enable forms of gambling that are otherwise illegal in Texas by offering a virtual gambling experience that simulates real-time games of chance. Nelson claims that these services do more than simply buy lottery tickets for customers from brick-and-mortar lottery retailers - they provide an experience that "mimics otherwise unlawful internet gaming." In essence, each ticket purchased via courier is a virtual bet placed in anticipation of a lottery draw, which Nelson believes is in clear violation of Texas's strict ban on internet gaming. The tribe has called on Texas lawmakers to address this issue. "This is an express attempt to work around the state's ban on internet gaming," Nelson wrote in the letter, pointing to the discrepancy between what lottery couriers advertise and the actual user experience they provide. Recent controversies with lottery couriers The Kickapoo's opposition to these online services arrives on the heels of a recent controversy involving lottery courier companies in Texas. Earlier this year, several courier companies, with their own state-licensed retail outlets, orchestrated a massive operation to buy every possible combination for the Texas Lottery draw on the 22nd of April, 2023. This syndicate purchased an estimated 25.8 million lottery tickets, far surpassing the usual 1 to 2 million weekly ticket sales. The syndicate's move guaranteed it would win the jackpot, valued at $95 million before taxes, as well as all the secondary prizes. The extraordinary effort required couriers to process ticket orders around the clock in the days leading up to the draw, sparking heated discussions over whether such practices undermine the spirit of the lottery and violate Texas gambling laws. The lottery courier loophole Texas law explicitly prohibits the sale of lottery tickets by telephone and bans online gambling. However, lottery courier services assert that they operate within a legal gray area, claiming they merely facilitate the delivery of tickets purchased in person. The Kickapoo Tribe, however, disputes this interpretation, contending that these services amount to full-fledged online gambling. The tribe has argued that these services operate under a "courier loophole" that Texas lawmakers need to address to prevent further financial harm to legal gaming operations in the state. "Each purchase of a lottery ticket is in essence the placement of a bet, and each lottery drawing is the 'outcome' of that bet," Nelson said. "These actions directly affect the tribe's financial health." No push for Class III gaming - for now A report this week by Texas Scorecard, a conservative news outlet, suggested that the Kickapoo might seek class III gaming rights as leverage to push the state into cracking down on online lottery couriers. However, Nelson's letter to the Senate State Affairs Committee makes no reference to any immediate plans to pursue class III gaming. While the tribe has previously sought class III gaming privileges, which would allow it to offer traditional casino games, these efforts have been repeatedly blocked by the state. The issue of lottery couriers is expected to be addressed in the next Texas legislative session, slated for 2025. With the stakes high for both the Kickapoo Tribe and other vested interests in Texas's gaming and lottery sectors, the legislative response to the tribe's plea could shape the future of gambling in Texas.

The Xfinity Live! Entertainment venue is set to undergo a $15 million expansion, and this expansion will include a rooftop oasis, an open-air beer garden, a space for food trucks, and AV and LED screens for watching sports games. Cordish Companies, which also manages and developed Live! Casino in Philadelphia, mere steps away from Xfinity Live!, is in charge of the development. The bustling Xfinity Live! complex in the Stadium District in Philadelphia is set for a transformative $15 million expansion, marking the first major upgrade since the entertainment and dining hotspot opened in 2012. Nestled between some of Philadelphia's most iconic sports venues - Citizen Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Wells Fargo Center - Xfinity Live! stands as a premier destination for sports fans and entertainment seekers alike. The expansion, announced jointly by Comcast and The Cordish Companies, aims to elevate Xfinity Live! into an even more vibrant center for dining, socializing, and sports-watching. The vision for Xfinity Live!'s next chapter The expanded Xfinity Live! is planned to incorporate numerous enhancements, with the goal of offering patrons new, diverse experiences. Among the highlights of the development is a two-story addition to the community plaza, featuring an upscale rooftop oasis referred to as AVA. AVA will be a top-notch addition to Philadelphia's entertainment scene, stated the principal of The Cordish Companies, Blake Cordish. "We are proud to continue investing in South Philadelphia to create an unparalleled experience for guests and fans. This investment reflects our commitment to create a gathering space for festivals, sports viewing, and community events unlike anything in the area." Additionally, the plaza will feature an expanded PBR Cowboy Bar, which has been a cornerstone of Xfinity Live! since its inception. The new version will offer even more space for music, dancing, and entertainment, capturing the spirit of a Western-themed venue in the heart of Philadelphia. Complementing the bar, an open-air beer garden will provide a casual spot for friends to gather and socialize. For outdoor enthusiasts, Xfinity Live! is also enhancing its turf area, transforming it into a multipurpose space for special events, community activities, and live entertainment. The upgraded plaza will include a designated area for local food trucks, bringing even more Philadelphia flavor to the venue and supporting local food entrepreneurs. A state-of-the-art audio-visual system, complete with LED screens, will be installed to deliver optimal viewing experiences during live sports events. These cutting-edge improvements ensure that fans can catch every exciting moment from their favorite teams, making Xfinity Live! the ultimate sports-watching venue in the region. A commitment to Philadelphia Comcast, headquartered in Philadelphia, and The Cordish Companies, a Baltimore-based hospitality and casino conglomerate, have long collaborated on various entertainment ventures. Comcast operates Xfinity, the company's cable, telephone, internet, and wireless service brand. Cordish, known for its Live!-branded entertainment districts and casinos, owns multiple properties across the US, including the nearby Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, just steps away from Xfinity Live!. Cordish's commitment to the region is reflected not only in Xfinity Live! but also in the recent $700 million development of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, which opened in the early part of 2021. The full-scale integrated resort includes over 2,000 slot machines, 140 live dealer tables, a poker room with 29 tables, and a sportsbook. The Live! brand has quickly become synonymous with quality entertainment and gaming in Pennsylvania, and the Xfinity Live! expansion builds on this legacy. Live! Philadelphia is known for its peak activity during weekends, Sunday Eagles' games, and other major sports events, generated substantial revenue from its various gaming operations. In 2023, Live! Philly's slot machines alone brought in $136.9 million in gross gaming revenue, ranking it eighth among Pennsylvania's 17 brick-and-mortar casinos. Furthermore, the venue's table games garnered over $108.4 million in earnings, positioning it as one of the state's top performers in this category. A broader presence and economic impact Outside Philadelphia, Cordish operates another Pennsylvania casino, Live! Casino Pittsburgh, located inside Westmoreland Mall in a repurposed department store space. This smaller 'mini-casino' features 750 slots, 40 live tables, and a FanDuel Sportsbook, catering to Pittsburgh-area patrons. In total, Cordish reported a 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue of around $368.7 million from its Pennsylvania operations, which includes both physical and mobile sports betting revenue. The company also generated $40 million in online gaming revenue, although a portion of that is shared with its digital partner, FanDuel. With the Xfinity Live! expansion, Comcast and Cordish continue to deepen their investments in Philadelphia's Stadium District. By enhancing the entertainment destination, they are all set to create a lively, community-centered space that not only serves as a pre- and post-game gathering spot but also as a year-round venue for festivals, concerts, and neighborhood events.

The rivalry continues for Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev as the two stars are set for a massive showdown on the big stage as they take center court in the group stages. The two players are moving on to get a chance to qualify for the deeper stages of the ATP Finals, which has been nothing short of exciting so far.  Alcaraz and Zverev have been two of the best performers this season, and it cannot be denied that the two stars are expected to go for a promising clash for the ages, especially with a ticket to the deeper parts of the ATP Finals on the line. This just says a lot about what’s at stake on the big stage for these two stars. Zverev is eyeing his third ATP Finals trophy, having won his first two back in 2018 and 2021 editions. Alcaraz, on the other hand, is seeking to crash his way to the final stage of this Year-Ender Tournament after making it to the semifinals last year. At this point, both stars have their own stakes, and it is expected that it will end up in a fiery showdown to remember. Elite Showdown Brewing Hot Alcaraz is one of the top favorites to win in the ATP Finals, but to do so, he has to make sure that he will beat Zverev this time and win his way to the top. The Spanish star fought to sickness in the past few days and picked up a promising win against Andrey Rublev, and it is expected that he will not hold back in coming up against Zverev for a shot at the semis. “My stomach has been improving over the last few days, but in terms of the cold, my nose and chest, I can’t see much improvement,” admitted Alcaraz. “As I said, the fact that I tried not to think too much in order to try and play my best tennis in my current condition helped. I’m still hopeful I’ll improve as the days go by. Let’s see if I feel better on Friday,” continued the Spaniard. “And if I don’t feel better, I’ll still try and play at a good level.” Zverev, on the other hand, managed to blow his way past Casper Ruud, dominating the tie break after he opened 12 games with zero break points given up. He has been really on fire, and he did not hold back in this clash against the Norwegian star. “A good match. I thought both of us played quite good tennis,” said Zverev, who outhit Ruud by 28 winners to 13. “I’m happy with the win. Maybe it was even better than my first match, even though the first match was quite good as well. I’m looking forward to Carlos now on Friday and hopefully more matches at the weekend.” Head-to-Head Stats So far, the head-to-head stats are tied at 5-5, with Alcaraz going 2-1 for this year’s showdowns. The Spanish star won the last two at the Indian Wells and Roland Garros, which says a lot about how these two performers are expected to bring it all to the top of their games when they meet. So far, Alcaraz stands with a dominant record of 52-11 in the season to Zverev’s 66-20. He has also won two more titles than the German’s own two. This is why the odds favor Alcaraz to win at this point, but expect it to be a tight showdown at the very least.

Winners of five games in a row, the Buffalo Bills are now gearing up to take on the Kansas City Chiefs to open up the coming week. It seems that the rivalry is really starting to brew up at this point as these two teams collide for a promising battle that will clearly be the highlight of the week considering how these contenders are expected to bring out the best of their games. Kansas City has enjoyed the best start in an NFL season ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to start off at 11-0 before having their streak snapped. So far, the Chiefs have tied its best start to a season since 2013, and it is also the third time that they have started 9-0 in any season. This just means that they are definitely keen to extend their streak for the first time in history. Still, the Bills are on their way, and Sunday Night Football is the perfect stage for fans to enjoy the fiery showdown that is set to unfold now more than ever! Make sure to check out GambleSpot’s Parlay and Odds Calculator to find out your potential winnings when you place your wagers on this game! A Clash of the Titans The Chiefs and Bills lead the upper echelon of the AFC this season so far, and it cannot be denied that the teams have seen a lot of impressive success in their respective campaigns. Being able to put up some winning streaks has been a rare story in the NFL at this point, and yet both of these teams have been really making some strong headways in the game. Despite being the better team in terms of record, the Chiefs are set as the underdogs for this showdown with odds of +115. The Bills are the favorites for this showdown among many betting platforms, being able to come up with five wins in a row, and their two losses haven’t been really much of a concern at this point, and once can say that this is really a game to watch for fans. Most of the known analysts are picking the Bills to edge the Chiefs by a spread of at least -2.5, and they have enough reason to do so – Kansas City may be undefeated, but their performances as of late haven’t really been much of a wonder to watch, which just puts them as the underdog by a small margin. An MVP Showdown to Watch Speaking of a showdown, fans might also want to dig in on the hyped clash between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, which is expected to be a massive spectacle to look out for at this point in time. Josh Allen is at the second spot for the odds to the MVP at +350, while Mahomes’ numbers have been shaky with his best odds at +650. This season has shown how Mahomes’ job has been at a lighter load thanks to the impressive offensive performances from the rest of the squad. However, it is the magic that has given the Chiefs this winning streak so long, but they can only hold on to it for a time. Facing an opponent that runs its offense through a promising star in Josh Allen may well be the threat to their chances of going 16-0 under Mahomes lead. Which team do you think will come out on top? Take the gamble and place your bets on your favorite stars and teams to win big on the showdown!

Red Rock Resorts in Las Vegas strongly believe that a policy of no taxes on tips could result in more economic gain for Las Vegas, to the tune of as much as $200 million. The idea was begun by President-elect Trump - which could be one of the reasons why he has won in Nevada, the first Republican to do so in twenty years. Red Rock Resorts believes that a proposed "no tax on tips" policy, a hot topic during the recent presidential campaign, could infuse the Las Vegas economy with up to $200 million annually. The company's executives shared their optimism on the potential economic impact during a third-quarter earnings call, citing economic analyses that highlight the policy's advantages for Las Vegas's tourism-driven economy. The tax exemption proposal was initially introduced by President-elect Donald Trump, with support from his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump's platform on tax-free tips, which could directly benefit thousands of tipped workers across Nevada's hospitality and gaming sectors, may have helped him secure Nevada, marking the first time a Republican presidential candidate has won the state in over 20 years. Trump claimed Nevada by a margin of 3.1%, or almost 47,000 votes. Speaking on the conference call, Lorenzo Fertitta, Red Rock Resorts Vice Chairman, expressed his opinion regarding the policy's potential. "We've looked at some economic analysis, not - I don't know if anything has really been published on it," Fertitta said. "We think it could add somewhere in the neighborhood of about $200 million a year to the local economy here, which obviously we would benefit from." Economic boost for hospitality workers and gaming operators The Culinary Union, representing a large portion of Nevada's hospitality workforce, threw its support behind Harris in the presidential race. Now, the union has also come out in favor of eliminating taxes on tips, arguing that it would directly benefit its members, many of whom rely heavily on tips as a significant portion of their income. Supporters say the policy would increase disposable income for thousands of tipped employees across the city, enabling them to spend more locally, including at casinos, entertainment venues, and restaurants. For Red Rock Resorts, which operates several gaming and hospitality properties in the Las Vegas Valley, the impact of tax-free tips could translate into increased foot traffic and higher spending among customers. "No tax on tips, I think would be a positive for our business," remarked Scott Kreeger, Red Rock President. Many of Red Rock's patrons are hospitality employees who could benefit from the added income, potentially boosting Red Rock's revenue. The $200 million estimate Fertitta cited demonstrates the potential for economic ripple effects that extend beyond gaming operators. Rival companies such as Boyd Gaming and Golden Entertainment, which also cater to locals in the Las Vegas area, could experience similar boosts from increased customer spending if tipped employees see an income increase. Challenges to implementation While the potential economic benefits appear promising, some analysts caution that implementing the tax-free tips policy could face several challenges. For one, many tipped workers already fall into lower income tax brackets, where federal income tax on tips may be minimal. Furthermore, amid ongoing concerns about the national deficit, federal lawmakers may be reluctant to forego the revenue from taxing tips. Still, proponents of the measure argue that the potential economic stimulus could offset any short-term revenue loss, especially in high-tourism areas like Las Vegas, where tipped employees form a significant portion of the workforce. Should the policy come to fruition, Red Rock and other gaming operators stand to benefit both from increased customer spending and reduced payroll expenses. Payroll savings for Red Rock and competitors In addition to increased revenue potential, Red Rock executives believe the policy could lead to cost savings. On the recent earnings call, Red Rock's Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Cootey, suggested that the company could save between $2 million and $3 million in payroll expenses annually if the policy is enacted. For the company's competitors, including Boyd Gaming and Golden Entertainment, similar payroll savings could materialize. As Red Rock's operations are localized within Nevada, any change that amplifies disposable income for local customers and reduces internal costs would be a welcome development, particularly as the gaming sector continues to recover from the pandemic's lingering effects.