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The state of Illinois is considering passing a new tax rate for sports betting, which will add 25 cents to each bet for an operator’s first 20 million wagers, and 50 cents for every wager thereafter. But sports betting operators aren't taking the proposed rise in tax rates lightly, and the Sports Betting Alliance has issued a statement announcing the new sports betting tax rate as discriminatory and against the constitution. In a move that sent shockwaves through the sports betting industry, Illinois lawmakers approved a new per-bet tax just minutes before midnight on Saturday. The change, part of a wider $1 billion revenue package aimed at supporting public transit, has drawn fierce criticism from industry stakeholders and raised concerns about its long-term impact on legal sports betting in the state. New tax targets volume, not revenue Under the newly passed measure, sportsbook operators will be required to pay 25 cents per bet for their first 20 million wagers each year, and 50 cents per bet for every wager thereafter. This is in addition to last year's progressive tax reform, which increased sports betting tax rates from a flat 15% to as much as 40%, depending on a sportsbook's adjusted gross revenue. Analysts say this marks the first time a state has implemented a fixed-rate tax on each individual wager, regardless of size. The director of excise tax policy at the Tax Foundation, Adam Hoffer, noted that such a structure could heavily distort the market. "It's going to be practically impossible for sportsbooks in Illinois to offer $1 bets," Hoffer said. This is not how good tax policy works. It discourages small-stakes participation and pushes players toward riskier alternatives, he added. Industry voices unite in opposition In an unusual show of unity, competitors DraftKings and FanDuel - longtime rivals in the online sportsbook space - voiced their opposition through their respective proxies. FanDuel-backed The Ringer posted a now-deleted tweet urging fans to oppose the tax, while Barstool Sports' Dan Katz, affiliated with DraftKings, called the proposal "very bad" in a video shared to his followers. The Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition representing the two giants alongside Fanatics and BetMGM, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the tax as "discriminatory, punitive, and constitutionally suspect." "With this change, lawmakers are essentially urging customers - and especially these small-dollar bettors - to switch to unsafe and unregulated sportsbooks," the SBA warned. "Illegal operators are the big winners from Saturday' vote." Impact likely to hit customers and fuel illegal market Industry experts agree that the tax burden, though technically imposed on operators, will ultimately fall on bettors. Robert Walker, ARMS' director of operations and a veteran of the Las Vegas sportsbook scene, called the move "short-sighted revenue grabbing." Operators will raise minimum bet amounts, and the casual bettor will be priced out, Walker said. It undermines the entire purpose of regulation, which is to protect consumers and create a competitive, transparent market, he added. Walker also warned that the tax sets a "dangerous precedent," suggesting that other states may follow suit. Truist analysts echoed that concern in a research note on Sunday, stating that while the biggest burden will fall on market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings, smaller players like BetMGM and Fanatics will not be immune. The note also highlighted the potential for illegal markets to grow as a result of the policy, warning that "we fear other states could look to copy (Illinois)." Future of regulated sports betting at risk? The broader sports betting industry is already facing increased pressure from new forms of competition, including prediction markets offered by platforms like Kalshi, which are not subject to gambling taxes per state. With Kalshi's offerings now appearing on platforms like Robinhood, traditional sportsbooks may be facing a pivotal moment. This comes at a time when the industry needs stability, not added costs, said Walker. He continued, instead, we're seeing policies that could alienate the very customers lawmakers say they want to protect. The Sports Betting Alliance has pledged to continue fighting the Illinois tax and to oppose similar measures in other states. But for now, the Prairie State has taken a bold - and, some say, dangerous - step that could reshape the future of legal sports betting across the country.

A year ago, the Edmonton Oilers had to lose three straight before they eventually gathered their wits in the Final against the Florida Panthers and tried to come up with a massive comeback win of three straight wins of their own. That was not the case for this year’s Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers claimed Game 1 against the same opponent, only this time, the odds are starting to shift in their favor. Connor McDavid played well to draw key defenders of the goalpost, and it was Leon Draisaitl who came knocking for the killing blow. And just like that, the Oilers are now up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Panthers – showing the hockey world that it is indeed going to be a different story of them showing resilience and grit. Three more games to win, and now they have their eyes on the prize as they close in for a chance at history in the league. The Hero Play After a promising run in the third period where the Oilers managed to send the game to overtime, Edmonton was quick to run the puck into the floor and put pressure on the Panthers to show that they are not letting this game slip away. Indeed, that’s what happened when the Oilers struck like slick oil. McDavid received the puck and made his way to the right hash marks of the rink and looked to be aiming for the goalpost. As two defenders made their way to close out on him, the star made a great decision to pass up the shot and strike the puck to the path of a surging Draisaitl, who would go on to flick it inside the goalpost to claim the win. That was the second goal of the game for the German star, who has been impressive in the postseason so far and is living off game-winners in OT. That winner was scored with just 31 seconds left to play in the first OT period, in addition to his first goal, which was scored just 66 seconds into the game. "Just a number of really good plays. Great play by Corey (Perry) down low to get it to McDavid, and then a great play by McDavid." Draisaitl described the play leading to the game-winner. "We've done it all year, especially in the postseason. We stick with it and we're never gonna quit. It’s a good start for us, but we’ve got to regroup and get ready for Game 2." Power Play Paying Off Heading into today’s game, the Oilers were just 30% in converting power plays in the postseason. They couldn’t even score off the first four chances in the game. The fifth one, however, ended up as a promising shot for the whole game as it led them to take a 1-0 series lead. Stuart Skinner made 29 saves, including 24 in a row after giving up the goal to Bennett and 16 in the second period. This is the third multi-goal comeback win that was pulled off by the Oilers in these playoffs, having three in their respective runs in 1988 and 1990 – all of which led to championship finishes. Hopefully, this one would end up the same for the team as they seek to grind their way for a promising championship finish that puts them at the top of the NHL world.

Cincinnati was holding on for dear life when they battled the Milwaukee Brewers in an unexpected tight showdown. So when the ball was on their pitching side and was later thrown, fans were definitely in for a massive ride as it looked like it would be a home run for the visitors, only to be saved by TJ Freidl as the ball nearly went over the wall. Emilio Pagán drilled a promising score of his own to make it a 4-2 lead, but it cannot be denied that it was Friedl’s massive save that sealed the deal with a leaping catch that no one expected him to pull off. The lights went wild in the stadium as fans celebrated a thrilling victory to give the Reds their first win in this three-game series. All games have been tight contests, even today’s showdown. However, nothing tops off that massive play from Friedl as it definitely goes down as one of the biggest highlights for Tuesday Baseball. That win also puts them close to the eighth seed of the National League, just a few more wins behind the Brewers and the San Francisco Giants. Clutch Saves Happen As much as this is celebrated as if the Reds won the World Series, clutch saves happen in the game, and that is not new. What’s unique, however, is the frequency of these kinds of saves. For Friedl’s big play, it was not just a simple save – but rather a risky one to begin with. For starters, Friedl chased down the ball as soon as it went up high. He did not look at the path he was going down on – thus the risk of a potential slip up or even a misstep, but luckily, he ended up jumping on the wall (that has a protective foam specifically designed for players to jump on), and eventually caught the ball in what has been a defining clutch moment. "How about that?" Friedl said. “I knew it was hit well off the bat. I was kind of just tracking it. Probably when I was coming close to the warning track, I was like, ‘I could have a chance at this. It’s possible.’ Anything is possible.” That massive save also ended the Brewers’ eight-game winning streak. The Reds evened up the rivalry showdown in the second game, and now they can ignore whatever result the third game had to offer. On the Other Side of the Bat While fans are celebrating Friedl’s game-winning play, this comes as a frustrating finish for Jake Bauer, who was at the batting end of the attempted home run. Had Friedl not made a fantastic save, it would have been a walkoff victory for the Brewers. Instead, the club goes 1-1 before today’s affair to wrap up the series. “It’s a rollercoaster,” Bauers said. “I got the pitch I was looking for, put a good swing on it and you thought you might have got enough. And then the game’s over, you lose. That’s why they don’t make a level higher than this, because guys can go and make those plays in a big spot like that.” The Reds will now continue their homestand as the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks come onto their turf. The Brewers, on the other hand, will host the San Diego Padres in their three-game clash starting this Friday.

While we all know how tough the competitive nature that StarCraft II brings to the table, it cannot be denied that the game’s impressive effect and skill utilization have opened it up to many different avenues. Surprisingly, this includes a new area of neuroscience research as well, showcasing the massive potential of the game up to this point. It is worth noting that StarCraft has been around for more than a decade. Being a promising game since 2010 and setting the standard of real-time strategy games in the esports stage, it is definitely a game that has defined generational competitiveness over the years. A new study on human behavior and the impact of computers suggests that StarCraft II has become a valuable tool in helping researchers achieve optimal results. So far, recent findings have shown that StarCraft II has helped generate multiple patterns of brain activity for participants and has a lot of great use for other potential research surrounding the same niche. StarCraft II Utilized in a Different Way StarCraft II’s impressive micro-managing has allowed players to come up with diverse approaches to the game. They manage resources, balance army compositions, and also make key decisions while they are under massive pressure. The demand of the game in terms of shifting attention, and recognition of in-game elements, certainly has a lot of massive effects on the neural pathways in the brain. This is the element that the new neuroscience research has delved into so far, and it has opened up a unique opportunity for the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities. “While research on video games is well-established, only in recent years have we begun to systematically explore their potential benefits for cognitive functioning,” said study author Natalia Jakubowska. “At the same time, esports has evolved into a serious discipline, where discussions about individual predispositions—much like in traditional sports—are increasingly common. We became curious whether there might be neurobiological traits that support effective learning or high-level performance in complex games.” According to Jakubowska, the study they embarked on was designed to investigate and observe brain activity whenever participants engage in StarCraft II, and the results have been promising so far. The research focuses on the brain signal called the N2pc, which is an electrical pattern that can only be seen using electroencephalography (EEG), which is equipped to see how attention is allocated to different spaces of the brain. StarCraft II as a Generational Research Tool StarCraft II has been a promising game to the point that it is being applied to key research such as this. It only amplifies the legacy that the RTS title is leaving behind with a lot of rumors of a new StarCraft game on the rise now more than ever. Moreover, it also enforces video gaming as a high potential avenue for huge researches that may have a significant impact in the community. “Lastly, I’d like to share a personal belief: I think games, while not always and not all equally, can be a valuable part of our lives,” Jakubowska concluded. “I don’t believe they are harmful in moderation—quite the opposite. Today’s games are not only entertainment tools; they are also complex learning environments, spaces for decision-making, social interaction, and even cultural expression. I believe it’s time we approached them with more openness—including from a scientific perspective.” There’s more to expect as StarCraft II continues to thrive at this point in time. Who knows, maybe a research will be done with regards to the massive events that StarCraft II participates in.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association or ROGA, for short, has just released a set of guidelines for the VIP programs of sports betting operators. It states best practices for VIP procedures and policies that will promote responsible gaming. With this, VIP players can enjoy a more balanced gameplay experience that will take their personal limits into consideration. The Responsible Online Gaming Association, which represents 90% of the legal sports betting industry in the US by handle, has unveiled a comprehensive set of recommended practices for VIP programs, aimed at boosting responsible gaming initiatives among high-value players. These new guidelines reflect ROGA's commitment to fostering a safe and sustainable gaming environment. The association emphasized that while VIP programs are an important tool for rewarding loyalty, they must also incorporate responsible gaming principles to ensure that engagement remains balanced and recreational. "A shared commitment to player well-being" "Like in many sectors of entertainment, leisure, and hospitality, sportsbook VIP programs aim to reward and retain loyal players," said Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director of ROGA. "It is essential that these programs are operated with a strong commitment to responsible gaming. They should support a shared understanding between hosts and players on the value of responsible gaming that fosters long-term loyalty and player well-being." Dr. Shatley noted that ongoing discussions around the structure and ethics of VIP programs prompted the association to prioritize this area. We want to provide research-driven guidance that adequately supports these programs while helping VIP players keep their experience fun and within their limits, she added. Eleven key practices for responsible VIP programs ROGA's recommendations are grounded in current evidence and best practices, many of which are already in place at some operators. These practices span education, technology, communication, and oversight, and are designed to be integrated gradually by member organizations. The key recommended practices include: Training for VIP hosts: Ongoing, role-specific education to help VIP hosts understand their responsibilities in promoting responsible gaming. Automated behavioral monitoring: Utilizing technology to detect potential warning signs among VIP players, such as increased deposits, prolonged sessions, or failed withdrawals. Escalation procedures: Establishing protocols to involve responsible gaming specialists when signs of problematic behavior arise. RG messaging in VIP communications: Delivering consistent and tailored responsible gaming messages through direct interactions with VIPs. Structured VIP engagement: Ensuring transparency and player support through clearly defined communication protocols. Promotion restrictions: Prohibiting offers or incentives to players who are self-excluded, suspended, or on a cooling-off period, and providing opt-out options. Data access for players: Offering VIPs full visibility into their gaming activity, including withdrawals, deposits, and wagers. Tool awareness confirmation: Requiring VIPs to acknowledge their understanding of available responsible gaming tools upon onboarding. Ongoing RG education: Delivering regular educational resources to reinforce healthy gaming habits. Annual program evaluation: Reviewing VIP programs each year based on player and host feedback and engagement outcomes. Continuous improvement: Staying informed about emerging responsible gaming tools and integrating them where appropriate. Gradual integration, lasting impact While the list is non-exhaustive, ROGA emphasizes that it marks a critical step toward elevating responsible practices industry-wide. Member organizations have individually committed to adopting the recommendations within a commercially reasonable timeframe. Ultimately, these practices help align the goals of loyalty programs with player well-being, stated Dr. Shatley. By enhancing transparency, personalizing support, and using data intelligently, we can strengthen the foundation of trust that VIP programs are built on, she continued. The guidelines are part of ROGA's wider mission to identify and promote evidence-based responsible gaming practices. With the support of its members, the association plans to continue its work on other high-priority areas affecting the online gaming ecosystem. A complete list of ROGA's recommended practices for VIP programs is available on the organization's website.

The World Series of Poker Main Event has already begun, and this year's event will be held once again in Las Vegas, where it all started. This year undoubtedly comes with heavy expectations, as it is the 56th annual series and there will be a total of 100 tournaments before the World Series of Poker wraps up on the 16th of July. A record-breaking summer, star players, fresh tech, and plenty of drama set the stage for poker's biggest annual event. The World Series of Poker is back in Las Vegas, marking its 56th edition with 100 bracelet events - the most in its storied history. With familiar faces, fresh controversies, and a potential new record in sight, the 2025 WSOP promises seven weeks of high-stakes action and compelling narratives. Moneymaker's legacy meets Gen Z There will be players in this year's WSOP Main Event who weren't even born when Chris Moneymaker won in 2003, launching the poker boom that changed the game forever. Sure, the same was true in 2024. But it remains a reminder of how far the WSOP has come since its cash-game beginnings in 1970. Fast forward to today: there are a new generation of players who will battle for poker's most coveted title, across two venues - Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas - through July 16. GGPoker's new era and the WSOP+ app This is the first WSOP since GGPoker's parent company, NSUS Group Inc., acquired the brand from Caesars. While the tournament's bare bones remain the same, one major shift has already emerged: the introduction of the WSOP+ app. With the app, players can now register for events via mobile, monitor chip counts, and check blinds in real-time - streamlining what used to be a chaotic in-person process. However, smartphones are banned at the final three tables of any event, a rule change intended to preserve the integrity of late-stage play. After years of chasing Jamie Gold's 2006 record of 8,773 entrants, the Main Event finally shattered it in 2023 with 10,043 players - only to break it again in 2024 with 10,112. Can 2025 make it three in a row? This is unlikely, say insiders. Economic concerns persist, and US tourism has taken a hit - travel to Las Vegas dropped 8% in March year-over-year. These factors could nudge entry numbers just low enough to settle for the third-biggest Main Event ever. Beyond the Main Event While the Main Event gets the spotlight, the WSOP schedule is packed with variety: The Series opened with the popular 'Mystery Millions' The cheapest buy-in is the 'Gladiators of Poker' for $300, starting June 25 The highest stakes belong to the 'Super High Roller' which costs $250,000, and it is beginning on June 15 Prestige is on the line in the 'Poker Players Championship' for $50,000 a mixed-game tournament starting June 24 And innovation takes center stage with the June 22 'Battle of the Ages,' that have separate flights for players above and below age 50. Hellmuth vs. the clock, and Kristen Foxen chases history Phil Hellmuth, the all-time leader in WSOP bracelets with 17, has once again sparked controversy. Citing the grueling Main Event schedule, the 60-year-old initially announced he would skip this year's tournament - a move many believed was strategic pressure on organizers to add a rest day. Then came the backpedal: Hellmuth put the decision in the hands of a Twitter poll, promising to boycott in 2026 if the format remains unchanged. As usual, poker's ultimate showman has everyone watching. Kristen Foxen nearly broke through in 2024, finishing 13th in the Main Event and earning $600,000. But her quest for history this year goes beyond the headline event. With bracelet wins in 2023 and 2024 (albeit online), she aims to become the first woman ever to win bracelets in three consecutive years. Even with the asterisk some attach to online victories, Foxen is undoubtedly among the best tournament players in the world - and her performance this summer will be closely watched. Hall of Fame race heats up The WSOP also means another round of fierce debate: Who will join poker's Hall of Fame? Last year's inductee, Patrik Antonius, edged out a crowded field that included Josh Arieh, Kathy Liebert, Mike Matusow, and others. Newly eligible this year are Scott Seiver (seven-time bracelet winner) and Nick Schulman (six bracelets and a respected poker broadcaster). With only one spot open, we can all expect passionate debate, cries of snobbery, and no shortage of drama.

Sweepstakes platform VGW – owner of LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker – has announced that it is pulling out of New York, and it is a decision that it didn’t take lightly. Beginning on the 2nd of June, New York players will no longer be able to purchase Gold Coins, participate in contests, and the like. The remaining Sweeps Coins in players’ accounts can still be used until July 2, and on August 1, the redemption of Sweeps Coins will no longer be possible. In a significant move for the online social casino industry, VGW - the powerhouse behind Global Poker, Chumba Casino, and LuckyLand Slots - has announced it is phasing out its sweepstakes operations in New York. While the company will continue offering its free-to-play Gold Coin games, Sweeps Coin functionality is being systematically wound down over the coming months. Sweeps Coins to be discontinued starting June 2 VGW stated that New York players have already been notified of the decision via email. Beginning June 2, players will no longer be able to acquire Sweeps Coins through any means - including daily logins, contests, Gold Coin purchases, or mail-in entries. However, existing Sweeps Coin balances can still be used for gameplay until July 2. From July 2, gameplay using Sweeps Coins will be fully disabled, and any new mail-in requests will no longer be processed. By August 1, the ability to redeem any remaining Sweeps Coins for prizes will be permanently discontinued. A VGW spokesperson emphasized that players in New York will still have access to their favorite games using Gold Coins, which are entirely free-to-play and remain unaffected by the regulatory concerns driving the decision. “We are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth and seamless as possible,” said the spokesperson. A decision made in the best interests of all stakeholders VGW acknowledged the significance of this decision, particularly for long-time players in New York. “We understand this is an adjustment after many years, and some players may be disappointed,” said the spokesperson. “This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made at this time in the best interests of all our stakeholders.” This move reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to align with evolving expectations around regulatory compliance. In February, VGW raised its minimum player age from 18 to 21, citing a commitment to safe and responsible gaming. The New York exit follows that same philosophy. “VGW has operated in North America for more than a decade, creating not only great games, user experiences and entertainment but ensuring this is done safely, responsibly and at the highest level of standards,” the company said. Regulatory clouds prompt sweeps retreat VGW is not the first sweeps operator to leave the Empire State. Other major platforms, including High 5 Casino, McLuck, Hello Millions, and Funzpoints, have also exited the market in recent months. The trend coincides with increased legislative scrutiny. In March, Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced a bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos in New York. While that bill has seen little movement since April 30, and a duplicate Assembly Bill is only just entering committee on May 28, the industry has already begun to act preemptively. VGW is not a member of the Social and Promotional Games Association, which has advocated for regulatory clarity and held conversations with New York officials. However, the company is part of the newer Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which shares similar goals around responsible growth and engagement with lawmakers. “As we’ve previously said, we acknowledge increased interest in our innovative industry that millions of Americans enjoy,” VGW said. “We are committed to respectful engagement on establishing modern, appropriate regulatory structures that benefit players and states alike.” Social gaming remains viable in New York More importantly, VGW’s Gold Coin-based social casino gaming will continue to be available to New York players. Unlike Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for real-world prizes, Gold Coins are purely for entertainment and fall outside the regulatory gray areas affecting sweepstakes promotions. Although New York has not yet enacted new laws restricting these platforms, VGW’s decision demonstrates a growing sense of caution and strategic foresight within the industry. For now, the departure of VGW - the largest and most recognized sweepstakes operator in the US - marks a pivotal moment. But one thing is clear: the industry is preparing for change, and VGW is intent on leading the transition with transparency and responsibility.

A candidate for the governor of California, Kyle Langford, has bet on himself to win as governor. He placed the wager of $100 on himself to be the next governor of the state and even boosted his odds to nearly 20%. But is it legal? Kalshi weighs in. In a move that has sparked both intrigue and ethical questions, California Republican gubernatorial candidate Kyle Langford placed a $100 wager on Kalshi - a regulated prediction market - betting that he will become the state’s next governor. Langford posted a video of himself making the bet on Saturday via X, writing: “I just bet $100 that I, Kyle Langford, will be the next Governor of California. Join me (if you believe) @Kalshi.” Though the amount wagered is modest, the act of betting on one's own political future has drawn attention across political and regulatory circles. Langford’s public call to action also led to a temporary spike in his odds on the Kalshi platform, pushing his probability of winning from virtually zero to nearly 20%. This shift occurred despite limited market activity, with only about $2,500 in total trading volume on the California governor market at the time. Regulatory gray area: what Kalshi allows Kalshi, a federally regulated exchange for event-based trading, has a complicated stance when it comes to political candidates participating in their markets. According to Kalshi’s rulebook, the California governor market itself does not carry any explicit “trading prohibitions.” This has led to ambiguity around whether candidates like Langford are technically allowed to wager on their own races. While Kalshi has introduced broad restrictions on political betting, especially following scrutiny from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, it stops short of explicitly banning all candidates from trading. One notable restriction, however, does prohibit “paid employees of PACs” from participating in most markets. Langford, notably, served as the president of the California First PAC, and according to his LinkedIn profile, may still hold that position. A Kalshi email sent to users in October clarified that candidates running for office were expected to abstain from participating in political markets, summarizing the rule with the statement: “Spoiler alert: if you’re running for office or counting the votes, you’re sitting this one out.” Despite this guidance, the rules remain somewhat open to interpretation, especially since the California governor market doesn’t appear on Kalshi’s most tightly restricted list of political markets. Langford’s bet, therefore, may not explicitly violate Kalshi’s policies, but it certainly pushes the boundaries of acceptable conduct in the eyes of many observers. Ethical dilemma: is betting on yourself fair play? The legality of Langford’s move may be murky, but the ethical implications are clearer to many: candidates wagering on their own races - even in small amounts - undermines public trust. The concern is not just about betting for oneself, but about the broader potential for market manipulation. What’s to stop a candidate from betting against themselves or placing wagers on opponents? The fact that Langford’s bet influenced his odds on Kalshi further complicates matters. By encouraging others to follow suit, Langford leveraged a relatively low-liquidity market to manufacture the appearance of momentum. In the absence of traditional polling or media coverage, these odds can be misleadingly cited as evidence of viability by a campaign seeking to build credibility. Though Langford’s action may seem like a stunt, it highlights a structural vulnerability in the intersection between politics and prediction markets. Kalshi responds to public scrutiny Following media inquiries and rising concern, Kalshi issued a statement addressing the situation: "We are aware of the recently publicized circumstance regarding a candidate trading on a market regarding their candidacy, and our compliance and surveillance teams are acting accordingly. As required of all CFTC-regulated exchanges, Kalshi investigates and, as appropriate, adjudicates all potential violations of its Rules." Kalshi added that the outcome of the investigation could become public through an official exchange notice but declined to offer additional details at this time. Langford’s bet has opened a conversation about the role of prediction markets in modern campaigning. While Kalshi remains under close watch by regulators and the political community, this incident could prompt calls for clearer guidelines - or even legislative action - to ensure that candidates aren’t incentivized to manipulate platforms that are meant to reflect public sentiment, not shape it.

A lot of loaded contenders in the Counter-Strike 2 scene are making their way to the Austin Major this season with the hopes of notching history in the tournament. However, it seems that a massive favorite is looming over all of them this time around with Team Vitality set as the top pick to win the competition. Kicking off today, the CS2 Austin Major is set to feature the likes of MOUZ, Team Spirit, and Team Falcons – just some of the hottest teams in the league right now that has made their presence felt on some of the big stages earlier in the season. But despite all their strong runs so far, nothing has been better than Team Vitality, who has been riding on a massive winning streak of 30 straight matches so far. To win consecutive matches alone is a tough task in a highly competitive environment such as CS2. Yet, Team Vitality seems to be keen on writing history as they keep on putting up impressive performances night in and night out, which says a lot about their chances of clinching the Austin Major now more than ever. A New Era of Dominance? No team in the history of the whole Counter-Strike franchise has been able to dominate the big stage this way. Well – at least since the days of the legendary Astralis squad in its prime back then. Now, Team Vitality is riding hard with a lot of pressure and confidence at the same time. Vitality, for all its success and dominance in the game so far, isn’t without its challengers. Still, none of these teams have had a winning record against the French squad so far. MOUZ has a 3-15 record against them this year. Team Spirit has gone 1-7, and Team Falcons may be the closest at 5-10. These so-called CS2 juggernauts may be needing some massive tweaks if they are going to ever score a win against Team Vitality, who has been scorching hot against these three teams this season, showing how their dominance is allowing them to take over the CS2 scene as if they are the new face of the franchise moving forward. Well, a win at the Austin Major could tilt the scales into their favor on that regard. After all, no one has ever managed to win a lot of games the way Team Vitality did, which definitely proves that there is indeed more to expect from the team as they move forward with a bigger goal in mind. Can the Streak Stay Alive? The superstar duo of Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Robin “ropz” Kool has been very vocal about their recent success, crediting the entire squad and putting a lot of trust and spotlight on their supporting cast. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, William “mezii” Merriman, and Dan “apEX” Madesclaire have all been crucial in helping the squad win a total of six tournaments in a row. The last win in IEM Dallas following a sweep of MOUZ says a lot about how they are still reigning supreme in the game. For the streak, however, to stay alive, they will have to keep on grinding hard and outwit their opponents on the big stage. After all, Team Vitality is in prime position to also become the first team in the history of CS2 to win two Grand Slams in a single calendar year. They now have three chances left to complete that feat this year.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup has always been one to determine the best among elite teams in the North Americas. Last year, it was Columbus Crew who took home the crown, and now it is all far from the MLS as the Vancouver Whitecaps lost out on their chance to win the final when they lost to the Cruz Azul. But to say that the Whitecaps lost is an understatement. They were, after all, heavy favorites to win this showdown in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, only to disappoint the many fans and critics who were rooting for them as they dropped a 5-0 clash against the LIGA MX side – a poor finish for the first time in a long while. The Whitecaps, who are the best team in the Western Conference, was nowhere near their best when they battled Cruz Azul. They took an absolute beating all around and could not find their groove when it mattered most, ending up in a clean sheet win for the latter team and for Vancouver to go back to the drawing board and refocus their priorities in keeping hold of the top spot in the West. A Tough Loss for the Whitecaps Azul did not let up in almost every single moment in the game, and one can say that there have been a lot of missed opportunities for Vancouver to make the most of its chances. In fact, the 5-0 finish is just Azul missing out some key shots, and it would have been double the deficit if they made all of their shots. Nothing has been easy for Vancouver for the whole game. Cruz Azul limited the passing lanes and had a body on almost every other player for the Whitecaps, and the defense was ultimately swarming a lot to the point that the Canadian side did not even get a shot off FOR THE WHOLE GAME. Vancouver did try to show some signs of life in the game. Head coach Jasper Sørensen subbed up Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda with the hopes of changing up the pace of the attack. However, the effort was futile as the Whitecaps could not turn the tables in the game, especially when Cruz was already up 5-0 before halftime. By the Numbers The stat sheet was as realistic as it could be. It was all Cruz Azul as they nabbed eight shots on target coming off 18 attempts overall. Vancouver, on the other hand, had no shot attempts at all, which says a lot about how the game came into this poor finish for the team. Azul held most of the ball for 68% and was on-point with their passes, finishing with a total of 550 on 89% accuracy. Nothing worked well for Vancouver on that end as well, as they only had possession of the ball for 32% of the game, including 79% pass accuracy for 267 passes made. Entering this match, the Whitecaps were unbeaten in all competitions for 15 straight games. It could not have come at a worse time, considering that this was a high-stakes match with the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup slots were on the line. Now it seems that they will have to wait for another chance to prove their worth on that big stage now more than ever.

Five men from Pennsylvania have decided to sue DraftKings for hundreds of thousands of dollars lost due to gambling. One of the plaintiffs is a teacher who allegedly lost more than $130K, while another player lost more than $350K – in spite of applying for self-exclusion. Five men from Pennsylvania are suing online sports betting company DraftKings, claiming the platform used predatory tactics and misleading promotions to exploit their gambling addictions and drain them of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The federal lawsuit, filed in late April, accuses DraftKings of targeting vulnerable users with deceptive marketing and intentionally vague terms and conditions. According to the complaint, the men - one of whom is a public school teacher - were systematically manipulated by a platform designed to keep compulsive gamblers engaged, despite their efforts to stop. They are seeking to launch a class action lawsuit, potentially opening the door for other similarly affected bettors to join the case. Promotions mask deceptive fine print, lawsuit says The lawsuit takes aim at the way DraftKings advertises its promotional offers. Common deals like deposit matches or “no sweat” bets are touted as risk-free, but are allegedly packed with complicated and hard-to-find terms that limit their actual value. “DraftKings uses these tactics to identify and cultivate the people it wants on its platform: those who are most susceptible to these sorts of promotions and most likely to lose a lot of money betting,” reads the complaint. “In other words, marks.” The plaintiffs argue that the platform does not act to protect users showing signs of gambling addiction, but instead exploits them for profit. The lawsuit also criticizes DraftKings for failing to honor user requests for self-exclusion, a tool meant to help compulsive gamblers restrict their own access. Personal stories highlight devastating losses Among the plaintiffs is a Pittsburgh teacher earning roughly $50,000 a year, who lost $134,000 on the DraftKings platform. The lawsuit says he drained his bank account and borrowed heavily from friends and family in order to continue gambling. Another plaintiff from Allentown reportedly attempted to self-exclude after recognizing his gambling addiction. But despite his request, he regained access to his account and proceeded to lose over $350,000. The complaint states that the man now suffers from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, in addition to having lost friends and employment. A third man, even after placing himself on Pennsylvania’s official self-exclusion list - a state-run registry that should prevent access to gambling platforms - continued to gamble on the app, suggesting that DraftKings failed to comply with the state’s safeguards. Lawsuit reflects growing scrutiny of online sportsbooks The lawsuit comes at a time when online sports betting platforms have surged in popularity across the United States, following a 2018 US Supreme Court decision that overturned a federal ban and allowed states to legalize sports betting. In Pennsylvania, DraftKings operates through a partnership with Hollywood Casino and ranks as the state’s second-largest sportsbook by revenue. The company also owns an online casino. The plaintiffs are represented by Loevy + Loevy, a Chicago-based civil rights law firm that has filed similar suits against DraftKings in other states, including New Jersey, Illinois, New York, and Kentucky. As of May 20, DraftKings had not filed a legal response to the Pennsylvania lawsuit, and company representatives did not respond to media requests for comment. If granted class action status, the lawsuit could have wide implications for how online sportsbooks are regulated, especially in their handling of vulnerable users. It could also pressure companies like DraftKings to implement stronger safeguards for problem gamblers and improve transparency in their promotional strategies. For now, the plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will bring accountability - and relief - to others who have faced similar financial and emotional harm at the hands of online gambling platforms.