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A bill from New Jersey, Senate Bill 2155, has been officially signed by Governor Phil Murphy. Under the Bill, universities and colleges in the state will be banned from signing deals and partnerships with sports betting platforms. This will also prohibit sports betting platforms from advertising their brands inside stadiums and other athletics facilities and on campus. New Jersey has drawn a firm line in the sand when it comes to the intersection of college campuses and sports betting. On Tuesday, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Senate Bill 2155, a measure that prohibits colleges and universities from entering into partnerships with sports betting platforms. This move effectively ends all advertising and promotional arrangements between higher education institutions and sportsbooks. Under the new legislation, sportsbooks can no longer promote their brands through on-campus advertisements, inside athletic arenas and stadiums, or via school-affiliated digital and broadcast media. This includes commonly used marketing tactics such as branded signage, logos on broadcasts, or in-game odds reads during televised college sports events. The bill, sponsored by Senators Joe Cryan and John McKeon, also bars athletics departments and booster clubs from engaging in deals that would promote gambling on college grounds or through school-endorsed platforms. A response to problem gambling among young adults Sen. Cryan, who chairs the Senate Higher Education Committee, said the measure was in direct response to rising concerns over problem gambling among students. "The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive impact on their lives," Cryan said. "Our college campuses should be places for learning, not underage gambling." A poll in 2024 conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University painted a grim picture: 10 percent of college-age men reported gambling behavior that put them at risk for addiction - more than triple the national average of three percent. While college students may not gamble with large sums of money, their frequent participation in longshot parlays and similar high-risk wagers often reflects a deeper pattern of addictive behavior. According to Sen. McKeon, marketing directly to this vulnerable group has consequences beyond finances. "They should not be inundated with messages that entice them into gambling habits that can put them into debt and have corrosive effects on their psychological and emotional well-being," he said. While the law applies solely to New Jersey-based institutions, it comes after a wave of sports betting partnerships formed between major sportsbooks and US colleges in recent years. PointsBet, for example, signed a deal with the University of Colorado before selling its North American assets to Fanatics two years ago. Caesars had brief but notable arrangements with both Louisiana State University and Michigan State University. Though many of these deals were ultimately short-lived due to mounting public pressure, they opened the door for similar arrangements elsewhere - something New Jersey now clearly wants to prevent. Part of a larger consumer protection push New Jersey has long been one of the most successful and active sports betting markets in the United States. In 2024 alone, the state's sportsbooks pulled in $1.1 billion in revenue from a staggering $12.8 billion in handle - a nearly 9% revenue increase from the previous year. But despite its commercial success, state regulators have remained focused on player protection. Gambling on in-state college teams is already prohibited in New Jersey, even when those teams compete in national tournaments. The new campus partnership ban builds on that foundation, and further steps may be coming. A Senate committee recently advanced legislation that would ban college player prop bets - wagers on the performance of individual college athletes - though the bill has yet to be brought to a full vote. With this legislation now signed into law, New Jersey is sending a clear message: student welfare takes precedence over sportsbook profits. While the law applies only within the Garden State, its ripple effects could influence similar legislative proposals in other jurisdictions as concerns over youth gambling behaviors continue to grow.

FanDuel has officially submitted its application in Missouri for sports betting, as the state prepares to launch betting on sports this December. The Missouri Gaming Commission has received a total of three applications for sports betting in the state and will award two untethered sports betting licenses. FanDuel is officially setting its sights on the Missouri sports betting market. The leading US sportsbook operator has submitted an application for one of the state's coveted untethered sports betting licenses, the Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed. This move positions FanDuel as one of the first major players seeking to secure a direct pathway into the Show-Me State's booming sports betting landscape, which is slated to go live on December 1, 2025. Untethered licenses: the golden ticket to Missouri's sports betting market The untethered licenses offered by the Missouri Gaming Commission are among the most sought-after in the upcoming sports betting rollout. Unlike tethered licenses, which require operators to partner with an in-state casino or professional sports team, untethered license holders are granted independent access to the market as well as retain 100% of their generated revenues. Under Missouri's newly approved regulations, the state will grant only two of these untethered online licenses. FanDuel and rival DraftKings are the only two operators to have officially applied for them so far. The Gaming Commission will accept applications for these licenses until July 15, 2025, and is scheduled to announce the two selected operators on August 15. Three applications and counting As of now, Missouri regulators have received three total sports betting license applications. In addition to FanDuel and DraftKings, Underdog has applied for both online and retail licenses, although it has not yet revealed a partner for market access - a requirement for tethered operations. In total, the Missouri Gaming Commission is authorized to issue up to 19 retail sportsbook licenses and as many as 14 online licenses. This includes the two untethered licenses and 12 tethered online licenses tied to Missouri casinos or sports franchises. Regulatory roadmap and key dates The Missouri Gaming Commission has laid out a detailed timeline to bring the state's sports betting market to life. Here are the most important upcoming dates: 15th of July: Deadline to submit applications for untethered online licenses. 13th of August: Applicants for untethered licenses may be asked to appear before the Missouri Gaming Commission for review. 15th of August: The commission announces the two approved untethered online license holders. 12th of September: All tethered online and retail applications must be finalized. 1st of December: The official launch date for legal sports betting in Missouri. FanDuel's strategic position FanDuel's decision to pursue an untethered license demonstrates the operator's ambition to secure a dominant foothold in Missouri without the need for revenue-sharing partnerships. With its extensive customer base and its leading app, FanDuel is likely to be a strong contender for one of the two untethered licenses. The brand has already established itself as a top-tier sportsbook across numerous US markets, often competing neck-and-neck with DraftKings for market share. Missouri could soon become the next battleground for these two giants of online betting. A growing market with high stakes Missouri's legalization of sports betting comes after years of legislative debates. Now that the regulatory framework is in place, the focus shifts to execution and operator competition. With big names like DraftKings and FanDuel vying for early entry, the market promises to be competitive from day one. The inclusion of untethered licenses marks a notable difference from more restrictive models seen in other states, giving select operators the chance to thrive independently and retain all earnings. That dynamic could reshape how sportsbooks strategize their state-by-state expansion in the future.

Spin Palace Casino (formerly Betway) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and other online casino operations under Super Group have just announced that it is halting its operations in the United States. The CEO of Super Group, Neal Menashe, says it's a difficult but necessary decision as recent developments in regulatory policies make it near impossible for Super Group to meet its targets. Super Group, the parent company of Betway and Spin brands, announced it is exiting the US online casino market, citing shifting regulatory conditions and capital allocation concerns. The decision comes less than a year after the company pulled out of the US sports betting space and mere months after it rebranded its online casino operations from Betway to Spin Palace Casino. "This is a difficult decision, particularly because our US team has worked hard and made progress over recent quarters," said Chief Executive Officer Neal Menashe in a press release issued Tuesday. "Nonetheless, recent regulatory developments combined with ongoing assessment of capital allocation requirements have led us to believe that our stringent hurdle for return on capital will likely not be met in this market any time soon." Instead, the company will now concentrate its focus on markets that offer "scalable, sustainable, profitable super growth," with an emphasis on operational efficiency and long-term return on investment. Regulatory pressure in New Jersey and Pennsylvania While Super Group did not single out specific policy changes, the reference to 'recent regulatory developments' likely includes the recent tax hike in New Jersey, one of just two US markets in which the company operated its online casino business. New Jersey recently raised the effective tax rate on online casino, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports operators to 19.75%. The company had previously acknowledged the proposed tax hike but did not hint at any plans to abandon the US market. On Super Group's first-quarter earnings call, Menashe said the company was "satisfied with the progress" in the US and reiterated its aim to break even by 2027. That optimism now appears to have faded. Exit strategy could cost up to $40 million The exact future of Super Group's US operations, including Spin Palace Casino in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, remains undecided. However, the company has forecast significant costs associated with the exit. "Various strategic exit options are under consideration," said Chief Financial Officer Alinda Van Wyk. "We are still early in the process but nonetheless would expect to incur a one-time cash restructuring cost of approximately $30 million to $40 million in connection with such an exit and are actively pursuing multiple efforts to minimize the impact thereof." Super Group's decision to shutter its online casino business comes just months after a significant rebranding effort in the US. In March, the company transitioned from the Betway brand to Spin Palace Casino. This followed the announcement in July 2024 that it was abandoning its US sports betting operations. At the time, Menashe had expressed confidence in the company's US outlook, noting that the casino operations were meeting key performance indicators and progressing toward long-term breakeven targets. However, the outlook has changed dramatically in the face of mounting regulatory and financial pressures. Strong growth outside the US While Super Group is scaling back in the US, it is enjoying strong performance in its international markets. The company reported record second-quarter results in its non-US business, driven by robust customer retention, improved pricing models, and record deposit levels. "We are very pleased with our performance in the second quarter," said Menashe. "We remain focused on driving profitable and sustainable growth through consistent execution and continue to be super-confident in the long-term growth potential of our business." Super Group has raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance for non-US operations to over $2 billion - an increase of nearly 4% from its earlier projection. Adjusted EBITDA expectations have also been bumped up to more than $480 million, reflecting a 5% increase over previous guidance.

Prediction market events trading platform Kalshi has released its events trading volume report for the early part of July, and it is dominated by Major League Baseball as well as Wimbledon for tennis - which was not surprising. But the report also had some surprising entries, such as Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, which accounted for 10% of all the volume in trading. In a week defined by both athletic prowess and oddly specific wagering, sports betting has once again taken center stage at Kalshi, the US-regulated prediction market platform. For the week ending in July 6, sports-related markets accounted for more than 70% of total trading volume, with tennis, Major League Baseball, and the ever-iconic Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest leading the pack. According to the latest volume data, eight of Kalshi's top ten markets were sports-related, and 12 of the top 20 overall fell under the sports category. Although overall trading volume remains below the peaks seen during NBA and NHL seasons, the latest figures show a strong resurgence in market activity tied to live sports events. Wimbledon wagers take the crown Kalshi users were particularly engaged with Wimbledon betting, which accounted for more than one-third of all trading volume on the platform last week. Tennis fans and traders were drawn to a wide array of betting opportunities - from forecasting winners of the men's and women's singles tournaments to speculating on individual match outcomes. Part of the appeal comes from the sheer number of matchups available in the tournament's early rounds, creating ample opportunities for varied predictions. These markets were not only available on Kalshi directly but also accessible via trading apps like Robinhood. Baseball betting hits a home run and hotdog eating contest sizzles with activity Major League Baseball also drew significant attention, making up more than 16% of total market activity. Kalshi's KXMLBGAME market - which covers single-game outcomes - saw robust participation, suggesting a consistent appetite for daily sports speculation among traders. As the MLB season marches on, these day-to-day markets are likely to remain a steady source of volume for the platform. In what could only be described as a blend of sports, spectacle, and satire, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest commanded nearly 10% of Kalshi's weekly trading. Traders were able to place bets not only on the contest's male winner (KXNATHANSHD) but also on how many hot dogs he would consume (KXNATHANDOGS). While these wagers may seem frivolous - the font about it being a 'serious financial market and hedging opportunity' is oozing with sarcasm - the market activity says otherwise. Notably, there were no markets available for the women's division of the contest. Beyond the big three, Kalshi traders also engaged with several niche and emerging sports markets. These included bets on the John Deere Classic of the PGA Tour, the Grant Park 165 NASCAR race, the FIFA Club World Cup matches, WNBA games, and finally, Major League Soccer matchups. Interestingly, Kalshi did not offer a market on the widely anticipated Gold Cup championship match between the US and Mexico. Non-sports markets still active but overshadowed While sports betting dominated the top 20, other prediction markets managed to maintain a presence. These included economic forecasts like Bitcoin's daily price, S&P index levels, and the Federal Reserve's next rate decision. Political and entertainment markets also made the cut, including predictions on the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee, the New York City mayoral race, and even the Rotten Tomatoes score for the upcoming film Jurassic World Rebirth. Despite more than a thousand markets being live on Kalshi, the top 20 accounted for a staggering 87% of all trading volume - which strongly demonstrates the platform's skewed focus on high-engagement events and culturally resonant topics. As sports continue to dominate trading sentiment on Kalshi, the intersection of entertainment, economics, and eccentric events promises a fascinating glimpse into what traders truly care about - or at least what they're willing to stake money on.

Chet Holmgren was instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s bid for a league title in the 2024-25 season. Despite missing a full year and then nearly half of the previous season, Holmgren proved to be pivotal in impacting OKC’s offense and defense, which led to the team to eventually push to sign him for more years to come. This comes as a timely extension after the Thunder have also signed superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a four-year, $285 million deal. The KIA MVP, WCF MVP, and Finals MVP have earned it well after a majestic season in which he also finished as the league’s scoring champion among many accolades, as well as being recently named the cover athlete of NBA 2K26. Holmgren averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 blocks per game for the Thunder last season. Despite what can be seen as his worst season, it only gets better from there. Oklahoma City’s plan to run it back rests on having its big three core intact together, and now it is going to be one heck of a push to make them all stay for more years to come. OKC has ticked two, now there’s only one left. The Holmgren Deal With SGA finally done with his extension and guaranteed to stay until the 2030-31 season, it definitely made sense that Oklahoma City would now move to its next stars at hand for a chance to keep them together. With the deal, Holmgren is now slated to make about $41 million per year starting the 2026-27 season, which is the start of the extension. Next year, however, the Thunder big man will make $13.7 million – which is the final year of his rookie deal. This should be a landmark season and a chance to improve his numbers before entering the prime years of his career with OKC. Holmgren has already proved his worth on the big stage when he averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds in 23 playoff games – never missing a single one when it mattered most. OKC capped off a massive run where they managed to beat Indiana in a seven-game clincher. For what it is worth, Holmgren had his ups and downs, and yet he managed to come back strong for OKC when it mattered most, and that says a lot about his value for the team. Facing Adversity with Grit Holmgren was selected as the no. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft behind Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero. Had it not been for his foot injury, he may have ended up winning Rookie of the Year. Instead, he redshirted the entire season while also paving the way for the breakout of fellow 2022 pick Jalen Williams. “They went through a fair amount of adversity during the season,” Presti said last month in his end-of-season meeting with reporters. “In reality, a lot of that adversity forged us into the team that we were, playing different lineups and being without certain players and then getting those players back, and the selflessness and humility that the players coming back had to have in order to fit into a team that was really cooking without them. Chet is one example of that, but we had many others.” The Thunder center then returned in the 2023-24 season and played all 82 games to showcase his ability to stay on the court when healthy. OKC reached the semis in that run but was eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks. Holmgren also had a great start in the 2024-25 season, going as far as being the top three in MVP talks before his hip injury.

When you least expect it, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system is coming to make an appearance in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game this year. As it is slated to be a permanent addition next year, it is expected that the challenge system will be implemented to cover the whole game and detect potential bugs before refining it ahead of the 2026 run. So far, the ABS Challenge System is slated to make a full appearance in the 2026 run. It was already used in the previous Spring Training, which earned it mixed reception to its functionality and usability. Using it in the All-Star Game, in which the best of the best will play, should significantly lead to more research data about the efficacy of the system moving forward. The ABS system is one of the latest umpire innovations in sports. The EPL has implemented the VAR for these same purposes, and the ATP Tour employs instant review with AI. The NBA, on the other hand, has a variety of review centers for game analyses. Should the ABS system prove successful, it may well set the standard for the AI-assisted refereeing in the United States, and should push further innovation among other leagues in the country. How Does the ABS System Work? More known as the “robo-ump” system, the ABS challenge system, serves as a high-tech method for calling pitches that takes human error (and human subjectivity) out of the equation. It’s not a physical robot behind the plate, but a system of cameras, radar, and software that determines – accurately and instantly – whether a pitch is a ball or a strike. Multiple high-speed cameras and radar units (like Hawk-Eye) are installed around the stadium. They track the ball from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s mitt with extreme precision, speed, spin, trajectory, and location. As soon as the ball crosses the plate, the ABS determines whether it touched any part of the strike zone. The call, whether it is a ball or strike, is made in real time. Pitchers, catchers, and hitters are the only ones who may initiate the challenge as soon as the pitch happens. Players will tap their hats or helmets to the umpire should they want to challenge. Any form of assistance from the dugout or even other players in the field are not allowed. Based on a poll back in Spring Training, around 72% of fans say that the ABS system is on a positive side. An estimated 69% of the fans want it to be part of the game moving forward, while 10% do not want it to be implemented in the MLB. ABS and Sports Betting Whether you believe it or not, the ABS system stands as a positive development for sports betting, particularly because it increases accuracy, consistency, and transparency. These pillars of a promising betting environment enables bigger opportunities for fans and punters alike. By allowing teams to challenge a limited number of ball-strike calls per game, the system helps correct egregious mistakes while still keeping the human element intact. For bettors, this means fewer blown calls impacting props like total strikeouts, walks, or runs scored. It also reduces the variability caused by inconsistent umpires, which sharpens betting lines and creates a fairer playing field. Additionally, the presence of challenges introduces new live betting opportunities and adds drama to key at-bats. However, because challenges are limited, not every bad call will be overturned, and some inconsistency may still affect outcomes. Plus, the system slightly diminishes the value of pitch framing, which could impact certain catcher-related props or fantasy scoring.

Truly, the grass courts bring out the best among players in the ATP Tour. This is now starting to become reality as we now enter the semis stage of Wimbledon with the last four players standing certified as the best that the Tour has seen in the season so far. Headlined by Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz, tennis fans are in for a treat. Wimbledon is one of the toughest stages to win in as it is the third and penultimate tennis major of the season. Basically, anyone who’s winning this one is defintiely entering as a favorite heading into the US Open as well. Still, it is rare air to see some of the top finalists of this year's multiple tournaments barge into the Wimbledon SFs and make some noise there. Now we are in for one of the fantastic finishes that will definitely take the game to another level. The Wimbledon semis are expected to be intense, full of exciting plays, and a lot of grit in display now more than ever. We are seeing the former world no. 1 in Djokovic take on reigning world no. 1 Sinner. On the other hand, there’s a budding rivalry showdown between US top star Fritz, and defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz to look out for. A Great Time to be a Tennis Fan The stakes have never been higher than ever in this Wimbledon showdown. Sinner is seeking his first Wimbledon final after crashing out in the 2023 semis and crushing it in the French Open quarters. A win would vindicate his leg‑dominance and resilience following his five‑set loss in Paris, and further cement his top ranking by gaining 800 points while denying Djokovic the same. For the Serbian star, on the other hand, is a chase for greatness at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam, and potentially an eighth Wimbledon crown to match Roger Federer. A win would defy the odds in his age and silence his critics for his inability to win a major in almost a whole year. On the other bracket, Fritz is America’s last man standing, the first men’s Wimbledon semifinalist since John Isner in 2018. With a 13‑1 grass record and titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne (the most by an American since 1990), he’s now aiming for a first Grand Slam final. Alcaraz, however, would not be denied. The rising Spanish maestro is eyeing an elite hat‑trick – only accomplished by Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Federer, and Djokovic – while aiming to surpass Rafael Nadal’s total at SW19. If this is not the best time to be a tennis fan, then I don’t know what is. By the Numbers: Who Emerges for the Final? Carlos Alcaraz leads the pack as the favorite to win with odds of -150. Sinner follows suit with +240, while Djokovic stands at +370. Despite being a higher seed than the Serbian star, Fritz is at +1800. Don’t let the numbers fool you, though. Each of these players have a solid chance at making history in SW19, and their campaign is definitely pushing further towards a fantastic finish that many fans have been looking forward to see in a long time. Should the odds prevail, we may be seeing a wondrous ending for Alcaraz in the grass courts. A win would mark his third straight win in Wimbledon – and a shot at history while gearing up to take over the world no. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings as well.

Danil “Dendi” Ishutin is no stranger to League of Legends. Long before he cemented his place in Dota 2 history, he had already logged an estimated 2,000 matches on the Summoner’s Rift. He even pursued the top of the ranked ladder, reaching the top 40 before pausing to focus on preparing for The International. This isn’t a newcomer’s curiosity – Dendi was serious about testing League at the highest levels. On stream, Dendi described his experience candidly. He likened the games to comparing chess to checkers, saying League felt strategically restricted. Though he appreciated how LoL had evolved over its fifteen‑year lifespan, he ultimately found Dota 2 to be deeper and more engaging. His view remains firm: he believes the field for outplay in Dota is “insanely huge” compared to League’s. Still, Dendi has recently made moves suggesting a real, albeit temporary, shift. After failing a personal challenge to gain 1,000 MMR in Dota over ten Twitch streams, he uninstalled the game. As part of the same challenge, he committed to diving back into League of Legends. He hasn’t played since 2011, but he still remembers the fundamentals and wanted to embrace a new challenge. A Potential Move? One might wonder if this is simply a break or the beginning of a full transition. Dendi has made clear via multiple interviews and streams that he misses Dota. He has not ruled out playing League seriously but frames his time in LoL as part of his exploration for a refreshing test of skill and excitement . Even as he returns to League, the affection for Dota remains firmly rooted. The underlying question remains: Does Dendi genuinely have what it takes to reach the top of League’s ranked system? He has consistently shown that he is driven by challenges. His ambition to reach top 1,000, or even top 40, on the LoL ladder demonstrates that this is more than just a casual flex. Yet we have to consider the differences between the two games. League generally offers a narrower strategic landscape, while Dota presents vastly more variables and outplay opportunities. That contrast – chess versus checkers – is central to Dendi’s critique . His next moves will tell us more. If he pours hours into climbing the LoL ladder, adapting to evolving metas, and perhaps even climbing toward pro‑level amateur play, then this challenge may transcend mere entertainment. He could emerge as one of the few players to almost bridge the gap between two of the biggest MOBAs. It would not just be a novelty – it would be a statement about his mindset as a competitor. What’s Attracting Dendi? For now, this looks like a side quest rather than a full defection. Dendi is testing his skills, taking a break from the familiar grind, and challenging himself in a new environment. He will almost certainly return to Dota – but when he does, it may be with renewed perspective, fresh ideas, and perhaps even new strategies inspired by his time in League. To truly switch, Dendi would have to commit heavy time and effort toward LoL climbing, content creation in the LoL space, or joining a League‑focused team. He hasn’t indicated such a path yet. Instead, this seems to be an exploration of skill, fun, and self‑renewal. But historical pattern suggests that his legacy will remain rooted in Dota 2 – though with one eye keenly observing Summoner’s Rift.

The San Diego Padres have been a promising team to watch this season, but it is worth noting that it has been Manny Machado’s antics that have proven to be quite the difference with the way he has continued to lead the squad with his impressive hitting game. At this point, there’s just more to expect from him as Machado now etches his name in history with 2,000 hits now to his tally. Machado tallied this feat with a home run in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since his debut in 2012 with the Baltimore Orioles, Machado has been one of the most productive and consistent hitters in baseball. Now in his thirties, he becomes one of the youngest active players to reach the 2,000-hit mark. His rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Few players have combined elite defensive prowess at third base with offensive power and reliability the way Machado has. Over the years, his ability to produce at the plate and flash the glove in critical moments has made him a perennial All-Star and one of the most respected figures in the league. Big Milestones for Manny the Hitter The 2,000-hit milestone is not just a number. It is a symbol of longevity and sustained excellence. Fewer than 300 players in MLB history have reached that mark, and many of them have gone on to earn a place in the Hall of Fame. For Machado, this moment is not only a personal achievement but also a statement of intent as he continues to build a resume that will surely earn Hall of Fame consideration once his playing days are over. It also highlights the rare blend of talent and determination required to remain at such a high level over the course of a demanding major league career. In recent years, Machado has taken on an even larger leadership role with the Padres. Since joining San Diego in 2019, he has been the anchor of a franchise that has been striving to establish itself as a serious contender in the National League. His presence both on the field and in the clubhouse has provided stability and experience for a team filled with emerging stars. Whether mentoring younger players or stepping up in clutch situations, Machado has embraced his role as the heart and soul of the Padres roster. Ready for More Action? His 2,000th hit could not have come at a more important time for the Padres. As the team battles in a competitive National League West, every game and every hit matters. Machado's home run against the Diamondbacks not only added to his personal tally but also gave the Padres a crucial boost in a tight game. It was a reminder of just how impactful he remains in high-pressure moments and why he continues to be one of the most feared hitters in baseball. This milestone also sparks renewed conversations about where Machado stands among the greats of the game. While 3,000 hits have long been considered the benchmark for automatic Hall of Fame induction, reaching 2,000 at this stage of his career puts that lofty goal within reach. With several productive seasons still likely ahead, Machado has the opportunity to climb further up the all-time hits list and solidify his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. As the Padres look ahead to the remainder of the season with postseason hopes still alive, Machado’s bat, leadership, and experience will be more important than ever.

UFC Chief Executive Officer Dana White has claimed victory over the baccarat tables of Fontainebleau by winning a staggering $1.2 million. He was previously at another event at the casino, his very own Power Slap 13 - but the tables suddenly changed and, in a twist of fate, he won big at baccarat, to the spectators' - including his son's - surprise and delight. Dana White, the outspoken Chief Executive Officer of the UFC and mastermind behind the Power Slap league, walked away with more than just applause after Power Slap 13. On the night of June 27, shortly after hosting the event at Fontainebleau Las Vegas' Cobalt Ballroom, White struck gold at the baccarat table - winning a staggering $1.2 million in just a few hands. The win came to light during a recent episode of "Bussin' With the Boys," a popular YouTube podcast hosted by former NFL offensive lineman Taylor Lewan. During the show, viewers witnessed White calmly calculating his winnings and celebrating with a booming "Yeah!!!!" alongside Lewan and White's son, Aidan, after sealing the massive payday. The $300K per hand club White is not your average casino high-roller. He's in a betting league of his own, wagering sums that few gambling venues can accommodate. Only a handful of Las Vegas casinos allow him to play at his preferred minimum of $300,000 per hand - a demand that most operators shy away from, given White's well-known winning streaks. The Fontainebleau is now the latest to join that exclusive list, granting White the high-stakes action he craves. Other luxury casinos that have welcomed White's risky bets include Caesars Palace, where he has long been a loyal patron with a $350K per-hand limit, and Bellagio, which ups the ante to $400K per hand. Big risks, bigger wins - and losses White's strategy at the baccarat table is simple but bold: bet large, and leave after three consecutive wins. It's a system that has reportedly earned him $26 to $27 million at Caesars Palace in early 2024 alone. But the approach is not without its downsides. The UFC boss has openly admitted to losing $8 million in a single night - a drop in the bucket, perhaps, for someone with an estimated net worth of $600 million. Despite the enormous risk, White seems unshaken by the volatility. In a previous interview on the 'Full Send' podcast, he even expressed his ultimate gambling dream: to bet $1 million per hand with $30 million in casino credit. "That's my goal in life before I die," he said - though he acknowledged that no casino on earth is likely to meet that demand. Power slap and power plays White's recent win came on the heels of a Power Slap event, adding another layer to his multi-faceted Vegas evening. The Fontainebleau, a new luxury resort on the Strip, played host to both the spectacle of competitive slapping and White's post-event gambling spree - showcasing the crossover appeal of White's ventures in both combat sports and casino gaming. The win not only padded White's already-impressive gambling resume but also highlighted the Fontainebleau's willingness to cater to ultra-high rollers in a city where even the Strip's top venues sometimes draw the line. A gambling legend in the making Whether he's in the cage, ringside, or at the baccarat table, Dana White continues to dominate on all fronts. His fearless approach to high-stakes gaming has become part of his larger-than-life persona - one that resonates with fans, gamblers, and sports enthusiasts. With $1.2 million more in his pocket and another win under his belt, White remains one of the most unpredictable - and successful - gamblers in Las Vegas. For the Fontainebleau, it was a night of unforgettable mixed fortunes: a profitable event followed by a powerful slap from the baccarat table from one of the most memorable figures in gambling and ultimate fighting today.

San Diego State University has recently launched the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, located within the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The institute was formed to conduct relevant research as well as analysis of the sports betting industry and provide insights to help with best practices, policies, strategies for responsible gaming, and more. San Diego State University or SDSU has announced the launch of its new Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming on Tuesday, establishing itself as a national academic leader in the study of one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports and entertainment. Located within the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University, the institute will focus on producing evidence-based research, fostering industry collaboration, and developing educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of the sports betting world. "The Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming positions SDSU as an academic leader in one of the most important and fast-growing sectors in sports and entertainment," said assistant professor and founding director of ISWAG, Dr. Brandon Mastromartino. "Our goal is to provide timely, evidence-based insights that inform industry best practices, responsible gaming strategies, and public policy conversations - all while creating new educational pathways for students and professionals." A timely response to a rapidly expanding industry The launch comes amid a surge in sports betting activity across the United States, following the US Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban on commercial sports wagering. Since then, legalized sports betting has flourished, with billions of dollars in wagers placed annually through both in-person sportsbooks and increasingly popular mobile apps. Professional sports leagues have also embraced the trend, forming partnerships with operators to integrate betting into the fan experience. In response to this growth, SDSU aims to position ISWAG as a forward-looking research and education center that can address both the opportunities and challenges of this booming industry. Three key pillars: research, industry engagement, and education The Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming will focus its efforts on three main pillars: Research: ISWAG will conduct interdisciplinary studies on key topics such as sports betting behavior, marketing ethics, player protection, regulation, and policy development. This work is designed to not only expand the academic understanding of the industry but also to help guide legislative and corporate decision-making. Industry engagement: The institute seeks to build collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including betting operators, professional sports leagues, tribal gaming entities, and regulators. Through these partnerships, ISWAG will offer applied solutions and strategic insights that are grounded in rigorous academic analysis. Education: ISWAG will offer certificate programs, executive education courses, and student research opportunities that support workforce development across the sector. By equipping students and professionals with practical skills and knowledge, the institute hopes to contribute meaningfully to the future of responsible and effective sports wagering operations. A cross-campus collaboration with a broader social impact ISWAG will also function as a hub for collaboration across SDSU's various academic departments, encouraging faculty to explore the cultural, economic, and health implications of sports wagering. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the university's commitment to examining sports betting not just as a business - but as a complex social phenomenon that affects consumers, communities, and public health. With the sports betting industry continuing to expand in the US and abroad, ISWAG has a unique role and position to become a leading voice in shaping a responsible and well-regulated future for gaming. For more information on the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming, or to get involved, interested parties can visit SDSU's official website or reach out directly to Dr. Brandon Mastromartino at bmastromartino@sdsu.edu. As sports betting becomes an increasingly central part of the sports and entertainment landscape, SDSU's new institute aims to ensure that the industry grows with insight, integrity, and innovation.