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The Fontainebleau is all set to create its own winter wonderland in Vegas as it plans to turn its pool deck into an ice rink which will delight the crowds starting on the 27th of November all the way to the 5th of January. While this has been done before - most notably by the Cosmopolitan - the Fontainebleau's pool is twice the size of the Cosmopolitan's pool. The Venetian will also turn its own pool into a disco roller rink, transforming 3 Las Vegas pools into exciting escapades. The Las Vegas Strip is embracing the holiday spirit this year by transforming some of its most iconic pool decks into winter wonderlands. On Wednesday, Fontainebleau announced that its Oasis Pool Deck will be converted into an ice skating rink from the 27th of November 27 until the 5th of January, adding to the growing trend of Strip resorts offering festive seasonal experiences. Fontainebleau joins two other major casinos - the Cosmopolitan and the Venetian - in creating these unique winter attractions, giving visitors a chance to enjoy ice skating in the desert. Fontainebleau's winter wonderland Fontainebleau, which is nearing its one-year anniversary since its opening, will debut its 8,000-square-foot ice rink as part of its holiday celebration. Fontainebleau's president, Maurice Wooden, expressed his excitement about the event. "As we approach our one-year anniversary on December 13, the unveiling of our Winter Wonderland makes this holiday season even more special," Wooden said. "We are grateful for the Las Vegas community embracing us in our first year, and we can't wait to celebrate with our guests as they discover all of the magic, the joy, and the unforgettable surprises we have in store." The rink will be open daily, and entry is priced at $25 each, though casino rewards members can enjoy free admission for themselves and as much as six guests. Skate rentals, available on-site, will range from $25 to $35. Tickets for Fontainebleau's Winter Wonderland go on sale starting October 18. The decision to convert the Oasis Pool Deck into an ice rink follows in the footsteps of similar offerings on the Las Vegas Strip. In fact, many believe Fontainebleau's idea was inspired by the Cosmopolitan's long-standing tradition of turning its Boulevard Pool into an ice rink each winter, a practice that dates back to 2011. However, Fontainebleau's rink is expected to be the largest, boasting nearly twice the size of the Cosmopolitan's. The Cosmopolitan's tradition continues The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, one of the pioneers in transforming its pool into an ice rink for the holidays, is also bringing back its popular winter feature this year. Since 2011, the resort has turned its Boulevard Pool, located on the fourth floor of its Boulevard Tower, into a frozen oasis that runs from the middle of November until the first week of January. Skaters can glide under the stars while enjoying stunning views of the Strip's glittering skyline. While details on the pricing and reservations for the Cosmopolitan ice rink haven't been released yet, it traditionally operates from the afternoon until midnight, offering holiday fun well into the evening. A roller disco twist at The Venetian In addition to Fontainebleau and the Cosmopolitan, the Venetian Resort is also embracing the festive season in a unique way. As previously reported, the resort will transform its Tao Beach Dayclub pool into a disco roller rink instead of an ice skating rink. Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace, owned in part by R&B star Usher, will take over 3,250 square feet, laying down a polyurethane floor for guests to skate and dance the night away. This retro experience will run from noon until 8 pm every Thursday through Sunday. Admission starts at $20 per hour, with an option to purchase a day pass for $75. Visitors can book reservations in advance to secure their spot at this groovy roller disco, which will play funky beats as guests glide across the rink.

Thursday Night Football is coming in fast, and there is definitely a blazing game that is set to take center stage as the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers clash on the day with the hopes of setting their respective seasons to a promising climb to the top. This NFC West rivalry clash is expected to be one of the hyped showdowns as Week 6 takes shape! The Seattle Seahawks were ahead of the NFC West about a week and a half before they lost two games in a row, getting undone by big losses to the Detroit Lions (42-29) and the New York Giants (29-20). On the other hand, the 49ers have been quite on the fence when it comes to its campaign this season with tight losses to the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and the Arizona Cardinals proving to be quite a tough note on their run. So far, this matchup is expected to be a massive clash as these two teams seek to get back on the winning track in the season. But which team should you consider betting on? Will there be good parlays for you to consider? Let us break down the coming game. Game Preview: Seahawks vs 49ers This game is expected to be a clash of the ages with the Seahawks seeking to break their two-game slide in their clash with the 49ers. It is worth noting that the Seahawks are still quite struggling with the way they are trying to score winning plays, as noted by quarterback star Geno Smith. "We've got a quick turnaround. Tough opponent Thursday night. Divisional opponent. It means everything to us," said Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who leads the NFL in completions (143), pass attempts (199) and passing yards (1,466). "This is a big game. It's about as big of a game we've had this season. We better be ready." The 49ers, on the other hand, are the underdogs in this clash with the Seahawks set at -110 to begin the game, it is clear that San Francisco has had its issues in the season so far, and it cannot be denied that it is really obvious that the team has yet to find success in their scoring. One can expect the Niners to have a promising chance to win, but still fail to capitalize it, especially with a Seahawks squad that is raring to come up with a win. So far, the Niners have managed to win the last five games against the Seahawks, with three of these games taking place in the previous season. However, it is worth noting that Seattle has the better pace right now, making them a key favorite to win in this clash. Big Winning Bets to Consider On top of the Seahawks to win outright, Jordan Mason to score more than one touchdown in the game is a great bet to consider considering the fact that he has been one of their impressive scorers in the season so far. Also, DK Metcalf is expected to tally over 64.5 yards in the game and finish the game strong while leading the Seahawks to a win. This three-way parlay is an easy pick that can lead out to a promising win. Make sure to visit GambleSpot’s Odds and Parlay Calculator to find out more about your potential winnings in the game before the fiery clash ensues!

The annual survey among NBA general managers that comes before the actual season begins has returned with interesting results for this campaign. There are a lot of big and safe choices that are quite obvious to begin with, but this further gives bettors the comfort for their wagers knowing that even GMs in the NBA think the same as them. For starters, there are a lot of easy picks to talk about, such as which player to start their franchise with at this point, which was the surprising move of the offseason, and which team is the toughest to predict this season. So far, everything has been quite considered to be a predictional analysis of various GMs, and it cannot be denied that some of these are seen as a good betting pick as well. However, there are also multiple picks from the known GMs when it comes to its correlation to the known betting markets, such as which team to win the NBA Finals, who to win the MVP award this season, and which teams will earn the top seed in their respective conferences. While there are no guarantees in betting, it does seem that a GM’s perspective can be quite considered a smart and academic decision for many bettors at this point. Who to Emerge Best in the Season? Winning the NBA Finals last season, it is no secret that the Boston Celtics are the top pick for the 2024-25 season to repeat as champions with 83% of GMs voting them to pull it off. The Oklahoma City Thunder comes second with 13% of the votes while the Dallas Mavericks, who reached the Finals last season, only had 3% of the votes. It is worth noting that no other East contender was mentioned to beat the Celtics, such as the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers – who both had impressive offseasons as well. When it comes to the rising teams for both conferences, it seems that both the Celtics and the Thunder have locked up the votes to win the top spot as they did last season. The top six for the East are the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Cavaliers, Bucks, Magic, while the West presents the Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Mavericks, Suns, Grizzlies. Some of the interesting picks in the season for team achievements was the team that had the best offseason – with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming the top votes. The less splashy move of bringing both Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein is easily the pivotal addition that the Thunder need to accelerate their run to the top. Individual Awards Picks from GMs Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra was voted the best coach in the NBA right now while reigning Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault from the Oklahoma City Thunder ranks second in that regard. However, things get interesting in the media-heavy votes awards, such as the MVP and the Rookie of the Year, which are two of the hyped individual awards in the game. Reed Sheppard is expected winner for the Rookie of the Year this season, with Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Edey being second and Stephon Castle being the third pick on that regard. On the other hand, OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – who finished as the runner-up last season, is expected to be this year’s MVP winner and is way ahead of the voting, with Luka Doncic coming in second and a tie between the likes of Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum.

Las Vegas continues to be a rockin' entertainment destination, and it has announced its new musical show schedule for the end of the year and for 2025, respectively. Coldplay will have its biggest show in Vegas in June of 2025, while Creed will welcome the New Year at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Meanwhile, despite disappointing ticket sales, the Sphere extends its U2 run. This just in: Coldplay has just announced its largest Las Vegas concert to date, set to take place at Allegiant Stadium on the 6th of June, 2025. The British rock band, known for its genre-blending hits and immersive live performances, will perform in front of an estimated crowd of 65,000 fans. This event will mark a historic moment for both Coldplay and the Las Vegas music scene, and it further marks the city's position as a premier hub for concerts and shows in true Vegas fashion. Coldplay live at the Allegiant Fans eager to see the band live can sign up for the Allegiant Stadium presale, which runs through 7 am PT on Thursday, October 10, through Ticketmaster. The presale begins at 9 am PT on Friday, the 11th of October, with the general on-sale starting at noon, Pacific Time, on the same day. Anticipation for the show is expected to reach fever pitch, with tickets likely to sell out quickly due to the band's immense popularity and the size of the venue. Coldplay's announcement comes on the heels of the release of their latest music video for "All My Love," which was filmed entirely in downtown Vegas. The video shows iconic Vegas landmarks and adds a playful twist to the city's vibrant culture, much like previous videos filmed in the city by artists such as Bruno Mars (24K Magic), Katy Perry (Waking Up in Vegas), and U2 (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For). In the music video, lead singer Chris Martin appears in disguise, donning a wig, black glasses, and a dirty suit as he moves through various Las Vegas locations. One standout moment sees Martin cashing in a casino chip for two dozen red balloons at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. He then walks through the Fremont Street Experience, handing the balloons to pedestrians and street performers, spreading joy and adding an air of whimsy to the already vibrant atmosphere. The "All My Love" video also features scenes at some of Las Vegas's most iconic spots, including the Little White Wedding Chapel, The D's Sigma Derby, and Dino's, a well-known dive bar. Martin's surprise appearance at Dino's a few weeks ago, when he sang "All My Love" as a prank on karaoke night, has since become the stuff of local legend. Creed celebrates reunion with Las Vegas New Year's Eve shows In other Las Vegas music news, Creed has announced two special reunion concerts to ring in the new year at Caesars Palace's Colosseum. The shows will take place on December 30 and 31, and will feature the band performing their biggest hits in celebration of their reunion. Fans of the rock group, known for tracks like "Higher" and "With Arms Wide Open," are thrilled to see the band back together after years apart. Sevendust will serve as the opening act for these New Year's shows. Presales for Creed's Las Vegas concerts are already underway, and tickets for the general public go on sale at 10 am PT on Wednesday, the 9th of October through Ticketmaster. U2's Sphere concert run extended despite lagging sales Meanwhile, over at the Sphere, U2's groundbreaking concert experience, "V-U2," has been extended despite underwhelming ticket sales. The show, co-directed by guitarist Edge and his wife, Morleigh Steinberg, will now continue playing until December 24. Despite struggling to attract crowds in comparison to the Sphere's year-old Postcard from the Earth film, the extension suggests that the high-tech venue is betting on the continued appeal of U2's performance style. Fans who missed out on previous showings still have time to experience the visually thrilling concert, set in the famous globe-shaped venue that has become a landmark in Las Vegas. Tickets for the extended run are available now, offering music lovers one more chance to witness U2's creative collaboration in one of the world's most unique entertainment spaces.

Caesars Entertainment has launched a whole new gaming platform and app in Michigan, and the new Horseshoe Online Casino is all set to make waves in the state. Caesars now operates 10 Horseshoe properties all around the US, and Caesars leverages on the well-known Horseshoe brand. The platform will eventually expand to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada as well. Caesars Entertainment has officially unveiled its newest online gaming platform, Horseshoe Online Casino, which is now live in Michigan. This exciting launch marks a vital step in Caesars' continued expansion into the online gaming market, building upon the company's legacy of offering top-tier casino experiences across the US. Paying homage to a legendary brand Horseshoe Online Casino, available both as a mobile app and on desktop, is designed to celebrate the rich history of the Horseshoe brand, which dates back to 1951. Originally founded in Las Vegas, the Horseshoe brand is known for its player-first approach and has grown into a household name. Today, Caesars operates 10 Horseshoe-branded locations across North America, and with the launch of Horseshoe Online Casino, the company plans to extend that iconic legacy into the digital realm. In a statement, Matt Sunderland, Caesars Digital's senior VP and chief iGaming officer, was all enthusiastic about the launch, stating, "The Horseshoe brand is anchored by a promise to put the player first. A brand with such a storied past deserves an online equivalent that pays respect to the legacy it has established in gaming. That is what we've created with Horseshoe Online Casino. This launch reinforces our multi-brand online casino strategy by seamlessly bringing another one of our world-class Caesars brands into the palms of players' hands". A platform built for players The Horseshoe Online Casino is designed to replicate the excitement and experience of a physical casino, featuring a multi-lobby navigation system that mimics the layout of a casino floor in real life. Players can explore a variety of customized lobbies, including those for private live dealer tables, high-limit slots, progressive jackpots, and multiple versions of roulette and poker. The platform also boasts a range of exclusive, custom titles that are branded under the Horseshoe name. These titles include Horseshoe Rising Rewards, 2x3x Horseshoe, Horseshoe 3 Coin Cowboy, and Horseshoe Slick Riches Lucky Tap. These games are designed to capture the essence of the Horseshoe brand while offering players fully innovative and immersive gameplay and experiences. In addition to its wide variety of gaming options, Horseshoe Online Casino offers an enticing rewards system through the famous Caesars Rewards Program. Players will be able to earn Caesars Rewards credit for their activity on the platform, which can then be redeemed at any Caesars location in the US and Canada. This integration of online and offline rewards is designed to enhance player engagement and loyalty, offering incentives like VIP nightlife, restaurant experiences, travel credits, and more. Expanding the platform beyond Michigan While Michigan is the first state to gain access to Horseshoe Online Casino, Caesars has plans to expand the platform to additional markets, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey, as well as Ontario. However, this expansion is subject to the approval of regulatory bodies in each of these regions. But Caesars has a strong track record of compliance and cooperation with regulators, making it likely that the platform will roll out in these areas in the near future. The expansion of Horseshoe Online Casino into other regions could give a boost to Caesars' presence in the iGaming sector, allowing the company to reach a wider audience while it leverages its strong portfolio of physical destinations across the whole North America. By tapping into the established legacy of the Horseshoe brand, Caesars is ensuring that the digital experience resonates with long-time fans of the brand while also appealing to new players. This strategic approach allows Caesars to create a seamless connection between its physical casino offerings and its digital platforms, providing an integrated gaming experience that caters to modern players' expectations.

The MLS is known to a lot of soccer fans as a subpar league that is trying hard to go up against its European counterparts such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and many other prominent soccer leagues. However, the MLS has just managed to eclipse its 10-million fan attendance record set last season – and they still have 16 games left to play this season. As the season draws to a close and the playoffs coming in hot, the MLS has announced that they have achieved a new record this season as the team has already broken more than 11 million fans in attendance – which is a massive climb from the 10,900,804 fan attendance record that they have set last season. This just says a lot about the surge of popularity that the MLS has enjoyed so far, and one can say that there is more to expect from the league at this point in time. With 16 games left in the regular season and the MLS Cup surging later on, it seems that there will be more than 11 million fans in record when the season ends, and that’s just the regular season as the competition comes in hot with the playoff action now bringing in more intense clashes and fiery showdowns that will bring fans to the edge of their seats. A Surge of Popularity The MLS is considered to be the premier soccer competition in the United States and has been there since 1996. Celebrating 30 years of impressive soccer action in North America, it is only fitting that the MLS has seen a surge of popularity now more than ever. Initially starting out with 10 teams, it has now expanded to a total of 29 teams, with three of those hailing from Canada. After initial financial and operational struggles in its early years, the development of soccer-specific stadiums and the implementation of the Designated Player Rule that brought in the likes of international star players such as David Beckham proved to be pivotal. The latter rule was also applied to Lionel Messi – opening the league to the arrival of more iconic stars from all over the world. The MLS was already the eighth-highest-attended professional soccer league all over the world by 2018 and averaged over 21,000 fan attendance in 2022. By this year, however, the league is currently averaging 23,240 fans per game. That is a massive jump to the number of fans who are seeing the intense action of games that has proven to be quite a story of resurgence in the league. Big Games of the Season The biggest crowds of the season came from the Inter Miami-Sporting Kansas City showdown at the Arrowhead Stadium last April 13, which was Lionel Messi’s big game as it saw a total of 72,610 fans present. The Fourth of July clash between the LAFC and LA Galaxy in celebration of El Trafico was also quite a promising battle that boasted a fan attendance of 70,076. Lastly, one of the big games to begin the season was the rivalry showdown between Inter Miami and the New England Revolution last April 27th, which brought a total of 65,612 fans at the Gillette Stadium as well. With the season still not yet over, who knows? Maybe the MLS can cook up some interesting games to wrap up the campaign and deliver some interesting finishes between teams while bringing in more fans with a bang!

Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov believes that he is still due for more tennis games in his career as he seeks to have a much longer tennis career. As he seeks to make his winning strides in the Shanghai Masters, Dimitrov is motivated to continue making some big strides in the game as the star hopes to build on impressive games in the long run. Ranked as high as the world no. 3 in the ATP Tour, Dimitrov seems to be pleased with the way the game is working for him right now and seeks to continue building on his success over the years. At this point, it is hard to argue that the tennis star is making himself well in the games, and he is getting comfortable with competing at a high level while showing that he has what it takes to deliver impressive performances on the big stage. A Promise of Playing More Back in 2020, Dimitrov was one of the unfortunate tennis players who suffered COVID-19 and had to be hospitalized. He would go on to drop weight and even lose muscle, and then later rebuilding his career piece by piece and coming up with a physique that made him far from his actual age – reaching what many would say is his physical peak. However, is it impossible for him to play more despite not having much of a strong presence in most tournaments? Stan Wawrinka was already the third-oldest man to win a Masters 1000 match at the age of 39, while Gael Monfils did the same feat at age 38. This is not to mention the likes of Novak Djokovic and many other stars who are still at the top of the league at this point in time. “It's a give-and-take until you finish. I still have a lot of tennis ahead of me. It's more about how I manage it and how I put myself in a position to enjoy every moment I step out to play and not think too much about the result,” said Dimitrov. “It's very complicated, especially when you play very well and you are in the top 10 and still want more, but you need, I don't know if it's patience or more consistency. But I just believe that if you put it all together, in the end, it all depends on you." Longevity in Display It has been quite the story for Dimitrov to come up with impressive performances this season. The star has fallen off at no. 1252 as of August 2024, but that does not mean that he can actually come up with more wins and try to be present in more games to come. “I think the longevity, when you look back and you think about it, let’s say 16 years I’ve been on tour, it kind of hits you in a very funny way, like in a good way,” the Bulgarian star said. “And then all of a sudden you go like too far in the past, so it’s like I’m trying not to really overthink about that, especially where I’m at right now. Because, yeah, let’s face it, I’m more on the other side than this side.” At the age of 33, it does seem that Dimitrov still has a lot of tennis ahead of him, and 16 years in action at the Tour is clearly a promising stretch that has made him one of the most prominent players in the game. It is worth noting that Dimitrov is still seeking to leave big strides in his career, and with more years to come, he is expected to deliver that success in the long run.

The San Diego Padres are coming off a promising 10-2 victory in Game 2 of their series against league leaders Los Angeles Dodgers, and now it seems that these two teams are expected to come up with some big strides as the series takes on a different turn with both clubs heading towards a blazing action now more than ever. If you are not impressed, the Padres are now expected to be the favorites to win in the game, and it cannot be denied that this is all thanks to the massive victory that they pulled off in Game 2. Sure, the Dodgers scored a 7-5 win in Game 1, but the Padres turned the tide and responded with a whopping 10-2 win in Game 2, effectively switching the odds in their favor at the very least. With the series now shifting to Petco Park, it is expected that the Padres will definitely be able to steal the lead and take down the Dodgers. The MLB Playoffs is indeed full of ups and downs, and this is the time to be making the most of your wagers now more than ever for a promising chance to score a handsome set of wins! Padres to Win Game 3 Offense has been the theme of the series as both teams traded blows in the first two games, but it seems that the Padres have unlocked a different groove on the defensive side considering the fact that they managed to hold the Dodgers to just two runs scored in the second game. The Padres are favored to win at the money line with -148, while they are expected to pull off a much-needed victory at the same time. What adds to this impressive prediction is the fact that the Padres are playing at home now, where they have been more confident for most of the season and have shown an incredible level of play in the game as well, which says a lot about their chances of winning this time. On top of that, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s high level of play has been quite impressive as well – smashing a total of three homers in four playoff games as of the time of writing, and he has gone 9-for-14 with seven runs scored and five runs batted in. That makes him a tough nightmare for any team to play against. Impact Player to Watch: Michael King Michael King has stepped in on the pitching side for the Padres in the postseason and has come up with impressive wonders in his level of play. In five appearances against the Dodgers, the pitcher has scored a 2-0 record against the Los Angeles squad in his career, making him quite the impressive player to look out for over the years. At this point, it cannot be denied that King is a hot star to watch out for, especially as he takes the mound in Game 3 against the Dodgers. With Joe Musgrove out of the picture, Michael King has been the shining salvation of the team’s impressive performances in the season. King has dazzled night in and night out, and even in their series against the Atlanta Braves, King has not taken a step back to show how he’s capable of providing the much-needed pitching power that the team needs to stay on top of contending against the Dodgers at this point in the NLDS.

After a long time of delay and talks that proved to be heading nowhere, Jeremy Swayman finally gets what he deserved with the Boston Bruins as he signed an eight-year, $66 million deal with the team and is now set to start the season opener for the team with the hopes of leading them to a bigger run in in the 2024-25 campaign. There were a lot of talks as to how Jeremy Swayman may end up being signed by another team to start off the 2024-25 season as the talks initiated by the Boston Bruins ended up nowhere in the early days of the offseason. However, it does seem that the team silenced all of those rumors as the goalie was eventually signed to a bigger deal that would now see him stay as their starting player for the next eight years. It is worth noting that Swayman did not participate in any of the Bruins’ training camp sessions in the offseason, nor did he play any games in the preseason as well. He did, however, went on to join in practices held at the Boston University, which was led by former Bruins assistant Jay Pandolfo. A Clutch Signing It cannot be denied that the Bruins’ signing of Swayman came in as clutch as it can ever be. The season is slated to begin and will see the Bruins hopefully build off a promising start after what seems to be an upsetting playoff run where they lost to the Florida Panthers in the playoffs. Signing Swayman means that the team is indeed dedicated to bringing in the goalie for the years to come and will definitely be on the prowl for the starting role as well. He spent the previous seasons with the Bruins in a shared role with Linus Ullmark, before the latter moved on from the Bruins later in the season. “It’s a breath of fresh air,” Swayman said. “And I tell you what, it’s an amazing thing to just understand how many people would do anything to be in the position I am. I don’t take that lightly. I celebrate it every day. I feel like I’m the luckiest human in the world. And again, to be in the position that I am, the gratitude is just pouring from everywhere. I know exactly what kind of trust they have in me and the expectations they have of me. I have the same, if not more, expectation of myself to perform and let everyone know that they made the right decision.” Starting the Season Opener? Swayman is rumored to be on the starting side of the team when they play against the Florida Panthers at the Amerant Bank Arena. As the full-time starter of the team, the Bruins are definitely expecting to see him suit up in the game now more than ever. Considering the fact that there are a lot of factors to consider – such as Swayman missing out on training camp, there may be different endings to that end. Regardless, having Swayman at the ready means that the Bruins are not coming to the game shorthanded. After all, playing against the defending champions is no easy task, and having a star in Swayman – who went 25-10-8 with a 2.53 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 44 games (43 starts) last season is clearly a promising look for the team at this point in time.

A treasure trove of keepsakes: the Tropicana is scheduled to be imploded this week, but its memories will live on through the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The UNLV contacted the owners of the Tropicana and simply picked up the memorabilia. The collection includes photos, business reports, menus, training manuals, and more. As the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas casino resort meets its end in a planned implosion on Wednesday, its history won't be entirely lost to time. Just two miles from the soon-to-be-vacant lot, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is ensuring that the memories and legacy of the Rat Pack landmark will endure. Nevada's biggest university has recently acquired five boxes of materials from the Tropicana, which have been carefully processed and made available to the public. UNLV's Special Collections and Archives department didn't wait for history to be wiped away before taking action. As soon as it learned that Bally's Corporation, which purchased the Tropicana for $148 million in 2022 from Gaming & Leisure Properties, planned to close and demolish the historic property, the department swiftly reached out to preserve its past. "We met with them early on to explain what we were interested in," Sarah Quigley, the director of UNLV's Special Collections, stated. "And then, as they were decommissioning the building, the staff gathered things up and we went over one day and just picked it up." A race against time to preserve history Las Vegas is notorious for prioritizing new developments over the preservation of its history, and the Tropicana's implosion is another reminder of the city's forward-looking nature. However, institutions such as UNLV play a crucial role in capturing and safeguarding details about the past that might otherwise be lost. The materials from the Tropicana include architectural renderings from different renovations, memos, business reports, financial records, and training manuals. According to Quigley, the training manuals offer the most significant insight into the casino's operations and its impact on the surrounding community. She added that for example, the manual they gave to phone operators describes not only how they were to run the telecoms but the expectations from them in terms of customer service. "This tells us a lot about the culture of a business and how this one stayed in business so long," Quigley added. A glimpse into the glamor of Las Vegas' entertainment More than the operational documents, the Tropicana collection includes more glamorous elements as well. It holds photographs, brochures, and programs from many of Tropicana's legendary entertainment offerings. Among the highlights are materials from Folies Bergere, the longest-running show in the history of Vegas. This iconic showgirl revue graced the Tropicana stage from 1959 to 2009. UNLV's collection even boasts a box of film reels from the 1970s that captured Folies Bergere in action. These reels, which Quigley describes as "super cool," have yet to be digitized but hold significant promise for future documentaries exploring Las Vegas' rich entertainment history. "I think that would be something good to put online when the time comes," Quigley noted, expressing her hope for these materials to one day be available to a wider audience. UNLV's special collections: a look back at gaming history The Tropicana memorabilia will join UNLV's vast Special Collections and Archives department, which preserves over 11,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives. Located in the Lied Library along Maryland Parkway, UNLV's archive may not rival the size of those at larger universities, but when it comes to gaming history, it stands alone. As the only major university in Las Vegas, UNLV's collection of gaming-related materials is unrivaled worldwide. Its archive not only preserves the history of the Strip's legendary casinos but also provides a detailed account of the city's rise as a global entertainment hub. For those nostalgic for the Tropicana's glamorous past, UNLV's Special Collections offers a way to relive the memories. Whether it's through architectural drawings, business records, or unseen footage of Las Vegas' longest-running show, the university ensures that the Tropicana's history won't be forgotten. As Las Vegas once again paves over one of its historic landmarks to make way for new developments, institutions like UNLV remind us that, while buildings may come and go, the stories they hold can live on forever through careful preservation.

FanDuel Michigan has just announced the acquisition of online gaming player engagement specialist BeyondPlay. While there are no financial details disclosed, BeyondPlay will be incorporated into the online gambling division of the operators and will be in charge of product development and innovation. FanDuel, Michigan's second-ranked online casino operator, has announced that it has just acquired BeyondPlay, a leading player engagement specialist in the iGaming sector. Although the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, it is clear that BeyondPlay will be included in FanDuel's iGaming division to spearhead product development and innovation. This acquisition is a strategic move by FanDuel to further enhance its customer offerings in Michigan and other US markets. According to Asaf Nofield, Managing Director of FanDuel, this partnership aims to elevate the player experience through cutting-edge jackpot features and multiplayer technology. BeyondPlay: a rising star in iGaming innovation Founded in 2021 by Karolina Pelc, a former executive at SG Digital and LeoVegas, BeyondPlay has quickly gained recognition as a premier software provider specializing in player engagement tools for the online gambling industry. The company, which employs a team of 40, has made a name for itself by developing innovative products focused on jackpot management and multiplayer gameplay. BeyondPlay's unique software allows multiple players to participate in the same online casino game with pooled bets, creating a social and interactive gaming experience. This product innovation has attracted partnerships with several prominent online casinos, including Casumo Casino, ComeOn Casino, and LeoVegas. With licenses in key iGaming markets such as Malta, Sweden, the UK, and Ontario, BeyondPlay has successfully expanded its reach across international borders. The company's impressive growth also drew the attention of investors, leading to a $5.4 million funding round in 2023. This oversubscribed round allowed the company to further invest in product development and innovation. The acquisition by FanDuel is expected to further boost BeyondPlay's budget for research and development, accelerating the creation of new iGaming products and enhancing the competitive edge of both companies in the market. FanDuel's strategic expansion in iGaming FanDuel's acquisition of BeyondPlay is part of its wider strategy to strengthen its position in the iGaming sector. As of Q4 2023, FanDuel operates in five jurisdictions, controlling 26% of the national online casino market. In 2023 alone, the company generated $6.2 billion in revenue across all its markets, with Michigan contributing $405 million. The operator's revenue in Michigan surged by an impressive 56.7% compared to the previous year. FanDuel is under Flutter Entertainment, and it has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete with other industry giants like BetMGM and DraftKings. The BeyondPlay acquisition comes on the heels of DraftKings' $750 million acquisition of Jackpocket, a leading lottery app in the US. This signals FanDuel's intent to remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving sector. FanDuel's strategy for maintaining its market leadership includes continuous investment in its product portfolio. The company regularly introduces new games and promotional offers, such as no-deposit bonuses in Michigan, to attract and retain players. According to Nofield, the acquisition of BeyondPlay is a natural next step in FanDuel's ongoing efforts to enhance its iGaming offerings and deliver exceptional customer experiences. The future of FanDuel and BeyondPlay As FanDuel integrates BeyondPlay's cutting-edge software into its platform, the operator is expected to introduce more immersive and engaging online casino experiences for its players. The combination of FanDuel's robust market presence and BeyondPlay's innovative technology positions the company to continue its growth trajectory in Michigan and beyond. BeyondPlay's focus on player engagement, particularly through its multiplayer software and jackpot management systems, aligns perfectly well with FanDuel's goal of delivering unique, interactive gaming experiences. With its proven track record of collaborating with leading iGaming brands and its expanding global reach, BeyondPlay is well-positioned to drive FanDuel's next phase of innovation.