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The blazing NFL offseason has seen a lot of big signings and extensions from key players on different teams, and it cannot be denied that there is indeed a lot of hope that Aaron Rodgers will be finding his new home after the New York Jets moved on from him and elected not to bring him back for another season. Heading into the final days of May, Rodgers remains undecided about where to play, and it has been reported that multiple teams have extended offers to the four-time Most Valuable Player. So far, Rodgers has been hinting that the Steelers may well be his best destination moving forward as the NFL season closes in. Nothing has been easy for Rodgers. He has battled through injury in the past few months and gave it his all only to be left out by the Jets. New York has opted to move on from him after two years of zero impressive results and not even a single playoff run after all that hype when they signed him for the first time. Future for Rodgers One team is confirmed to be out of the Rodgers sweepstakes – the Chicago Bears, who happen to be the bitter rivals of Rodgers' longtime team, the Green Bay Packers. It is as laughable as it could be, but then the QB provided some key hints that actually says a lot about which team would he be bringing his talents for the next season. "No, but I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip," Rodgers said after he was asked about playing for the Chicago Bears next season. "I don't know, not sure. Got to check it out. I love Chicago, though. Way more than they love me. It's been a great relationship. All one way." Notably, the Pittsburgh Steelers are slated to visit the Bears on Week 12 this November 23rd. However, it is worth noting that there are also a total of seven other teams who will be visiting Soldier Field. That includes the previous suitors that he has on the list, such as the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings. Rodgers, however, did shut down the talks of him playing for the Saints, and with the Vikings making some key signings so far, it does seem that they are out of the equation for acquiring Rodgers moving forward. A Chance for Pittsburgh? It has been a tough stretch for the Steelers. Time is ticking for Rodgers, and the team isn't going anywhere without any upgrades at all. Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer known for his precision passing, veteran leadership, and clutch performances, would immediately elevate the Steelers' offense, potentially transforming them into a serious playoff contender. His experience and football IQ could help accelerate the development of younger players, particularly in a system that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. Additionally, his presence could attract free agents and boost team morale. However, his arrival would also bring heightened expectations and media scrutiny, and the team would need to adjust its offensive scheme to align with Rodgers' strengths. Overall, his addition could mark a new era of competitiveness in Pittsburgh. Who knows? Maybe this can be the last dance for Rodgers heading into the closing years of his historic NFL career – one last chance to win.

Nothing is ever given in the tough clay courts of the Roland Garros, and being a youngster like Joao Fonseca taking on the challenging task means a lot. However, the Brazilian rising star is making waves in the French Open as he pulled off a massive upset, this time beating Hubert Hurkacz en route to a straight-set win in his debut. At the age of 18, Fonseca has just become the second-youngest match winner at the clay-court major in the last 10 years. The first and youngest player to do so? Carlos Alcaraz in 2021 – at the age of 18 as well. It does seem that youngsters and the Roland Garros seem to be syncing up well now more than ever. Fonseca looks forward to establishing his name in the ATP Tour, and this small breakthrough in the French Open is a great sign that he is indeed making the best headways in his games and is definitely racking up the most impressive wins that he needs to continue a promising pace in the competition. Breakout Season Continues for Fonseca Beating Hubert Hurkacz in a 6-2, 6-4, and 6-2 affair in his first match in the French Open is a promising note considering that his debut was expected to be an early exit. After all, Hurkacz is an experienced star in his own right, so being able to pull off the win against him is a big break for Fonseca, and the task does not stop there as well. “I played really well, focusing a lot on the returns and serves,” said Fonseca, last year's champion at the Next Gen ATP Finals. “I knew a lot of great serves were going to come and I was just focusing on putting the first return in, the plus one, the return plus-one, put it in the middle and try to be as aggressive as I can. Try to focus on opportunities, go to the net, and try to be aggressive when I can." Fonseca proved his worth well in a packed Court 7 and fed off the energy from the crowd. The Brazilian star overpowered Hurkacz on all sides and matched his heavy-hitting plays with elite consistency. After ending up as a finalist in the ATP 250 event in Geneva, playing against Novak Djokovic in the final has certainly helped him set his pace in the clay major. Coming in Hot Fonseca now stands at 11-7 in the tour record this season. Ranked no. 57 overall, it is expected that the Brazilian will make deeper climbs in his games as he seeks to launch his stardom to the big stage as well. Fonseca will next face French veteran Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 16 years his senior. This has been a night for Brazil. Fonseca is one of the few tennis pros to make their name on the big stage, and the youngster is still learning a lot of things and is yet to enter his prime years. To be able to win one game in the Roland Garros is already a huge achievement. With the pace he's going for right now? One can expect that he is definitely coming for a bigger chance to win in his games now more than ever. Who knows, maybe a new upset champion is waiting on the sidelies to make his presence felt on the upper echelon of the ATP Tour.

Underdog Fantasy is back in the Big Apple. Two months after the DFS games provider pulled out its daily fantasy sports games in New York, it has once again launched its draft-style games, and the DFS games are now included in the new terms of the company's license in the state. Underdog Fantasy has officially relaunched its draft-style daily fantasy sports (DFS) games in New York, just two months after a regulatory dispute forced the company to pull out of the state. The company announced the return of its draft contests, confirming that these games are now operating under the terms of its temporary DFS license. While the return is a significant development for New York fantasy sports enthusiasts, it comes with limitations. Notably, Underdog's popular pick'em contests - both the peer-to-peer (P2P) and against-the-house formats - remain unavailable in the state for now. Regulatory setback and exit Underdog Fantasy's brief exit from New York in mid-March was prompted by a ruling from the NYSGC, or New York State Gaming Commission. The commission determined that the DFS products Underdog had been offering were not explicitly covered under its temporary license, which the company had inherited from Synkt Games following its acquisition of the business in 2022. In response to the NYSGC's decision, Underdog withdrew all DFS contests from the state and agreed to a settlement that included an $18 million payment. The NYSGC maintained that the contests offered by Underdog significantly differed from those Synkt had originally applied to operate under its 2016 licensure agreement. Push for a permanent license New York has long relied on temporary DFS licenses, but the state is finally moving toward establishing a permanent licensing framework for fantasy sports operators. Underdog has confirmed that it has applied for a permanent DFS license, signaling its intent to solidify its long-term presence in one of the country's largest markets. Underdog Fantasy's return to New York coincides with a major financial milestone for the company. The operator recently closed the first round of its Series C funding, raising $70 million and bringing its pre-money valuation to over $1.2 billion. The funding round, led by Spark Capital, is expected to eventually surpass $100 million. The substantial increase in valuation marks a nearly threefold rise from the company's Series B valuation of $485 million in 2022. Jeremy Levine, Chief Executive Officer and founder, described the investment as “a real accelerator” for the company's product development and expansion plans. This funding will help us continue building the best sports gaming products for fans in the US, Levine said. It also gives us the ability to bring top-tier talent into our team to support that mission, he added. Expansion and strategic moves Begun in 2020, Underdog Fantasy has grown rapidly, boasting nearly four million users across the US. The company claims to be the fourth most downloaded sports gaming app nationwide, operating at the intersection of fantasy sports and sports betting. Following its exit from New York in March, Underdog launched its Champions Pick'em peer-to-peer product in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey. The company also offers sports betting in select markets and is eyeing further expansion. Notably, Levine has expressed interest in entering Missouri when its sports betting market launches on December 1. The return of Underdog's draft games in New York marks a key step in the company's efforts to reestablish itself in a critical DFS market. As the regulatory environment evolves and the state works toward a permanent licensing system, Underdog is positioning itself to be a long-term player in New York and beyond. For now, New York sports fans can once again engage with Underdog's unique draft-style contests, while the company continues to push for broader access and regulatory approval for its full suite of fantasy products.

Ohio gaming is all set to launch at the end of March in 2026 – but it brings with it some serious limitations. For one, only operators with existing racinos and brick-and-mortar casinos would be eligible for a license online. Also, each operator would only be permitted to use one gambling platform even if they have several ones in the state. In addition, the taxes for the online casinos would be at 28%, and licensees would have to pay $50 million for five years and $10 million for every additional year. A newly introduced online casino bill in the Ohio House could reshape the future of digital gambling in the state - while simultaneously drawing a hard line on who gets to participate. Filed by Representative Brian Stewart on May 20, House Bill 298 proposes to legalize online casino gambling in Ohio, with a launch date on the 31st of March, 2026. However, the legislation would tightly control entry into the market and impose several restrictions aimed at favoring the state's existing brick-and-mortar gambling operations. Online gambling for existing operators only A standout feature of Stewart's proposal is that it restricts online casino licenses exclusively to operators that currently run physical casinos or racinos within Ohio. This means national operators without a retail footprint in the state would be locked out entirely. Even among those eligible, the bill limits each operator to only a single online gambling platform, regardless of how many properties they manage in Ohio. For example, industry giants like PENN Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment, which operate multiple venues and brands, would need to choose just one platform to deploy. This limitation appears to be designed to protect the market share and brand equity of Ohio's land-based casinos by preventing the entry of purely digital competitors. Promotion restrictions and hospitality incentives Another measure intended to bolster the physical casino industry is a ban on online-specific promotional gaming credits. While such offers have been a common marketing tactic in other states, House Bill 298 would allow promotional incentives only if they relate to hospitality experiences or on-site casino play, not for direct online gambling. This shift could give land-based operators a unique advantage by encouraging customer visits to physical locations through their online platforms. Financial framework: licensing and taxes License fees and taxation are also major elements of the bill. An initial five-year license would cost operators $50 million, with an annual renewal fee set at $10 million. Online casinos would be taxed at 28%, mirroring Michigan's rate and notably higher than Ohio's current 20% tax on sports betting. According to Stewart, this taxation structure could bring in between $400 million and $800 million per year. Of that, 99% would go directly to Ohio's general fund, with the remaining 1% earmarked for problem gambling services. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which currently regulates sports betting, would also oversee online casino operations under the new bill. Clear ban on sweepstakes gambling The bill makes a definitive move against online sweepstakes gambling, which has operated in a legal gray area in many states. House Bill 298 specifically targets platforms that use dual-currency systems to simulate gambling. Under the proposal, such sweepstakes would be explicitly illegal unless expressly authorized, and operating one would constitute a criminal offense. This clarity sets Stewart's proposal apart from other legislative efforts that often leave room for interpretation. Competing senate bill offers broader access Stewart's House proposal follows the recent introduction of Senate Bill 197 by Senator Nathan Manning, which envisions a more inclusive online gambling market. That bill would allow out-of-state operators to participate, though at a cost: untethered operators using third-party platforms would face a 40% tax rate and a $100 million license fee. In contrast, brick-and-mortar casino operators who use platforms they own at least half of would be taxed at 36%, with a five-year license fee of $50 million and a $5 million renewal cost. Senate Bill 197 has already been referred to committee and is scheduled for discussion this week. With two distinct visions for online casino gambling now in play, Ohio lawmakers face critical decisions about the state's digital gambling future. Stewart's House bill offers a conservative, casino-protectionist approach, while Manning's Senate bill leans more open but imposes steep costs on newcomers.

Nothing has been really easy for the Los Angeles Dodgers in what has been quite a turbulent start to the 2025 season. While they have managed to stabilize well heading into June, it does seem that there is a promising hope to look out for the team as they seek to improve their winning chances. Two of the big reasons for their impressive run? Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In the Dodgers’ recent showdown with the Cleveland Guardians, Yamamoto was explosive as he pushed the team to its somewhat first stress-free win in a long while. Heading into that showdown, Los Angeles has just claimed three out of the last nine games – and those needed extra innings to win as they have been blowing massive leads so far. The theatrics haven’t been fun to watch for the Dodgers so far, but with manager Dave Roberts finding ways to tweak his squad and show that Los Angeles has impressive depth, one can say that this is a promising look considering that Ohtani and Yamamoto’s recent big game led the team to a much-needed win so far. Tenacity by Yamamoto If there’s one way to say that this season has been worse for the Dodgers, maybe the fact that the injuries have been mounting is a starting point. Had it not been for his elite performance on Memorial Day, the Dodgers would have been in a dire mood right now searching for answers. Yamamoto woke up a promising lineup that has been on a lull in the past few games, and it cannot be denied that his six-inning, two-run start has proved to be pivotal so far. Now that has ended a streak of five runs in the last seven games before extra innings. Nothing has been easy for the Dodgers, but Yamamoto made it look like he could carry this team to bigger heights. “I mean, you could argue he’s been our most valuable player,” Roberts said, accounting for the rash of other injuries that have ravaged the rotation. “Just to be able to log six or seven innings and kind of reset your ‘pen, give us a good chance to win every time he goes out there, has been huge. I feel very confident in calling him the staff ace.” There was also a massive play in the third inning from Yamamoto. He had two on and no outs, but he managed to race on the mound, fielding a bunt that first baseman Freddie Freeman misread. Yamamoto then ran all the way to first himself before eventually tagging Wilson in the foot – forcing the Guardians to just keep one run and paving the way to a smooth victory. The Ohtani Spark Much like Yamamoto, Ohtani was firing from all cylinders and was able to drill a leadoff home run in the second straight game. The Japanese star now leads the MLB with 19 long balls as of the time of writing, and it could not have been any better for the Dodgers’ impressive victory. The Dodgers have always relied on Ohtani to make the big plays, and he did deliver in this clash with the Guardians to make sure that he would be able to put them on top. Ohtani also clocked his third career leadoff homer in the win. With the key victory, the Dodgers surge back into third with a 33-21 record, tied with the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets for the second spot.

Atlanta could not have timed it well perfectly in claiming their first win in the last eight games than this showdown against FC Cincinnati. The Five Stripes managed to cut through the passing lanes and disrupted plays left and right – all while scoring well on all cylinders as they staved off a comeback attempt to win it by 4-2. In a stretch that has seen a lot of drama unfold so far, it does seem that Atlanta is finally back to its winning groove. Fans are certainly looking forward to see them rise in the playoffs like they did last year, but now the job for the team is to get back on track in their games this season. Nothing has been easy for Atlanta – everything had to be earned as the team needed a lot of harsh, yet inspiring talks to get them up and running for impressive performances. Now more than ever, this is a great sign that the club may well be back to race their way to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference standings. A Progress to Remember Atlanta head coach Ronny Delia can be remembered calling out his players as “soft” in the game considering how poorly they have played in the past few games. That message seems to have been heard loud and clear not just by the squad, but with the rest of the league as well. “When you see that determination on set plays, when you see that people want to score, then you see a different team,” Deila said after Atlanta's first win since beating New York City FC on March 29. “You see that we want to clear the ball and we are first to the ball in the box. These kinds of things are key. Beating everybody seems to be quite a promising challenge, and yet Atlanta took off even with all the pressure at hand as they have seen four different scorers bring in the thunder. Goals from Derrick Williams, Ajani Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, and Jamal Thiare all contributed to the massive victory by Atlanta. By the Numbers If you look at the stat sheet, you’d be able to say that Cincinnati would be the clear winner had it not been for the score. Cincinnati had a total of 29 shots attempted compared to Atlanta’s 12, and they even had three more shots on target at 10. Cincinnati also held the ball for 63% of the game and completed a total of 588 passes for 90% pass accuracy. The only thing that was a win for Atlanta? Fewer fouls and zero yellow cards. The Five Stripes played the frustration game for Cincinnati, who only had goals in the second half of the game. This says a lot about the composed confidence that Atlanta has played with in this win compared to the previous matches. “We just need to understand that we can beat anybody, but we can also lose against anybody. This has to be the minimum when we talk about the discipline, when we talk about the killer instinct inside the boxes. Then we can prove our style and our play going forward.” Atlanta will now wrap up its three-game homestand against Orlando City tomorrow for a chance to get into back-to-back wins for the first time since the earlier games of the season.

All hell broke loose in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final when both Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman put up impressive goal-scoring performances. That allowed the Edmonton Oilers to break away in the clash as they went off for a 6-1 rout and ensured that they now stand up with a 2-1 series lead – just a few more wins away from punching a ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. The goal was to steal at least one win on the road to begin the series – and the Oilers accomplished that so far. Now they are turning the winning groove on their hands with the hopes of eventually returning to the big stage and continuing their unfinished business. The Oilers are still the heavy favorites to win it all, and it cannot be denied that they are expected to be back with the series looking to be in their favor. Nothing has been easy in this Western Conference Final between the Oilers and the Stars so far. Both teams have been throwing punches at each other and it has definitely set up the Oilers for a prime opportunity to advance to the next round. An Oilers Domination Hyman had an assist to add to his game, while Evan Bouchard scored a goal and an assist. Both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane each had three assists for the Oilers, and the no. 3 seed of the Pacific Division continues to thrive when it matters most. Even Stuart Skinner bounced back with a promising total of 33 saves. “You have to win games different ways. You have to have dominant nights, you have to have nights where maybe your goalie is better than theirs,” McDavid said of the team’s impressive victory. “You have to have nights where your special teams gets it done. That wasn’t tonight, although I thought the kill was good. Edmonton has relied on the classic 5v5 pattern on the attack, and it has worked like a charm for the team in the playoffs. This moves them away from the usual power play focus. Since it hasn’t clicked well for the team, Edmonton has found different ways and made adjustments to win in each chance they got. Oilers forward Connor Brown left the game in the second period after being hit along the boards by Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic. There remains to be no update regarding the forward’s status for the next game. An Opportunistic Chance The Oilers have gone up 2-1 in a playoff series for the 24th time in its history. Edmonton stands with a promising 21-3 record whenever they are up 2-1, and with this series being that way, expect the Oilers to chase more wins in the coming games. After all, they are halfway from returning to the Stanley Cup Final once more. “It’s ebbs and flows,” Skinner said. “You can feel it right away, and sometimes you don’t feel it right away. I wish I felt it all the time, but that’s just something that comes with it, and I think for myself it’s coming out of the last game, too. I felt really good, so I’m just trying my best to keep that going.” It is never easy to be perfect whenever you’re gunning for a long playoff chase, and it seems that the Stars now have their backs against the wall and will likely be going for a do-or-die chase in the coming days.

Roland Garros honored Rafael Nadal with an emotional tribute, celebrating his unparalleled legacy at the French Open. The ceremony took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, marking the opening day of the tournament and commemorating the 14-time French Open champion's remarkable career. Nadal's connection to Roland Garros is legendary. Between 2005 and 2022, he secured 14 titles, amassing a 112-4 match record at the venue. His dominance on the clay courts of Paris earned him the moniker "King of Clay." In recognition of his contributions, a statue of Nadal's signature forehand was unveiled at the tournament grounds in 2021. The tribute ceremony featured a heartwarming video montage highlighting Nadal's journey from his 2005 debut to his final match in 2024. The crowd, many wearing "Merci Rafa" shirts, witnessed the unveiling of a plaque on Court Philippe-Chatrier, bearing Nadal's footprint and signature. Tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined the event, emphasizing the camaraderie and respect Nadal garnered throughout his career. A Legendary Rafa Moment In his speech, Nadal expressed profound gratitude to his family, fans, and competitors. He acknowledged the French Tennis Federation's role in his journey and reflected on the special place Roland Garros held in his heart. The ceremony concluded with Nadal, holding his young son, waving to the crowd, encapsulating a poignant farewell to the tournament that defined much of his career. “I didn't know anything about the ceremony. The only thing that I knew before going there was going to be a video when I go on, then my speech, and then a couple of surprises,” said Nadal when asked of the plaque. “They didn't want me to know that. Then when I saw [it], I thought it was going to be just for this year. Knowing that's going to be forever there, it's a present that I can't describe in words.” It is a huge honor for Nadal’s career – and he was emotional to see all of his massive achievements on the clay surface. It was a special moment that Nadal would never forget. This tribute not only celebrated Nadal's achievements but also underscored the deep bond between the tennis icon and Roland Garros, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come. “To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot, and at the same time it's a great message for the world: That the best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other,” said Nadal. A Historic Dominance by Nadal From his debut win in 2005 at just 19 years old to his final title in 2022, Nadal amassed an astonishing 14 French Open titles — a record that stands unmatched in the Open Era. With a staggering 112-4 win-loss record on the Parisian clay, Nadal maintained a winning percentage of over 96% at Roland Garros, a level of supremacy never before seen at a single Grand Slam tournament. His combination of heavy topspin, relentless movement, and mental fortitude proved nearly impossible to counter on the slow, red surface. Beyond Roland Garros, Nadal’s mastery on clay extended across the ATP Tour. He has won 63 clay-court titles, including 11 Monte Carlo Masters and 10 Rome Masters, making him the all-time leader in titles on that surface. His playing style — built around explosive lateral movement, a punishing lefty forehand, and unmatched consistency — perfectly suited the demands of clay. As noted on the official Roland Garros website, “Nadal didn’t just win on clay — he redefined how to play on it,” becoming a symbol of both technical prowess and emotional intensity on the court.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has levied fines of upwards of $50,000 against several sportsbook operators such as BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and PENN Sports Interactive. The regulator discussed issues with the sportsbooks due to noncompliance, and the discussion even delved into the rise of prediction platforms. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has imposed $50,000 in civil fines on four licensed sports betting operators for a series of noncompliance violations, while also reviewing two new incidents and briefly discussing the future of sports prediction markets during a packed commission meeting. BetMGM, PENN Sports Interactive, FanDuel, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming were all penalized for prior infractions, ranging from improper betting markets to marketing missteps. Multiple operators sanctioned for prohibited bets The largest fine of the day, $20,000, was handed to FanDuel for repeatedly accepting wagers on the Belarusian national soccer team - a market explicitly banned in Massachusetts due to the state's prohibition on betting involving Russian or Belarusian athletes or teams. According to the Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, FanDuel took 3,871 bets totaling $11,792 between March 2023 and March 2024, followed by another 178 bets valued at $5,829 in July 2024. FanDuel claimed it had misinterpreted the scope of the prohibition. Meanwhile, Fanatics Sportsbook was fined $10,000 for a similar offense, accepting 127 prohibited bets on Belarusian soccer from September 2023 to March 2024, totaling $968.13. Unlike FanDuel, Fanatics did not self-report the violation; it was uncovered by the state's sports wagering division. BetMGM also received a $10,000 penalty for accepting bets on LPGA Tour events - at a time when the league had not yet been approved as a wagering market. Between March 2023 and May 2024, BetMGM processed 1,934 bets totaling $1,642.46 before the LPGA gained approval as a valid betting market in the state. PENN Sports Interactive was also fined $10,000 after inadvertently sending promotional materials to individuals who had enrolled in the voluntary self-exclusion program. This misstep raised concern among some commissioners, including Eileen O'Brien, who called the error 'troubling' and advocated for a higher fine. However, the commission ultimately agreed to the IEB's recommended penalty. Two new violations sent for further review In addition to handing out fines, the MGC reviewed two new potential noncompliance events that may lead to further penalties. Fanatics Betting and Gaming accepted 36 prohibited bets on Heisman Trophy futures, a market not approved in Massachusetts. The bets, totaling $545.70, were placed between January and March 2025. The commission voted to return the matter to the IEB for further investigation. DraftKings also came under scrutiny after offering 89 player prop bets on an NCAA men's basketball game between Oregon and Arizona on March 23, 2025. The bets involved points totals for individual players and amounted to $1,655 in wagers - violating restrictions on college player props. This case, too, was sent back to the IEB. Prediction market discussion stays cautious The commission also held a brief discussion on sports prediction markets, which involve trading on the outcome of future events, such as election results or sporting outcomes, often through platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood. MGC Chair Jordan Maynard stressed that the update was not intended to spark "soundbites," and reiterated that the safest method of betting remains through Massachusetts' licensed operators. Deputy General Counsel Justin Stempeck outlined the basic structure of prediction markets and noted that jurisdictional authority is still being contested. Several states are attempting to regulate these markets, while platforms argue they should fall under federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Commissioner O'Brien requested continued updates on ongoing legal disputes in this space, though no formal action was taken by the MGC. As Massachusetts' legal sports betting market continues to mature, the MGC remains focused on maintaining compliance among operators and protecting consumers. While most violations reviewed were administrative in nature, the commission emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive oversight in a highly regulated environment.

According to a recent report, more teens in the state of Minnesota are gambling and placing sports bets. Even though sports betting is illegal in the state, fans are still finding ways to make bets, and the number of sports betting teens are growing as we speak, which may fuel gambling addiction among the youth. Though sports betting remains illegal in Minnesota, the activity is surging among one unexpected group: teenagers. According to a new report, almost 8% of Minnesota's 8th, 9th, and 11th graders reported gambling at least once a week in 2022 - and experts believe those numbers are only climbing. Despite ongoing legislative debate over legalizing sports gambling, the ease of access through mobile apps and informal bets has made it a growing part of teen culture. Gambling becomes a cultural norm among teens Dr. Serena King, a professor of psychology at Hamline University, has studied youth and problem gambling for two decades. In her recent publication, Frequent and Problem Gambling in Public School Students, she explores data from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey - a statewide assessment conducted every three years. "I think what it tells us is it's culturally embedded in our community", said King. "Around 70 - 80 percent of our sample who were gambling that often, were gambling on sports and games." King noted that the gambling took both formal and informal forms - from playground bets to unregulated apps. "Both were pretty high in terms of the self-report among frequent gamblers", she said. Data likely underrates the scope Because the report is based on 2022 data, experts suspect the issue has only intensified. Susan Sheridan Tucker, Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling's Executive Director, said evidence from educators suggests that gambling among students is becoming more frequent and more accessible. "Teachers are very much acknowledging that they are seeing their students gamble on their phones", she said. "It's so accessible. If your child is gambling more than once a week, honestly, that should be a red flag." Limited resources to meet rising need While MNAPG tried to evaluate gambling addiction risks during legislative talks on sports betting last year, the challenge remains: there are not enough treatment providers. More than 250,000 people in Minnesota identify as problem gamblers, and 56,000 are estimated to meet the clinical diagnosis for gambling addiction. Yet, only 17 licensed providers currently serve the entire state. "This is an addiction that isn't covered by insurance", said Sheridan Tucker. "And without legal sports betting, there's no direct funding stream to support prevention and treatment." Should the state legalize sports betting, funding could increase - but at a cost. "It's a double-edged sword", explained King. Legalization would mean more protections and education, but also greater exposure, especially for youth, she continued. Early exposure often leads to lifelong addiction Sheridan Tucker emphasized that many people in recovery trace their first exposure to gambling back to childhood. "One of the first questions asked is, "What was your first exposure to gambling?" And almost inevitably, they're talking about experiences as young kids", she said. Experts advise parents and educators to look out for these warning signs of problem gambling: Increased incidence of gambling Spending more time gambling than intended Talking only about wins, not losses Lying when it comes to money usage Turning to other outlets like alcohol or video games to cope with gambling stress To open a constructive dialogue, King and Sheridan Tucker recommend: Talking with your child during a relaxed time, like a car ride Collaborating on boundaries around technology use Paying attention to time and money spent on games and gambling Engaging with apps and games together to understand their impact Avoiding fear tactics - instead, express concern and care As mobile access continues to blur the lines between games and gambling, Minnesota families face an urgent challenge: how to protect kids from a rapidly evolving and increasingly normalized risk.

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has signed the bill seeking to ban sweepstakes casino operators in the state, making Montana the first-ever US state that officially prohibits sweepstakes casinos online. While Senate Bill 555 doesn't specifically state sweepstakes casinos, the bill seeks to ban casino operators that make use of dual currencies in gambling. Other states have introduced similar bills, but Montana is the very first state to sign it into law. Montana has officially become the first state in the nation to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos, following the signing of Senate Bill 555 by Governor Greg Gianforte. The new legislation, which goes into effect on October 1, prohibits internet gambling platforms that use dual-currency models - commonly associated with sweepstakes-style online casinos. While the bill does not explicitly mention "sweepstakes," it was crafted to target operators that allow users to place bets using one currency and redeem prizes in another - a hallmark of many online sweepstakes platforms. According to the bill's language, any online gambling operation that "knowingly transmits or receives gambling information" and "makes payouts of any form of currency" falls under the prohibition. Strict penalties for violators Under the new law, violators could face severe penalties, including felony charges, fines of as much as $50,000, and prison sentences of up to 10 years. The legislation underscores Montana's intent to draw a hard line against emerging forms of online gambling that operate in legal gray areas, especially those offering casino-style experiences under the guise of sweepstakes or promotional gaming. The House and Senate in Montana both passed SB 555 in April, setting the stage for Governor Gianforte's signature this week. While several states have introduced similar legislation, Montana is the first to see such a bill successfully enacted. Industry group denounces the bill's ambiguity The Social and Promotional Games Association, a trade group representing sweepstakes operators, has sharply criticized the new law. In a statement, an SPGA spokesperson argued that the bill's broad and ambiguous language could have far-reaching consequences beyond its intended targets. "Montana just criminalized everyday digital promotions with a law so broadly written it fails to name what it bans," the spokesperson said. "It's a dangerous precedent that could undermine consumer trust, business innovation, and long-standing legal marketing practices." The SPGA further warned that the vague phrasing might inadvertently criminalize free-to-play sweepstakes and other promotional contests that do not involve real-money gambling. Broader legislative efforts struggle elsewhere Montana's move comes as other states deal with how to regulate or prohibit online sweepstakes casinos. Earlier in the year, the Senate of Mississippi became the first legislative body to pass a bill aimed at banning such platforms. However, that legislation ultimately failed in a conference committee amid broader discussions about legalizing online sports betting. Similarly, attempts to pass comparable bans in Florida, Arkansas, and Maryland also fell short. Despite the setbacks, several other states currently have active bills under consideration, reflecting growing concern over the legality and consumer protection issues surrounding online sweepstakes gambling. Montana's new law may serve as a catalyst for other states considering action against sweepstakes casinos. As these platforms continue to gain popularity - often marketed as legal alternatives to traditional online gambling - state lawmakers face increasing pressure to define and regulate their operations. The enactment of SB 555 marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over how best to address the evolving landscape of online gambling. Whether other states follow Montana's lead remains to be seen, but the move has certainly reignited national attention on the legality and ethics of sweepstakes-based gaming.