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Casinos in Atlantic City are feeling the pressure once again, as the latest report from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has revealed that onsite casino gaming revenue has gone down this April. Physical casino revenue has continued its decline, showing a 2.7% decrease from April of last year, and this amounted to a loss of nearly $6 million. Meanwhile, iGaming revenue continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Atlantic City's nine casinos continue to face headwinds, with the latest revenue figures from April 2025 showing a nearly 3% decline in brick-and-mortar gaming performance compared to the same month last year. As the traditional casino industry in New Jersey grapples with reduced in-person activity and dwindling sports betting revenue, the steady rise of online gaming provides a rare bright spot. In-person casino revenue drops yet again According to data released Friday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, gross gaming revenue from Atlantic City's physical casinos totaled $211 million in April, down 2.7% year-over-year. This equates to a loss of approximately $5.9 million from April of 2024. The drop was driven largely by a sharp decline in table game earnings. Dealers retained just under $48.8 million from players' wagers - a drop of $9.3 million or nearly 16%. Slot machines fared better, with revenue increasing 2.1% to $162.2 million, but not enough to offset the broader decline. So far in 2025, retail casino revenue has lagged behind 2024’s pace. From January through April, Atlantic City's casinos have collectively earned 2% less than during the same period last year, translating to $17.5 million less in revenue from in-person gambling. Sportsbooks see fewer bets, lower profits Atlantic City's brick-and-mortar casinos aren't alone in their struggles. Sports betting revenue in New Jersey is also on the decline. From January to April 2025, total sports wagers amounted to $4.2 billion - a billion dollars less than the $5.2 billion bet during the same timeframe in 2024. Oddsmakers won a total of $90.5 million in April, a 15% decrease compared to April 2024, when they earned $106.2 million. So far this year, sportsbooks' total revenue stands at $357.6 million, down 18% - or $76.6 million - compared to this point last year. Analysts suggest several potential reasons for the decline: increased competition from offshore operators offering better odds, economic constraints curbing discretionary spending, and possibly the success of responsible gaming initiatives encouraging more cautious betting behavior. Online casinos continue to thrive While Atlantic City's casinos and sportsbooks stumble, New Jersey's iGaming sector remains a powerhouse. In April alone, online casino platforms raked in $235.2 million, up 25% from the previous year - a gain of $47.2 million. Year to date, the iGaming sector has generated more than $908.4 million in revenue, representing a 21% increase over 2024. The bulk of that growth has come from online table games, slots, and poker, demonstrating the increasing shift in consumer preference toward digital gambling platforms. All eyes on summer recovery Industry stakeholders are now pinning their hopes on the summer season, traditionally Atlantic City's busiest time of year. With thousands of visitors expected to descend on the coastal resort from Philadelphia, New York, and North Jersey, casinos are hopeful for a revenue rebound. Beach restoration projects along the northern end of the Boardwalk have improved public spaces, and local officials believe this could enhance the city's appeal. James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, praised the city's hospitality workforce and expressed optimism for the months ahead. "Tourists who visit Atlantic City receive first-class service from dedicated workers in the casino hotels," said Plousis. The enthusiasm shown at the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority's 'Host Awards' foreshadows a promising summer season, he added. Competitive pressures loom Looking further ahead, Atlantic City may face even stiffer competition. New York is expected to announce the locations of three new big-time casinos in the near future. With full-scale gaming - including slots, table games, and sports betting - these venues could divert traffic from Atlantic City as they draw patrons from densely populated regions closer to home. With that in mind, the next few summers may prove pivotal for Atlantic City’s long-term viability. Casinos must not only capitalize on seasonal tourism but also refine their value propositions to retain regional gamblers as new options emerge.

Caesars Entertainment has done it again: on the heels of its newest NBA-themed slot game, NBA Triple Double Power Combo, and the recent launch of the Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender, comes its latest live dealer game with another NBA theme. The new live dealer blackjack game is available for players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, and it features an NBA felt table designed like a basketball court. Fans of the NBA and online gaming alike have something new to cheer about. Caesars Entertainment has unveiled a brand-new live dealer blackjack experience, blending the excitement of professional basketball with the thrill of casino gaming. The new NBA Blackjack Live Dealer Game is now available on Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Caesars Palace Online Casino, offering a courtside seat to the action - without ever leaving your home. Thanks to a partnership with the National Basketball Association, Caesars has introduced a 3:2 blackjack game that not only delivers traditional card action but also immerses players in an NBA-themed environment. The release of this game follows closely on the heels of another recent launch - Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender - demonstrating Caesars' momentum in expanding its online gaming portfolio. Where and who can play? The new live dealer game is now live for eligible players 21 years old and older in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The game features a custom felt layout with an NBA theme that mirrors the design of a basketball court, effectively capturing the NBA Playoffs' spirit and enhancing the player experience with an authentic sports atmosphere. "This expanded live dealer experience, created in collaboration with the NBA, is another example of our commitment to delivering engaging and innovative content across our digital gaming offerings," said Senior VP & Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland. "Caesars aims to provide immersive and exciting experiences for players, and this new game certainly delivers." A slam dunk for sports and slot fans alike As basketball fans tune in to the NBA Playoffs, Caesars is doubling down on its sports-themed gaming options. In addition to the blackjack release, the company has also introduced an NBA Triple Double Power Combo slot game, as we have previously reported. This fast-paced slot game puts players right in the middle of a packed arena with a background designed like a basketball court and cheering virtual fans to amp up the excitement. The slot machine combines vibrant basketball imagery with classic gameplay mechanics to create an experience that's just as fun for die-hard sports fans as it is for seasoned slot enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hit 21 or land a lucky spin, Caesars Entertainment's new NBA-themed gaming experiences offer something for everyone. These releases come at a time when interest in basketball is at a peak, giving fans a whole new way to engage with the sport they love. Play responsibly and stay in control While the excitement of online gaming and NBA action can be hard to resist, responsible gambling remains a top priority. Caesars, along with platforms like Action Network, encourages players to game responsibly. Tools are always available to help players set limits on deposits, time spent playing, and spending, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience for everyone. Gambling should always be viewed as a form of entertainment. If it begins to feel like a source of stress or financial strain, it's important to seek help and take advantage of the resources available. With the launch of its new NBA-themed live dealer blackjack and slot games, Caesars Online Casino is bridging the gap between sports and gaming in innovative ways. By combining top-tier branding with immersive gameplay, the company continues to position itself at the forefront of the digital casino landscape. As the NBA Playoffs heat up, so does the action on Caesars' online platforms.

Game 7 is where the best players are defined, and OKC made sure that they would get the last laugh in this series as the Thunder stormed through the Nuggets for a 125-93 victory. It was a huge rally for OKC, who were down by as many as 11 points in the first quarter. Now they are bound for the Western Conference Finals. This marks the first time OKC has reached the WCF stage – since 2016, which was also coincidentally the last time Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played together. Now the Thunder’s new era takes its chapter to another level and it cannot be denied that it has been one of the expectations from the team after its tough exit last season. In the biggest stage of any playoff series, the Thunder did not falter, and it has immortalized the reputation of Paycom Center’s loud crowd as it showed up well in this game. Now, the Thunder’s focus shifts to the upcoming West Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, another rival that needs some showdown to close out. A Thunderous Finish OKC did not start strong and was trailing away from the Nuggets and slowly fought its way back. The second and third quarters were crucial in helping them build a huge lead to keep the Nuggets away and prevent any potential comebacks. This game was a defensive clinic for the Thunder, who piled up the best defensive numbers of the series so far. Oklahoma City matched Denver in crashing the board – which has been always in the Nuggets’ favor, 44 to 47. However, OKC stood out on the defensive side, forcing a total of 22 turnovers to just nine of their own. Denver also got outscored in the paint, 64-42. Everything played out well for OKC, and it cannot be denied that this was theirs to lose. The energy has been there for the Thunder all the time, and the crowd followed through with one big play after another. Denver could not keep up with OKC for the rest of the game before they eventually waved the white flag. With nine minutes left in the fourth. Nikola Jokic finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He did, however, have five turnovers and finished the series with a ratio of 41 assists to 31 turnovers, which is a huge difference from his previous series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic had 71 assists to 21 turnovers in that run. A Night to Remember Jalen Williams was disastrous in Game 6 but responded well in Game 7. The first-time All-Star finished with 24 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while shooting 10-of-17 from the field, including 17 points in the second quarter alone to push the lead for the Thunder to double-digits. Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, however, made the biggest difference in the game with their defensive impact. The defensive duo had the highest +/- by the end of the game, with Caruso having +40 on 11 points, while Wallace had +38 with seven points – including a thunderous slam over Nikola Jokic. On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept his game alive for the team and was consistent without any turnovers. SGA had an MVP night with 35 points, four assists, three rebounds, and steals apiece on 12-of-19 shooting from the field. This was a picture-perfect finish in the semis for OKC as they now remain the only 60+ win team in the playoff chase.

Fans at the Foro Italico were treated to a fantastic final showdown between world no. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who has been on a hot ride as he went on to claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title as he cruised for straight sets against the defending champion of the Italian Open. Of course, the expectation for this clash was an Italian fairy tale like last year’s. However, Alcaraz made sure that he would be able to crash the party, and so he did as he went on to score wins in straight sets to close out the world no. 1 and defending champion. That also snapped Sinner’s 26-match winning streak that spanned from last year. Alcaraz sealed the ordeal in just an hour and 44 minutes to secure his 19th tour-level trophy. That victory now sees him tied with Sinner as the player with the most tour-level trophies among those ATP stars born in the 2000s. Now, Alcaraz shifts his focus to the next task at hand – the French Open. A Winning Groove Alcaraz came, saw, and conquered this iconic tournament in Rome. He saved two set points in a tight opener before he carried the same pace heading into the final set. The Spanish star defeated Sinner in a 7-6 (5) and 6-1 affair in the final of the Italian Open with ease, extending his dominance in their head-to-head series at 7-4. “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome title, hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” said Alcaraz. “The first thing I want to say is that I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back after three months and making the final of a Masters 1000 in his first tournament back. It’s something insane, so I have to congratulate him.” This match was no different for Alcaraz, who approached it with a gritty mentality and proved that he can be a masterful player on different facets as well. Alcaraz played well from the first point all the way to the final one, keeping his level mindset and showing that he can win on different play styles as well. Alcaraz now also becomes the first player to claim three ATP Tour titles this season, and the first to score multiple titles in the clay campaign. He also leads the Tour this season with 30 wins and is the fifth man to win all ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in the clay, joining the elite company of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten and Marcelo Rios. Building a Strong Pace Alcaraz had to pull out from the Madrid Open due to an adductor injury. His return to form in Rome was a promising sight, and he only lost one set en route to the title. Since last May, Alcaraz stands at a 27-2 record in that regard, and now he has his eyes on the Roland Garros campaign now more than ever. “All eyes are on Paris right now, on Roland Garros,” said Alcaraz. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give me great confidence going to Paris. I always say ‘The final is not about playing, the final is about winning’. I just repeat that approach everytime I play a final.” Alcaraz is one of the elite players on clay, and it cannot be denied that he is starting to earn a massive reputation of high-level performances in that surface. This recent swing at the Italian Open says it all, and he may be able to cap off a huge finish in the clay as well.

A man from Surrey in British Columbia, Canada, has taken the largest jackpot lottery prize ever amounting to CAD $80 million. The prize is the largest ever prize given to a single person, and Justin Simporios says it has made many of his dreams a potential reality. He plans to spend more time with his family and will pay off his sister's medical school debt, help his mother retire early, and go on a family trip home to the Philippines - aside from all that, he wants to see an LA Lakers' game before LeBron James retires. A Surrey resident has become the largest single lottery winner in Canadian history after claiming an incredible $80 million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9 draw. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation confirmed the win as the largest lottery prize ever awarded in the province - and to a single individual nationwide. The lucky winner, 35-year-old Justin Simporios, accepted his cheque with tears in his eyes and a heart full of gratitude. "This feels like a dream," he said, reflecting on the life-changing moment. Sleepless night after life-changing news Simporios, who describes himself as a deep sleeper, said the discovery left him too excited to sleep. "It was 10:30 pm," he recalled. "I saw someone had won $80 million in Surrey. I joked to my wife, "We're millionaires!" She told me to stop making that joke." Unable to shake the feeling, Simporios manually checked each of his numbers before using the BCLC Lotto! App to confirm the win. "When I scanned it and saw the result, I cried and shouted, "We're millionaires!"" he said. He woke his wife to share the unbelievable news. Initially skeptical, her disbelief quickly turned to joy, despite their daughter not feeling well that night. She agreed it was a good enough reason to wake her up, Simporios laughed. Family first: a promise to give back As he stood onstage accepting the cheque, Simporios expressed that his first priority would be supporting his loved ones. "I'll pay off my sister's medical school debt and help my mom retire early," he said. My family has always supported me, and now I can give them a head start in life, he added. He also shared plans to spend more time with his wife and daughter, emphasizing that quality time with loved ones would be the biggest change in his life. I want to live with purpose and help the community around us, he said. "I've struggled before and needed help. If I can give even an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can." Bucket list dreams: LeBron and a trip home One of Simporios' biggest personal dreams is to see his basketball hero, LeBron James, play live before the NBA superstar retires. With James nearing the twilight of his career - the 2024 - 25 season would mark his 23rd - the clock may be ticking, but Simporios is hopeful the trip to an LA Lakers game will soon become a reality. In the meantime, a visit to the Philippines for a long-awaited family reunion is also on the horizon. "My wife and kid have never visited," stated Simporios. That's something we can do now. This is about more than money. It's about making time count, he continued. Historic win for BC and Canada Lotto Max, a popular nationwide lottery game known for its massive jackpots, is drawn twice weekly and administered across Canada through provincial lottery bodies like BCLC. While the province runs its own smaller lotteries such as Keno and BC/49, Lotto Max is known for producing the country's biggest wins. Simporios purchased his ticket at the Walmart Supercentre in Central City, Surrey - a seemingly ordinary place for an extraordinary event. As BC celebrates this historic win, Simporios remains grounded, already thinking about how he can uplift others. I want to help where I can, he emphasized. He added, this win is not just for me - it's for everyone I love and for the community that raised me.

The Missouri Gaming Commission has just announced the launch of sports betting in the state, and it is scheduled for the 1st of December, 2025. All sports betting operators interested in getting a license must submit their applications by the 12th of September, and the Commission is allowed to process as much as 19 licenses for retail sports betting and up to 14 licenses for online sports betting. The Missouri Gaming Commission has officially opened its long-anticipated application window for sports betting licenses, marking a major milestone in the state's journey toward launching legal sports wagering. While the door is now open for operators to enter the market, the Commission confirmed that betting in the Show-Me State won't begin before the constitutionally mandated deadline of December 1, 2025. Application window opens for sports betting operators Starting last week, sports betting operators can submit applications for both retail and online licenses. The Missouri Gaming Commission will accept applications through the 12th of September, 2025. Under the current regulatory framework, the state can issue as many as 19 sports betting licenses for retail operators and as many as 14 sports betting licenses for online platforms. These licenses will be divided between operators with existing partnerships - such as those tied to Missouri's 13 casinos or six professional sports franchises - and those seeking direct market access through untethered licenses. Chairman confirms December 1 launch date Chairman Jan M. Zimmerman of the Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed that due to the volume of regulatory work remaining, the earliest possible launch date remains December 1. "It's our responsibility to make sure everything is done right," Zimmerman said. "We would never want to skip due diligence. As disappointing as it may be for some folks that it won't be until Dec. 1, we're going to make sure it's done right." Zimmerman emphasized that the Commission still needs time to conduct background checks, finalize testing requirements, and carry out other regulatory processes to ensure a secure and transparent launch. Official licensing timeline released To provide clarity on the rollout process, the Commission also released a detailed timeline for sports betting licensure: May 15: The period of licensing application opens July 15: Deadline for untethered online sports betting license applications August 13: Public presentations by untethered license applicants August 15: Commission selects two untethered online license holders September 12: Deadline for all other license applications December 1: Official launch of legal sports betting in Missouri Delays stemming from rejected emergency rules Missouri initially hoped for an earlier launch, potentially as early as summer 2025. However, that timeline was derailed when Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declined proposed emergency regulations submitted by the Commission earlier this year. Hoskins cited that the situation did not meet the statutory requirements for emergency rulemaking. "The emergency rulemaking process is reserved for situations that require immediate actions," he said. "After careful review, we determined that the situation does not meet these urgent criteria." As a result, the Commission had to proceed through the standard rulemaking process, pushing the entire schedule back by several months. Market access: partnerships taking shape Missouri sports betting operators will need to either secure an untethered license or form a partnership with a local casino or sports franchise. Only two online operators will be granted untethered access; these will be announced on August 15 and launch alongside other licensees on December 1. Several partnerships are already in the works. bet365 announced a multi-year partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this year, granting it access to Missouri's sports betting market. Underdog Fantasy has confirmed its intent to apply, and if approved, would hold licenses in four US states. BetMGM also intends to pursue licensure, although its path to market remains unclear. While the operator has an existing relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs, no formal partnership has been announced. DraftKings and FanDuel, two of the biggest names in US sports betting, are also expected to apply. Both companies contributed significantly to the campaign that led to the successful 2024 sports betting referendum in Missouri. With the application window now open and regulatory processes underway, Missouri's journey toward launching sports betting is entering its final stretch. While the road has included setbacks, the Commission remains focused on meeting its constitutional obligations and ensuring a smooth, secure rollout for operators and bettors alike.

In a recent study released by the United Kingdom's University of Nottingham School of Psychology, it was found that displaying a game's RTP percentage may have more far-reaching impact than previously thought. Instead of influencing the players realistically, it is believed that the RTP may influence them to become more optimistic than expected. And this, in turn, could potentially lead to more problematic gambling behavior. Gambling regulators often require casinos to display return-to-player (RTP) percentages on slot machines, aiming to help players make better-informed choices. But a new study suggests these messages may be doing more harm than good, especially when misunderstood. RTP may fuel 'false hope' According to research from the University of Nottingham's School of Psychology, standard RTP disclosures - such as "This game has an average payout of 90%" - can inflate players' expectations and lead to even riskier gambling behavior. Instead of clarifying the odds, RTP statements may make players overly optimistic about their chances of winning. The findings challenge long-standing industry practices and suggest alternative messaging might be more effective at curbing false hope. What RTP really means RTP represents the percentage of total money bet on a slot machine that is paid back to players over time. For example, a 90% RTP means that, in the long run, for every $100 wagered, the machine returns $90 to players collectively, with the remaining $10 kept by the house. This $10 is known as the house edge. However, this figure is a long-term average based on millions of spins - it doesn't necessarily mean that any individual player will get 90% of their money back in a single session. Nor does it imply that 90% of players will win. Many players misinterpret RTP, assuming that it guarantees a steady return or increases their likelihood of success. In reality, slot machines are random. You could hit a jackpot in your first few spins or lose your entire bankroll just as quickly. RTP also doesn't reflect volatility or how streaky wins and losses are, the frequency of hits, or the potential for maximum losses. Misunderstood odds drive overconfidence In the study, over 6,000 online slot players from the UK and US were shown one of four pre-game messages: A typical RTP message: "This game has an average payout of 90%." House edge warning 1: "This game keeps 10% of all money bet." House edge warning 2: "This game is programmed to cost you 10% of your stake on each bet." No message at all. After viewing the message, participants were asked how likely they thought they were to win. The results were stark: players who saw the usual 90% RTP message were over five times as likely to rate their winning chances as high compared to those who saw no message at all. In other words, RTP messaging appeared to inflate confidence rather than temper it. House edge warnings prove more effective The house edge warnings performed significantly better at grounding players' expectations. Participants who saw these messages had more realistic assessments of their chances, similar to those who saw no message at all. Interestingly, the study also revealed that people with higher scores for problem gambling overestimated their chances only when they received no information, suggesting that a complete absence of guidance can leave vulnerable players to their own hopeful assumptions. This nuance highlights the importance of how information is presented - not just whether it's given. While house edge messages didn't reduce optimism beyond a no-info scenario, they did prevent the inflated expectations caused by traditional RTP lines. Rethinking Responsible Gambling messages The study's authors argue that current regulatory messaging may need a rethink. If the goal is to reduce gambling harm and encourage informed decision-making, then simply posting RTP percentages might not be enough - or might even be counterproductive. Instead, straightforward house edge disclosures could serve as a more effective way to temper expectations and reduce risky behavior. As gambling continues to move online and slot-style games proliferate, especially among younger audiences, how information is communicated could play a crucial role in harm prevention. In short, telling gamblers the odds isn't enough - it's how you tell them that matters.

Senator Nathan Manning from Ohio has just introduced a brand-new gaming proposal that includes a hefty licensing fee of $50 million plus a tax rate of nearly 40%. The bill has already reached the Senate in spite of having the highest tax rate ever seen for the Buckeye State. A new effort to legalize online casinos in Ohio is gaining traction in the state legislature. Senator Nathan Manning introduced Senate Bill 197 this week, a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at authorizing iGaming for licensed operators in the Buckeye State. The bill comes amid growing interest among Ohio lawmakers in expanding gaming revenues and follows a failed attempt by Governor Mike DeWine to double the state’s sports betting tax in the current budget cycle. Manning's proposal would not only legalize online casino gambling but also introduce one of the highest iGaming tax rates in the United States, alongside a significant $50 million licensing fee. High tax rates could set national precedent At the heart of SB 197 is an aggressive tax structure that would position Ohio among the most heavily taxed iGaming markets in the country. Under the bill, operators who run their own iGaming platforms would be taxed at 36%. However, those who contract with third-party providers - such as national giants DraftKings or FanDuel - would face a steeper 40% rate. If passed, Ohio would become the state with the highest iGaming tax rate among open markets. Only New Hampshire and Rhode Island currently feature higher rates, but those states operate under exclusive contracts with a single operator - DraftKings and Bally's, respectively - effectively limiting market competition. In comparison, Pennsylvania has the current highest rate for an open iGaming market at 36%, while Michigan employs a progressive tax structure ranging from 20% to 28% depending on revenue levels. New Jersey taxes online casinos at just 15%, though Governor Phil Murphy has proposed raising that figure to 25%. Licensing comes with a $50 million price tag The cost of entering Ohio's iGaming market would be significant. Under SB 197, each iGaming license would cost $50 million and remain valid for five years. Renewal fees are set at $5 million, signaling a high barrier to entry for potential operators. Revenue distribution from iGaming would largely benefit the state's general fund. According to the bill, 99% of tax revenues collected from iGaming would be deposited into the general revenue fund, with the remaining 1% allocated to Ohio's problem gambling initiatives. The legislation also includes a notable incentive for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks: a proposed reduction in the retail sports betting tax rate from 20% to 10%, offering relief to in-person operators. Expanded gaming options also on the table In addition to iGaming, SB 197 would legalize other online gaming formats, including iLottery games and mobile betting on horse racing. The inclusion of online lottery games is aimed at boosting funding for education programs, as those revenues would be earmarked specifically for schools. If passed, the bill could mark a transformative expansion of Ohio’s gaming landscape, turning it into one of the most robust digital gaming markets in the Midwest. Another iGaming bill likely to follow Sen. Manning's bill may not be the only proposal to legalize iGaming in Ohio. Representative Brian Stewart, chair of the House Finance Committee, has also expressed intent to introduce separate iGaming legislation. While details on Stewart’s bill have not yet been disclosed, his leadership position within the House budget process could give his proposal significant influence. Stewart notably led the House's charge to remove Governor DeWine's proposed sports betting tax hike from 20% to 40% during the latest budget negotiations, signaling a more moderate approach to gaming taxation.

Derrick Henry is extending his reign with the Baltimore Ravens heading into the 2025 season as the team has finally agreed to add more years to his stay – inking a two-year deal worth $30 million. The running back is coming home for more action with the hopes of bringing a championship to Baltimore and ending their drought in the AFC. Nothing has been easy for Baltimore as it kept on exiting the playoffs one campaign after another. Either losing at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs or Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, it seems that frustration is starting to be quite a problem for the team at this point. Henry, however, wants all the smoke and is keen to bring that championship drought to an end now more than ever. With two more years locked in to him, there are now bigger expectations for the team considering that they still have one of the best rosters in the league. These two years are arguably the best window for Henry and the Ravens to win it all before he either calls it a career or moves on to another team. Henry on the Attack Henry was one of the most prolific running backs in the previous season, and it cannot be denied that he deserves this massive extension with the Ravens. So far, his $15 million per year average is the most for a running back who is well above 30 years old. At the age of 31, it does seem that he still has a lot to offer for the squad to increase its winning chances. Henry made his postseason action debut last year for the first time since 2021 when he was still playing for the Tennessee Titans. He was phenomenal on the attack and has been a reliable performer for the team. However, like any other season in five of the last six years, the Ravens have never advanced to the Super Bowl. “God is good !! @Ravens I’m appreciative & grateful for everyone part of this great organization & a BIG S/O to all my teammates to be able to make this possible,” Henry said on social media, discussing his new signing with the Ravens. “Thank you Flock Nation for always supporting.” Henry has been a pivotal piece for the Ravens. He has been able to come up with explosive plays night in and night out and has also proven his worth in the clutch. Luck just hasn’t been on their side as the tough drought continues. The King Henry Impact Henry didn’t get the “King Henry” moniker for nothing. The running back has flourished well side-by-side with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson for the whole season – leading to that MVP-worthy campaign that ended up in postings of career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while adding 915 rushing yards to generate the league's No. 1 offense. Known for his versatility and massive strength on the run, Henry has been a huge boost to Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system so far. The RB has put up 1,921 rushing yards to nearly become the first player in league history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season twice. On top of that, Henry has logged a total of 16 rushing touchdowns to lead the NFL last year and also nailed 2,114 total scrimmage yards. He finished second to Saquon Barkley, the latest member of the 2,000-yard club.

Whether he wins the rest of the Italian Open or not, Carlos Alcaraz has already earned a headstart in the Roland Garros as the Spanish star now earns the second seed berth in the coming tournament. It seems that the recent successes have been paying off for the world no. 2 and is likely to give him an edge in the coming weeks. Alcaraz took down Jack Draper in straight sets to earn his semis berth in the Italian Open with ease. This victory now adds to his run in the ATP Live Rankings, where he now has a total of 8,240 points and can even leave Rome with no more than 8,085 points, locking him into the third seed. It has been an unprecedented run for Alcaraz, and he is getting a huge campaign on the run now more than ever. For context, the second seed in the Roland Garros is a serious advantage. For starters, Alcaraz will not face world no. 1 Jannik Sinner in the French Open until they both reach the final in Paris. On the other hand, Alexander Zverev is expected to headline one of the two middle quarters and the fourth seed is still yet to be determined – but is expected to end up at the hands of either Taylor Fritz or Draper. A Huge Advantage for Alcaraz Alcaraz isn’t enjoying a season full of rainbows so far. He has struggled to win a lot of the tournaments where he was a favorite to clinch points. For starters, the Spanish star has only won in the ATP Rotterdam and the Monte-Carlo Masters so far. He did, however, reach the final of the Indian Wells and Barcelona Open before he had to withdraw from the Madrid Open. "I think it's great being second seed in Roland Garros, knowing that I'm going to not see Jannik before the final, if I reach it. I think it's great," Alcaraz said. "It's something that I didn't think about, honestly." Alcaraz played superbly in his showdown with Draper. The Englishman led 4-2 in the first set, only for the Spanish star to storm back and win both sets at 6-4. Draper constantly applied pressure on whatever weak spot he can find on Alcaraz, but could not convert in all three break points that would have given him an edge in the game. Reigning French Open winner Alcaraz took advantage of the rest of the game and it was certainly on point as he did not look back. The Spanish star sealed the deal in just a breeze and was able to close out his slot in the semis. Regaining His Form Alcaraz’s impressive stretch could not have come at a better time than ever. This is a chance for the Spanish star to gain ground in closing out the clay court season. Beating Draper was a quality win for Alcaraz, and it only took him an hour and 38 minutes to wrap up the contest. “I think the most important thing that I did today was not thinking about the shots at all,” said Alcaraz. “Not thinking about the fact that I was down, just trying to do the things that make me happy. On court I just tried to be aggressive, play good shots, drop shots, go to the net. That’s what I like to do on the court, and I think that made the difference today. Alcaraz was glad that he played with a high rhythm in the game, and the Spaniard is seeking to keep that same pace heading into the later stages and bring it all the way to the French Open.

Jamal Murray had an illness and was a game-time decision before the tipoff, and yet he went on to play 42 minutes and dropped 25 points, eight rebounds, and assists apiece. The Denver Nuggets kept their season alive and managed to knock a resilient Oklahoma City Thunder off their tracks, which says a lot about how this series has gone. Nothing has been easy in this series. Both teams have struggled to shoot the ball well and could not find a strong groove. The Nuggets flipped the script in the fourth quarter – where they have struggled to play at a high level, but managed to hold off OKC in this game to earn the 119-107 win and force a decisive Game 7. Now with the series tied, it seems that it could go both ways. The Nuggets have played a lot of Game 7s with the same core – including against the Los Angeles Clippers in Round 1. OKC, on the other hand, has not played a Game 7 at all – save for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort who played against the Houston Rockets in 2020. They do, however, flex the home court advantage at this point. A Game of Storied Playoff Risers and Downers The Nuggets bench hasn’t been relevant in this series so far, but then Julian Strawther came up with 15 points – all in the second half to propel a 32-21 scoring in the third quarter to make that case different. Christian Braun was also able to meet the moment as he kept Denver afloat the whole game and finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Denver played off with high energy from the start – fueled by a four-point play from Jamal Murray to score the Nuggets’ first bucket. Playoff risers are all about stepping up, and that is certainly not the case for the first-time All-Star Jalen Williams. Sure, Jdub finished with six points, 10 assists, and seven boards – but he shot awfully with just 3-of-16 from the field, including 0-for-4 from three and a lot of missed shots that he usually makes. This has been the story for both teams in the series, and they will have to rely on these key players if they are both going to make a strong case in setting up a date with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. High-Stakes Game 7 on the Way Both teams have a lot to battle for – a chance at redemption for the Nuggets, and a budding championship window for the Thunder. It will all come down to execution down the stretch, and OKC head coach Mark Daigneault knows what it is all about – despite not having coached in a Game 7 himself. "We need to be who we've been all season and embrace the opportunity in front of us. We get to play that game at home - because the work we did during the regular season - in front of our fans,” said Daigneault. "Both teams are exchanging blows. They got theirs in tonight. Both teams have done a great job of standing back up, including us, and we need to do that on Sunday." Neither team has been able to have a commanding lead in the series and has certainly shown that they are trading punches. As the only Game 7 in the Conference Semifinals so far, it is going to have a lot of stakes – especially with the MVP award not being announced just yet.