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While this was originally introduced back in August 2024, BetMGM’s hype continues to be alive and well with their agenda of helping players make the most out of their chances with the use of in-house technology and seamless product for football. Fans can now enjoy bigger betting action right from the intense environment of Vegas all the way to the comfort of their homes. In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts, BetMGM has rolled out a suite of innovative features designed to elevate the betting experience just in time for the 2024 football season. Powered by Angstrom, the platform now offers players an easier way to create same game parlays (SGPs) and SGP+ options, along with a variety of pre-packaged parlays. Bettors can now construct parlays from anywhere within the app, providing unprecedented flexibility. One of the standout features is the live bet tracking system, which allows users to monitor their wagers in real-time, enhancing engagement during games. Additionally, the redesigned bet slip consolidates all betting options into a single view, enabling customers to place multiple types of bets simultaneously with greater ease. A Promising Offer for Nevada Residents For Nevada residents, BetMGM is making waves as the first sports betting app to offer nationwide connectivity through a single account and digital wallet. This innovation eliminates the hassle of multiple registrations, allowing users to wager seamlessly in-state while also accessing BetMGM’s mobile markets across the United States. With nearly 1,000 futures markets available—including awards, player props, and team propositions—BetMGM is positioning itself as a go-to destination for football betting. The platform will feature over 450 ways to wager on each professional football game, and exclusive markets powered by Angstrom will be available from the very first week of the season. The impressive play-by-play simulation provided by Angstrom is a huge game-changer for many players. This was first launched in the 2024 MLB season as BetMGM went on to provide some of the most competitive markets on home runs in that campaign. Now it is expected that it will work wonders for fans of the NFL while also making some big improvements from the tweaks it had during the MLB season in the long run. Extending Football Prominence BetMGM is operational in 29 markets across North America, including states like Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and New York, as well as in Ontario, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Football is now also included in the Smarts Stats feature, which provides crucial insights, data, and statistics in relation to the betting markets, aiding players in making informed decisions. As the platform continues to innovate and expand its offerings, responsible gaming remains a priority. BetMGM is committed to providing resources that promote safe and enjoyable gaming experiences, featuring GameSense—an industry-leading program developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. This integration ensures that customers receive consistent support across both mobile and desktop platforms, complementing BetMGM's existing responsible gaming tools. BetMGM is redefining the sports betting scene as we know it, and it is expected that there are going to be a massive surge in NFL bettors this season with the new features now up and running. And considering how competitive and surprising the early games of the 2024 NFL season has been, it cannot be denied that BetMGM is definitely locked in to come up with some of the extensive betting experiences for American Football this season now more than ever.

Borgata in Atlantic City has just announced that its plans for renovating the casino floor will push through next week, amidst struggles with its customer base in Atlantic City, which has increasingly shifted to Ocean and Hard Rock. To be precise, Borgata is doing away with the Gypsy Bar and replacing it with more casino space, and there are also plans to add a restaurant with an Asian theme. Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, operated by MGM Resorts International, is gearing up for a significant upgrade to its gaming floor starting next week. The renovation comes as the iconic casino faces growing competition, particularly from Ocean Casino Resort and Hard Rock, which have been capturing market share, especially among VIP casino players. As Borgata prepares to reimagine its offerings, the stakes have never been higher in the competitive Atlantic City landscape. One of the most notable changes involves the closure of the Gypsy Bar, which will make way for expanded gaming space. Borgata officially announced that the Gypsy Bar, a staple located next to the Izakaya fine dining and Old Homestead restaurants, would close on September 6. In its place, the casino plans to introduce a revamped gaming area, promising an enhanced experience for its guests. Nik Rytterstrom, Borgata's president and COO, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes, stating, "We couldn't be more excited about this project as we look ahead to this next phase of Borgata's evolution. These enhancements are not just about maintaining our position in the market - they're about pushing the boundaries of what our guests can expect from a world-class gaming destination." New additions for an elevated guest experience As part of the overhaul, Borgata's gaming floor will also feature a new lounge, designed to cater to discerning clientele. The lounge will offer a bespoke collection of rare liquors and spirits from around the globe. Additionally, plans are underway for a new Asian restaurant which will further diversify the dining options available to guests. This project marks the first significant undertaking at Borgata since Rytterstrom became the president and COO in March of this year. Rytterstrom, who has been tasked with leading one of MGM's most important assets outside of Las Vegas, is determined to keep Borgata ahead in the highly competitive Atlantic City market, which is currently home to nine casinos. Borgata's battle to reclaim market dominance For years, Borgata has held the title of Atlantic City's most profitable casino, regularly generating the highest gross gaming revenue in the city. However, its market dominance has faced challenges since the openings of Ocean and Hard Rock in 2018. Borgata's GGR in 2019 was $709.6 million, capturing 26.4% of the customer base. However, Hard Rock and Ocean rapidly carved out significant portions of the city's gaming revenue, with Hard Rock taking 12% of the market and Ocean 8% that same year. In recent years, Borgata has seen a decline in its market share. By 2023, while Borgata still generated a hefty $729.7 million in GGR, its market share had slipped to 25.6%, while Hard Rock captured 18% and Ocean held 14.5%. Borgata has managed to rebound this year - through the first eight months of 2024, Borgata's casino win stood at approximately $427.8 million, representing 26.2% of the market. Hard Rock followed closely with $316.9 million, or about 19.5%, and Ocean maintained a stable position with 14.5% of the market, generating $235.6 million. Recent investments to stay competitive Borgata's current investments in its gaming floor follow a series of recent upgrades. Earlier in the year, the resort completed a $55 million renovation of its Water Club tower, which was rebranded as the MGM Tower at Borgata. This renovation included refreshing all 700+ guest rooms and suites with cool, modern tones aimed at enhancing the overall guest experience. In addition to the MGM Tower, Borgata offers a total of 2,727 rooms. The resort reported that during the first half of this year, the rooms were occupied 71.1% with a price per night of almost $180. Borgata has also made other notable enhancements, including a revitalization of the Long Bar, an expansion of the outdoor pool area, and the opening of the Overlook. The Overlook, which spans 9,060 square feet, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Marina District from its 32nd-floor location, making it a prime venue for events.

Wynn Al Marjan in the United Arab Emirates is all set for its grand opening: the gaming giant Wynn Resorts has just received its gaming license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, or the GCGRA. The GCGRA is the very first gaming body in the UAE, and it has given Wynn Resorts the first-ever commercial gaming facility operator permit - a definite "Wynn". Wynn Resorts has made history as the first company to be given a commercial casino license in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. The Las Vegas gaming giant confirmed on Friday that the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE's newly established gaming regulatory body, approved a commercial gaming facility operator permit for Wynn's upcoming project, Wynn Al Marjan Island. This groundbreaking development signals a new chapter for regulated gaming in the region, which has traditionally banned such activities. A substantial milestone for Wynn Resorts The approval marks a significant milestone for Wynn Resorts and its plans for Wynn Al Marjan Island, a $3.9 billion integrated resort located in Ras Al Khaimah. The project, which has been under construction for several months, is expected to open in the beginning of 2027. Wynn Resorts is collaborating with RAK Hospitality Holding, a local partner, on the development. In a statement, Wynn Resorts expressed gratitude to the GCGRA for granting the license, noting that it reflects the regulatory body's confidence in the company. "Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the license grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility license in the UAE", the company said. Although the GCGRA has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the approval, Wynn emphasized that the license was awarded after a "diligent and extensive review." A game-changer for the Middle East's gaming landscape For decades, casino gaming has been non-existent in the Middle East due to cultural and legal restrictions. However, the recent formation of the GCGRA in 2023 along with a July lottery license approval for a company based in Abu Dhabi indicated a shift in the region's stance on gaming. Wynn's newly secured casino license is a landmark event, potentially reshaping the gaming industry in the UAE and the broader Middle East. Wynn Resorts took a significant risk in pursuing the UAE development without knowing if a casino license would be granted. Despite this risky endeavor, the decision appears to be paying off. Analysts believe that the UAE's casino market could generate up to $5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue when fully matured. The country's substantial oil wealth, its increasing number of affluent residents, and its status as a top tourist destination make it an attractive market for international gaming companies. Wynn's entry into the UAE could position it as a major player in the region's emerging gaming industry, which could grow to rival established markets such as Macau and Singapore. These jurisdictions already have limited opportunities for expansion, with Macau unlikely to issue additional licenses and Singapore's casino market locked in a duopoly for the next 30 years. The UAE, in contrast, offers fresh opportunities for growth. Wynn Al Marjan Island: a project poised to transform the region The Wynn Al Marjan Island project is set to be a luxury integrated resort, offering a range of amenities, including the newly approved gaming venue. While Wynn's financial stake in the project is less than $1 billion, the total investment in the development is projected to reach $3.9 billion. The resort's design, facilities, and gaming offerings are expected to cater to the UAE's high-net-worth residents and attract international tourists. This approval could set the stage for even more developments in the UAE's gaming industry, opening the door for other international operators to explore opportunities in the region. For now, Wynn stands as the first mover in a market with considerable untapped potential. Wynn Resorts to provide project update on October 8 Investors and insiders are eagerly awaiting further details about Wynn's plans for its UAE casino. The company is scheduled to hold an event for analysts and investors on October 8 at Wynn's flagship resort on the Las Vegas Strip. During the event, Craig Billings, Chief Executive Officer of Wynn Resorts, and other global leaders of the gaming giant will deliver presentations on the expected financial performance of Wynn Al Marjan Island. The Analyst & Investor Update Meeting, which is invitation-only, will provide deeper insights into Wynn's long-term vision for its UAE project and how it could shape the future of gaming in the region. When the event was announced, analysts speculated that it was a signal Wynn would soon receive the long-awaited casino license approval in the UAE.

Convicted criminals who have committed misdemeanors in downtown Las Vegas have been banned by the city from entering an 'order-out corridor' that stretches from Fremont Street to Las Vegas Boulevard. But now, the corridor has been expanded to include 29 acres located near the Plaza Hotel. The American Civil Liberties Union, in turn, has questioned the expansion, threatening to sue. Las Vegas officials have unanimously voted to expand the city's controversial 'order-out corridor,' a legal measure allowing judges to ban individuals convicted of misdemeanors from entering certain tourist areas. This expansion, approved on Wednesday, broadens the scope of a policy enacted last November, which applies to offenses committed within Las Vegas' bustling downtown area, often referred to by tourists as 'downtown.' The new expansion includes an additional 29 acres surrounding the Main Street Station and the Plaza Hotel, a significant increase from the original zone, which primarily covered The Strat environs and Fremont Street. The decision aims to curb criminal activity in some of the city's most heavily trafficked tourist destinations, ensuring a safer environment for both visitors and law enforcement. Banning offenders from tourist areas The order-out corridor gives judges the authority to ban individuals from entering downtown Las Vegas for up to a year as an alternative to jail time. The policy is applied following convictions for minor offenses, such as battery, trespassing, disturbing the peace, providing false information, and obstructing police. Under the ordinance, which was first enacted last year, police have the power to arrest individuals found in the restricted areas without needing further evidence of criminal activity if they have been banned by a court order. According to city officials, the initiative has seen some early success. A report shared during a City Hall presentation in July revealed that 246 people had been ordered to stay out of the downtown area in the first few months since the implementation of the ordinance. Among them, just over 80 individuals were jailed for violating their ban, and only nine re-offended after breaching the order. Crime reduction and city support City officials have praised the measure for its effectiveness in reducing crime within the designated tourist zones. Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who sponsored the original ordinance, emphasized the importance of the policy at a City Council meeting, framing it as a key tool for enhancing public safety. "This really is a critical first step for us, and it is only to protect everybody, including law enforcement," Goodman stated. The mayor's backing of the expansion stems from the belief that keeping certain offenders out of high-profile tourist areas can significantly deter criminal behavior, allowing law enforcement to focus on maintaining order in the downtown corridor. Civil liberties concerns and ACLU opposition While city officials and some residents view the order-out corridor as a vital crime prevention measure, it has faced fierce opposition from civil liberties advocates, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. The ACLU voiced its opposition to the expansion during the City Council meeting last week, arguing that the policy infringes on individuals' constitutional rights and unfairly targets vulnerable populations, such as the homeless. The ACLU has a history of challenging similar ordinances in the region. It is currently suing the city over a similar order-out corridor imposed in Clark County, which includes the Las Vegas Strip. One case in particular, involving Ackeem Ramsay, a man on probation for pandering, has brought attention to the potential constitutional violations posed by the policy. Ramsay was banned from the Strip as part of his sentence, and the ACLU was able to file a brief challenging the legality of the ban, asserting that even convicted criminals have a First Amendment right to access public spaces. According to the ACLU, many of those who have been arrested under the order-out corridor on the Strip have been homeless individuals. The organization argues that the ordinance essentially criminalizes homelessness by restricting access to large public areas, leaving some people with no alternatives. Despite the opposition, the city appears committed to the expansion of its order-out corridor, asserting that it is a necessary measure to keep downtown Las Vegas safe for tourists and residents alike. However, the growing legal challenges, coupled with concerns about the policy's fairness and constitutionality, indicate that the debate over order-out zones is far from over.

Forward-thinking companies Jackpocket.com and Lotto.com are expanding, bringing lottery courier services to other states like Massachusetts. They enable people who cannot physically buy lottery tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as state lotteries, to order tickets online. Lotto.com, in particular, is trying to catch up to Jackpocket.com in terms of state offerings. The landscape of lottery gaming in the United States is undergoing a transformation as online lottery couriers expand their operations. These pioneering companies have created a new lottery sector by offering their services in states where tickets are not available for purchase online. The convenience of purchasing lottery tickets from home has rapidly gained popularity, with two major players, Jackpocket.com and Lotto.com, leading the way. Their services now extend to more states, including Massachusetts, with new product offerings that cater to an expanding customer base. Lotto and Jackpocket go head to head Recently, Lotto.com, a company founded in 2018, announced its official launch in Massachusetts, marking its 11th state of operation. The company is now offering its services in states such as New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Minnesota, New York, Nebraska, Texas, and Ohio. The latest addition to its portfolio, Massachusetts, brings Lotto.com's services to one of the richest lottery states in the nation. Massachusetts ranks fifth in lottery sales, generating over $6.1 billion in revenue in 2023, despite being the 16th most populated state. At 9am on Thursday, Lotto.com began offering its services in Massachusetts, joining its competitor Jackpocket.com, which has been operational in the state for some time. Massachusetts residents aged 18 and older can now conveniently purchase lottery tickets, including for popular games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Mass Cash, Megabucks, The Numbers Game, and Lucky for Life. For the first time in the state, players can purchase Massachusetts Lottery scratch-off tickets online through Lotto.com's courier service. Lottery couriers changing the game Lottery courier services have revolutionized the lottery industry by addressing a common complaint from players: the need to visit physical retailers to purchase tickets. In an increasingly digital world, the demand for online lottery access has only grown stronger. Jackpocket.com, founded in 2013 and recently acquired by DraftKings, has been at the forefront of this shift. With operations in 19 states, including New York, Florida, and Massachusetts, Jackpocket.com has paved the way for millions of lottery players to purchase tickets without leaving their homes. Although many states operate lotteries, online sales remain prohibited in some to protect the interests of brick-and-mortar retailers. These retailers benefit from in-store ticket sales, which often encourage additional purchases. However, proponents of online lottery sales argue that allowing internet purchases can increase overall lottery revenue and benefit the programs these lotteries fund. Online courier services like Lotto.com and Jackpocket.com offer an alternative to traditional lottery retail by allowing players to purchase tickets through mobile apps or websites. Once a ticket is ordered, the courier service purchases the physical ticket from a licensed retailer on behalf of the player. Players receive a high-resolution digital receipt showing the numbers played, and the physical ticket is additionally secured in a locked, fireproof vault. For winnings, small prizes are automatically credited to the player's online account, while larger winnings require the player to claim their prize in person, with the ticket delivered to them by the courier service. Massachusetts entry marks new milestone for Lotto Lotto.com's entry into Massachusetts is a significant milestone for the company as it continues to chase its rival, Jackpocket, in terms of market reach. While Jackpocket is live in more states, Lotto's focus on offering scratch-off tickets gives it a unique edge in Massachusetts, where scratchers are extremely popular. The addition of scratch-off tickets to Lotto's service lineup could potentially drive more users to the platform, increasing its market share in the Bay State. The Massachusetts Lottery's approval of online courier services signals a growing acceptance of digital lottery sales, especially as they provide a solution for individuals who may be unable or unwilling to visit physical retailers. Seniors, people with disabilities, and others who prefer to avoid in-person transactions can now easily participate in the lottery from the comfort of their homes. Convenience at a small cost While online lottery courier services offer undeniable convenience, they do come with associated fees. These services typically charge a fee of 15% to 25% on each ticket order, in addition to a 10% to 25% fee on deposits. However, no commissions are charged on account withdrawals or winnings. Despite the fees, many players see value in the service, as it eliminates the risk of losing a ticket or having it damaged by spills, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Heading into their weekend showdown versus the Baltimore Ravens, star quarterback Joe Burrow believes that they have what it takes to steal a win against one of the hottest teams in the NFL this season. However, it will take a lot of impressive strides from the team if they are actually going to pull off an impressive run to win against the road team this weekend. One of the biggest rivalries are slated to unfold in Sunday Night Football with the Bengals hosting the Ravens at home for the first time this season. So far, this is expected to be quite a show to look out for for many fans as the rivalry takes shape for the 58th time. Joe Burrow seeks to also break the tough skid that has engulfed the Bengals’ hopes of establishing a strong start to the season. So make sure you don’t miss out on the big game ahead! Burrow is raring to go and prove his worth, and fans can expect him to come up with a massive touchdown game and score some impressive passes and eclipse a total of 20 made passes in the game. Redemption Game Coming Up The Bengals haven’t really struggled to score this season, managing to put up 25, 33, and 34 points on their last three games, with two of those leading to losses. The big reason for that is their lack of defensive growth – failing to generate stops and convert opportunities over their games. So far, Burrow knows that he is expected to play at a high level if they are going to pull off a win this time around. "You've got to be aggressive out the gate," Burrow said of facing the Ravens this time around. "You can't let the game come to you because your possessions are going to be so limited. I'm gonna have to play damn-near perfect. That's how I'm preparing, so it's an exciting opportunity. We have to. Otherwise, they're just gonna eat the clock up, run the ball. We know how well they run it. So we have to start fast and give ourselves as many opportunities as we can." Cincinnati is entering Week 5 with a much bigger purpose – to get back on their winning track after starting 1-3 in their first four games. Burrow claims that this is definitely a big game for them, and it is expected that they will have to bring everything they’ve got to pull off a win. A Rivalry to Savor for Fans This rivalry between the Bengals and the Ravens is one of the biggest feuds in the NFL. The Ravens hold a 30-27 record in all 57 games, with the Ravens winning two of the last five games they’ve met – going up against each other four times in 2023, which includes one playoff game as well. For Burrow, this game is definitely going to be defined as a standard for their start to the 2024 season – which was hyped to be a promising run after Burrow returned from a freak injury that kept him out of the previous season. "It's a big game, it's a big game. We know what our record is," said Burrow, whose Bengals were swept in the season series by Baltimore last year. "We know the opportunities we have going forward, but it's our first divisional opponent. We're 1-3. We need to get this one. it's a big game for the Bengals." At this point, Burrow seeks to make the most of their chances and show that they won’t bow down to the Ravens so easily, which makes this game even a more fun clash to look out for.

The Dallas Mavericks are definitely lucky enough to have themselves in this position when the 2024-25 season actually begins as they are set to miss the services of Luka Doncic for a week entering the preseason action as he suffered a left calf contusion during the team’s workouts and will have to sit out some games in the first week of the preseason before being re-evaluated further. This means that Luka will not be playing in their preseason slate’s opener at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, which was expected to be a good test of their overall level of play considering that the Western Conference squad is set to flex a new season with a promising squad that seeks to return to the NBA Finals after a disappointing finish. With Doncic out, however, it seems that the Mavericks will get the chance to field its new players and rotation with the likes of Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall. Fans will also have to wait if the re-evaluation of Doncic’s status will see him start the actual games of the 2024-25 season or miss a few games at the very least. An Injury at the Half-Right Time Doncic has been prone to injury for so many years, and their recent Western Conference Semis series against the Oklahoma City Thunder definitely revealed a lot of those with their harsh defense – hampering Doncic’s overall performance before the Mavs barely escaped the series with a lucky win in Game 6. From a right knee sprain, ankle soreness, and many more injuries, all of these seemed to be gone in a blink of an eye as he went on to play superbly in their Western Conference Finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves before losing to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. So far, this injury proved to be quite a blessing in disguise for the Mavericks, who will have Doncic out of the first week of preseason games rather than the actual season, where games won and lost actually matter. This also gives them time to know more about the extent of the star guard’s injury and what steps they can take to consider in helping Doncic recover throughout the season and not aggravate it further. MVP Season Loading? Doncic finished third in MVP voting last season behind winner Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) – both of which fell in the semis whilst Doncic made it to the NBA Finals. So far, this season is expected to be Doncic’s redemption season after not making a splash in the Finals, where he hopes to improve on what he’s started last season. If there is something to improve. Doncic had a monster campaign last season – averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. He shot 48.7% overall and knocked down 38.2% of his shots from deep. He played in a total of 70 games – the most he’s had since his rookie season and ended up being selected for the All-NBA First Team. At this point, if he’s going to improve from that season, it just means that he is definitely aiming to make the most of his chances and prove that he deserves to be named MVP now more than ever. That all remains to be seen. For now, Doncic will have to focus on getting better and making sure that he’s available for most of the Mavericks’ games. After all, he hasn’t played a full season in his career – which says a lot about his consistent health in the game.

Despite standing with a 2-2 record in their first four games of the season, the New York Jets are just sitting at the 21st spot in points scored this campaign. For wide receiver Garrett Wilson, this lack of offensive prowess shows that they aren’t really making any improvements with the way they are approaching big games night in and night out. Coming off a poor loss to the Denver Broncos in which they just only managed to score nine points, it does seem that Wilson is making the right statements at this point in time. Considering all the hype surrounding the Jets’ chances of winning in the NFL this year, this kind of offense isn’t one that will likely lead a team toward a Super Bowl berth by the end of the season. For Wilson, there’s a lot of improvement that needs to be done at this point, and one can say that there is indeed a strong need for the team to make some changes if they are seriously considering playoff contention this early in the 2024 season. With the way the AFC is stacked with top-tier contenders, the Jets will have to do more than just rely on luck to help them score wins in their games now more than ever. A Need for Drastic Improvement As a wide receiver, not having a lot of offensive opportunities can be really irritating at this point in time, and it is hard to argue that Wilson has been one to blame considering that he is just designated to get the ball to the end zone. What he thinks is that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme isn’t really doing wonders for the team. "I don't think we do a lot of different stuff to be honest," Wilson said of the Jets’ offensive scheme that hasn’t been working well for them as of late. "I watch football on Sundays and I see a lot of teams mix it up and stuff like that. I don't think we do that. I think we know our identity. It's just about going out and executing it or figuring out if it's going to work. I don't think we're trying a lot of different things." As of the time of writing, New York ranks 18th overall in expected points added per offensive play. They are also 15th in EPA per pass –with the team not topping more than 266 yards of offense in any other game than their lone 400-yard showing in a Week 3 triumph over the New England Patriots. Jets Contending? Possible But Hard Wilson believes that the Jets have the strong potential to contend at the highest level in their games. The 2022 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has proven to be a smart runner in his own right, and his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been promising this season. However, it cannot rely on them two players alone – after all, they are a team. "I know, personally, my route tree hasn't been what it has been the last two years as far as the stuff I've been running," Wilson said. "It's just about figuring out if it's the right identity and whether it's going to win games." Considering the fact that the Jets are yet to find their groove, one can say that the team is expected to make some drastic leaps with the hopes of proving themselves well against the top-notch performers in the league. For that to happen, they need an offense that Wilson is envisioning for the team.

While they aren’t in the playoff chase for this season, it seems that the New England Revolution will be getting some crucial points for consideration in the coming break with Dylan Borrero’s one-game suspension. The midfielder would go on to miss today’s game against the Houston Dynamo after the league handed the ruling. Borrero is one of New England’s best midfielders and is certainly considered to be one of the most reliable playmakers in the game. At the age of 22, it seems that the Colombian player is making a name for himself in the league – first in a good light, but recently in a bad light due to the suspension and an undisclosed fine as per MLS reports. The Palmira native is expected to return to the lineup this week when New England takes on DC United on Monday. It is expected that he will also have some reduced minutes moving forward as he works to earn his slot in the rotation in the final three games of the club this season. Earning Suspensions in the Season Soccer cards can be quite unforgiving sometimes, and Borrero found this out the hard way when the Revs lost to Charlotte FC in a 4-0 demolition. Borrero came into the game as a 56th-minute substitution with the hopes of coming up with a spark to return the game in their favor. However, just 14 minutes later, the Revs midfielder came up with a sliding challenge – with the referee issuing him a yellow card. At the time, Charlotte was already up 2-0 in the game, and they’d already had three yellow cards prior to Borrero’s own run. Borrero tried to argue the call, but the referee did not waste time to discuss it with the midfielder and quickly pulled up a second yellow card – which means it is upgraded to a red card and signaled an automatic ejection from the game. Borrero already served the automatic suspension brought by the red card in their 1-0 win over Nashville. However, it seems that the MLS is not content with the ruling and decided to delay the midfielder’s return to action by suspending him for one more game and coming up with an undisclosed fine. Maturing in Return Of course, the Revs have nothing to lose this season and did not pursue to challenge the ruling further. However, head coach Caleb Porter – who was also suspended in the Nashville match for the yellow cards, said that the referees Ted Unkel and Mark Allatin missed out on the call in the sliding challenge. But he also claimed that he did not know whatever word Borrero used in his argument to the official. Borrero did not leave the field right away and didn’t do so in an orderly manner – which saw him violate the league’s policy on using abusive and insulting language. So far, teammate Matt Polster said that this was clearly a point for improvement on Borrero’s end moving forward. “It clearly is a very good tackle, never a foul. But . . . we just need to let things go at times and know that as long as we continually execute the game plan and we’re mature, don’t let things affect us too much, we’re going to find ways to score goals and play well,” midfielder Matt Polster said after the Charlotte match. “I’ve talked to Dylan in the past and he needs to just become more mature in these situations. He’s a fantastic player when he’s focused and he’s in the game.”

In Florida, two devices were discovered mere hours apart at the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa, and the casino was evacuated - once before midnight, another by noon the next day. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, were called in, but they still have no leads. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida, was temporarily evacuated twice this week after two devices were discovered on the property within a span of 12 hours. Law enforcement and bomb disposal teams acted swiftly to ensure public safety, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The first incident occurred on Sunday, shortly before midnight, when casino staff discovered what was later described by the Seminole Police Department as a "crude concealed device with fireworks components" in a restroom. The discovery prompted an immediate partial evacuation of the gaming floor and other areas of the casino. Guests were taken outside while police worked to deactivate the device. The Bomb Disposal Team from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department was called in to assist with safely handling and removing the device. After approximately three hours, the area was deemed safe, and the casino reopened to the public. However, just hours later, at around noon time on Monday, a second device was found in another restroom within the casino. This discovery triggered another round of evacuations as law enforcement moved to assess and neutralize the threat. As with the first device, bomb disposal experts successfully deactivated the second device, and guests were once again allowed to re-enter the casino after a thorough safety inspection. Ongoing investigation involving the FBI Following these incidents, the Seminole Police Department contacted the FBI to assist in the investigation. Local officers have been carefully reviewing surveillance footage from the casino in an attempt to identify any potential suspects who may have been responsible for placing the devices. As of this week, no arrests have been made, and the motivation behind the placement of the devices remains unclear. Authorities are continuing their efforts to track down those responsible, while the casino remains open to the public. The two incidents have raised concerns over safety at the popular Florida gaming property, but law enforcement is confident that their response, along with assistance from federal agencies, will help resolve the case. The swift action by the Seminole Hard Rock's security staff and local law enforcement likely prevented what could have been a more dangerous situation. Rivers Casino Des Plaines robbery Meanwhile, in a separate and unrelated incident, a group of four masked robbers targeted patrons outside the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, early Monday morning. The incident occurred at around 1:45am when two victims, a 38-year-old woman from Palatine, Illinois and her 40-year-old husband, were returning to their Jeep Grand Cherokee after spending time inside the casino. Upon reaching their vehicle, the woman noticed someone inside the Jeep, while another individual stood outside. Two additional suspects waited nearby in a Volvo. During the confrontation, at least one of the suspects brandished a firearm and threatened the victims. Although no shots were fired, the robbers forcefully removed a silver necklace from the husband and stole another necklace from a 28-year-old man from Vernon Hills, Illinois, who was with the couple. A fourth victim, whose details were not disclosed, was also present during the robbery. The suspects quickly fled the scene in the silver Volvo, leaving the victims' Jeep untouched. Despite the violent nature of the incident, none of the victims were physically harmed. Law enforcement is actively investigating the robbery and is working to track down the suspects. Surveillance footage from the casino and surrounding areas is being reviewed as authorities attempt to identify the individuals involved in the heist.

As Pennsylvania hires new workers, the diversity issue still stands. Men make up the majority of those employed by Pennsylvania casinos, and Caucasians also held the most jobs at 59%. Meanwhile, the number of Blacks and Asians hired remained stagnant at 16 and 12%, respectively. The only ones whose numbers increased were Hispanics, from 1% to 9%. Over the past year, Pennsylvania casinos have increased their workforce, with men filling the majority of new roles. Despite this economic growth, diversity within the state's gaming sector remains largely unchanged. On Monday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released the 17th Annual Diversity Report, showing the strides - and shortcomings - of the state's casinos in their efforts to implement diversity plans. Employment growth amidst fierce talent competition As of June 30, 2024, Pennsylvania's 17 land-based casinos employed a total of 15,857 people. This marks a 2.5% year-over-year increase, with 396 jobs added over the past year. According to the PGCB, this growth comes in response to intensified competition for talent within the gaming industry. "Pennsylvania's casinos continue to offer competitive compensation packages and growth opportunities to attract exceptional talent," said Mozelle Daniels, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's director of diversity. "As competition for talent has intensified, the casinos have developed and implemented strategies to recruit, hire, and retain employees." The PGCB oversees casino gambling, iGaming, sports betting, fantasy sports, and video lottery terminals. Pennsylvania's gaming industry has thrived in recent years, with revenues hitting a record $5.89 billion during the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, representing a 6.8% increase from the previous year's all-time high. These figures place Pennsylvania as the third-largest gaming market in the United States, trailing only behind Nevada and New Jersey. A male-dominated workforce While overall employment increased, men accounted for the bulk of the new jobs. Male employees grew by 367 positions, bringing the total number of men employed in Pennsylvania casinos to 9,246, or 58.3% of the workforce. This makes a slight increase from the previous year, where men represented 57.4% of the casino labor market. In contrast, female employment saw a minimal rise of 24 positions, bringing the total number of women employed in casinos to 6,591. Twenty employees did not identify as female or male, reflecting a small but growing acknowledgment of non-binary gender identities within the workforce. Casino executive and managerial positions were led by men even more, with 63% of these roles held by males. The report also revealed that only one in four employees in executive roles identified as minorities. Lack of racial diversity progress The PGCB's Diversity Report revealed that racial diversity in casino hiring remains stagnant. Caucasians continued to hold the majority of positions, accounting for 59% of the workforce, the same percentage reported in the previous year's Diversity Report. The percentage of Black employees remained at 16%, while Asians held steady at 12%. Workers classified as 'Other' made up 5% of the workforce, also unchanged from the previous year. The only demographic to see a slight gain was Hispanics, who increased by 1% to 9% of the total casino workforce. Despite these figures, Pennsylvania casinos located in urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh reported higher rates of minority inclusion compared to their rural counterparts. Urban casinos lead in minority inclusion The report highlights that casinos in the state's major cities are more successful in employing a diverse workforce. For example, in Philadelphia, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino, located in Chester, reported that 40% of its employees identified as Black, surpassing the percentage of white employees, which stood at 39%. This made Harrah's Philadelphia the only casino in PA where Black employees form the majority of the workforce. Other casinos in Philadelphia also demonstrated strong diversity figures. Rivers Casino Philadelphia reported that 35% of its employees were Black, while Live! Casino Philadelphia indicated that three in 10 workers identified as African American. In the suburbs, Valley Forge Casino Resort revealed that 31% of its staff were Black. In Pittsburgh, Rivers Casino reported that 24% of its workforce were Black, well above the statewide average of 16%. Rural casinos struggle with diversity Conversely, casinos located in more rural regions of Pennsylvania, such as the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and Mohegan Pennsylvania in the Poconos, were overwhelmingly white. At Hollywood Casino, nearly eight in 10 employees identified as Caucasian, a stark contrast to the more diverse urban casino workforces. While Pennsylvania's casino industry continues to expand and offer new opportunities, the lack of progress in workforce diversity demonstrates ongoing challenges. The PGCB's report shows the need for continued efforts to implement meaningful diversity initiatives that extend beyond urban areas and into the more rural parts of the state.