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With just seven days left until the Boston Bruins enter the 2024-25 NHL season, it seems that they are still yet to address their issues with Jeremy Swayman as the star goalie is yet to be secured for the coming season and beyond. Rumors, however, claim that the Bruins are working out a contract that will see the star back in action right away. Swayman has yet to be a full-time starter for the Bruins in the past few seasons and has never seen more than 44 games of action in his four seasons. So far, it cannot be denied that Swayman’s previous deal, set at a one-year, $3.475 million deal was really quite a low-ball that would have seen the star signing with another team instead. At this point, the Bruins are said to be working out with the goalie’s agents to come up with a promising deal and shore up the goal-defense side at this point. That all remains to be seen as no news of a new offer to Swayman has surfaced as of the time of writing. This means that the Bruins are running out of time to bring him in before the season begins. A Deserved Raise for Swayman So far, Swayman is believed to be offered an eight-year deal with the team capped at $64 million, which places him at $8 million per season. While it may look like a hefty price, this puts the Bruins goalie behind four other goalies in terms of annual salary, with the likes of Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers), Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning), Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets), and Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders) on the list. However, Swayman’s representative Lewis Gross claimed that the Bruins have not offered anything in the $64-million mark, saying that the party is disappointed and the talks aren’t fair for Swayman’s contributions to the success of the Boston Bruins over the years. It can be noted that Swayman was said to be the team’s next goalie after they traded Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in June. "Normally, I do not release statements or discuss negotiations through the media," Gross wrote. "However, in this case, I feel I need to defend my client. At today's press conference, $64 million was referenced. This was the first time that number was discussed in our negotiations. Prior to the press conference, no offer was made reaching that level.” Swayman’s Impressive Groove Swayman played in split time with Ullmark last season, amassing a 25-10-8 record with a 2.53 GAA, a .916 save percentage, and three shutouts in 44 games (43 starts). He would go on to take over the position in the playoffs and started in 12 of Boston’s 13 games, including 11 straight. In that stretch, Swayman tallied a 2.15 GAA and .933 save percentage and led the team to a Game 6 run against then-champions Panthers in the semis. So far, the stats show that Swayman should definitely be a priority signing for the team, and it says a lot about Boston’s hopes of bringing in the goalie for another deep playoff run at this point. "I have been in constant communication with Don and with Cam about the Jeremy Swayman contract negotiations," Bruins CEO and alternate governor Charlie Jacobs said. "I just want to be very clear, we're in a state of constant communication regarding Jeremy and our hope is he's on the ice as soon as possible."

Lucky - or not? Almost six months ago, a lottery player bought a Mega Millions ticket somewhere in New Jersey. That ticket won the ninth-largest lottery prize of $1.13 billion. Until now, it hasn't been claimed - and the anonymous winner just has until March of 2025 to claim it or it will be worthless. A winning Mega Millions ticket purchased on the night of March 26, 2024, is still unclaimed, with a staggering $1.13 billion jackpot on the line. The prize, which ranks as the ninth-largest lottery reward in US history, was sold at a ShopRite grocery store in Neptune, New Jersey - and has yet to be redeemed more than six months after the draw. Despite the high stakes, the fortunate ticket holder has not come forward. However, the winner still has (some) time. Thanks to New Jersey's generous lottery redemption period, the winner has until March 26, 2025, to claim the life-changing jackpot. While other states enforce stricter deadlines, New Jersey allows up to one year for winners to file their claims. A race against time The winning numbers - 7, 11, 22, 29, 38, along with the Mega Ball 4 - sealed a remarkable win for someone who only spent $2. Yet, as the days pass, there is a growing concern that the ticket might be lost, misplaced, or forgotten. If the ticket remains unclaimed by the deadline, the entire $1.13 billion will be forfeited, rendering the life-altering ticket worthless. The Mega Millions Consortium oversees the popular lottery game across 45 states as well as Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands, is urging the winner to come forward. "The winner should contact New Jersey Lottery as soon as possible to begin the claim process," the consortium said in a recent statement. Typically, most major jackpot prizes are claimed in a few weeks or even months, making this six-month wait quite unusual. While it's common for winners to seek legal and financial guidance before claiming a large jackpot, such consultations typically don't take over half a year. The fact that no one has come forward to claim this massive prize suggests the possibility that the ticket may have been misplaced or overlooked. The cash option vs. annuity: a critical decision If the lucky winner steps forward, they'll have crucial decisions to make, including whether to opt for the full jackpot value over a 30-year annuity or take a one-time cash option of $537.5 million. While the annuity may offer long-term financial security, many winners prefer the lump sum, despite the steep federal and state taxes that would cut deeply into the prize. In New Jersey, lottery winnings are subject to a 37% federal tax and a 10.75% state tax, which is among the highest state lottery taxes in the country, second only to the 10.9% tax levied by New York. This means that should the winner opt for the lump sum, a significant portion of the prize would be lost to taxes, though it would still leave the winner with a hefty payout. Another consideration for the winner is whether to remain anonymous. Thanks to a law passed in 2020, New Jersey allows lottery winners to keep their identities private. Redemption deadlines vary by state Lottery redemption deadlines vary significantly across the US. While New Jersey offers a year to claim a prize, other states have much shorter windows. For example, Oregon allows winners a mere 60 days, while Iowa, South Carolina, and New Mexico set a 90-day deadline. Most states - 27 in total, along with Washington, DC and the US Virgin Islands - provide six months for winners to come forward. New Jersey is one of only 13 states offering a full year for redemption, alongside Delaware, Kansas, Illinois, and others. The role of online lottery sales Though New Jersey does not currently allow the sale of Mega Millions tickets online, digital lottery couriers like Jackpocket offer a solution for residents. These services purchase physical tickets on behalf of players who order them online, adding an extra layer of security for those concerned about losing their tickets. In cases where tickets are purchased digitally, the chances of losing or damaging a winning ticket are significantly reduced. If this particular Mega Millions ticket had been bought through an online platform, the winner would have been notified almost immediately after the draw, and the ticket redemption process would already be underway. As the March 2025 deadline approaches, the mystery remains: Where is the winning ticket, and why hasn't the lucky winner claimed their prize? With nearly six more months to go, the clock is ticking for the unknown holder of the $1.13 billion Mega Millions ticket.

In Michigan, an anonymous online blackjack player has won the jackpot prize of more than $482K. Online blackjack has not traditionally been seen as a jackpot winning game, but it is increasingly popular in Michigan. This version, DraftKings Hockey Blackjack, has an astounding four progressive jackpots. Slots usually take center stage, but this time, a table game has stolen the spotlight. A lucky player from Michigan, known only as a resident of the Great Lakes State, won a massive jackpot of $482,453, all while playing DraftKings Hockey Blackjack. This substantial win is garnering attention, especially since table games like blackjack are typically overshadowed by slots in the world of online casino gaming. The player, whose identity remains anonymous, scored this remarkable win on DraftKings' branded hockey-themed version of blackjack, designed specifically for enthusiasts of the sport. DraftKings, one of the leading online casino operators in the US, proudly shared news of the win on its official X page, celebrating the achievement alongside its fans and community. DraftKings' Michigan presence: big wins and high stakes Michigan's online casino scene, particularly through DraftKings, has been a hotbed for big wins lately. The operator frequently highlights significant victories on its social media platforms, ensuring that notable wins, such as the one from Hockey Blackjack, receive ample attention. The platform's emphasis on jackpot excitement extends far beyond blackjack, as other games in DraftKings' lobby have proven lucrative for Michigan gamblers as well. In another notable win this week, a player from Michigan claimed a $328,162 jackpot while playing Dollar Up, a popular slot game. This follows a growing trend of large payouts in the Wolverine State, with several players reaching millionaire status earlier this year. In January alone, DraftKings helped two Michigan players cross into seven-figure territory. Though February didn't witness any new millionaires, several players came close, winning just shy of $1 million, with jackpots of $900,000 and $888,000 respectively. DraftKings Hockey Blackjack: a sports-themed jackpot powerhouse While blackjack is already a fan-favorite card game, DraftKings offers a variety of themed tables to elevate the gaming experience. Its sports-themed blackjack tables - including those focused on football, baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey, and even WWE - add a fun, competitive twist for players who also enjoy sports. DraftKings Hockey Blackjack has particularly caught the attention of players recently, not just because of its unique ice rink design but also because of its generous payout potential. This proprietary blackjack title offers four progressive jackpots, which continue to grow. The largest, the Mega jackpot currently sits at an impressive $935,668.17. The Major jackpot stands at $181,205.03, the Minor jackpot offers $27,728.15, and the Mini jackpot is worth $2,612.26. Players hoping to compete for one of these jackpots must make an additional $0.25 wager to opt into the progressive jackpot pool. However, these progressive jackpots aren't eligible for no-deposit bonuses in Michigan, though DraftKings frequently runs promotions that enhance the appeal of its table games. Despite the added twist of a hockey theme, DraftKings Hockey Blackjack remains faithful to the core rules of traditional blackjack. The dealer must have a 16 hand value and stand at 17, with a minimum bet of $1 and a maximum bet of $5,000, making it accessible for a range of players. A hotspot for jackpot wins in 2024 Michigan has quickly become a hub for big wins in 2024, with DraftKings Casino ranking as the third-largest operator in the state. In January, the operator pulled in $36.8 million in wagers. DraftKings offers one of the most diverse gaming lobbies, with over 1,000 slot games, a good number of in-house titles, and a strong lineup of live dealer games. Table game jackpots, like the one from DraftKings Hockey Blackjack, are relatively rare compared to slot wins, but this latest triumph marks a notable shift. March 2024 is now the first month of the year to deliver a significant table game win, breaking the usual dominance of slot game payouts. With several more months ahead, Michigan players are keeping an eye on both blackjack and slots for more big wins.

Legendary gambler and high-roller Archie Karas, whom we just wrote about in our blog, has died at the age of 73, apparently from natural causes; he was in poor health. Karas lived a long and colorful life, running away from Greece as a teenager and finding his way to the United States, starting out by playing pool and poker and honing his skill - until he became widely popular for his winning streak in Vegas called 'The Run.' Archie Karas, the audacious gambler whose name is synonymous with one of the most remarkable winning streaks in the history of Las Vegas, has passed away at the age of 73. Known in the gambling world as "The Greek," Karas is believed to have been in declining health for some time before his death. Karas, born Anargyros Karabourniotis on the island of Kefalonia, Greece in 1950, lived a life as daring and unpredictable as the gambling tables he frequented. His journey to fame was as much a tale of resilience as it was of fortune, and his legendary winning streak, known as 'The Run' secured his place in Las Vegas folklore. Humble beginnings Karas' early life was marked by hardship. After a difficult relationship with his father, Karas ran away from home as a teenager and found work on a ship as a waiter. His voyage eventually brought him to the United States, where he settled in Los Angeles. While working in a Greek restaurant, Karas discovered a pool hall next door and, over time, realized his natural talent for it. His knack for pool quickly transitioned to poker, and he began making a name for himself in Los Angeles' booming poker scene. By the early 90s, Karas had accumulated $2 million from poker winnings. However, the highs of gambling can be fleeting. By the time he arrived in Las Vegas in 1993, Karas had lost his entire fortune, reportedly down to just $50. The start of "The Run" With little more than a few dollars and an iron will, Karas began building his fortune once again. A small winning streak at the poker tables led to a $10,000 loan from a friend. Armed with this, he turned $10,000 into $30,000 playing Razz, a variation of poker, and promptly repaid his friend. What followed was the start of a fabled series of wins. Karas ventured into the pool hall, where he reportedly played an unnamed "wealthy pool and poker player." It's been rumored that his opponent was Bobby Baldwin, the 1978 World Series of Poker champion and an important casino executive. Over two months, Karas defeated this player for $1.2 million in pool, followed by another $3 million in poker. Word quickly spread of Karas' streak, attracting the attention of high-stakes poker legends. Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, and Chip Reese, along with other poker greats, lined up to take on Karas. Despite their skill, most of them left the table defeated. The only player to secure a win during 'The Run' was Johnny Chan, and he managed to walk away with $900,000. But Karas' fortunes were soaring - by then, he had accumulated $17 million. The peak - and the fall When the poker dried up, Karas turned his attention to pit games. At Binion's Horseshoe, he played craps with $100,000 per roll, and his fortune climbed to an astonishing $40 million. At his peak, Karas had wiped out the casino's highest denomination chips. But in the world of gambling, even the hottest streaks eventually cool. Within three weeks, Karas lost $30 million. After a short break in Greece, he returned to Las Vegas only to lose the remaining $10 million. His spectacular rise and equally dramatic fall became the stuff of legend, often cited in books and documentaries on gambling history. A tarnished legacy While 'The Run' cemented Karas' fame, his reputation later became tainted. In 2015, the Nevada Gaming Commission voted to place Karas in its notorious Black Book, barring him from entering any Nevada casinos. The commission cited numerous infractions, including cheating at blackjack tables, dating back to 1988. Though the ruling clouded his reputation as a gambler, Karas remained unapologetic about his approach to life. In a 1995 interview with Cigar Aficionado, he reflected on his relationship with money, stating, "Money means nothing to me, I don't value it. I've had all the material things I could ever want... The things I want, money can't buy: health, freedom, love, happiness." Archie Karas allegedly passed away broke, but his legacy as one of Las Vegas' most daring and memorable gamblers remains intact. Despite his later controversies, 'The Run' is remembered as an unparalleled feat of courage and fortune in the high-stakes world of gambling.

Caesars Palace in Michigan has just reported on X that Cleopatra, the popular progressive slot game in its online casino, has now reached more than $500K. Just two months ago, Caesars Palace had another slot game that grew to over $500K, the widely popular Siberian Storm. Caesars Palace offers a newer and brighter selection of branded slots to players in Michigan. Well-known online casino operator Caesars Palace has made headlines with its latest announcement that the progressive jackpot for the branded slot game, Caesars Cleopatra, has surged to an impressive $560,000. The news, shared on the operator's official X (formerly Twitter) page, demonstrates the game's growing popularity in the Wolverine State and its status as an exclusive take on a classic IGT slot game. The Cleopatra slot is just one of several high-stakes offerings available at the Michigan online casino, where six-figure prizes are becoming a notable feature. This recent milestone follows an earlier announcement made by Caesars in June, when the progressive jackpot for another favorite, Siberian Storm, grew to half a million, amounting to $509,000. A new version of the classic slot game from IGT Caesars Cleopatra is a customized and modernized version of IGT's legendary Cleopatra slot, which has long been a staple for online slot enthusiasts. Launched in the summer of 2023, Caesars Cleopatra has been designed to cater specifically to the Caesars Michigan iGaming market. While the gameplay mechanics and basic features remain true to the original Cleopatra game, the new version comes with significant visual upgrades. One of the key distinctions in Caesars Cleopatra is the iconic Caesars Palace venue from Las Vegas, which serves as the backdrop for the game. The Cleopatra symbol itself has been reimagined as the Caesars Cleopatra symbol, bringing a branded twist to the traditional slot experience. However, most of the other game symbols remain unchanged, providing players with a familiar yet refreshing gaming environment. The game features 20 paylines along with a 5x3 grid, offering players the chance to win big with a return to player rate of 95.02% and medium volatility. Betting starts as low as $0.20 and can go as high as $200, making the game accessible to both casual gamers and high-rollers. Additionally, the popular free spins feature remains intact, with a 3x multiplier that can further boost winnings. When Caesars Cleopatra first launched, Matt Sunderland, Senior Vice President of Caesars Digital, expressed his excitement about the new offering. He stated that the game combines familiar gameplay and graphics with a new visual style and bonus features to offer a compelling experience. His statement truly signifies the appeal of the game - a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation for Michigan's online casino market. Branded games give Caesars Palace a competitive edge in Michigan The release of Caesars Cleopatra was part of a broader strategy by Caesars Palace to boost its presence in the Michigan iGaming industry. Its launch in August of 2023 was timed to coincide with the rollout of Caesars Palace's standalone app exclusively for casino games, further differentiating it from the Caesars Sportsbook and Casino app, which continues to operate in Michigan but focuses on both sports betting and online casino games. In the 11 months since its launch, Caesars Palace online casino has carved out a respectable portion of Michigan's iGaming market, securing nearly 5% of the total market share. This places the operator in the top five online casinos in the state in terms of revenue. However, it still trails behind major industry players such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, which collectively dominate over 70% of the share of the market. Despite the gap between Caesars Palace and its larger competitors, the brand is making strategic moves to expand its footprint. Branded slots like Caesars Cleopatra have become a cornerstone of Caesars' strategy, offering exclusive content that helps the operator stand out in a crowded market. In addition, progressive jackpots and attractive bonus offers, such as no-deposit bonuses, are key incentives that draw players to the platform. The operator has also been proactive in expanding its game portfolio, regularly adding new titles and forming partnerships with leading developers in the iGaming industry. This approach ensures a steady flow of fresh content, which appeals to both long-time players and newcomers to the online casino scene. With the Caesars Cleopatra jackpot now standing at $560,000, the game has attracted substantial attention, and more players are flocking to Caesars Palace in hopes of landing life-changing payouts. As the competition in Michigan's iGaming market increases, Caesars Palace's dedication to exclusive content and player-focused offerings may prove to be the key to its continued success in the Wolverine State.

Week 5 of the NFL is coming in hot with just a few more days to wait out the rest of the competition. Gear up for some intense action on the big stage as football comes your way! Find out which teams have the best chances of winning and which should ones should you bet on to come up with handsome winnings at the end of the day! The season is getting more intense as we open up the first week of October, and this just means that you should expect massive clashes and fiery showdowns that will bring you to the edge of your seat! With Week 5 coming up, make sure you don’t miss a chance to place your wagers on the winning teams! Breeze through the top picks for the week as you try to make the best out of your bets! Make sure to consult the GambleSpot Odds and Parlay Calculator to see the potential winning chances that you’ll get if you pull off the best wagers today! Parlay Tip: Chiefs, Commanders, and Buccaneers to Win Outright Games The Kansas City Chiefs are going in as a favorite to win in their game against the New Orleans Saints. The defending champions have not lost a single game in the season yet, which just says a lot about their winning chances as they take on the 2-2 Saints, which has not seen some good strides in their season so far. The same can be said for the Washington Commanders, who currently stand at 3-1 in the season after their whopping 42-14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. The team has enjoyed strings of success since their 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and are currently riding a three-game winning streak, which is just second to the pace that the Chiefs are in right now so far. When healthy, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not be underestimated at this point in time. The team has been seen with impressive strides with the way Baker Mayfield has found his massive chemistry with Bucky Irving and Mike Evans, which has certainly helped them improve at a high level so far, recently beating the Philadelphia Eagles in a 33-16 win at Week 4. These three teams are all favorites to win in their respective games, which should definitely spice up your bets and help you score impressive bets if you get lucky. GambleSpot’s parlay tip of the day encourages you to strike a parlay bet that will see the Chiefs, Commanders, and the Bucs to win in their games. Over/Under Pick: Jayden Daniels to Complete 20 and More Passes If you want to spice up your sports betting run for a bit, it is worth placing a bet on Jayden Daniels to complete more than 20 of his passes in the coming clash against the Cleveland Browns. The Commanders rookie QB has been phenomenal in his games this season so far, starting out 17-24 in his debut game – and then completing 23, 21, and 26 passes in his last three games – all leading to wins. Aside from the fact that the Commanders win the game whenever Daniels makes 20 or more passes, it does seem that the rookie QB is making a massive leap in his games, making him a much more promising player to look out for – and a reliable pick in your bets as well.

When it mattered most, the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves managed to step up big-time in their games, punching a ticket to the next stage of the MLB season – the playoffs. Now both teams get a chance to compete at the highest level with the hopes of entrenching themselves in the Wild Card series. All American League teams were settled before Sunday, but the National League had to host two games between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves as they needed late-game heroics to settle the series and finally secure their respective playoff spots. The Braves end up as the no. 5 seed and will now battle the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, while the Mets will take on the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets took Game 1 in a dramatic finish with a late rally in the eighth and ninth inning to secure an 8-7 victory. The Braves would then bounce back and secure a win against a confident Mets team who already had nothing to lose in the season, allowing Atlanta to steal a 3-0 win to secure their own playoff spot. A Dramatic Finish to the Season For the whole season, the first game has been quite the story for the New York Mets as it led to a defining finish that needed a heroic play from Francisco Lindor to come up with a game-saving hit to score a two-run homer that snatched the victory against the Braves. The captain pulled off one of the best performances of his career, and it cannot be denied that he was the game-changer for that moment. That winner by Lindor turned what could have been one of the most disappointing Mets losses into a promising victory, but that was just the half of a series – as the Braves would then go on to bounce back on their own to secure a much-needed victory to preserve their postseason chances after that loss to the Mets. This season would have ended up as a disappointing finish for the Braves had it not been for the dominant performance in the second string of the doubleheader against the Mets. Atlanta went on to secure a 3-0 victory that would lead them to the playoff stage thanks to Grant Holmes’ sudden step up as he delivered four-plus scoreless innings. “I had enough time to sit down, use the bathroom, and then come back and get ready to pitch,” Holmes said, who was notified that he was starting in place of Chris Sale just about 30 minutes before the game but managed to deliver impressive results. Preventing a Third Party Had it been a dominant win on both games for either the Mets or the Braves, a third team would have clinched a playoff berth. Instead, the Arizona Diamondbacks are now headed to an early summer after falling just a little bit short of the playoff spot as the series ended up in a split between the Mets and Braves. Arizona did secure a needed win over the San Diego Padres – who did not play its main players in the game to rest them up ahead of the playoffs. However, they needed two wins from either the Mets or the Braves as their season record placed them in a three-way tie that could have easily led them to the postseason. But with the win for both clubs, the Mets and Braves upset the Diamondbacks with an early offseason exit instead, while they get the chance to play at the highest level to begin the postseason rally.

While there were undoubtedly plenty of tourists that visited Las Vegas in August, these visitors didn't necessarily grace the casino floors. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, gross gaming revenue on the Strip for August fell by 3.5% from the same month last year, even though visitor numbers increased by 2.4% this year. Las Vegas continues to draw large crowds, welcoming almost 3.4 million visitors in August of 2024, a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year. However, despite the rise in visitation, casinos on the Strip and across Clark County reported a decline in gross gaming revenue largely due to a challenging calendar and unfavorable house win rates. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Las Vegas Strip casinos generated GGR of just under $643.7 million in August, representing a 3.5% year-over-year decline. Downtown Las Vegas casinos experienced a more substantial drop, with GGR sliding by almost 9% to only $58.3 million. The Boulder Strip faced the steepest fall, with GGR tumbling by around 22% to only $64.8 million. Collectively, Clark County saw a 4.4% decline in casino revenue, bringing in $980.9 million for the month. Timing and calendar effects contribute to decline Michael Lawton, a senior economic analyst for the NGCB, attributed some of the downturn to how the calendar fell in August. "A lot of the volatility you are seeing downtown and on the Boulder Strip is the result of the month of August ending on a Saturday," Lawton explained. This scheduling quirk meant that slot collections from the last weekend of the month fell into September, which will be reflected in the Board's next filing. Despite the drop in reported revenue, Lawton suggested that some of the losses may balance out in future reports. The challenges of the August calendar compounded the fact that statewide GGR had already posted a year-over-year decline in July, making this the second consecutive month of lower gaming revenue compared to 2023. Baccarat and betting losses weigh heavily One of the primary drivers of the revenue decline was a sharp drop in baccarat winnings. The game, popular among Asian high-stakes players, saw a dramatic 34% reduction in GGR on the Strip, bringing in $75.7 million for the month. Lawton noted that without the game of baccarat, the Strip's GGR would have actually increased by 2.8% year-over-year. Adding to the challenge, Strip oddsmakers also struggled in August, generating only $7.4 million in revenue with a hold rate of merely 3.7%, well below expectations. This poor performance mirrored similar trends in other parts of Nevada, such as Reno and Washoe County, where GGR fell by 3.8% statewide to $1.16 billion. Despite these headwinds, August's gaming revenue declines were not as severe as some analysts had predicted. Deutsche Bank had forecast a year-over-year decline of 4.8%, which was slightly worse than the actual numbers reported. Smaller markets show growth while leisure travel boosts visitor numbers While major gaming markets like Las Vegas and Reno saw declines, several smaller Nevada counties posted gains in August. Carson Valley, for example, reported a 9% increase in GGR to $12.3 million. Other areas also saw notable growth, including Churchill County, which reported revenues of $2.4 million (up by 24%), and Nye County, where revenue climbed 4% to over $5.6 million. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County posted a modest gain of 1.3% to $26.7 million. The rise in visitor numbers was driven primarily by leisure travelers, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Public visitation helped push the overall visitor count up by over 2%, despite a slight drop in convention attendance, which fell by more than 1% to just 638,300 attendees. The influx of tourists also contributed to higher hotel occupancy rates in Clark County. The overall occupancy rate climbed 0.9 points to as much as 81.2%, with weekend occupancy reaching 90.2%. Weekday occupancy, which relies more heavily on business travelers, dipped slightly to 76.9%. On the Strip, hotel rooms were nearly 85% full for the month, with an average nightly rate of $186. Airport traffic reflects growth Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas' primary air hub, continued to see strong passenger traffic in August, with over 4.8 million passengers. This marked a 5% increase from the previous year. Year to date through August, the airport has handled over 38.7 million passengers, a nearly 3% increase from 2023, which was a record year for the airport. Southwest Airlines continues to dominate the Las Vegas market, accounting for 14.5 million passengers in 2024's first eight months. Despite the declines in gaming revenue, Las Vegas remains a bustling destination, buoyed by strong tourism numbers and a recovering leisure travel sector. However, with volatile gaming results and challenges in the casino industry, the city's financial outlook remains mixed.

BetRivers has geared up, revealing more slot titles for Michigan online casino players. It has just revved up its slot offerings to 13 new slot titles from various software developers, including The Wild Life Extreme from IGT, Piggy Blitz from Play n Go, Slingo's Cosmic Clusters from AlchemyBet, and Jumpin Jalapenos Quick Strike from Konami, among many others. The online casino market in Michigan is witnessing rapid growth, with 15 operators vying for dominance in the ever-bustling sector. According to projections by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the state's online casino revenue is set to reach an impressive $2 billion by the end of 2024. As the December numbers are expected to be published later this month, all eyes are on the final figures, which could further attest to the state's booming online gambling industry. Since legal online gambling was launched in Michigan in 2021, the market has continued to expand with operators introducing new games and features to attract and retain players. One of the major players in Michigan's online casino landscape is BetRivers, a brand that has consistently adapted to the competitive environment by enhancing its offerings. BetRivers introduces 13 new slot titles This week, BetRivers is making a noteworthy move by releasing 13 new slot titles on its online casino app and website. The additions will include a diverse range of games from well-known developers in the iGaming industry. The exciting new titles include: 12 Super Hot Diamonds Extreme! (Pariplay) Slingo's Cosmic Clusters (AlchemyBet) Brazil (Anaxi) Rome Fight For Gold (DGC) The Wild Life Extreme (IGT) Arctic Sky (H5G) Thriller Gorilla Cashpots Jackpot Royale (Whitehat) Pyramid Linx (Playtech) Yahtzee Instant Tap (LnW) Piggy Blitz (Play n Go) Jumpin Jalapenos Quick Strike (Konami) Professor Big Win (Spingames) These new releases are designed to capture the attention of both seasoned players and newcomers. As it continually updates its slot and table game offerings, BetRivers is solidifying itself as a leader in Michigan iGaming. With the addition of these new titles, BetRivers now boasts over 1,500 slot and table games in its catalog, offering one of the most comprehensive gaming selections in the state. A growing portfolio of games BetRivers has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing fresh content for its players. The operator typically releases between 10 to 12 new online casino games in Michigan each week, ensuring that its offerings stay current and engaging for players. As part of its strategy to maintain a competitive edge, BetRivers has partnered with top-tier game developers like IGT, Konami, Playtech, and Pariplay, among others. The constant release of new titles is a key element of BetRivers' success in Michigan. By offering a wider variety of games, including slots, table games, and progressive jackpots, the company can cater to a broader range of players with different gaming preferences. Additionally, the inclusion of unique slot titles like Thriller Gorilla and Jumpin Jalapenos is intended to capture the attention of players looking for fun, themed games with plenty of bonus features and jackpot opportunities. BetRivers' stronger presence in Michigan's online casino market BetRivers was one of the first online casino operators to go live in MI when the state legalized online gambling in 2021. Since then, the company has gained a strong foothold in the market by providing a reliable and high-quality gaming experience. One of the key factors contributing to BetRivers' success is its user-friendly mobile app, which allows players to enjoy seamless gameplay from their smartphones or tablets.

G2 Esports takes center stage as they pulled off a promising victory over Natus Vincere in the final of the BLAST Premier Fall Finals, 3-1. The team now enters the next tournament at hand, the IEM Rio 2024, with a much better pace in their games thanks to this impressive victory. After coming up with a poor stretch in the IEM Cologne and in the ESL Pro League Season 20, it seems that G2 Esports is finally back on track on the winning path after the German squad scored an impressive victory in the BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024. The team also managed to avenge its loss in the recent Esports World Cup, where they were defeated by NAVI as well. G2 now takes on the next phase of the CS2 calendar as they seek to keep a winning pace all the way to the final tournaments of the campaign. This win at the BLAST Premier Fall Final proved to be a statement as they hope to rain down impressive performances on the final stretch. G2’s Dominance  G2 lost only a single game in the Group Stages and had to settle for a lower-bracket run in the playoffs. They did manage to beat FaZe Clan at 2-1 in the opening matches of the group stages, before bowing down in an 0-2 loss to NAVI. G2 would then go on to take on Team Spirit and score a 2-0 sweep in the quarterfinals to begin their playoff campaign. The team’s winning pace did not stop there, as they managed to beat Team Vitality, who emerged as a favorite to win after knocking out Astralis and Team Liquid in the earlier stages of the competition. G2 scored a tight 2-1 victory in that semis clash, coming back from a 0-1 deficit and winning the last two maps. G2 would then go on to settle a best-of-three showdown with their rivals in NAVI at the Grand Final. G2 took the lead at 2-0 after winning Ancient and Dust II on back-to-back runs. However, NAVI would respond and take a 13-11 win at Mirage, cutting the deficit to 2-1 by the end of the third map. However, G2 did not want to extend the final any longer, winning Nuke at 13-7 to close out the competiton for good. A Contender Reborn G2 instantly earns its qualification to the BLAST Premier World Final, which will take place this October 30th in Singapore as they seek to claim a lion’s share of the $1,000,000 prize pool. For this win, however, G2 takes home the 1st-place prize of $200,000 and ends up securing a promising slot to the next BLAST tournament at hand. NiKo’s elite performances for G2 has significantly increased their chances further this season, and it is believed that his confidence continues to grow at this point with the team seeking to complete the year with a bang. "It feels amazing. It's been a very very tough event, we beat the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the world, and No. 3 or 4, I don't know what Spirit is right now,” said NiKo. “But, I'm super happy with how we played, and how composed we were after losing Mirage as well. The feeling is amazing, we're still a young team and we already managed to lift a trophy and have a couple of deep runs. I'm super happy."

If you are one of the Knicks fans who are waiting for the “Nova Knicks” to show up with their games in the season, then you would be utterly disappointed to know that they won’t be playing any games together for the coming season after the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a trade – that no one even expected at this point in time. At this point, it did come as a massive surprise considering the fact that the Knicks didn’t really need to make some changes in their squad as well. The Knicks sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo along with a protected first-round pick to the Timberwolves, with the latter team sending their star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. This comes as a shock considering how well both teams are doing well with their respective star players. The Knicks missed Randle’s paint dominance in the postseason due to injury, while Towns just played a huge role in dismantling the 2023 NBA Champions and bringing the Wolves to its first-ever Western Conference Finals berth in a long time. KAT on the Big Apple Karl-Anthony Towns clearly did not expect to be traded at this point in time – where the season is nearly underway with just a few weeks left. Towns is entering his 10th season with Minnesota and has sacrificed his lead role for Anthony Edwards. He even remained unbothered by the addition of Rudy Gobert two years ago. A four-time All-Star and a promising big man, it does seem that Towns is now on the move and will be focusing on helping the Knicks build their best chances of winning. He was even pleased with the breakthrough that Minnesota had last season and was looking forward to bigger runs with the team before the trade. “We showed our merit last season,” Towns said. “We showed our growth, and I think more importantly we showed maturity. We found a way to show we belonged. I’m just so proud of what we were able to do last year. We’re not going to be surprising anyone. I think we’ve shown that we’re a team that you definitely have to take into consideration. When you see us on the calendar, you’ve got to bring your best.” Towns will get the chance to play the Wolves on December 19th, where the Wolves will host the Knicks. The center just posted an ellipsis on his social media platform as his main reaction to the trade. Randle and DiVincenzo on the Twin Cities Randle arrives as a two-way player for the Wolves but significantly decreases the floor spacing that they had with Towns. However, the addition of Donte DiVincenzo to the squad is clearly looking like a fair win to consider with the way Minnesota relies on wing players to boost their on-ball action and movement. This further stresses the fact that the Wolves are in a dire need of breaking salaries for the future. The recent max contract signing for Edwards and the addition of Rudy Gobert amidst other expensive commitments just shows how they needed to ship Towns in order to get away from the second apron of the luxury tax that will be soon coming under stiff restrictions with the new collective bargaining agreement taking place. This trade was a massive buzz among fans, and it cannot be denied that it was a shocking move from both teams considering how well they performed in the previous playoff run.