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Governor Greg Abbott officially signed SB 3070, allowing the Texas Lottery to continue until 2029 but also disbanding the Texas Lottery Commission, which operated the Texas Lottery since its inception more than 30 years ago. Senate Bill 3070 also criminalizes lottery courier operations and prohibits ticket sales online, and beginning September 1, the Texas Lottery will be operated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Texas Lottery Commission, which has overseen the state's lottery system for over three decades, will be dissolved following the passage of a new law that imposes strict limitations on the games. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 3070, keeping the Texas Lottery operational through 2029 but placing it under new management and tightening regulations around ticket sales - especially online. The move comes after a legislative session in which the future of the Texas Lottery became a battleground, drawing scrutiny over recent controversies and the commission's oversight. Online sales banned, oversight transferred Under SB 3070, all online and app-based lottery ticket sales, including those conducted by courier services, are now prohibited. Starting September 1, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will assume responsibility for lottery operations. The now-defunct Texas Lottery Commission's functions and remaining staff will be folded into TDLR during the coming months. A TDLR spokesperson confirmed the formation of a transitioning team and the creation of working groups comprised of staff from both agencies, though the department said it was "premature" to disclose further details. Controversies spark legislative action The legislative crackdown follows two major scandals: the controversial win of a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot by a group that allegedly bought 99% of the 25.8 million ticket combinations, and the rise of lottery courier apps like Jackpocket. These apps allow users to order tickets digitally, which are then printed and scanned by third-party retailers. Though the Texas Lottery Commission had permitted such operations for years, it abruptly reversed course mid-session, drawing criticism from lawmakers like Senator Bob Hall and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Hall, who authored SB 3070, described the bill as "the next best thing" to abolishing the lottery altogether. The new law makes selling tickets online or through any digital platform a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail. It also limits in-person ticket purchases to a maximum of 100 per player at licensed retailers. Lottery's revenue saves it - for now Despite vocal opposition from Hall and other critics, complete elimination of the lottery failed to gain traction due to its critical role in public education funding. The lottery contributes roughly $2 billion annually to Texas schools, a sum lawmakers were unwilling to forfeit during the current budget cycle. "It didn't take a lot of in-depth discussion," Hall said. "We're not going to be able to end [the lottery]... We need the income to balance the budget for this next biennium." Nevertheless, the future of the Texas Lottery remains uncertain. SB 3070 sets a new expiration date of 2029, after which lawmakers will be required to reauthorize it following a Sunset Advisory Commission review. Leadership exodus and ongoing investigations The dismantling of the Texas Lottery Commission comes amid a wave of resignations. Executive Director Ryan Mindell stepped down in April, following the earlier departures of two of the five commissioners. Meanwhile, investigations into lottery operations continue. The Texas Rangers are currently probing the controversial $95 million jackpot as well as the activities of online courier services. Another case involves an $83.5 million win by Kristen Moriarty, a Houston resident who purchased her ticket via Jackpocket. Despite being declared the winner in February, Moriarty has not been paid and has reportedly not been contacted by DPS. "It was excitement and happiness at first, and then it just progressed to stress and anger," she said. The Texas Lottery Commission has cited the ongoing investigation as the reason for the delay in her payout. DPS has declined to comment, citing policy on active investigations.

Hard Rock Bet Casino and game developer AGS have closely collaborated for the second time to produce Hard Rock Cash Lock, the exclusive new video slot title for New Jersey players. Hard Rock Cash Rock comes on the heels of Hard Rockin' Reels and was inspired by Capital Gains, another slot hit, and it features high-octane action and unique bonuses that are all set to thrill players in New Jersey. AGS has teamed up once again with Hard Rock Bet Casino to release a new, exclusive video slot game titled Hard Rock Cash Lock. This bespoke title is now available exclusively to Hard Rock Bet Casino customers in New Jersey and marks the second time the two companies have collaborated on a tailor-made iGaming experience. The game's launch clearly demonstrates both companies' continued efforts to stand out in the increasingly competitive online casino market in the US. According to Zoe Ebling, Vice President of Interactive at AGS, the project represents more than just a game - it's a strategic offering built to enhance player engagement. "Hard Rock Cash Lock continues our successful collaboration with Hard Rock Bet Casino, proving how bespoke content can elevate player engagement and set operators apart from their competition," Ebling said. "By blending immersive Hard Rock themes with innovative mechanics, we're delivering New Jersey players a seamless, standout experience." Capital Gains inspiration and signature Hard Rock style Rich Criado, Vice President of Casino at Hard Rock Bet, noted that the new game draws inspiration from AGS's popular title Capital Gains, offering fast-paced gameplay and dynamic bonus features uniquely adapted for the Hard Rock brand. "Hard Rock Cash Lock marks yet another successful bespoke collaboration with AGS, and we know our players are going to love the high-energy gameplay and unique bonus features," Criado said. "We're thrilled to have developed and launched another exclusive, on-brand experience, which continues to be our focus as we build on the over 3,000 games available on our top-rated platform." The custom-built title comes on the heels of Hard Rockin' Reels, a branded slot released by AGS and Hard Rock Bet Casino in 2024, solidifying the partnership as one focused on innovation and unique offerings in the digital space. Inside the game: what makes Hard Rock Cash Lock stand out Hard Rock Cash Lock is a five-reel video slot designed with premium graphics and exciting bonus mechanics tailored to thrill. The game features two main bonus events: Cash Vault feature: Players are prompted to choose one of two vaults, unlocking either a Free Games mode or a Lock & Respin Bonus. The Free Games round can deliver as much as 15 spins with the potential for 200 Wilds to appear, creating massive win opportunities. Lock & respin bonus: Triggered by landing six or more Money Ball symbols, this feature locks in the triggering symbols and grants additional respins. Players also have a chance to win multiple Jackpots during this bonus round, keeping the adrenaline high and the potential payouts even higher. These mechanics were built to capture the iconic Hard Rock feel, pairing ever-thrilling gameplay with recognizable brand elements and a soundtrack that echoes the casino experience fans know and love. Hard Rock Bet Casino continues to climb With a reputation for innovation and user satisfaction, Hard Rock Bet Casino continues to be one of the most highly rated real money gaming platforms in New Jersey. The app currently boasts a 4.9-star rating in the Apple App Store and a 4.7-star rating on Google Play. The platform also hosts over 3,000 casino games, combining online sportsbook functionality with top-tier slots, table games, and exclusive branded content that reflects the legendary Hard Rock identity. Players can access Hard Rock Bet on Apple and Android devices, as well as through its desktop version at HardRock.bet. Meanwhile, AGS is a global gaming supplier known for delivering high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, expansive table game portfolios, real-money iGaming platforms, and social casino solutions. With deep roots in Native American gaming and a player-first philosophy, AGS has become a major name in the commercial gaming industry.

In the aftermath of Aaron Rodgers' signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants now allude to focusing on having two leaders in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, to run their offense and move forward for a chance at a bigger glory in the game while also getting a shot at bigger wins now more than ever. So far, nothing has been easy for the Giants – who had a wild offseason and took multiple trips just to make the most of the merry-go-round in the hopes of chasing Rodgers. They did, however, end up landing Wilson as the Giants’ top choice at this point, and it cannot be denied that there was indeed a limbo of speculations before they brought him in. But as the season looms in just a few months, the Giants seem to know who their leader is – or leaders to be exact. In fact, the Giants are leaning on both Wilson and Winston, despite the new signing being the rumored top choice to run the offense. So far, it has been an interesting buzz, and fans are expecting to learn more as the NFL season closes in now more than ever. Multiple QB Leaders? That’s even strange to type to begin with, However, the approach that the Giants are considering seems to be in place for what is expected to be a double-layered offense, and it is said to be one of the most elaborate yet daring attempts to prove their worth on the big stage. According to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., he is seeing a different pattern at this point, and it is yet to bear fruit – but will have excellent progress in the coming campaign. "I think the first thing that you want to pick out is that the leadership in the room will really help out everybody in the locker room and on the team," Tracy said of the leadership structure. "Obviously, you've got Russ, Mr. Unlimited. Then, you've got Jameis - he's the one who has the personality. They bring a lot of different pieces that we need, and that's what we need as a football team.” Both players bring different forces to the table for the team. Wilson brings a vocal leadership, while Winston, on the other hand, offers a stable approach to the game while also rallying the rest of the squad. Despite Wilson being the bigger veteran on paper, that doesn’t automatically make him the top dog in the dressing room at this point. Ready for Domination? By all accounts, this squad is definitely stronger than it was before, and it cannot be denied that there’s more to expect from their chances of winning now more than ever. Of course, on paper, they do seem to be a super team to begin with. However, none of that will matter if the Giants can’t make the proper approach to the campaign. New York is one of the stacked teams in the league to begin with, but it lacked direction and guidance that would have made it such a promising contender. But now that the team has made some of the necessary tweaks, it is easy to expect that the Giants are finding their way to that bigger level of play. And if that turns out to be the big break that they have been waiting for in a long time – a championship may soon be in order.

Carlos Alcaraz is set to begin his title defense in the grand stage of Wimbledon – where he was also triumphant with a bang last year. This time, however, the Spanish star insists that he is not putting that much pressure on himself and is pushing towards a shot at a bigger goal of continuing his pace on the Tour and being true to his highly impressive game. This will be Alcaraz’s third attempt to notch a third straight title at the All England Club, where he has been excellent in his games and has proven to be a menace not just on clay, but also on grass. So far, this has been a promising look for Alcaraz, and he is certainly not backing down from the challenge that people throw at him. Alcaraz needs a few more victories to directly challenge world no. 1 Jannik Sinner for the top spot, and it seems that he is keen to put the pressure on, especially with the fact that Wimbledon has been his best stage in the game so far, save for the Roland Garros. Still, there’s a lot of expectations for the extraordinary young talent, and this is something that many fans are hoping to see now more than ever. Indeed, there’s no bigger stage than Wimbledon at this point. At the End of the Fortnight Alcaraz has been one of the shining players this season, and it cannot be denied that he is gaining steam for what seems to be a majestic finish. He has enjoyed the best season so far in the ATP Tour, and one can say that Alcaraz can find ways to win and beat his toughest rivals should he ever come across them. “Most of all, I’m in no doubt that I have nothing to prove,” said the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings. “It’s my life and I live it the way I think is correct. The key is not to think about what people say, or their expectations, but to focus on what I really need and what makes me feel good.” At the end of the fortnight, there is indeed a chance that he may share the same stage as he did in the previous tournament with the top players such as Novak Djokovic, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli, and Joao Fonseca. This time, however, contenders such as Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz are all coming for a chance at the title as well. By the Numbers: Where Do the Odds Stand? Of course, Alcaraz stands as the heavy favorite to win it all in Wimbledon at +110. However, he isn’t alone on the easy numbers as the Italian world no. 1 Sinner also follows suit at +190. Djokovic lags behind at +700, Draper at +1800, Zverev at +3100, and Alexander Bublik at +3700. Fritz is somewhat far behind the odds race at +4100. However, it seems that Wimbledon is going to be a warzone for these top players, and it seems that Alcaraz will have a lot of tight competition if he is going to repeat for the third time around and prove his critics wrong with his high level of play. History awaits Alcaraz at the top of Wimbledon once more. This time, however, he has to put up a fight and deliver stunning finishes to make it happen.

In an unexpected online error, Hard Rock Bet Casino paid out $1.7 million to hundreds of players who took part in a trivia game, which was free. The online platform was hosting its weekly live trivia game for players in New Jersey. But instead of giving away just a few dollars when players correctly answered a series of trivia questions, Hard Rock Bet Casino accidentally credited every player's account with $5,000, amounting to a substantial $1.7 million - and the 353 players who joined the trivia game were overjoyed, especially after Hard Rock Bet chose not to reclaim their winnings. Hard Rock Bet Casino made headlines this week after mistakenly awarding a $5,000 prize to each of the 353 participants in its weekly Live Trivia game - totaling a staggering $1.765 million. But in a surprising twist, the company has chosen to let the recipients keep the money. The incident occurred during Hard Rock Bet's free-to-play online Live Trivia game held on Wednesday for its New Jersey users. Normally, the contest invites players to answer ten timed questions centered around a weekly theme. Those who get at least seven answers correct share a $5,000 prize pool, with individual winnings calculated based on the number of winners. This time, however, a system error resulted in every eligible player receiving the full $5,000 amount instead of just a portion of the pool. What was meant to be a modest prize distribution ended up becoming a massive payout to hundreds of surprised trivia fans. A $5,000 question for each winner Hard Rock Bet confirmed the miscalculation in a statement, noting that exactly 353 players each received the entire $5,000 prize due to the glitch. The total overpayment came out to $1.765 million - more than 350 times the intended payout for the evening. Yet rather than reverse the error or attempt to reclaim the funds, Hard Rock Bet opted to honor the unexpected windfall. "When made aware of the incorrect Live Trivia payouts, our response was quick and deliberate: the awards stand," said Matt Primeaux, executive managing director and president of Hard Rock Bet. "While others may have tried to claw back the $5,000 awards - Hard Rock Bet wants to put our customers first wherever possible, not just when it's convenient." Primeaux emphasized the company's commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, positioning the decision as a reflection of its values. "Hard Rock Bet Casino is determined to provide our players with a simple, fair, and transparent entertainment experience - not one filled with terms and conditions, asterisks, and promotions that can never fully be won." Customer-centric move wins applause The bold choice to allow players to keep the full $5,000 has been met with positive feedback online, with many praising Hard Rock Bet for prioritizing customer experience over bottom-line damage control. In a market where promotional fine print often leads to customer frustration, the operator's move stands out. The trivia feature, which launched only weeks ago, is part of Hard Rock Bet's online casino offerings in New Jersey. Developed in collaboration with gaming technology provider Playtech, the Live Trivia game has become a popular weekly event for users looking to win small cash prizes while testing their knowledge. A teachable moment in customer loyalty At present, Hard Rock Bet's online casino operations are limited to New Jersey. But the national attention generated by this mishap could boost the brand's reputation and recognition beyond state lines. Whether or not this decision turns out to be a costly one in the long term remains to be seen. But for now, 353 trivia buffs are celebrating an unexpectedly generous payout - and Hard Rock Bet is basking in the goodwill it earned for owning the mistake.

California may soon make all fantasy sports illegal, as confirmed by several sources. In a statement, the Coalition of Fantasy Sports, which includes such platforms as PrizePicks, Betr, Splash Sports, Underdog Fantasy, and Dabble, have deemed the prospective change devastating to millions of DFS fans in California. Rob Bonta, the Attorney General of California, is on the brink of issuing a legal opinion that could deem online fantasy sports illegal in the state, according to multiple sources. The decision, expected in the coming days, may fundamentally alter the future of fantasy sports in California and put at risk billions of dollars in business funds. Bonta's office has remained silent on the matter, refusing to comment publicly as of Wednesday last week. However, sources familiar with the opinion say it will provide detailed reasoning and legal grounding for the anticipated conclusion that online fantasy contests constitute illegal gambling under current California law. Fantasy sports industry reacts with alarm The Coalition for Fantasy Sports - comprising platforms such as PrizePicks, Betr, Splash Sports, Underdog Fantasy, and Dabble - issued a statement calling the expected opinion 'devastating' for millions of Californians who have engaged in daily fantasy sports for over a decade. "We hope the Attorney General's office will consider the views of sports fans across the state before making a decision," a coalition spokesperson said. "Californians have been playing daily fantasy sports games for more than a decade, and it is shocking to think that the state would suddenly take them away." The platforms typically allow users to enter paid contests and compete for prizes based on the real-life performance of selected athletes - an activity that has long occupied a legal gray area in California. Tribal leaders urge compliance with state law Meanwhile, Bonta's pending opinion is being closely monitored by California's tribal gaming interests. On Monday, the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations and the California Nations of Indian Gaming Association urged lawmakers to withhold action on any proposed legislation regarding fantasy sports until the Attorney General's opinion is released. James Siva, CNIGA Chairman, praised the anticipated move. "Illegal and unregulated gaming has been a problem in California for decades," Siva said in a statement. "These illegal practices deny consumers real protections and safeguards against illicit practices such as fraud and underage gambling. We are glad to see Attorney General Bonta address the issue and look forward to lawbreakers being held to account." Years in the making: legal opinion rooted in longstanding concerns The legal question of whether fantasy sports constitute a 'game of skill' or a 'game of chance' - the latter being generally illegal in the state without proper licensing - has simmered for years. In 2023, then-State Senator Scott Wilk requested clarity from the Department of Justice, stating that participants have no control over how athletes perform, which may render fantasy sports gambling under California law. "Daily fantasy sports appears to be a game of chance not otherwise permitted by the laws of California," wrote Wilk in his request. After Wilk's term ended, Assemblyman Tom Lackey took up the cause, pushing for a legal opinion to clarify the issue. Lackey said that while he hasn't seen the final opinion, he's been in contact with the DOJ to ensure public sentiment was acknowledged. "I was very interested in making sure that the people and their opinion was at least acknowledged," he said. "I think it's credible. I think it's important that (Bonta) is responding." Legal showdown on the horizon As California waits for Bonta's final determination, legal experts anticipate the issue may ultimately be settled in court. Chris Micheli, adjunct professor at McGeorge School of Law and lobbyist, said, "If there are any alleged activities that violate the law, we would expect a lawsuit to be filed by the attorney general. Ultimately, a court will decide if the AG's opinion is the right one, but courts in California give a fair amount of deference to the Attorney General." Meanwhile, the potential crackdown is raising eyebrows among members of the public and media personalities alike. Carmichael Dave, a Sacramento-based radio host, questioned the logic of banning fantasy sports while allowing other forms of financial risk-taking. "Why can I bet on the latest crypto scheme or my life savings on stock apps," he asked, "but I can't bet on whether the Giants or the Niners or the Kings are going to win a ball game?" The California DOJ is expected to release Bonta's legal opinion by July 3.

It could have been much worse, considering that the New York Islanders weren’t one of the fortunate teams to make a deep run last playoffs. But now armed with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, it does seem that fortune favors the bold after all, as the team now sets its eyes on the future and hopefully comes up with a promising selection that would help them become competitive in the coming years. Nothing has been easy for the Islanders over the past few years. The last five years have seen them struggle to stay relevant on the playoff stage. To start, the team has yet to win a single playoff series in that span. They lost to the Tampa Lightning in seven games back in 2021, then missed out on the following year. New York would then go on to lose back-to-back playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. This year? Perhaps another disappointing stretch as they missed out on another playoff campaign, so there’s that. But maybe this time would be a different run as they hope to present themselves with the best chance, armed with the 1st overall pick in the draft. Hauling in the Future The Islanders are expected to select Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. Coming from the Ontario Hockey League, the defenseman is ranked 1st in the scouting reports and remains the consensus no. 1 selection had the pick gone to another team in the league. So far, it seems that the Islanders will waste no time in bringing him in too, which says a lot about the expectations for the team moving forward. However, it is worth noting that the 17-year-old prospect only played a total of 17 games in the previous season. He had to endure a fractured clavicle back in December 2024 when he played for Team Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship. Those circumstances, however, don’t seem to affect his draft value. "We're extremely excited about putting together a team that gets younger and faster and exciting," Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said. "I think the fan base wants to see that, and this is the first step. It's going to be a new day in that respect and I think (GM) Mathieu (Lamoriello) supports that, which is the most important thing. You need to have the support of your hockey operations people in that regard and Mathieu understands how that works." The Excitement of the Draft It is clear that the Islanders will not be trading the no. 1 pick (I mean, who would even do that?). That paves the way for a Draft Party set by the Islanders at the UBS Arena and would also feature current players such as Ryan Pulock, Casey Cizikas, Jean-Gabriel Pagea, and Scott Mayfield. All of the hype is leading up to the 1st pick being delivered is showing hope for the team at this point. The future is now for the Islanders, and it seems that they will need to grind hard if they want to make the most of their chances and see how they can fuel their winning chances for the next campaign. Who knows, maybe this is going to be a wonder season for New York, and we are coming along for the ride towards greatness in the NHL.

When the Atlanta Braves announced on June 24 that Ronald Acuña Jr. would be suiting up for the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, fans erupted in joy. It marks his third time participating in this electrifying showcase of raw power and charisma. And this time? Acuña is itching to go all the way. The Braves, perhaps surprisingly, have never had a Home Run Derby winner. Not since its founding in 1985. Legends like Freddie Freeman, Chipper Jones, Dale Murphy, Andruw Jones – they’ve all competed, but none claimed the crown. At 27, he’s neither youngest nor most seasoned, but he’s one of the rare few to mix elite power with electric speed. His 173 career home runs and blazing stolen base stats underscore a rare blend of speed and strength. As a kid, Acuña has always been dreaming about winning at least one home run derby in the big league. While it is just one of the mere All-Star festivities, it is expected that he would be the perfect candidate to give Atlanta a shot at greatness. But it is still a few weeks before the action takes place, but Acuña already appreciates and is hyped for the action. Acuña is the Perfect Contestant The numbers don’t lie. In the 2025 season up to June 18, Acuña has hit 173 homers in his career and maintains a .421-foot average distance on longballs – placing him among the game’s top sluggers. He averages north of 108 mph exit velocity, making his Der­by profile particularly compelling. Four of his homers this season have sailed at least 440 feet – granting him potential bonus time in Derby format. Simply put: when forums and analysts talk about players who can hit “no-doubters,” Acuña’s name is always near the top of the list. This isn’t just about brute strength – it’s mental toughness too. Every swing must have players trying to make the ball leave the yard. For Acuña, however, pacing early in the rounds is not much of a big deal, but he has to innovate and make sure he can find ways to keep his swagger and win big in the competition. In an event designed to thrill and amaze, one thing’s certain: Acuña will make every swing count. Firepower in the Mix This year’s lineup is stacked. Defending champion Pete Alonso returns; Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Pujols – each brings unique flair. Competing in Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium on July 18, Acuña will be right where he wants to be: on the brightest stage. If this feels different from his 2019 and 2022 Derby experiences, that’s no accident. Between rupturing an ACL in 2024 and roaring back with a home run on his first pitch back in May 2025, Acuña has evolved. That comeback likely fuels his fire now. With renewed confidence and validation following a rigorous rehab, this Derby feels like a celebration of everything he’s overcome. As Braves fans begin planning watch parties for July 18, one thing stands above all: Ronald Acuña Jr. is bringing heart, hustle – and most importantly, history – to the Derby. He’s chasing not only the title, but a chance to write his name as the first Brave to bring home the trophy, and to finally answer that childhood reverie. At this point, between winning MLB Games, Acuña is also keen to show that he’s able to understand and deliver big hits that would win him the Home Run Derby.

Several so-called 'slot influencers' on YouTube are riding the wave of immense popularity, including Lady Luck HQ, NG Slot, The Big Jackpot, and Mr. Mike Slots. The Slot-tastic Four, as they are more widely known, have swept the gaming industry by storm, and they discuss their 'accidental' rise to fame in an in-depth interview. What began as a casual hobby has turned into a dazzling online empire for four of the internet;s most successful 'slots influencers.' Known as the "Slot-tastic Four," Francine Maric (Lady Luck HQ), Scott 'The Big Jackpot' Richter, Narek 'NG Slot' Gharibyan, and Michael 'Mr. Mike Slots' DeArmey have transformed their love of slot machines into full-time careers, amassing a combined 1.6 billion YouTube views and millions of followers across platforms. These influencers recently headlined an event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, greeted by fans and casino staff as bona fide celebrities. But behind the showmanship lies a surprising story of how everyday people turned spins and losses into success and fame. From automotive to all-in: The rise of Lady Luck HQ Francine Maric, a 40-year-old former automotive sales manager from Detroit, is the face of Lady Luck HQ. Clad in her signature pink-and-black polka dot dress, she smiled and waved to fans in Tampa, grateful but admittedly still shocked by the path her life has taken. "This was just something fun that my husband and I could do together," she said. "I never really thought this was going to go anywhere - until it wasn't." Her first viral hit came in 2018, when a $30 bet on the slot game Rio Dreams turned into an $18,000 jackpot. The video, titled MASSIVE $18,000 HAND PAY JACKPOT, exploded online and now boasts more than 7 million views. That moment marked the start of what would become a highly profitable YouTube channel with over 860,000 subscribers and partnerships with casinos across the US. Diverse paths, one destination = casino stardom Each member of the Slot-tastic Four came to fame in their own unique way. Scott Richter, aka 'The Big Jackpot,' has roots in digital marketing and restaurants. A self-described "spam king," he didn't plan to become a slot celebrity. "Never in a million years would I have thought I would be here," he told fans. With a raucous style and loyal following, his channel now has over 640,000 subscribers. NG Slot's Narek Gharibyan was initially searching for poker videos on YouTube in 2017 when misleading gambling content caught his attention. He decided to start a channel of his own, showing both wins and losses. "I just wanted to keep it real," he said. "Casinos should be fun - not a way to get rich." Michael 'Mr. Mike Slots' DeArmey, a former actor, simply wanted an excuse to go to the casino more often. He blended his performance skills with a love of gaming, and it paid off - he now has more than 148,000 subscribers. Hitting record numbers - and record jackpots Together, the Slot-tastic Four produce thousands of hours of content. Maric and her husband, Miran - who now edits the videos full-time - moved to Las Vegas in late 2023 to keep up with the pace of content creation. Some of their bets are extravagant: NG Slot recently won $800,000 on Huff N' Even More Puff, while Richter has hit million-dollar jackpots. Still, they all emphasize that slot machines remain a losing game overall. Their appeal lies in relatability, not riches. "It's not just about the jackpots," said Maric. "It's about the banter, the fun. People feel like they're sitting next to us in the casino." A winning formula: entertainment over earnings Despite betting sums most viewers never will, the influencers say their audience keeps watching because of connection - not envy. "These are not relatable bets," Maric admitted. "But it's fun for people to live vicariously, or see how a game works before they play. We make it feel like they;re in the casino." With casinos now courting their appearances and more influencers following in their footsteps, the Slot-tastic Four have clearly hit the jackpot - not just in winnings, but in carving out a new space where gambling, entertainment, and online fandom collide. Inspired by the action? Explore free slot games on GambleSpot and spin for fun, anytime.

The WSOP is undoubtedly one of the biggest - if not the biggest - events in the world of poker each summer. But the recent WSOP event has come into question because the players reportedly colluded for a bonus prize being offered by ClubWPT Gold. ClubWPT Gold allegedly promised bonuses to some WSOP winners, specifically James Carroll and Jesse Yaginuma, and WSOP is investigating the final results. The World Series of Poker, known for being the most prestigious event on the poker calendar, is now involved in controversy following allegations of collusion at the final table of its 2025 Millionaire Maker tournament. At the heart of the uproar is a $1 million bonus promotion offered by ClubWPT Gold, a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour, which is now drawing scrutiny from players, fans, and regulators. During the final moments of the Millionaire Maker event, professional player Jesse Yaginuma was able to defeat James Carroll in heads-up play, not only earning the $1.2 million WSOP prize but also triggering a ClubWPT Gold bonus tied to their 'Gold Rush' sweepstakes promotion. However, the way in which the match unfolded raised eyebrows across the poker community and led the WSOP to announce a formal investigation into the legitimacy of the play. ClubWPT Gold's sweepstakes bonus at the center ClubWPT Gold launched its 'Gold Rush' sweepstakes earlier this year, offering freeroll poker tournaments on its platform where players could win Gold Rush tickets. These tickets made them eligible for a $1 million bonus if they went on to win any of nearly a dozen select WSOP bracelet events. The promotion, though not officially sanctioned by the WSOP, created a lucrative incentive for participants - especially if they were already accomplished players. Earlier this summer, New Jersey's Michael Lavin became the first to claim the bonus after winning a WSOP shootout bracelet event. The controversy intensified on Wednesday when Yaginuma, who held one of these Gold Rush tickets, won the highly competitive Millionaire Maker. Viewers watching the final table on livestream quickly took to social media, questioning Carroll’s play and suggesting possible 'chip dumping' to help Yaginuma win and secure the million-dollar ClubWPT bonus. Suspicious hands fuel collusion allegations Many poker fans and analysts noted peculiar plays during the heads-up battle, particularly Carroll's pattern of raising marginal hands only to fold to reraises from Yaginuma. In one widely discussed hand, Carroll lost a substantial portion of his chip stack on what appeared to be a weak bluff. These moments fueled speculation that the players may have reached a side agreement to share in the ClubWPT prize or that Carroll may have intentionally lost. Despite a significant chip disadvantage, Yaginuma mounted a comeback and ultimately won the event. Carroll walked away with over $1 million for his second-place finish. The WSOP announced Thursday on X that it is investigating the match and neither player has received their prize money pending the results of the inquiry. The WSOP strictly prohibits collusion, and while private deal-making at final tables is rumored to happen on occasion, it has never been permitted or recognized by the tournament itself. Legal and regulatory clouds over sweepstakes poker The timing of the controversy is especially notable as sweepstakes poker sites, including ClubWPT Gold, are already facing increased legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, Nevada lawmakers passed a bill aimed at banning unregulated gambling platforms, including sweepstakes-style gaming. Although Governor Joe Lombardo has not yet signed the bill into law, the largest sweeps poker operator, Global Poker, voluntarily exited the Nevada market in April. ClubWPT Gold, which only launched in early 2025, is already unavailable in several states such as Delaware, Connecticut, and New York - all of which have either passed anti-sweepstakes legislation or are in the process of doing so. A new law in Connecticut, for instance, is set to take effect on October 1. Despite this, ClubWPT Gold has not made public announcements regarding its exit from these states. As of now, the platform continues to operate in most states except for Michigan, Idaho, Washington, and Montana - the latter of which officially outlawed sweepstakes-style games earlier this year. As of Friday, ClubWPT Gold has not issued any statement regarding whether it intends to honor Yaginuma's bonus or if it plans to revise the promotion in light of the controversy. The outcome of the WSOP investigation could significantly influence how sweepstakes-based poker promotions are handled, particularly when real-money bonuses intersect with major tournament events.

Coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to repeat as champions, the Boston Celtics get to business right away with a flurry of moves that will shake up their roster build. This time, however, it seems that the 2024 champions are gearing up for some changes that would help them long-term. It was no secret that the previous moves by Boston to acquire Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis not long ago were to build a squad with a win-now goal. However, that success was short-lived and proved to be futile when the two key pieces could not convert for them, and now they have shipped the two players to different teams with the hopes of recovering from salary cap issues, as well as acquiring essential assets. With Jayson Tatum injured, and Jaylen Brown coming off what has been a disappointing campaign of sorts, it does seem that the Celtics are in dire need of changes in its direction and roster heading into the coming months where drastic changes could spell success or utter disappointment for the team once more. Moving Away from the Second Apron While player trades are the main focus, most NBA casuals don’t know what the business end of the NBA impacts for a lot of teams. For starters, the NBA’s second apron stands at a hard salary cap of $207,825,000. For Boston – which has inked a lot of high-earning players a while ago – this is a tough break that prevents them from coming up with key acquisitions in the offseason. Had they not made any moves, Boston was on pace to spend at least $500 million in payroll for next season. So in just two days, they shipped off two-time All-Star and two-time champion Jrue Holiday – who was integral in the 2024 championship team. That netted them Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks from the Portland Trail Blazers. The next day, Porzingis was moved to the Atlanta Hawks, bringing Massachusetts native Georges Niang into the roster along with Terrance Mann – and another flurry of second-round picks was swapped as well. Was the Trade a Win? First of all, Simons is entering the final year of the four-year, $100 million deal that he signed with the Blazers in 2022, which means he is still owed $27.7 million next season – $4.7 million less than the $32.4 million Holiday is owed for the 2025-26 campaign. It does save Boston at least $35 million in luxury taxes overall, all while being off the hook for the $72 million Holiday is owed in 2026-27 and 2027-28. On the other hand, Niang is entering the final stretch of his three-year, $25 million deal. He is just slated to earn $8.2 million in the next campaign, which is a huge win considering that it is $22.5 million less than the $30.7 million expiring deal for Porzingis next season. If you are not convinced, that saves $150 million in additional luxury taxes. So yes, the trade was a complete win for Boston. Not just because they gained fresh assets on expiring deals, but also because they will save $27.2 million in salary and roughly $180 million in luxury taxes – or more than $200 million. If any, this opens up for a promising stretch on the offseason where Boston may have a chance at signing yet another star to compliment their roster.