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While all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani’s count on the homers and stolen bases, it does seem that reaching more than 50 on both stat lines speaks volumes as to how the former Los Angeles Angels star now thrives well in his campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers – which happens to be only his first season with the star-studded club. A lot of experts and critics were quick to say that he would have a lot of tough time figuring out his game in his move to the Dodgers in the offseason, considering the fact that he was then the team’s Designated Hitter to give way to Mookie Betts – which seriously hampered the Japanese star’s MVP chances as well. But then later injuries to Betts and the rest of the team forced them to play their Ohtani card, and boy did it pay well so far. As of the time of writing, Ohtani has already eclipsed 50 homers and 50 stolen bases. He is the first and only player on that list – a feat that no other player has achieved in their careers. Not even the legendary players of the MLB has touched close to that. The two-way sensation was also the fastest to reach 40-40 in the same stat lines if you are not impressed. A Story of Growth and Development Back in his time with the Angels, Ohtani was carrying much of the load for the team with Mike Trout being quite far from his usual game at the time. This allowed Ohtani to expand his game aside from batting and would become a promising pitcher in his own right as well. However, things started to turn sideways as the two-time American League MVP wanted to win titles, which needed time for the Angels to give him a competitive roster – which is a luxury that Ohtani didn’t have. Flash forward to his historic game against the Marlins. Ohtani would finish 6-for-6, which included a three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning to secure his 50th blast shot to lead the Dodgers in their 20-4 domination of the Miami squad. At the same time, the Japanese star also led them to secure a playoff spot – which will mark Ohtani’s first postseason run after not making it in his first six years with the Angels. This is a truly remarkable season for Ohtani, who has been eyeing on the 50-50 list for quite some time ever since he earned more playing time and bigger strides in his campaign with the Dodgers. “It was something that I wanted to get over as quickly as possible,” said Ohtani about clinching the 50-50 record in homers and bases stolen. “It’s something that I’m going to cherish for a very long time. I have no idea where this came from but I’m glad that I performed well today.” A Playoff Campaign in the Midst Ohtani was the star slugger and pitcher for the Angels in his first six MLB seasons. He would go on to win the American League MVP award twice, but always missed the postseason. After signing a massive and historic $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers, it does seem that he will continue to have a legendary season in the making at this point. As of the time of writing, the Dodgers stand alone at the top of the National League West with a 92-63 record, being leagues ahead of the San Diego Padres, who are second in the division. Ohtani’s winning strides has helped the Dodgers to rise to the best record in the MLB this season – tied with the Philadelphia Phillies so far – at least until the season ends.

BLAST Premier Fall Finals defending champions Team Vitality is set to open the coming 2024 edition of the tournament at center stage as they face Astralis in a best-of-three clash. Coming fresh off their Intel Extreme Masters 2024 Cologne win, it seems that Vitality is expected to be a massive showrunner in the BLAST Premier Fall Finals as they seek to deliver a much-needed victory to keep their place at the top of the HLTV standings. After beating Natus Vincere in the final of the IEM Cologne 2024, it does seem that Vitality has the best chance to keep up the same pace in their games and come up with a winning run in the BLAST Premier Fall Finals. However, the team will be facing one of its toughest rivals in Astralis as the team seeks to settle a score after their Fall Groups showdown as well. Still, Team Vitality remains as the hot pick to claim the lion’s share of $200,000 and an instant qualification spot for the BLAST Premier World Final. The team will have to brave a very competitive Group B, which is composed of Team Spirit – who won the BLAST Premier Spring Final, Team Liquid – who emerged as the top seed in Group D of the Fall Groups, and lastly, Astralis. A Dominant Run in the Fall Groups Vitality ensured that they will be ready for the coming action by making a statement in the Fall Groups. The team defeated GamerLegion in the opening round with a 2-1 finish and later dominated their clash with Astralis in a 2-0 victory, who would later wound up for a rematch in the group’s Grand Final with the hopes of stealing Vitality’s thunder. However, Vitality would not let up, not even after Astralis went up 1-0 in the clash when they won 13-10 on Vertigo. The French squad would go on to bounce back up right away by winning Mirage 13-10 to tie the series, and later dominating the final map, Nuke, in a 13-7 victory to pull away for a promising win. Vitality emerged as one of the four top contenders to look out for in the BLAST Premier Fall Finals, joining G2 Esports, Team Spirit, and Team Liquid – with the latter two now set to be their opponents in the coming games as well. This is why Group B is expected to be a “death group” with all of the intense competition coming around. Setting Expectations in the Rivalry Clash Team Vitality is still poised as the favorite to win in their opening match against Astralis, which takes place tomorrow. The team has won four straight games over Astralis, dating all the way back to the Spring Groups. Since the launch of CS2 last September 2023, Team Vitality holds a 5-1 record over Astralis. This just says a lot about the coming showdown as Vitality is highly favored to win in the opening match. The team will have to win at least two or three (if they lose to Astralis) in order to qualify for the next round. A win in the group stage overall will see them secured for the semis, while a runner-up finish will place them as a high seed in the quarterfinal, and a 3rd-place ending will bring them as low seeds for the same stage. The stakes are high as Vitality hopes to defend its title and establish its dominance in the game heading into the final months of the CS2 season.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Revenue has just revealed that iGaming in the state experienced another surge last August. The total revenue for CT last August was up to almost $38 million from the July revenue of $35.6 million, marking robust and steady growth for the state. August marked another strong month for Connecticut's online gaming market, with total gross gaming revenue rising to $37.9 million from $35.6 million in July, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. This continued growth shows the success of the state's online casino industry, which launched in full just under three years ago. Online gaming market launched in 2021 Connecticut's sports betting and online casino gaming market officially went live in October of 2021, and since then, it has steadily gained traction. The market currently features two major online casino operators: DraftKings, in partnership with Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Mohegan Sun, operating through FanDuel. These platforms provide a wide variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. With both of these giants leading the way, players in Connecticut have flocked to the digital gaming space, resulting in robust monthly revenue figures. The steady growth suggests that online gaming has become a key component of the state's entertainment landscape. DraftKings and Foxwoods continue to dominate DraftKings Casino, partnered with Foxwoods, has consistently held the top spot in the Connecticut iGaming market, and August was no exception. DraftKings reported over $20.6 million in gross online casino revenue, a notable increase from $19.1 million in July. The platform has been able to capture a large portion of the market, partly due to its extensive range of games, including over 300 titles. In addition, some of its exclusive offerings include DraftKings NHL Slapshot, DraftKings Rocket, Assassin Moon, and DraftKings Bingo Blackjack, which have proven popular among players looking for unique gaming experiences. Mohegan Sun, operated by FanDuel, also saw a slight increase in revenue, generating more than $17.1 million in August, up from $16.3 million in July. Though it trailed behind DraftKings in terms of total revenue, Mohegan Sun remains a strong player in the market with a loyal customer base. State reaps benefits from online casino revenue As online gaming revenue grows, so do the benefits to the state. Connecticut levies an 18% tax on gross revenue, which means significant contributions to state coffers each month. In August alone, DraftKings generated over $3.7 million in tax revenue, while FanDuel brought in $3.08 million. These funds are crucial for state programs and initiatives, making online gaming an important revenue source for Connecticut's government. The total wagers across both online casinos for the month amounted to $1.23 billion, showcasing the massive scale of the state's online gaming market. With a consistent upward trajectory in both participation and revenue, the sector continues to demonstrate its potential for long-term growth. Expanding gaming options in the state One of the reasons behind the success of Connecticut's online gaming market is the wide variety of games available to players. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have invested heavily in their gaming libraries, offering players numerous options to choose from, whether they prefer classic table games, live dealer interactions, or exclusive slot titles. The growing selection of games has helped the platforms retain players and attract new users, contributing to the revenue increases seen in recent months. Moreover, the ease of access to online gaming has played a critical role. Players can participate from the comfort of their homes or on the go, making it a convenient entertainment option for many. This convenience, coupled with the allure of exclusive games, has kept players engaged and the market thriving.

The musical shows in Las Vegas are bigger and brighter than ever in next year's concert lineup. The music scene kicks off with concerts by Metallica on the 12th of April, followed by New Kids on the Block in June and November. But this is only the beginning - the concerts continue with the Neon City Festival and residencies by Pitbull and John Fogerty, respectively. Las Vegas is gearing up for a major metal event as legendary rock band Metallica are set to headline the Sick New World festival on the 12th of April, 2025, to be held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. This highly anticipated performance will mark the start of a new leg of the band's ongoing M72 World Tour, which first kicked off in 2023. Metallica's return to the city is expected to be nothing short of monumental, given the iconic band's history of drawing record-breaking crowds. The last time Metallica performed in Las Vegas was in February of 2022, where they headlined a historic concert at Allegiant Stadium. That show, which sold out the 65,000-seat venue, became the biggest metal concert in the city's history. With Metallica's unmatched ability to captivate audiences and a history of high-octane performances, fans are eagerly awaiting their next stop in Sin City. Although Metallica is the first headliner announced for the festival, additional acts for the Sick New World lineup are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. Ticket information for the event will also be made available soon, sparking anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events on the 2025 festival calendar. New Kids on the Block all set for Las Vegas residency in 2025 It's not just metalheads who have reason to celebrate in 2025. Iconic boy band New Kids on the Block is also preparing for a long-awaited Vegas residency. Titled The Right Stuff, the residency will take place at the Dolby Live theater of Park MGM and will feature 16 performances spread throughout the year. Fans will have the opportunity to see the full original lineup, including Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, and Joey McIntyre. The last time the New Kids on the Block performed in Las Vegas was in July 2014 during their Block After Dark tour at Planet Hollywood. Now, more than a decade later, they're bringing their beloved hits back to the Vegas stage for an extended run. Their 2025 residency dates include June 20 - 21, 25, and 27 - 28; July 2 - 3, July 5, and November 1 - 2, 5, 7 - 8, 12, 14, and finally, 15. Tickets for The Right Stuff will go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 am PT, giving longtime fans the chance to relive their teenage years with the band that helped define an era of pop music. Neon City Festival fights back against F1 with rock n' roll spirit In a direct response to the disruption caused by the Las Vegas Grand Prix, downtown Las Vegas is launching the Neon City Festival, set to take place from November 22 to 24, 2024. The festival is positioned as a rebellious counter-event to F1's inaugural presence, which left downtown casinos and businesses cut off from the rest of the city's entertainment district during last year's race. Spearheaded by Derek Stevens, co-owner of the Golden Gate, Circa, and The D, the Neon City Festival is a celebration of the underdog soul and rock n' roll rebellion. While the headliners might not be global household names, the festival embodies a grassroots philosophy that speaks to Las Vegas' countercultural roots. Acts such as Utah pop-rock band Neon Trees, the rapper from Seattle, Macklemore, country-pop star Russell Dickerson, Australian deejay Alison Wonderland, and innovative deejay and producer Seven Lions will grace the festival's stages. Neon City will feature performances across four stages - one at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and three located within the Fremont Street Experience. Best of all, the festival will be open to all ages and is free, inviting locals and tourists to experience this uniquely downtown celebration. More details are available at neoncityfestival.com. Pitbull and John Fogerty return to Las Vegas for 2025 residencies Meanwhile, fans of diverse music genres are in for a treat in 2025, as Pitbull and John Fogerty both return for Las Vegas residencies. Pitbull, also known as Mr. Worldwide, is bringing his Vegas After Dark The Residency to the Fontainebleau (the BleauLive Theater) for eight performances. The global superstar, who last held a Las Vegas residency from 2015 to 2019, will take the stage on Nov. 8 to 9, Jan. 24 to 25, March 7 to 8, and March 14 to 15. Known for his infectious energy and chart-topping hits, Pitbull is sure to deliver an unforgettable show. John Fogerty, the legendary frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, will also make his return to Las Vegas at the Encore Theatre. Fogerty's performances are scheduled for Jan. 22 and 24 to 25, 2025. Tickets for both residencies are already on sale via Ticketmaster, making these must-see events for fans of rock and pop alike.

The skill games saga continues, and at least one town in Pennsylvania has 'seen the light' and has imposed restrictions on skill games. Meadville, Pennsylvania has limited skill games to three specific areas in the city, but those who want to set up skill games are still required to undergo a strict process involving submitting their plans, notifying neighbors, and waiting for a vote from the appointed board members. The owners of online casinos in Pennsylvania have reason to celebrate, as one city this week in the Keystone State has heeded their concerns regarding the proliferation of skill games. Meadville, a city of historical significance and vibrant community life, has finalized its decision to limit the spread of skill game parlors, much to the relief of casino operators who view these games as direct competition. The final vote, which took place earlier this week, saw Meadville citizens and city officials issue a resounding 'no' to the unregulated spread of skill game parlors. This decision marks a turning point in the local debate over these gaming machines, which have sparked controversy due to their resemblance to traditional slot machines, even though they are legally distinct. Skill games parlors now limited to three zones The seeds of this decision were sown in August when the Meadville City Council took a unanimous preliminary vote to introduce zoning restrictions for skill games. Skill games, which are different from standard slot games since they require a certain level of decision-making and player interaction, have nonetheless raised concerns due to their similarity in appearance and function to slot machines. Critics argue that these games can operate in a gray area, often evading the same stringent regulations that apply to other forms of gambling. In response, the City Council moved to curb their spread within Meadville. The newly approved zoning ordinance limits skill game parlors to just three designated zones in the city. As the Meadville Tribunal reports, while current businesses featuring skill games will be allowed to continue operating, any future establishments will have to be situated within the approved areas. These zones include: The area west of the French Creek Parkway The North Street-State Street corridor in between Grant and Water Streets Park Avenue, all the way from Linden Street to Pine Street While these areas have been earmarked for potential skill game parlors, business owners will not receive automatic approval to set up shop. The new ordinance states that anyone interested in opening a business featuring skill games must undergo a stringent application process. The application process: hurdles for potential operators Opening a skill game parlor in Meadville is no longer a simple task. The zoning ordinance lays out several steps that aspiring operators must follow before receiving approval: Presenting their plans Applicants must first present their business proposals and plans to the Zoning Hearing Board. This process involves detailing the intended location, business model, and measures to comply with city regulations. Notifying neighbors In order to promote community involvement, operators are required to notify residents in the surrounding area. This step gives neighbors an opportunity to provide feedback on the potential impact a new skill game parlor could have on the neighborhood. Concerns may include noise, traffic, and any perceived negative social effects. Approval from zoning board appointees After receiving feedback from the community, the final step is to face a vote by five appointed members of the Zoning Hearing Board. Only with their approval can an operator proceed with establishing a skill game parlor. This comprehensive process is aimed at controlling the spread of skill game parlors and ensuring that the local community has a say in whether such establishments are welcomed in their neighborhoods. Implications for the gaming industry The move by Meadville's city council comes at a time when online casinos in Pennsylvania have been expressing concerns over skill games and their impact on the regulated gambling market. Online casino operators, who must adhere to strict regulations and tax structures, have long argued that skill games, which fall into a regulatory gray area, unfairly compete with traditional gambling venues without contributing to state revenues at the same level. By restricting the spread of skill games, Meadville has become the first Pennsylvania city to directly address these concerns through zoning restrictions. The move is set to be welcomed by online casino owners, as it could serve as a model for other cities in the state grappling with similar issues.

It has been years since “The Process” was not really even making waves in the media, now Joel Embiid has capped off his recent season with a gold medal from the Olympics, and an MVP season in the 2022-23 run. Now he has extended his stay with the Philadelphia 76ers with the hopes of gearing them up for a promised run to the NBA Finals – which is the only thing that is quite missing in his career. Embiid has been the cornerstone of the Sixers squad over the years since its tanking era that brought him, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris at one point together. Embiid has even played with James Harden and Tyrese Maxey in the previous campaigns as well. So far, all of these has led to disappointments and second-round exits, but it seems that Embiid has really made himself dedicated to his mission. With another max deal locked up, the Cameroonian star now sets his eyes on the prize once more, and fulfilling his goal of being a Sixer for his whole career at the same time. Bigger things are indeed expected of him heading into the NBA season. Staying a Sixer Embiid is now locked in until the end of the decade with the Sixers. He is the team’s franchise star for quite some time now, the first since Allen Iverson’s days with the team. Drafted third overall in 2013, the 30-year-old center has become the picture of the Sixers over the years, and it was quite obvious that they really built on him since his rise to stardom. The seven-time All-Star has been one of the best centers in the game, and he is also known for stretching his game not just on defense, but also adapting to the modern norms of the NBA. Embiid has developed and even mastered a mid-range jumper of his own and is even seen as a threat from three – all that while being a force to be feared in the paint. That says a lot about the value of Embiid in the Sixers. Even though he did have some setbacks coming from multiple foot and knee injuries that delayed his career all the way to the 2016-17 season, it seems that the wait was really worth it, and the team’s gamble paid off at the end of the day. Going All-In with Philly Now Embiid is going all-in in the coming season after coming up with a strong showing in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics. It is also worth noting that he missed a huge chunk of the previous NBA season due to an injury – and was leading the league in points scored per game and was even a frontrunner for the MVP award, which could have been his second had he not been disqualified for not meeting the required number of games played. Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 39 games last season, all while shooting 52.9% from the field and an impressive 38.8% from three. Fans are expecting that a fully-healthy and well-rested Embiid can actually make the most of his chances in the coming season. Under his lead, the Sixers have never made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. After his rookie year, Philadelphia has lost twice in the first round, including last season, while falling short in the semifinals five times – with two of those in Ben Simmons’ Rookie of the Year run (2018) and Embiid’s MVP season (2023).

That’s three games in a row now, and it seems that the Kansas City Chiefs are not letting up in their games as the team continues to come up with impressive strides in their games. This time, the defending champs secured a 22-17 win to beat the Atlanta Falcons as they escaped a big rally in the fourth to stay on top of the league in the 2024 NFL season. With the goal of coming up with a massive title defense, it does seem that the Chiefs are in the best form now more than ever, and one can certainly say that they have indeed clicked well to survive a comeback attempt from one of the top dogs in the league. What could have been a huge upset turned to be just another day in the office for the Chiefs as they eked out an expected victory once more. The Falcons have had poor luck in their first three games of the season, considering that their first three opponents flexed a whopping record of 8-1, thus their 0-3 start is quite explainable. However, it cannot be denied that this loss stings well for the Falcons considering the fact that they nearly won it had their offense kept the momentum going. Chiefs on the Grind The Falcons started strong in the first half of the game and took a 7-0 lead in the game as Kirk Cousins hit Drake London for a 14-yard score. The Chiefs would tie it up right away but then Bijan Robinson scored to put them back up 14-7. However, things went quite poorly on the later parts of the game, with the Falcons offense stalling due to shifts with injuries, and even had a critical turnover near the end of the first half that could have built the lead a little bigger than what it was. What could have been a big lead for the Falcons turned to be a chance for the Chiefs to cut in close in the game. The team responded with a Harrison Butker field goal to make it 14-10, and then another goal from 44 yards with six seconds left to bring the deficit down to just 14-13 heading into the second half. The Chiefs turned up the game at this point. Harrison Butker nailed another field goal at 9:40 to take the lead for the squad, and then a Patrick Mahomes pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster put the Chiefs way ahead to enter the fourth – showing the momentum shift that proved to be a huge factor in the game. A Failed Comeback The Falcons squad was already banged up with injuries, and even Kirk Cousins was hurting his arm at the time. Still, a field goal from Younghoe Koo from 54 yards cut the lead to 22-17, but that was the last for them in the day as Atlanta was backed up for pretty much of the game after that. They did have a chance multiple times in the game. One seen them backed up to their own 6-yard line with Cousins throwing off an incomplete to Kyle Pitts – with critics even saying that the officials may have missed out on a defensive pass interference call. The Falcons had their last chance right before the two-minute warning but could not capitalize as the Chiefs defense swarmed well to prevent them from stealing the game away. In the end, experience played out well, and the Chiefs showed that they are the defending champions for a reason.

It has been a roller coaster campaign for the Colorado Rapids after the club secured a playoff spot yesterday in their 2-0 win over the Toronto FC. The Rapids were a full year ahead after finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference in the previous season, and it does seem that the squad is hungry for more success with the hopes of making a deep run in the coming MLS Cup. Handing over Toronto FC’s second straight loss, the Colorado Rapids celebrated in style as the team looked like they have finally redeemed themselves after improving a whole lot better than they played last season. No one expected them to make the MLS Cup this year, and it seems that they will be shocking a lot of fans heading into the postseason with just four games left to play in the regular season before the playoffs begin. At this point, it is easy to say that a whole year makes a big difference than most people would expect. For the Colorado Rapids, their story has just begun, and they are driving it well with a chance to even secure a shot to the final of the competition if they’re lucky. A Season to Remember As of the time of writing, the Colorado Rapids have clinched the third spot in the Western Conference for the coming MLS Cup. This means that the team could go on to lose its final games and still make it to the postseason. However, this season is starting to look like a promising story of an underdog on the rise that is worth making a documentary like Wrexham AFC’s. While they are not climbing a whole set of football divisions, Colorado’s sudden improvement still strikes as a show of grit and promise now more than ever. If you are not impressed, the Rapids finished the previous season with a meager record of 5-12-17 off 34 games for a total of 27 points – that is the second-worst record in the MLS in the previous season, and the worst for the Western Conference. Flash forward to a year later, the Colorado Rapids have made some stunning noise and have transformed themselves into playoff contenders, which says a lot about how they are really poised for a massive finish this year should they continue to play at a high level as first-year head coach Chris Armas noted. "It's a big accomplishment that a lot of people should be proud of, and I'm one of them," said Armas, hired last November. "Padraig Smith for putting together that roster, cleaning things up around here. The players are asked an awful lot physically, technically, tactically – the whole bit. They're a real team and they always put the team first.” Translating the Energy to Success The Rapids are building off a massive campaign full of frustrations into a season worth remembering. It is worth noting that the team was also a month removed from claiming a huge 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup place after finishing third in the Leagues Cup – an underrated feat worth praising. It is also worth noting that the race to the top of the Western Conference remains wide open with just a few points separating the Rapids from the top contenders LA Galaxy (1st) and Real Salt Lake (2nd). Colorado won three of its four matches after the Leagues Cup, and they are certainly riding on a much better pace now more than ever as they head to the final four games of the campaign.

Evolution, known for its live casino games, has just confirmed an exciting new game that is set to enter the New Jersey and Connecticut iGaming market. In particular, Evolution will release a whole new title, Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack, which has features such as Double Double at any decision point, special bonuses for greater rewards, and more. Evolution, a recognized leader in live dealer games, is set to expand its offerings in New Jersey and Connecticut with the launch of a new and exciting blackjack variant - Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack. This innovative game promises to bring fresh twists to the traditional blackjack experience and further solidify Evolution's prominence in the rapidly growing live casino space. Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack is the latest addition to Evolution's suite of live dealer games, and according to Jacob Claesson, the Chief Executive Officer of Evolution North America, players in both New Jersey and Connecticut won't have to wait long to experience it. Claesson teased the imminent release of the game on social media, sparking excitement among fans of online live dealer games. "New Jersey and Connecticut - you won't have to wait long!" Claesson said, quoting a tweet from Evolution that listed some of the game's unique features. A new approach to blackjack Evolution's consistent innovation in live dealer games has set the company apart, and Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack is no exception. The game introduces several novel features that differentiate it from the standard blackjack variants typically found in live casinos. According to Evolution, Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack offers: "Double Double at any decision point," allowing players to double their stakes with greater flexibility. An automatic win on 21, even if the dealer also holds 21, providing an extra advantage to players. Special payouts with Bonus 21 and Super Bonus 21, designed to maximize players' winnings during special hand combinations. What makes this version stand out is the removal of all 10s from the shoe. This shift adds a new level of challenge for experienced players, requiring them to adjust their approach to the game and devise new strategies. Additionally, Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack includes four side bets - 21+3, Hot 3, Match, and Bust It - but lacks the popular "Six Card Charlie" rule, typically found in traditional blackjack games. This unique blend of features makes Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack an appealing option for players looking to break away from the standard rules and explore something new. Evolution's goal is to create a fresh and engaging gaming experience that caters to both seasoned blackjack enthusiasts and new players seeking something different. Expansion of Evolution's live dealer games in New Jersey New Jersey has quickly become a hotbed for live dealer games, with Evolution at the forefront of this expansion. Over the years, the company has introduced innovative live casino offerings that push the boundaries of online gaming in NJ. In addition to Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack, Evolution boasts several other popular blackjack variants, including Power Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack, and Lightning Blackjack. Each of these versions brings something unique to the table, offering various features that appeal to different player preferences. But Evolution's live dealer portfolio extends far beyond blackjack. The company also offers games that cater to a wide array of player interests, such as Super Sic Bo and Crazy Coin Flip. Both of these games, which launched in New Jersey in December of 2023, target fans of slots and dice-based games, respectively, showing that Evolution's focus is not limited to card games alone. More than just blackjack: a broad selection of games Evolution has been at the forefront of revolutionizing live dealer games, with its diverse offerings ranging from traditional table games to immersive, game-show-inspired titles. For instance, the company's flagship games like Crazy Time, Lightning Roulette, and Dream Catcher have gained tremendous popularity in online casinos across the US. These games have captured the attention of players looking for engaging live experiences that blend chance with interactive features. Evolution's innovative titles have consistently drawn in new audiences, proving that live casino games can appeal to a broad range of players, from those interested in traditional casino games to those seeking something more dynamic and unpredictable.

iGaming in the Great Lakes State reaches a solid summer conclusion as it increases by 2.8% to a record $196.7 million in revenue. Although the revenue for August is lower compared to March, where it reached $215.2 million, it is still a good end to the summer season as the iGaming market’s lifetime revenue succeeded in beating the $6 billion threshold. The Great Lakes State's online gaming market showed resilience and growth in August, according to the latest revenue data published by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Michigan's 15 fully-licensed operators collectively reported a robust revenue of $196.7 million for the month. This marked a 2.8% increase from July's figures, showcasing a $5 million boost in revenue. While August was a solid month for Michigan's online casinos, it still fell short of the record-setting performance witnessed early in the year when the market produced $215.2 million. Nevertheless, August's performance was notable for pushing the state's lifetime iGaming revenue over the $6 billion mark. BetMGM continues to dominate Michigan's iGaming scene In the competitive online casino landscape of Michigan, BetMGM Casino continued to maintain its position as the top operator. In August, BetMGM posted an impressive $52.4 million in revenue, outpacing its closest rival, FanDuel Casino, which made $48.4 million. Despite FanDuel's strong performance, it fell $4 million short of BetMGM. Throughout 2024, FanDuel has been a persistent challenger to BetMGM's dominance. The operator even managed to overtake BetMGM for a brief period in March as well as April. However, BetMGM swiftly regained its market leadership and has maintained the top spot since then. The operator's success is largely attributed to its extensive game lobby and the appealing Michigan online casino no deposit bonus offers that continue to attract players. Further down the leaderboard, DraftKings Casino held a secure position as the third-best online casino operator, generating $36.6 million in August. DraftKings' separate online casino app, Golden Nugget, also contributed positively to the company’s overall performance with $7.4 million in revenue. Caesars struggles to move up despite investments Despite significant investments in in-house games and new partnerships, Caesars Casino has struggled to break into the top four positions in Michigan. BetRivers Casino, which held the fourth spot, outperformed Caesars by accumulating $13 million in revenue. In comparison, Caesars generated $12.6 million. Caesars has been working to enhance its presence in Michigan's iGaming market but has yet to make a substantial leap in its rankings. However, the company has plans to introduce a second casino app by the end of the year after acquiring WynnBET's MI license, a move that could potentially boost its revenue and market share. An expanding iGaming sector The impressive $196.7 million generated in August not only pushed the state’s lifetime iGaming revenue past the $6 billion mark but also continued to contribute significantly to the state's finances. The MGCB reported that the state treasury received $36.9 million in taxes and fees for the month. With MI's iGaming market on track to deliver over $400 million in taxes for 2024, some analysts project that the state could see as much as $500 million in total tax contributions by year's end. The state's licensed operators are also nearing a milestone of their own, with total 2024 revenues potentially reaching $2 billion. Michigan has solidified its position as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing iGaming markets in the United States. Although the Wolverine State still trails behind New Jersey and Pennsylvania in terms of lifetime revenue, it has made great strides in recent years. As of 2024, Michigan ranks second in the country behind Pennsylvania for online casino revenue.

With the Columbus Crew battling hard to ensure that they get the best chance to secure at least the second seed in the Eastern Conference, Cucho Hernandez’s heroics come to life once more as he delivered a massive performance to carry the club to its 15th win of the season and keeping their hopes alive at the seeding. While Inter Miami FC is way ahead to be chased down from the top spot, the defending MLS Cup champions can still settle for a best-case scenario finish by clinching the second seed. Beating the Toronto FC in this game yesterday allowed them to stay on par as the season goes down to its final games before the playoffs begin. Luckily, Cucho Hernandez’s impressive performance came at the right time to help lead the way for the Crew. Columbus has now allowed a league-low and a club-record of 28 goals in 28 matches this season alone – and that says a lot about their improvement as a defensive club with a high-octane offensive unit led by Cucho. Another Day, Another Cucho Hernandez Show Cucho Hernandez’s clutch performance has saved the day again without much problem. No team has found the goal until the 51st minute where Cucho found a pass from Jacen Russell-Rowe and calmly sank the goal – his 14th of the season. That goal also marked the first assist for Russell-Rowe this season. The onslaught would not stop for the Columbus Crew at that point. The team later took a 2-0 lead when Andres Herrera, who is playing in his third start and fourth game, received a late pass from Cucho and scored his first career goal. Hernandez’s dish was the 11th of this campaign – matching the same total that he has last season with still a few more games to go. Amidst the shadow of Cucho’s show, Patrick Schulte also impressed well in his game as he came up with three saves to claim his 12th clean sheet of the season – which ties him with LAFC’s Hugo Lloris for the most clean sheets this season. Overall, it was a team effort – and Cucho’s big game certainly helped them come up with a promising victory now more than ever. Chasing the 2nd Seed Columbus has already clinched a playoff berth for the season, but now the team is battling for the best playoff spot possible. With Inter Miami already 10 points ahead of them, it is easy to expect that Crew will now have to settle for the second spot held by Cincinnati FC. As of the time of writing, Cincinnati only has a two-point lead in the standings ahead of Columbus. This means that the Crew will need to take on a promising pace if they are going to make the most of their chances in the final games of the season. Columbus has six games left to play in the season. The team will battle Orlando City FC next up in their schedule this weekend, followed by clashes against DC United, Inter Miami, Philadelphia, and New England before wrapping up their season campaign in a showdown with the New York Red Bulls. The showdown against Inter Miami will be crucial in their chances of winning, but experts predict that the club will not field its best players and rest them up instead for the postseason – and this gives the Crew a promising chance to stay on target for second seed in the final games of the season.