All news

A woman from Raleigh, North Carolina, Megan Sikora-Stypolkowski, was the lucky winner of the Powerball for $150K - but she only found out when she logged on to her NC Lottery account. She came across an article on the news about an unclaimed ticket - only to discover that it was actually her. What started as a routine check of lottery numbers turned into a life-changing moment for Raleigh resident Megan Sikora-Stypolkowski, who discovered she was the winner of an unclaimed $150,000 Powerball prize - after reading about it in the news. "I originally googled 'NC Lottery' because I was going to log in to my account to check the numbers from the drawing," stated Sikora-Stypolkowski. That innocent search led her to a Raleigh News & Observer article reporting that a $150,000 Powerball prize had gone unclaimed in Raleigh. The coincidence was too striking to ignore. A welcome surprise in the news "I was with my coworker at the time and I said, "Wouldn't that be funny if it was me,"" she recalled with a laugh. Curious, she logged in to her NC Lottery online account - and discovered the headline was, in fact, about her. Sikora-Stypolkowski had purchased a $3 Quick Pick ticket using the Online Play option for the April 21 Powerball drawing. Her ticket matched four of the five white balls plus the red Powerball, earning her a $50,000 prize. But thanks to selecting the Power Play option, her winnings were tripled to $150,000 once the 3X multiplier was drawn. "We have never won anything like this before," Sikora-Stypolkowski said, still surprised by the unexpected windfall. On Friday, she arrived at lottery headquarters to officially claim her prize. After the standard state and federal tax withholdings, Sikora-Stypolkowski took home $107,626. With the winnings in hand, she;s already making plans. "We're definitely going to take a family vacation," she said, smiling. Powerball huge in North Carolina, thanks to progressive jackpot prizes Powerball continues to draw the interest of North Carolina players, with jackpots that can climb into the hundreds of millions. The next Powerball drawing, scheduled for Monday, features a jackpot of $54 million as an annuity or $24.8 million as a lump-sum cash option. While the odds of winning the jackpot stand at a staggering 1 in 292 million, Sikora-Stypolkowski's win is a reminder that even smaller prizes can offer a big payoff - especially when enhanced by the Power Play multiplier. Powerball is indeed one of six draw games offered by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Players have the flexibility of purchasing tickets either in person at retail locations or online via the lottery's official website or mobile app. The Online Play feature, which Sikora-Stypolkowski used, provides a convenient way to participate in drawings and check results without visiting a store. A big convenience pays off in a big way For Sikora-Stypolkowski, that convenience paid off in a big way. A quick Google search turned into a moment of disbelief, then joy, as she realized the lucky ticket everyone was talking about belonged to her. "It still doesn't feel real," she admitted. As North Carolinians continue to try their luck with Powerball, her story serves as a reminder: sometimes, the winner is just a click away - and the unclaimed prize in the headlines might just have your name on it.

OG is one of the most successful Dota 2 teams out there, and it cannot be denied that there are a lot of expectations on the team when it comes to their winning chances. But with their recent struggles, coach Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann has now decided to move on from his team in search of better strides. A prominent figure in Dota 2’s competitive scene, KheZu was initially a player before transitioning to a coaching job. Just seven months after serving as OG’s coach, the German pro saw how the team struggled in his lead. Considering how the Western European scene of Dota 2 is a competitive landscape that shows no mercy, it was kind of expected. However, KheZu moving on from the team is really quite a worrying look now more than ever. We have seen how he has been a pivotal leader for the team, but it seems that the struggles were too much for him and now he is looking to move on from the team with the hopes of landing with more, greener pastures. A Timely Parting of Ways KheZu’s move from OG has been considered a timely change of scenery as the Western Europe roster of the team is still in a rebuilding phase. The organization is also currently expanding its team to bigger heights and is signing a secondary squad in Peru, named OG.LATAM. KheZu was supposed to lead the Western Europe team, but it seems that he’s not eager to do so after all those struggles. Despite his decision to move on, OG founder Johan “N0tail” Sundstein has a lot of praise for the coach, claiming that he’s positively surprised by his work and is really fond of the former YouTube caster. “I think KheZu was the most surprising out of all, because we didn't really work much with him in the past. We cast and talked with him, but haven't seen this side of him, where he's trying to step up and be a driving force, a leader, a coach,” N0tail said of KheZu. “To me, he's very smart. He's emotionally very intelligent, more than Ceb, in my opinion.” KheZu was a leader of young talent – Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon, Leon “Nine” Kirilin, Adrian “Wisper” Cespedes Dobles, Matthew “Ari” Walker, and Jian Wei “xNova-” Yap. All of these players have been quite a promising talent to watch, and they honed their talents under KheZu’s lead. A Run of Mishaps Despite all that talent, however, OG hasn’t really found a promising groove in their games over the past few months and could not buy a single win. The year 2025 hasn’t been theirs for the taking so far, even when they had a promising start at BLAST Slam I before finishing at the bottom. The team would inevitably be disbanded after all those struggles, and one can say that KheZu is really made the best out of his run with the team. It just so happens that OG was in a tough stretch in the past few months, which has certainly affected his leadership and the team’s overall groove in the game. OG is expected to name a new coach anytime soon, as well as detailed updates from its restructured Western European roster. KheZu, on the other hand, has not made any decisions or announcements on social media regarding his future.

The success at the Caja Majica proved to be the pivotal part of Casper Ruud’s campaign this season as he now moved into the world no. 7 spot of the ATP Rankings. The Norwegian star has been grinding hard in the game and is clearly on the prowl for bigger strides in the year. Now finally back in the top 10, it is expected that Ruud will be putting up more competitive runs in the clay season. Slated to play in the Italian Open’s Round of 64, Casper Ruud has been really on the climb this year and is moving way too fast with the way he has moved eight places into rankings and has proven that he is a star to be reckoned with. He defeated Jack Draper in the final of the Madrid Open, which was a hard-fought clash that reached the headlines. With the Italian Open looming and the subsequent Roland Garros not far ahead, it seems that Ruud is getting back on track in his games right on time. This is the perfect time for the Norwegian star to make the most of his calendar and even make a daring dash to the top five or better yet – the world no. 1 spot. The Rise of the Norwegian Star Casper Ruud claimed not just the Madrid Open trophy, but also his first Masters 1000 win. At the age of 26, it is expected that he would have won it a long time ago. It seems that he’s overdue for elite performances this year as he continues to come up with a huge rally. He is set to take on the Italian Open and will definitely be in for a lot of points this time around. Ruud was eliminated in his opening match in the previous edition of the Italian Open. This time he is looking to get his groove going on that end and put his clay dominance on display. Time and time again, Ruud has proven that he can be one of the best players in the game, and one can say that this is really his breakthrough run. “My record in big finals is still not good, it's 1-6,” Ruud said. “I’ve been in many unbelievable and incredible positions in my career, and I've been able to experience some great things and, unfortunately, have been on the losing spectrum of many of those matches, but that's okay.” Ruud has often been criticized for blowing leads in high-intensity tournaments. In the previous finals that the Norwegian star has played in, he has faced the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Stefanos Tsitsipas – all players who have been at least in the top 10 of the ATP Rankings. The Chase for Clay Glory Ruud has suffered exits this year in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona. He has won just three out of five matches across the two events, but his success in Madrid Open was a redeeming act that is setting him up for bigger glory in the clay season. “Since Roland Garros last year, I've had quite many months of struggling and not many good results, so it's worth the wait,” Ruud said. “I think I've accepted that I've had to, or I took one or two steps back in my game and my feelings on court in order to take two or three steps forward again. Here in Madrid it feels like I've taken four steps forward, so that's a great feeling.” Ruud is currently fifth overall in the Live Race to Turin and is definitely carrying a lot of momentum in his games. It is expected that the Rome Open and the subsequent Roland Garros will be his chance to put up a huge rally in the season.

After suffering a stroke last November 2nd, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has longed hoped to return to coaching the team that he’s loved so much over the years. However, with his condition, he has now elected to step down from his coaching post and will take over the Spurs as its new president of basketball operations moving forward. At the age of 76, Popovich has only coached five games in the 2024-25 season, and it cannot be denied that he has been missed well by the team as they ended up with one of the worst records in the NBA this season. His retirement from coaching ends a three-decade run of leadership in the Spurs organization, which has led to five championships and is the league’s all-time wins leader among coaches. Popovich’s health condition has improved, but perhaps the risks were too great for him to be physically present on the court for 82 games. There are a lot of travels, and there are back-to-back games, which are physically taking a toll on players as well. Popovich had to step down from his coaching job but is keen to still be a part of the team at this point. End of an Era Popovich has led the Spurs to a magical dynasty over the years. His career ends with a whopping record of 1,422-869 – the best in league history. That number also includes the 77 games that were coached by interim coach Mitch Johnson, which ended at 32-45. Popovich has also won 170 playoff games – the most by any coach with a single team and third overall behind Phil Jackson’s 229 and Pat Riley’s 171. “While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach, and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community, and city that are so meaningful to me.” Popovich ended up winning the Coach of the Year award three times and even led the US to a gold medal finish in the Tokyo Olympics. He coached six Hall of Famers in San Antonio and has gone up against a total of 170 different coaches during his time in the NBA. Gregg Popovich began his run with the Spurs in 1996 and has since led the franchise to greater heights over the years. New Era for San Antonio With Johnson taking over for the team, San Antonio enters a new era of basketball, especially with the Victor Wembanyama era also starting to kick off. This just means that the Spurs will be finding themselves in a new approach with a new coach at the helm. It cannot be denied that there are high expectations from the team at this point, but it will all come down as to how their next season will run for the better. The Spurs have Wembanyama healing from his injuries, De’Aaron Fox winding up for a bigger campaign, Chris Paul eager to share his veteran experience in the game, and Stephon Castle coming off a promising rookie season in which he ended up winning ROTY. This new era for the Spurs is looking good, and that’s how Popovich has set them up for success.

After a challenging round 1 for both teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers are locked in for an epic clash in the coming second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This sets up one of the best series in the postseason with multiple intense showdowns to look out for, but this one may have bigger returns for fans to enjoy. This marks the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with Vegas winning their previous encounter in the 2023 Western Conference Second Round in six games. Both teams had strong regular seasons, with the Golden Knights finishing first in the Pacific Division with a 50–22–10 record, while the Oilers secured third place at 48–29–5. Zach Hyman has played hero for the Edmonton Oilers as they struck first with a 4-2 win to beat the Vegas Golden Knights in a key showdown. This was the Oilers’ first Game 1 win in a playoff series since 2006—yes, you read that right—and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With high expectations and a deep, dangerous opponent in Vegas, Edmonton needed a tone-setting performance. And they got it. Oilers Flexing Key Improvements Leon Draisaitl continues to be the engine of this Oilers squad. While he didn’t put on a four-goal show like we've seen before, he was pivotal in both ends of the ice. His leadership, puck control, and smart decision-making helped stabilize the team during key moments when the Golden Knights threatened to shift momentum. Goaltender Stuart Skinner deserves major credit. His performance between the pipes was cool and composed, turning away a flurry of high-danger chances from a relentless Vegas offense. He wasn’t perfect—but he didn’t need to be. He was solid when it mattered most, especially during a crucial third-period penalty kill. What made this win even more impressive was how balanced the Oilers looked. This wasn’t just a McDavid-Draisaitl show (though they were certainly involved). The bottom-six forwards stepped up with strong shifts, and the defense corps moved the puck efficiently while limiting second-chance opportunities. What's Next for Vegas Vegas showed flashes of the championship-caliber pressure that won them the Cup last year. Ivan Barbashev was physical and relentless on the forecheck. Chandler Stephenson continued his trend of rising in big games, netting one of Vegas’ two goals. Jack Eichel, while held relatively quiet, looked ready to erupt in Game 2. The Knights also hit a couple of posts, missed a few key chances, and arguably could have flipped the script with a bounce or two. Their trademark depth and tenacity were evident throughout the night. Vegas doesn’t panic. They adjust. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy will be reviewing tape with a fine-tooth comb—expect line adjustments, tighter neutral zone play, and maybe a shift in special teams strategy. Whoever wins this series will take on the winner between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars on the other side of the bracket. Both teams have proven to be elite when it comes to the postseason, and this series is the chance to showcase their big game. After all, analysts anticipate a closely contested series, with some projecting it to extend to seven games. Vegas' depth and discipline may give them an edge, but Edmonton's star power makes them formidable opponents. This may yet turn out to be a promising showdown to remember in the playoffs.

Sweepstakes casino operators continue to take a hit in the US as more and more states seek to prohibit their operations - and this now includes a lawsuit involving VGW, the entity behind sweepstakes casinos like Chumba Casino, Luckyland, and Global Poker. In the lawsuit, a third defendant was brought in last month: Ryan Seacrest, the popular American Idol emcee and TV personality, who is also a Chumba Casino spokesperson. A popular California sweepstakes operator is facing heightened legal scrutiny - this time with a celebrity twist. Television host and personality Ryan Seacrest has been named as a defendant in an amended lawsuit against VGW, the parent company of well-known sweepstakes sites including Chumba Casino, Luckyland Casino, and Global Poker. The lawsuit, brought by California resident Aubrey Carillo, was originally recorded in October of 2024 in Riverside County Superior Court. Initially focused solely on VGW, the suit was revised last month to include Seacrest, who serves as a prominent spokesperson for Chumba Casino. The revised complaint significantly expanded in scope, growing from 16 to 71 pages, and deepened its legal arguments against both the operator and its celebrity endorser. Suit alleges illegal gambling under state law At the core of Carillo's claim is the allegation that VGW's sweepstakes-based gaming products operate as illicit online casinos within the state of California. The lawsuit draws a direct comparison between VGW's platforms and the internet cafes that proliferated in the early 2000s. These cafes offered phone cards or paid internet access along with bonus credits that could be used to play slot-like games - a model that California lawmakers later deemed unlawful gambling. Carillo argues that the model used by VGW's platforms is functionally identical, contending that the purchase of virtual currency or other entry methods does not eliminate the element of 'consideration,' a key component in determining what constitutes gambling under state law. The complaint claims VGW has effectively revived the outlawed business model in digital form. Celebrity endorsement draws fire The revised complaint singles out Ryan Seacrest for allegedly helping to legitimize and promote an unlawful business through his celebrity endorsement. In a pointed statement within the filing, Carillo accuses Seacrest of leveraging his fame irresponsibly: "Someone this blessed in life does not need to hurt people for more money, but Defendant Seacrest does that by serving as the official celebrity endorser for ChumbaCasino.com. Defendant Seacrest promotes illegal gambling and in so doing, contributes to the rise of online gambling addiction among adults and adolescents." The suit claims that Seacrest's influence and promotion of Chumba Casino contribute to a growing trend of online gambling addiction, particularly among vulnerable populations. Challenge to binding arbitration In addition to targeting VGW and Seacrest, the lawsuit disputes the enforceability of the sites' terms and conditions - specifically, their use of mandatory arbitration clauses. Carillo argues that because the underlying business model is potentially illegal, the user agreements and any clauses within them, including arbitration, are therefore unenforceable - and void - under California law. This aspect of the suit could have wider implications as mandatory arbitration is a common legal shield for many online platforms facing user complaints. Part of a legal trend While Seacrest is the very first celebrity to be named in such a lawsuit, he is not the first third party to be pulled into the growing legal battles surrounding sweepstakes gaming platforms. Other ongoing lawsuits have targeted payment processors like Worldpay and major technology companies such as Google and Apple, alleging that these firms facilitate access to illegal gambling. To date, no court has issued a final ruling holding these companies liable. However, most cases - including Carillo's - remain active and could set significant legal precedents in the coming months. As the pressure mounts, the outcome of this lawsuit may influence how sweepstakes-based gaming is treated nationwide - and it could also determine the liability of public figures and tech platforms involved in their promotion.

The Kentucky Derby was off to an excellent start this year as it managed to receive a record number of bets for the particular race, for the day, and for the week. According to sources, betting on the card for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was at $349 million - up by 9% from last year. In spite of the rain and a slightly smaller crowd, Churchill Downs posted new handle records during the 151st Run for the Roses. Not even soggy weather could slow down the betting frenzy surrounding the 151st Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs Inc. reported record-breaking handle numbers across the board despite a rain-soaked day at the historic racetrack, as Sovereignty surged to victory in the famed Run for the Roses. Derby Day handle soars to $349 million All-sources wagering on the Derby Day card totaled an impressive $349 million - an increase of 9% from last year's $320.5 million. The betting total for the marquee race itself, featuring 19 horses this year, reached $234.4 million, an increase of 11% from the previous record of $210.7 million set during a 20-horse field in 2024. These numbers defied expectations, especially as Churchill Downs officials had earlier indicated that results might remain flat year-over-year following last year's 150th milestone edition. Derby week also sets records The full Kentucky Derby week saw all-sources handle climb to $473.9 million, topping last year's record of $446.6 million by 6%. Combined wagering for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby days hit $422.9 million - an increase of 7% over 2024's $395.8 million. These figures also reinforce the Kentucky Derby's status as a premier sporting event not only in terms of attendance but also as a major betting attraction nationally and internationally. Churchill Downs' online wagering platform, TwinSpires.com, saw its own impressive milestones. Total Derby Day wagers placed through the service reached $108 million - a 17% jump from last year's $92.1 million. For the Derby race alone, TwinSpires handled $73 million in bets, representing a staggering 20% increase over the previous record of $60.9 million in 2024. The crowd during Derby Day was estimated at 147,406, down by 6% from 2024's 156,710. The wet conditions likely contributed to the decline, though Churchill Downs still drew one of the largest crowds in American horse racing. The all-time attendance record of 170,513 set in 2015 remains intact. Churchill Downs anticipates strong financial performance Despite the dip in attendance and some underperforming ticket segments, Churchill Downs expects Derby week adjusted EBITDA to be its second-best ever, falling between $2 million to $4 million shy of last year's record. In 2024, the company reported Derby week EBITDA growth of between a total of $26 million and $28 million. In a previous investor call held April 24, CDI Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen acknowledged that certain lower-tier tickets, such as those for the newly launched Starting Gate Pavilion, sold below expectations. We weren't able to go right to our long-term price target for that new area as we've done in past years, Carstanjen noted, emphasizing that the market for premium experiences wasn't as strong as it had been during the post-pandemic surge. Looking ahead with optimism Still, Carstanjen remains optimistic about future pricing and development strategy. "Part of our plan for the Derby has always been to introduce new areas and grow their value over time. This year might have taken a jolt, but we're confident in the long-term demand," he said. The success of Sovereignty's win and the record-breaking wagering figures demonstrate that the Kentucky Derby remains an enduring spectacle, withstanding both market shifts and uncooperative weather. As the dust settles from the 151st edition, Churchill Downs sets its sights on 2026, aiming to grow what is already one of the most lucrative and celebrated events in American sports.

The United Arab Emirates and the state of New Jersey have created a partnership and Memorandum of Understanding that will enable them to work together to strengthen the gaming industry as a whole. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement along with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in the UAE will collaborate on responsible gambling initiatives, technology, innovation, and cybersecurity. This will help New Jersey maintain its gaming ecosystem while helping the UAE at the same time in terms of strengthening its expertise and learning from a pioneer. In a move that is set to reshape the international commercial gaming landscape, regulators from New Jersey and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on regulatory and technological advancements in the gaming sector. The agreement, signed during Governor Phil Murphy's recent economic mission to the Persian Gulf, brings together the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority of the UAE. The partnership is designed to foster mutual cooperation in key areas such as responsible gambling, cybersecurity, and gaming technology. It also aims to boost New Jersey's global competitiveness by integrating innovative solutions and regulatory best practices from a burgeoning international market. Murphy: "Global partnerships drive innovation" Governor Murphy emphasized the significance of the agreement as a strategic step toward reinforcing New Jersey's position as a global gaming leader. "New Jersey's role as a national leader and international destination for gaming is strengthened by global partnerships that drive innovation in an industry where consumers seek exciting experiences," Murphy said. "The collaboration between the DGE and GCGRA will strengthen our international economy while prioritizing responsible gaming." The interim director of the DGE, Mary Jo Flaherty, welcomed the formal partnership and noted that her team has previously collaborated with members of the GCGRA leadership. She highlighted New Jersey's proactive stance in promoting responsible gaming, noting that the state has led many key initiatives in the US aimed at consumer protection and ethical standards in gambling. The DGE looks forward to sharing its expertise and learning from the emerging framework being developed in the UAE, noted Flaherty. Responsible gaming and innovation are cornerstones of our regulatory philosophy, she continued. The UAE taps US expertise as market emerges The GCGRA, established in 2023, represents a significant shift in the UAE's approach to commercial gambling. While gambling remains broadly illegal in the country, the regulatory body has also been laying the groundwork for a legalized and tightly controlled gaming sector. Its leadership team includes prominent figures from the US gaming industry, such as Kevin Mullally, former executive at Gaming Laboratories International, and Jim Mullen, former CEO of MGM Resorts International. Last year, the UAE took its first steps toward legalizing land-based gambling and has since started issuing licenses for casino operators and suppliers. However, online gaming and sports betting licenses remain unavailable for now. Economic vision and responsible growth Mullally, now CEO of the GCGRA and also a trustee with the International Association of Gaming Regulators, sees the agreement with New Jersey as a crucial part of the UAE's long-term economic strategy. "Commercial gaming is a key pillar of the UAE's strategy for diversified economic growth, playing a significant role in driving tourism and attracting foreign investment," Mullally said. "This moment represents a unique opportunity to align innovative technology with modern, collaborative regulation to unlock substantial economic potential while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection." New Jersey, which launched regulated online casino gaming back in 2013, brings over a decade of regulatory experience to the partnership. The state has continually evolved its gaming laws to stay competitive in the global market, embracing emerging technologies and tightening its focus on responsible gambling measures. As the UAE cautiously builds out its own legal gaming industry, the MOU positions both jurisdictions to benefit from shared knowledge and joint innovation. The collaboration sets a precedent for how established markets can support and shape the emergence of new, ethically managed gaming environments across the globe.

Hard Rock Bet has something new to offer this spring: starting May 1, 2025, Hard Rock Bet will update its online casino bonus for the state of New Jersey. New NJ players will now be able to receive $25 on Hard Rock Bet, and this offer comes with no deposit. But wait - there's more. In addition, the $25 no deposit bonus will expire after 7 days and can only be used on select slots. But the 100% up to as much as $1000 Deposit Match will stay the same, giving players more reasons to engage with Hard Rock Bet. As of the 1st of May, 2025, at exactly 10 am ET, Hard Rock Bet has officially rolled out an update to its online casino welcome bonus for players in New Jersey. The latest change removes the previous 500 Free Spins offer and introduces a $25 No Deposit Bonus - a notable shift in how new players are welcomed to the platform. What's changing: free spins removed, $25 bonus introduced Hard Rock Bet's popular 500 Free Spins promotion has been discontinued. In its place, the platform is now offering $25 On Us - a no deposit casino bonus that will be automatically credited to newly registered players. This means that new users who create an account will instantly receive $25 in bonus funds without needing to make a deposit or enter a promo code. To use this bonus, players will have seven days from the date of account creation. The $25 bonus comes with a straightforward 1x wagering requirement, making it more accessible and easier to clear than many typical casino promotions. However, there is one limitation: the bonus funds can only be used on select slot games. A detailed list of excluded titles can be found on the Hard Rock Bet website. After the seven-day window, any remaining unused bonus funds will be forfeited. As always, standard terms and conditions apply. What's remaining: Deposit Match still available Despite the change to the no-deposit offer, the second portion of the Hard Rock Bet Casino welcome package will remain. This means that new users will still receive a 100% match on their first deposit, up to a maximum of $1,000. This deposit match is a key part of Hard Rock Bet's strategy to attract serious players looking to maximize their bankroll. No promo code is necessary to claim the deposit match - simply make a qualifying deposit and the bonus funds will be credited automatically. This two-tiered offer now gives new players both a risk-free opportunity to explore the platform through the $25 bonus, and the potential for a high-value match on their initial deposit. Why the change? While Hard Rock Bet has not officially commented on the strategic reasoning behind the shift, the move from free spins to a flat dollar bonus may reflect industry trends. No deposit cash bonuses offer players more flexibility than free spins, which are often tied to specific games and sometimes include confusing wagering conditions. By simplifying the bonus structure and removing the free spin element, Hard Rock Bet is aiming to improve user experience and reduce the learning curve for new customers. For players, the new structure means quicker access to real gameplay with fewer restrictions. The $25 no deposit bonus is immediately available and usable on a curated list of slot games, and the low 1x playthrough requirement is more generous than what many competitors offer. The removal of free spins may be a downside for some users who preferred that format, but the switch to a cash bonus adds more value and freedom, particularly for those looking to try out a variety of slots without committing their own funds upfront. With the May 1, 2025 update, Hard Rock Bet is signaling a fresh approach to player onboarding in New Jersey. Combined with the enduring 100% deposit match up to $1,000, the updated $25 On Us welcome package ensures Hard Rock Bet stays competitive in the fast-evolving online casino landscape. In addition, Hard Rock Bet's casino games have reached more than 2,700 - so there are more games in store for everyone! Interested players are encouraged to read the full terms and conditions on the official Hard Rock Bet website before participating.

After a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Rams that ended up in an abrupt playoff run where they ended up eliminated earlier than expected, Joe Noteboom is now moving on from the other side of the NFL and is now joining the Baltimore Ravens to boost their offensive lineup and come up with a promising push this coming season. It is expected that Noteboom will serve as the swing tackle for the team and could also play the backup role for both Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten. If the Ravens would even be so greedy as to put him in a starting role, he could also be open to competing for the left guard spot that Patrick Mekari vacates. The Baltimore Ravens have seen a lot of years coming slow as a contender in the AFC, and it cannot be denied that the frustrations have been on the rise. With Lamar Jackson still quite hanging into the team, Noteboom’s addition might well be a band-aid solution for their winning chances before it blows up to a rebuild. A New Chapter for Noteboom At the age of 29, Noteboom has been limited to just 24 games and 18 starts after he notably signed a three-year, $40-million deal with the Rams in 2022. He has struggled with his performance and health, and that has led him to miss out on the big moments and did not make much of an impact on Los Angeles overall. Noteboom has spent all of his seven years with the Rams, so to join the Ravens in an untimely offseason where Los Angeles failed to come up with a promising pace that would have given them a chance to expand on their championship window. The Rams last won the Super Bowl in 2022, which was a lone year that did not see the Kansas City Chiefs on the big stage. "To get Joseph Noteboom in here – a veteran, talented guy, who's played on both sides, really to focus probably as a swing tackle as much as anything for us ... yes, he can pop down there at guard, but I think we'll be focusing on tackle," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "But it's a really big signing for us. We're really excited. I talked to him last night. He's fired up, excited to be here." Noteboom has played multiple positions at the guard and tackle spot, so joining the Ravens – who are in dire need of a boost in both positions. The OT has played a total of 71 career games and started 35 times in that span. Joining a Huge Offensive Unit The Ravens have been working on its muscle unit in the offensive side so far this offseason. They just brought in Emery Jones Jr. in the third round of the Draft, as well as Carson Vinson (fifth round), and Garrett Dellinger (seventh round). This focus on the offensive line is definitely aimed at giving Jackson a breathing line in the attack. Noteboom, on the other hand, is a proven, versatile veteran who can step up when needed. His presence on the attack means a lot of muscle to shield Jackson on the move. With Josh Jones now gone from the swing tackle spot, it may well be the best designation for the former Rams OT to make the most of his new run with his new team.

Right from the start, the Golden State Warriors showed that they could actually be the veteran team who could pull off an upset, and they did just that. The Warriors blew a 3-1 lead, again, but managed to stave off elimination in Game 7. Now it's the second-seeded Houston Rockets who are going home after a 103-89 win by Golden State. Buddy Hield drilled a Game 7 record of nine threes to lead the way for the Warriors, who didn’t shoot pretty well for most of the game but still managed to come up with key defensive stops. Hield’s flamethrower performance proved to be pivotal as he was the only player to crack 30 points in the whole game. After leading by 3-1, many thought that the Warriors were going to move to the second round unscathed. But the Rockets fought back, and they made sure that they’d be able to give themselves a chance, but couldn’t capitalize on the home-court advantage in Game 7, with the crowd at home left in disappointment and shock. A Classic Warriors Performance Stephen Curry did not shoot well for the whole game and was even 1-6 from three in the first half, only having three points. He did, however, finish on 50% shooting from the field, to go along with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists – including a dagger three to push the Warriors’ lead to 91-74 with 2:55 to play. Curry poured 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, and the Rockets could not respond well when its best player, Jalen Green, was throwing bricks on 3-8 shooting and finished with eight points. Amen Thompson was the only player for the Rockets who shot above 50%. He finished with 24 points and nine rebounds and had his game going well until he slowed down late in the fourth with apparent cramps. Houston never recovered from that and was blasted away by the Warriors’ incredible defense. There was a stretch when Golden State could not buy a bucket to put the game to bed, but then their defensive stops allowed them to thrive and ensure that they would still keep Houston at bay. Within the final moments of the fourth, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Hield, and Curry all drilled the closing shots of the game that helped Golden State pull away and secure the 4-3 series win at the Toyota Center. Houston’s Decade-Long Problem The Houston Rockets’ rise to power in the Western Conference was unprecedented with its young core still not in full sync. However, there were high expectations when they finished the 2024-25 season with a bang. It can be remembered that the Rockets have a long history with the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. Houston has now been eliminated five times by Golden State in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now, 2025. That is a decade of dominance by the Warriors over a single team in the playoffs, and it says a lot about the hurdles that the Rockets need to overcome if they are going to win it all. For now, this loss will serve as a lesson for the young Rockets squad, a team that has yet to prove its worth on the big stage. Who knows, they will definitely be coming back stronger than ever in the coming NBA seasons.