All news

Picked as favorites to begin the tournament, Team Vitality did not fail to impress as they delivered right from the start – winning big in the CS2 Austin Major to continue their dominance in the game with the way they are performing right now. This is definitely the beginning of a new era in the CS2, and it is expected that they are gunning for even more success moving forward. At this point, we should no longer be in denial about the team’s success in the game. This is the Team Vitality world, and we are just living in it. The French side was crowned champions of the CS2 Austin Major after coming up with one of the biggest shockers in the tournament – pulling off an 0-1 comeback and completing a reverse sweep to win 2-1 in the Grand Finals. It was at that moment when they were on the cusp of a championship that the crowd rallied behind them, sensing what seems to be a majestic finish – and so it was. Lo and behold, Team Vitality is at the top of the CS2 world once more, and we are expecting to see more of them in the coming months. Titans Emerge Once more Vitality entered the tournament with a promising winning streak of 30 games won in a row. That was expected to be broken – only to triumph once more and show that they have what it takes to win it all. While they have seen a lot of wins, this Austin Major success proved to be the crowning moment that would ignite the era of their dominance in the game. The team’s impressive rise started in the signing of Robin “ropz” Kool – who proved to be the shining star to compliment Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. So far, the French squad has been able to put up some of the best performances as of late, and it could not have come at a very timely manner in one of the biggest tournaments of the game. Team Vitality went down 0-1 in the first map. It was the first sign of adversity that the team has faced in quite a long while, but then they turned the tables around – flipping the script and regaining the momentum that they had to begin the campaign in the Austin Major. It did not take them a long time to pull off a comeback – the reverse sweep was quickly in grasp for the team as they rallied to win two straight games, finishing the Grand Finals at 2-1. It was at that moment that fans and everyone in the CS2 world knew, this was the dominant team that was looming to rise from the ashes. To make it even worse for competing teams, this is just the start. A Historic Pace for Team Vitality Team Vitality takes home a lion’s share of the $1.25 million prize pool at $500,000. This also marks the team’s seventh straight tournament won – definitely a good sign for a juggernaut that has barely scratched the surface after their IEM Katowice win back in February. Since then, the team has come up with a majestic streak of more than 30 wins – that is just halfway through the record that the Ninjas in Pyjamas set back in 2013 at 60 wins. At this point, Vitality has surely silenced all of the doubts that the critics has put up upon them. So far, this era is definitely just getting started, and it is a good sign that in-game leader Dan “apEX” Madesclaire now has won three major championships – second with the team. All signs moving forward show that there is a promising indication for the dominant team in CS2 at this point.

Hollywood Casino is slated for a fresh new start in the coming months, as the casino undergoes a much-awaited rebranding. There are a total of 18 Hollywood-branded casinos and gambling facilities spread throughout the US, and the rebranding also comes with a new font and logo that will first be introduced at Pennsylvania's three Hollywood Casinos. Hollywood Casino, the flagship gaming brand of Penn Entertainment, is undergoing a major rebranding - starting with its Pennsylvania properties. The new initiative, unveiled Tuesday through coordinated social media teasers, showcases a sleeker logo and a modernized font, signaling a departure from the retro glam of its old Hollywood-style imagery. Clips posted to Facebook, X, and Instagram by the three Hollywood Casinos in Pennsylvania - Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Hollywood Casino Morgantown, and Hollywood Casino York - feature a nostalgic Golden Age soundtrack that suddenly shifts to an upbeat, contemporary tune. "Farewell, old Hollywood," the clips begin. "A new vibe is coming to Hollywood Casino," they conclude. These posts appear to be the first step in what may be a wider national rollout of the refreshed brand across Penn's Hollywood Casino portfolio. Why the change? Penn Entertainment acquired Hollywood Casino Corp. back in 2003, paying $688 million. The deal brought three riverboat casinos under Penn's control, and with them, the now-retired version of the Hollywood Casino logo - a stylized take on the famous Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. More than 20 years later, the brand refresh marks a significant departure from that visual identity. While Penn has not issued a formal statement on the reason behind the redesign, the move appears to be part of a broader effort to modernize and unify the brand across physical and digital platforms. The new logo and typeface were recently seen in Penn's first-quarter earnings release and are already being used on Hollywood Casino's online gaming platform, which operates in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Focus starts in Pennsylvania For now, only Hollywood's three Pennsylvania properties have shared content promoting the brand's fresh identity. This includes Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course close to Harrisburg and the two satellite mini-casinos in York and Morgantown, which feature up to 750 slot machines as well as 40 live dealer tables each. Hollywood Casino is the core brick-and-mortar brand under the Penn Entertainment umbrella, which includes 18 casino and gambling facilities in 11 states. Other land-based brands in the Penn portfolio include Argosy, Ameristar, Boomtown, Cactus Petes, M Resort, and L'Auberge, among others. Whether the new Hollywood Casino design will soon appear across the rest of Penn's national casino footprint remains to be seen. Rebranding comes with high stakes If Penn does move forward with a full rebranding across all 18 Hollywood Casino properties, it would represent another substantial investment for a company still recovering from previous branding setbacks. Between 2020 and 2023, Penn spent over $500 million to acquire and rebrand its sportsbook operations under the Barstool Sports name. But following regulatory concerns tied to Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, the company sold Barstool back to Portnoy for just $1 in 2023. In a separate move, Penn signed a $1.5 billion licensing agreement with ESPN to transition its sportsbook operations to the ESPN Bet brand - a costly but potentially stabilizing pivot. Those rebranding efforts, however, came at a steep price. Penn's stock, which traded for more than $100 back in 2021, has fallen sharply. As of Wednesday, shares were trading at $17.30. The Hollywood Casino brand refresh appears to be part of Penn's ongoing efforts to stabilize its image and energize its customer base across both physical and online gaming channels. Whether this new 'vibe' will resonate with players - and help reverse recent financial setbacks - remains to be seen. For now, it's lights, camera, and rebrand in Pennsylvania.

Sweepstakes advocacy groups like the Social and Promotional Games Association and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance have urged lawmakers in California to reconsider the proposed ban on sweepstakes casinos in the state. Under the proposed bill, AB 831, sweeps operators will no longer be able to operate in California, and the groups say that the legislation could push players to black market platforms that offer no consumer protections instead. A legislative effort to ban sweepstakes casinos in California is drawing sharp opposition from major industry groups, who argue the bill threatens legal digital games and favors powerful interests at the expense of consumers. Assembly Bill 831, introduced by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, seeks to outlaw sweepstakes casino operators in the Golden State. The move has triggered a coordinated pushback from both the Social and Promotional Games Association and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, who accuse lawmakers of rushing the legislation through without proper input or analysis. Industry calls legislation unfair and misguided Sweepstakes operator VGW, known for running Chumba Casino and other platforms, helped form the SGLA to represent the interests of the social gaming industry across the United States. The group is led by former Congressman Jeff Duncan, who criticized the bill for lacking transparency and threatening consumer choice. "Many Californians play online games, but this rushed proposal, which subverts proper process, would abruptly cut them off from popular, free-to-play entertainment they love," said Duncan in a statement. "It was written by those involved in the gambling industry and introduced without providing the online social gaming industry any meaningful opportunity to engage." Duncan added that AB 831 could have broader implications for mainstream promotional sweepstakes, such as Reader's Digest contests as well as McDonald's Monopoly games. He also warned that banning legal sweepstakes platforms could inadvertently push consumers toward unregulated offshore alternatives, which offer no consumer protections. SPGA criticizes 'backroom ban' The Social and Promotional Games Association echoed SGLA's concerns, denouncing AB 831 as a 'backroom ban' inserted into unrelated legislation involving tribal gambling. A spokesperson for the SPGA said the move bypassed normal legislative scrutiny, including public debate and expert input. "This isn't how sound policy gets made," the SPGA said. "A last-minute effort to outlaw legal digital games, without public debate, expert input, or economic analysis, sends a chilling message to entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors across the state." The group also emphasized the bill's potential impact on large corporations that run promotional sweepstakes programs, including Microsoft, Marriott, and Starbucks. "California voters didn't sign on for backroom deals dictated by powerful political interests," the SPGA added. "With the state facing wildfires, a housing crisis, and a full federal assault on Californians' rights, it's astounding that any lawmaker would make banning mobile games a priority." Tribal governments support ban Despite opposition from the social gaming sector, the proposed ban enjoys strong support from tribal governments and organizations. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association has endorsed AB 831, citing the need to protect the state's voter-approved framework that gives tribes exclusive rights to operate gambling operations. "We support this legislation that will close dangerous loopholes and strengthen the integrity of California's gaming system," said Johnny Hernandez, Jr., vice chairperson of the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is one of the most prominent tribal gaming operators in California, contributing to the $25 billion tribal gambling industry that supports over 112,000 jobs in the state. "Together, Tribal governments and the State of California will continue to address and take decisive action against illegal internet gaming in all its forms," Hernandez added. Possible conflict of interest? The SPGA pointed out that San Manuel's Yaamava Resort & Casino currently operates its own social online casino, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics of AB 831 argue that such tribal operators want to eliminate perceived competition in the social gaming space while maintaining their own digital footholds. The California legislative session runs through September 12, though bills can carry over to the 2026 session. Both sides are expected to ramp up lobbying efforts in the coming months as the debate over the future of sweepstakes casinos in California intensifies.

Inter Miami etches its name in the history of the FIFA Club World Cup for MLS at Hard Rock Stadium following its success as the first club from the American league to reach the knockout stages of the said tournament. It was unexpected, and highly unprecedented, but given how the team has certainly lucked well in its games, it is a chance hard to pass up. But what makes it extra special is the fact that they are now matched up against Paris Saint-Germain – the former club of their lead star Lionel Messi. Now it seems that this is going to be quite the matchup heading into the deeper stages of the tournament, with a chance to deliver a historic finish as well. It could not have come at a better time. MLS teams tend to struggle against the best teams from other leagues, and being able to break through in the knockout stages is such a huge feat that fans will forever rejoice with. Who knows, maybe there is also a chance for the Herons to even make history and win it all. A Promising Berth Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez allowed Inter Miami to secure crucial points and keep hold of the second seed in Group A. Miami finished with five points on a 1-0-2 record. Now they are set for a showdown with Group A winners Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at Atlanta United's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. PSG is one of the toughest teams to battle in the CWC. They have won two clean sheets to begin with, and it is certainly a lot of pressure on Inter Miami to pull this one off now more than ever. For good measure, Inter struggles to play at a high level, and not being able to close out Palmeiras in their last game was proof of that. The mere fact that MLS sides tend to play bad against European teams is such a defining point. There’s no guarantee when it comes to these, and it is safe to say that Inter will need to come up with big finishes if they are going to beat such a competitive club in PSG. Messi vs. PSG: A Storyline for the Ages As if Inter Miami’s remarkable journey in the FIFA Club World Cup wasn’t already filled with enough drama, the looming faceoff between Lionel Messi and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, adds an emotional and competitive layer that few could have scripted better. Messi, who played for PSG for two seasons following his legendary career at FC Barcelona, now finds himself on the other side of the pitch, wearing pink and black in what might be one of the most personal matches of his storied career. While Messi’s stint in Paris had its highs and lows, it’s impossible to ignore the star power and narrative weight this match carries. The eyes of the football world will surely turn toward this high-stakes clash, not just because it features two international heavyweights, but because it may offer fans a rare glimpse of how Messi, at 37, still influences matches against Europe's elite. Messi has continued to thrive in MLS, bringing experience, technical brilliance, and leadership to Inter Miami. His presence on the field often tilts the balance in Miami's favor, but facing a deep PSG squad brimming with youthful talent and seasoned pros could be his most difficult test since leaving Europe. The storyline practically writes itself: the Argentine icon who once led PSG’s front line now stands as the biggest threat to their title hopes. For fans, this match is more than just a knockout stage battle—it’s a moment of full-circle significance, the kind of emotional sports drama that transcends leagues and borders.

After winning the Queen’s Club, only Wimbledon stands as Alcaraz’s main priority to win and stand tall in a repeat of his last year’s dominance. Of course, not everyone expected the Spanish star to stay hot, considering that he came off fresh from his Roland Garros triumph, and yet the star proved that he can win when it matters most. At this point, it becomes easy to say that Alcaraz is definitely more suited to play in ever-changing surfaces. Now more than ever, there’s a lot of opponents coming in his way, but then he has silenced his critics, and he is going to keep it that way with the hopes of clinching Wimbledon for the second time around – and taking his shot at the world no. 1 spot as well. Blowing past Jiri Lehecka for the ATP 500 trophy was a promising move and victory for Alcaraz, and it cannot be denied that he continues to prove that he is a lethal opponent on almost every single court. At this point, it is expected that he will likely be on the attack when it comes to Wimbledon, and he is definitely not going that far in his hopes of domination on the grass. Dominating the Queen’s Club Alcaraz dominated his path to the final of the HSBC Championships. He only dropped two sets en route to the title. If that was not enough to note that the star nearly had it easy, then nothing will ever be. So far, his poise in the game has been special, and Alcaraz’s dominance has certainly made it look even more special. “I’m going to say it's really complicated, switching from clay to grass in just a few days, because that's the time I had before the tournament began. I had just two days of practising and then I had to compete here,” Alcaraz said. “So I came here with no expectations at all. I just came here with a goal to play two, three matches, trying to feel great on grass moving, and give myself the feedback of what I had to improve, what I had to do better.” By the end of the tournament, Alcaraz looked poised to win it all without a doubt. He delivered a total of 18 aces in the final and did not lose in his final three matches of the week. He has been able to work on his closeout performances, and moving 2-1 in his head-to-head clash with Lehecka shows that incredible poise. The Grass Favorite Not only is Alcaraz a shining player on the clay courts at this point, but also a budding king in the grass. So far, this level of play has been impressive from the Spanish star, and he may well be on the rise for making it happen once more. In fact, Alcaraz stands as the heavy favorite to win in Wimbledon – tied at +150 with Roland Garros finalist Jannik Sinner – who is also the current world no. 1. Novak Djokovic follows suit with +550, and Jack Draper lags behind at +1000. So far, all signs point toward Alcaraz making a repeat win in Wimbledon, but the challenges are going to be different – and there are bigger stakes and implications at this one. It is clear that Alcaraz feels well at home whenever he takes on the grass courts, and this says a lot about his strong showing and what fans can expect at Wimbledon.

Fanatics Fest, held last week in New York, has been a pivotal success, as Fanatics confirm. Over 125K collectors and fans visited Midtown Manhattan's Javits Center through the weekend, and after all the events and happenings at sports' own version of 'comic con', Fanatics is very happy with the results. In fact, it's official: Fanatics Fest will return in 2026. Over the weekend, more than 125,000 fans flooded Midtown Manhattan's Javits Center for Fanatics Fest 2025, a sports and collectibles extravaganza that has quickly evolved into one of the most anticipated events on the hobby calendar. What began as a bold experiment in 2024 has now solidified its place in the industry, with organizers confirming the event will return to New York City next summer. Fanatics Events Chief Executive Officer Lance Fensterman shared his enthusiasm for the results, calling the second edition "awesome" and a validation of the concept that blends the energy of comic cons with the passion of sports culture. "Last year, we had a good idea that we needed to prove was actually wanted and had a purpose," said Fensterman. "This year was about how we make it awesome, and I think we accomplished that." Fan feedback and metrics point to growth Fanatics Fest 2025 was considered a win within the company. Key divisions - including athlete relations, merchandising, gaming, and live streaming - worked in tandem to enhance the attendee experience. But the most striking improvements came from external feedback. Fanatics reported that the event's net promoter score or NPS, a key metric for customer satisfaction, rose by 110% among fans. Exhibitor satisfaction jumped even more sharply, with NPS scores increasing 200% from last year, indicating that brands, leagues, and dealers saw meaningful improvements. Fanatics Games steals the spotlight Of all the attractions, the standout hit was Fanatics Games, a high-energy contest that pitted everyday fans against professional athletes and celebrities in eight skill-based challenges. The stakes were high, with $2 million in prizes and cash up for grabs. NFL legend Tom Brady emerged victorious, claiming the $1 million top prize. But in a move that elevated the event’s heart and message, Brady shared the wealth - giving $5,000 each to 50 fans who participated and donating the remaining prize to charity. Fan favorite Matt Dennish, a high school teacher from York, Pennsylvania, finished as the top-ranked fan. Dennish secured third place and traded his prize - a rare LeBron James Topps Chrome card - to Brady for $250,000 along with a signed jersey and card. "It was something we kind of made up from scratch," Fensterman said of the competition. "It had a lot of opportunities to go very poorly... and it didn't." Room for refinement Despite the success, organizers acknowledge there's still room to grow. While trading card dealers saw a marked improvement from the inaugural year, some logistical issues hampered setup on Friday. Fensterman assured that such problems are fixable. One major focus for 2026 will be expanding niche content and hobby-focused programming. Organizers hope to deliver more specialized panels and experiences that cater to specific collector communities while retaining the event's mass appeal. Another highlight to be expanded is "athlete proximity." Fanatics aims to increase the number of organic fan-athlete interactions while making the experience smoother behind the scenes. "It sort of felt like, beginning to end, that what we were trying to accomplish around this intersection of sports culture, entertainment and collecting, was being embraced by the community we were building it for," said Fensterman. Financial turnaround and future plans After posting an estimated $15 million loss in 2024, Fanatics Fest 2025 saw a 'significant' financial improvement, though Fanatics declined to disclose exact figures. For the company, the focus remains on long-term community building rather than short-term profits. Fanatics has confirmed the event will return to New York City in 2026, and plans are already in motion to further develop the format and possibly expand to new markets. "We've proven that there is a need and desire, and that when done well it resonates with fans, brands, and athletes," said Fensterman. "How we choose to play in that space going forward is a fun question that we'll get to answer in the coming months."

The Rhode Island legislature has failed to approve a proposed bill that expands its iGaming and sports wagering market from one platform to five, despite the amended bill gaining traction and getting approval in the Senate early this June. A bill that would have ended Rhode Island's digital sports betting monopoly failed to advance in the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, leaving the state among just five in the US with a single-operator model. The General Assembly adjourned early Saturday morning, with the House declining to take up Senate Bill 748, despite its wide margin of approval in the Senate. The amended bill, which passed by a 30 - 2 vote in the Senate on June 4, would have allowed up to five operators in the state's digital sports wagering and iGaming market. However, the legislation never received a committee hearing in the House, effectively stalling its progress. A legacy bill left in limbo The bill held symbolic and political importance, especially for the late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who championed Rhode Island's gambling expansion in recent years. Ruggerio authored the state's 2018 as well as 2019 sports betting legislation and pushed through the iCasino bill in 2023. He passed away in April at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone acknowledged the bill's connection to Ruggerio during its Senate journey, noting its significance as part of the late leader's legacy. Despite this, House leadership remained unmotivated to act. With the bill's provisions set to take effect in 2026, including a requirement for a competitive bidding process to replace International Gaming Technology (IGT) as the state's sports betting operator, legislators saw no urgency. Rhode Island's monopoly model remains Rhode Island is one of five states - along with Florida, Delaware, Oregon, and New Hampshire - that continue to offer digital sports betting through a single operator. In Rhode Island's case, IGT handles the backend operations for Sportsbook RI. The monopoly is enforced through the state lottery, a model shared by several of the other single-operator states. Florida's monopoly is unique, with the Seminole Tribe securing exclusive rights through its compact with the state. In the remaining states, the monopoly typically exists through lottery partnerships. Critics argue that single-operator models limit consumer choice and dampen revenue potential. Supporters of SB 748 hoped the proposed changes would introduce competition, boost innovation, and ultimately increase state tax revenues from sports betting. DC shows substantial market gains Rhode Island's legislative inaction comes in contrast to recent developments in the District of Columbia. DC had operated under a single-operator system since legalizing sports betting, initially using the widely criticized GambetDC platform. After nearly four years of underperformance, the city replaced GambetDC with FanDuel in 2024. Just three months later, the DC Council opened the market to additional operators. Now, five sportsbooks are live in the nation's capital. The results have been swift and significant. DC's annual handle never exceeded $216 million between 2020 and 2023. In 2024, with just under half the year featuring a competitive market, the handle reached $460.9 million. By April 2025, the city had already processed $290.2 million in wagers. Tax revenue has also surged. DC's best year under a single-operator model yielded $9.7 million in tax revenue in 2022. With an open market for only 5 1/2 months in 2024, that figure rose to $11.7 million. Through the first four months of 2025, the city had already collected $9 million in taxes, with rates ranging from 10% to 30% depending on the operator's license class. With the bill now shelved and no immediate plans for reconsideration, the path to a competitive market in Rhode Island remains unclear. Advocates may push for renewed discussion in 2026 when IGT's contract is up for review, but for now, Rhode Island sports bettors will continue to have only one legal online option. The state's decision stands in stark contrast to DC's data-driven pivot, raising questions about whether Rhode Island will eventually follow the trend - or continue to buck it.

As the final buzzer sounded, Tyrese Haliburton stood there on his crutches, waiting for his teammates to get back to the locker room while standing on one leg. He only played seven minutes in Game 7, and left the first quarter with an injury, and never returned until the final buzzer sounded with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching the championship. As tough as it gets, injuries are unpredictable, and playing through one is no easy feat. Haliburton already made it happen when he pushed through to play in Game 6, but he could not make it back-to-back as he slid down en route to a drive in the wing. That led to a turnover and an OKC basket, before the Pacers called a timeout and checked on their star. Without Haliburton, the Finals were suddenly tipped into OKC’s favor even further. The Pacers needed their floor general to control the pace. Without Haliburton, Indiana faltered, and they could not find a way to score bigger baskets while trimming down the Thunder's lead. If anything, it was a painful ending to one of the most inspiring playoff runs, all because Haliburton got injured. An Inspired Run We have seen how Tyrese Haliburton has knocked down top teams in the Eastern Conference with his clutch performances, and those have also reached the biggest stage of the game. However, injuries, no matter what they are, will always hurt and sting as they come unpredictably, considering that it does come at the worst possible time. Haliburton already got injured with a right calf strain in Game 5, and he still played through it in a decisive Game 6 win, only to injure the same right leg in Game 7 – where he already made three threes and the showdown was starting to brew for a fantastic finish. Instead, Indiana had to fight to the finish against an inspired OKC squad backed by their crowd that never sat a single second in the game. Still, Haliburton definitely had a massive campaign to remember, and he was certainly showing the best of his game when it mattered most. However, falling short by just a single game in the biggest stage of the NBA world has got to sting not just for the team or fans, but for the very man who pulled off huge performances to make it even possible. An Untimely Injury The injury was seen by many fans all over the world, but also by everyone in the arena and on the floor. As soon as the Pacers called a timeout, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was quick to check on his opponent as he saw him fall before his eyes, with the latter then picking up the ball and cruising for a possession on the other end. “I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. It’s not fair. I just felt so bad for him. Just asked if he was OK. … Obviously, he wasn’t.” Haliburton was shouting “No! No!” as he dropped on the floor while his teammates and Pacers staff approached. He was slapping the floor hard, knowing that he may had to be taken out of the game – and it happened, while also dooming the Pacers’ chances of winning. Should the MRI scan reveal a torn Achilles tendon, it would be the third time that a player wearing the number 0 to get injured by an Achilles, including Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard – both players in the Eastern Conference as well.

Caesars Entertainment, one of the largest - if not the largest - gaming operators in the US, has just released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, and the report highlights the company's progress when it comes to community investments, environmental objectives, Team Member projects, and more. The report focuses on three core initiatives: People, Planet, and Play. Caesars Entertainment, arguably the largest casino-entertainment company in the US, has just released its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report, PEOPLE PLANET PLAY, showcasing the company's continued commitment to responsible gaming, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The report, released annually, details Caesars' progress across its CSR framework, emphasizing the company's dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment while continuing to provide outstanding entertainment experiences. "2024 was an incredible year for us at Caesars Entertainment," said the Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Internal Communications, Kiersten Flint. We completed and opened three new destinations and launched new programs designed to empower our Team Members and give back to our communities. We're proud of our 35-year legacy in Responsible Gaming and all we accomplished last year. That momentum will continue into 2025, Flint continued. Empowering people through investment and recognition Under the PEOPLE pillar of its CSR strategy, Caesars Entertainment made substantial strides in supporting both its workforce and the communities it serves. In 2024, the Caesars Foundation donated more than $3.4 million to local and national disaster relief efforts and nonprofit organizations. Overall, the company invested $72 million in communities, which included the value of over 93,000 HERO volunteer hours contributed by Caesars employees. A major highlight for the year was the launch of the Extraordinary HERO Award Program, aimed at recognizing Team Members who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service. From volunteering to fundraising, award recipients are honored for their meaningful and inspiring contributions. Planet-positive progress on sustainability goals Caesars also reported key milestones in its environmental sustainability journey. Under the PLANET pillar, the company achieved a 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on 2019 levels, and a 16% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from a 2022 base year. Furthering its environmental strategy, Caesars joined the US Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge and Better Buildings Challenge in 2024. These initiatives align with the company's goal to reduce its carbon footprint and improve building efficiency, offering tools, peer learning, and resources to advance their climate ambitions. 35 years of leading the way in Responsible Gaming In 2024, Caesars marked a major milestone: the 35th anniversary of its pioneering Responsible Gaming program. As the first commercial casino company to implement such a program - starting with Project 21 in 1989 - Caesars has consistently led efforts to address and mitigate problem gambling. The anniversary was celebrated during Responsible Gaming Education Month in September. This long-standing commitment reflects the company's focus under the PLAY category of its CSR strategy, which aims to provide extraordinary experiences while promoting safe and informed gaming choices. Expanding entertainment with new properties Alongside its CSR achievements, Caesars completed a significant capital development phase, opening three new entertainment destinations in 2024: Harrah's Columbus, Caesars Virginia in Danville, NE Racing and Casino in Nebraska, and the rebranding of Harrah's to Caesars New Orleans. Additionally, the company completed the renovation of Harrah's Hoosier Park and unveiled the Versailles Tower at Paris Las Vegas, reinforcing its commitment to creating memorable guest experiences across the country. Capping off a banner year, Caesars Entertainment was named one of The Civic 50’s most community-centered companies in the US by the Points of Light Foundation. This honor demonstrates the company's deep engagement with the communities where it operates and its continued leadership in corporate responsibility. For the full 2024 PEOPLE PLANET PLAY report and further insights into Caesars Entertainment's CSR initiatives, visit Caesars CSR Report.

Back-to-back championships are never an easy feat, but being able to repeat takes a lot of work in the offseason as well. That’s the current focus for the Florida Panthers as they now plan their signings well to keep their best stars together and locked in for yet another stunning finish in the coming campaigns. For starters, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad are all set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, and the team hopes to keep them all together in the squad heading into its attempt at a third straight title. Who knows, maybe they could actually go for it and make history in the Stanley Cup once more. Now that the offseason is in full swing, fans may even expect to see more from the Panthers to keep its top stars, and hopefully add a few key pieces who could increase their chances as well. No matter what the Panthers will work on this offseason, it begins by signing the trio of Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad to ensure the core stays together. Why Should the Panthers Extend Deals to these Players? Let’s get it straight, Marchand scored 20 points, Bennett had 22, and Ekblad has been a superior two-way performer for a defenseman. Each of these players has become an integral part of Florida’s flourishing performances, and they sure deserve the praise they are getting – as well as the raise they will get for their impact. “I know you're going to have a different roster each and every year, but hopefully, the core of guys, we can just continue building with that," Tkachuk said. “With that being said, we've got some unbelievable players that are up for contracts that I hope they get every single cent they can because that’s what you want for your best friends and players around the League.” Tkachuk’s comments reflect the strong chemistry and culture Florida has built — an intangible asset just as valuable as cap space. And that chemistry could help in negotiations, as veterans like Marchand may prioritize winning over squeezing every dollar from the market. Florida will need to be creative in retaining its key players without compromising long-term flexibility. Rumors suggest the team is considering moving a few depth contracts to clear space, potentially opening room for new acquisitions or bigger deals for their core. Shot at Another Run? With two straight titles under their belt, Florida's front office, led by General Manager Bill Zito, is facing a crucial crossroads — but one that also offers immense opportunity. If they can retain these core players while finding value in depth signings, the Panthers could realistically chase a third straight Stanley Cup. Only a handful of teams in NHL history have accomplished a three-peat, most recently the New York Islanders in the early 1980s. The players know what's at stake — and they know who they want beside them on that journey. Beyond keeping Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad, the Panthers could also be active in free agency. With solid goaltending already in place, the team may look to bolster its bottom-six forwards or add a veteran defenseman as insurance. But make no mistake — their success begins with bringing their stars back. The NHL’s offseason is full of surprises, but one thing is certain: Florida isn’t satisfied with just two championships. They’ve got their eyes set on more, and keeping their winning core together is the first, most important step.

After nearly three months sidelined, veteran ace Max Scherzer is set to reprise his role in the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation — and the excitement is palpable. The 40‑year‑old right‑hander, a future Hall of Famer and three‑time Cy Young Award winner, has been cleared to return, making his first start of the season this Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. When Scherzer inked a one-year, $15.5 million deal with Toronto in February, expectations were high. That optimism was backed by a dominant Spring Training stretch — he posted a very positive ratio over nine innings and entered camp with a sharp, blistering spring performance noted by analysts. Yet, the thumb had other plans. In late March, during his debut against Baltimore, Scherzer lasted just three innings before exiting due to lat soreness tied to persistent thumb inflammation. This setback triggered his placement on the 15‑day injured list on March 30, later shifting to the 60‑day IL by early May. A Timely Return Throughout May, Scherzer’s rehab was methodical. He ramped up from bullpen sessions where he threw live to hitters to rehabilitation starts with Triple‑A Buffalo. On June 13, he threw 56 pitches over 4 1/3 innings, conceding two runs with four strikeouts — then followed it up with another rehab on June 18, notching 12 strikeouts and two earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. By the time he topped out at 75 pitches in his latest rehab outing, Toronto’s coaching staff was satisfied — he had regained velocity, showed no grip issues with his thumb, and followed with a clean bullpen session. “That’s Max Scherzer. I’ll take that any day of the week,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “He knows his stuff is where it should be. I’m really, really excited to have him back.” Toronto currently battles in a crowded AL East, with division leaders such as the Yankees and Rays breathing down their necks. The Blue Jays also aim for a Wild Card berth, having rebounded from a dismal 74‑88 season in 2024. Scherzer’s return adds depth, stability, and playoff experience. Also on the line is another milestone for Scherzer himself — just 93 strikeouts shy of 3,500 career K’s, which would rank him among MLB’s all‑time greats. Looking Ahead for Toronto His return couldn’t come sooner. Scherzer brings not just elite pitching — his career 3.16 ERA, 3,408 K’s across 18 seasons is emblematic — but also invaluable mentorship. Young arms like Bowden Francis have benefited from observing Scherzer’s preparation and approach If Scherzer’s comeback is smooth, the Blue Jays will ease him into the rotation, possibly skipping starts around off‑days. His first challenge comes Wednesday, followed by a watchful eye on fatigue and grip. A series of successful outings would sound the alarm across the league — Toronto might just have their ace back. Max Scherzer’s return isn’t just a boost to Toronto’s rotation — it’s a shot of confidence to the entire organization. His veteran savvy, frontline skill, and playoff pedigree elevate the team’s ceiling. As the regular season intensifies, expect Scherzer to anchor big moments and mentor the next wave of Blue Jays arms. This Wednesday marks more than just a return — it could be the turning point of Toronto’s 2025 campaign. This may set them up for a stronger and even more competitive finish while recharging a promising run in their next set of games for the rest of the season.