All news

Crime does not pay, but it can certainly fill you up: two robbers in Illinois found this to be true when they stole a bag of food leftovers from their two targets instead of the bag of cash that the targets won in the casino property in Des Plaines, Illinois. In other news, an attack in Atlantic City leads to arrests. One of the suspects involved in a failed robbery targeting two elderly players in a casino was recently apprehended, while his accomplices remain at large. The robbery, which took place in February, involved a series of missteps that led the suspects to steal a bag with leftover steak and lobster instead of the $130,000 in cash the victims had won at a gaming property in Illinois. A case of mistaken identity involving two paper bags The incident occurred on February 10, when three accused targeted a couple who had just won a significant jackpot at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. As the couple left the casino, the suspects began following them, tracking their movements all the way to their residence in Fox Lake, approximately 38 miles from the casino. Upon arriving at their home, the couple was confronted by two of the suspects. According to a report by the Lake and McHenry County Scanner, one of the robbers brandished a handgun and forcibly took a paper bag from the male victim, shoving him to the ground in the process. The suspects then fled the scene, believing they had secured the couple's $130,000 in winnings. However, in an ironic twist, the robbers had stolen a bag filled not with cash, but with leftover steak and lobster from the couple's casino dinner. Unbeknownst to the thieves, the female victim had hidden the money in her walker, a detail that saved their winnings from the robbery. Suspects nabbed Police were notified shortly after the incident, and authorities quickly began investigating. Using the license plate number of the getaway vehicle, officers were able to identify the suspects. On August 28, nearly seven months after the failed robbery, one of the suspects, Michael Britton of Chicago, was arrested. 27-year-old Britton faces charges including aggravated and armed robbery and robbery of a victim over 60, according to a statement from the Fox Lake Police Department. During Britton's recent court appearance, Michael Theis, the Lake County Assistant State's Attorney, remarked on the outcome of the robbery, stating, "The defendants made off with her leftover steak and lobster as opposed to the $130,000." In a humorous reflection on the incident, Theodore Potkonjak, the Lake County Judge, noted, "I guess in their own way, [the victims] outsmarted the bad guys." The second suspect, identified as Aramie Kent of Maywood, Illinois, is still being sought by police. A warrant for the suspect's arrest has been issued, and authorities are continuing to search for him. Additionally, a third suspect, a woman who is believed to have engaged with the victims at the casino and played a key role in the robbery plot, remains at large. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two remaining suspects to come forward. Unrelated assault at Atlantic City casino leads to arrests In a separate incident, an assault at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City over the weekend resulted in the arrests of two individuals. The altercation, which occurred in the casino's popular Quarter area - known for its restaurants and retail shops - left one woman unconscious and a man threatened with a knife. During the altercation, the female victim was repeatedly punched and kicked in the head, rendering her unconscious. Security personnel at the casino intervened, breaking up the attack before it could escalate further. The current medical condition of the female victim has not yet been updated. Following the assault, authorities arrested two individuals: Keila Diaz of Freehold, New Jersey and Damian Pineryo of Hazlet, New Jersey. Both suspects face multiple charges. Pineryo has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Diaz faces charges of aggravated and simple assault. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the altercation, and it remains unclear if additional individuals will face charges. As of now, no further details have been released about the incident or the events leading up to it.

German software developer and vendor Gamomat has cemented its entry into the US online gaming sector with the launch of its latest slot titles in the state of Michigan. The first batch of the Gamomat-developed slot games include Lava Lions, Great Grizzly, and Feng's Fortune Flaming Link, but aside from Michigan, Gamomat slot games will soon be available in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Berlin-based software vendor, Gamomat, has made a significant move in the iGaming industry by announcing its entry into the US online casino market, in partnership with Bragg Gaming Group. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the German developer, as it seeks to widen its reach beyond Europe and establish a presence in the ever-flourishing North American market. After launching its portfolio in Ontario in 2022, Gamomat is now turning its attention to the United States, starting with the launch of its online slot games in Michigan. Launch in Michigan: a new frontier The initial rollout in Michigan includes a selection of Gamomat's most popular games, all meticulously developed with US players in mind. Titles such as Great Grizzly, Feng's Fortune Flaming Link, and Lava Lions will soon be available to online casino players in the Wolverine State. These slots were crafted following extensive research into player preferences and behaviors, and it aims to capture the attention of American gamers. While Michigan is the first state to introduce Gamomat's offerings, the company plans to expand its games into other key US iGaming markets, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Each of these states boasts thriving online gaming markets, making them prime targets for Gamomat's continued North American growth. Strong partnership with Bragg Gaming Group Gamomat's entry into the US market is facilitated by its long-standing partnership with Bragg Gaming Group, a leading global B2B gaming technology and content provider. Bragg Gaming will handle the distribution of Gamomat's slots to licensed operators in the US, leveraging its established relationships with major online casino platforms. Matevz Mazij, the CEO of Bragg Gaming Group, stated his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that Gamomat has been a key partner for years. Mazij remarked that they are thrilled to help facilitate Gamomat's entry into the US market. He added that their innovative game design and commitment to quality make them a valuable partner, and this move is mutually beneficial. Both Gamomat and Bragg will continue to bring top-tier iGaming content to players across the US. Although specific online casinos in Michigan that will offer Gamomat's games have not yet been confirmed, Bragg Gaming Group already has distribution deals in place with some of the state's largest operators. This includes partnerships with Golden Nugget Online Casino, BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars Palace, indicating that Gamomat's titles could soon be featured on these prominent platforms. Gamomat's commitment to US players Dietmar Hermjohannes, Gamomat Development GmbH founder, stressed the company's dedication to creating games that resonate with US audiences. He stated that they are incredibly excited to introduce their games to the US market and that their team has conducted thorough research into what players in these markets enjoy, so they've tailored their games to meet those preferences. The collaboration with Bragg Gaming Group not only strengthens Gamomat's position in North America but also showcases its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences. A green approach to iGaming In addition to its expansion efforts, Gamomat has also distinguished itself as an environmentally conscious game developer. The company's "Gaming for the Climate" initiative is part of its commitment to sustainability, with a portion of the net revenues from select games going toward environmental organizations. Games like Lava Lions, Book of Oasis, and Monkey Mania contribute to this cause, allowing players to enjoy their favorite slots while supporting efforts to combat climate change. Established in 2008, Gamomat has grown from a developer of land-based games to a leader in online gaming, with a library of over 250 slots available across multiple platforms. The company has licenses from the UK and other respected iGaming authorities, ensuring that its games are available to a global audience.

It seems that the Miami Dolphins will be having some struggles in the later parts of the season as the team is now set to miss the services of their lead QB Tua Tagovailoa will now be placed on the injury reserve list after suffering a concussion in their recent game. This move will see him eligible to return on October 27th against the Arizona Cardinals at the earliest. The Dolphins currently sit at the bottom of the AFC East with a 1-1 record, and Tagovailoa going down this early spells doom for the team’s chances of winning as they seek to actually make it back to the playoff stage. However with Tagovailoa out of the game for at least four more games, it does seem that the team is quite in danger of falling out of the competition early into the season. Considering how tight the competition is in the AFC East, with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets all in impressive form, it does seem that the Dolphins will have a tough time navigating the tough waters of the division with the hopes of sinking their chances to the top of the division and even in the AFC itself. Tagovailoa’s Timeline of Return Tagovailoa is confirmed to miss out on the next four games of the Dolphins after the team listed him on the injured list. The QB suffered a concussion as he was running for a first down and later collided with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in the second half. Miami went on to lose that game, which led to their 1-1 record in the first two games of the season. In the incident, Tagovailoa was dazed on the ground for a few moments before the Dolphins staff helped him off the field, which worried a lot of fans and experts heading into the next games of the season. It is worth noting that Tagovailoa has a long history of concussions in his NFL career, which has definitely prevented him from lifting his game to the next level. The QB missed out on a total of five games in 2022 due to concussions, with one of those requiring him to be stretchered out of the field in Cincinnati. In 2023, Tagovailoa has had a promising season after leading the NFL in passing yards, even starting every single game and avoiding injury for the first time in his career. Chances for the Dolphins In the aftermath of Tagovailoa’s injury, the Dolphins went on to sign veteran quarterback Tyler Huntley, who came off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. With their main QB out for an undetermined amount of time, it is expected that backup Skylar Thompson is also slated to start Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Dolphins have also released wide receiver Robbie Chosen and have signed offensive lineman Jackson Carman with the hopes of strengthening their passing lanes. Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will have to make the most of the available squad and their schedule that is expected to put them to the test. Miami is also slated to have its bye in Week 6. The team has opted to give their lead QB more time to recover and progress through the league’s concussion protocol and meet up with outside neurologists for the best results in his physical health moving forward.

Juan Soto began this season with the hopes of accomplishing a goal – to reach the MLB playoffs and finally win a World Series title with the New York Yankees, but it does seem that he has also checked off a mission in his list after he nailed a homer in all of the 30 current Major League stadiums. While the New York Yankees cruised to an 11-2 victory in their showdown against the Seattle Mariners, Soto achieved a much bigger ordeal as he capped off his 200th homer of his career while also coming up with a completionist run on his record of scoring at least a single home run in all of the active MLB stadiums. Soto drilled a two-run homer coming off Mariners’ Bryan Woo in the fourth inning in front of fans at the T-Mobile Park, which was the last ballpark off his list that he has not shot above the fences. His career-high 40th homer of the season gave the Yankees the 6-1 lead at the time, which also marked his 200th career homer – making him the seventh-youngest player in the history of the MLB to reach the mark at 25 years and 328 days old. A Historic Hitting Stride Soto’s record of 200 homers ties with Frank Robinson for the seventh most homers before celebrating his 26th birthday. Heading into the season, Soto claimed that clearing off the list of stadiums where he hasn’t hit a homer yet means a lot to him. This season, the Yankees star smacked his first homers Progressive Field (April 13), Angel Stadium (May 28), Guaranteed Rate Field (4, Aug. 13-14), Globe Life Field (Sept. 4) and now T-Mobile Park. Soto’s homers also puts him behind the likes of Jimmie Foxx (222), Eddie Mathews (222), Alex Rodriguez (216), Mel Ott (211), Mickey Mantle (207), and Albert Pujols (200) for the most homers before the age 26. The slugger is clearly enjoying this impressive stride so far, and it cannot be denied that there are a lot of expectations as to how he can keep on hitting big homers alongside Aaron Judge, who has been spectacular in his own right as well. This is definitely something that the club is aiming to build on heading into the rest of the season before the fiery playoff campaign begins. History-Boosting Performance Juan Soto has been one of the best elite performers in the game over the years, and it cannot be denied that he is also expecting to re-sign with the team heading into the offseason. But before he could take that into consideration, it is expected that he will have to come up with impressive strides heading into October. Just take it upon Judge’s comment on how Soto brings an impressive boost to their games. "He just finds a way to impact the game every single day," Judge said. "He's always focused on the team, which is something I always love. Like, he's here for us and that can be tough when it's your third team and you're about to be a free agent.” It is clear that the Yankees slugger star is expected to pull off some heroic runs in the coming playoffs, and he will have to work on his success with homers if he is going to help the club win its first title for the first time since 2009.

A summer rebound: casinos in Atlantic City have bounced back after a slow start to the summer months, and in the midst of tremendous growth exhibited by iGaming in New Jersey. The NJDGE has just revealed that Atlantic City casino revenue jumped to $294 million in August, and iGaming revenue continues to grow, reaching a record-breaking peak of $1.52 billion in the last eight months alone. Casinos in Atlantic City received a much-needed boost to end the summer on a high note, as August revealed robust gaming revenue for properties along the Jersey Shore. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the nine casinos in Atlantic City reported a combined total $294 million in revenue on their physical gaming floors during the month. This represents a 4.9% increase year-over-year, translating to approximately $13.7 million more than in August 2023. Impressive gains in slot and table games Casino operators saw success in both slot machines and table games. For instance, slot revenue rose by 5.3%, bringing in $221.6 million, while table games generated $72.4 million, marking a 3.8% rise. The Chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, James Plousis, praised the industry's performance, calling August the best month in over a decade for Atlantic City's casinos. Plousis stated that August 2024 has been the strongest for Atlantic City casinos in the past 10 years. Despite the challenges throughout the year, the month capped off the summer season on a high note. He added that although year-to-date revenue was relatively even compared to the past year, it was still a rewarding result for the last 11 years. Through the first eight months of 2024, Atlantic City's land-based casino gaming totaled over $1.92 billion. However, this represents a slight 0.2% decrease from the same period in 2023, with slot and table revenue both down by the same margin. Sports betting and iGaming lead the way While in-person gaming saw little growth over the first three quarters of this year, New Jersey's online gambling sector continues to thrive. Internet gaming gross gaming revenue, including online slots and table games, soared to over $1.52 billion through August, reflecting a 22.7% year-over-year surge. Sports betting has also been a key growth area for the state. Although August's hold rate - the amount sportsbooks kept from bets - dropped to $62.7 million from the $698.8 million wagered, down by $33.3 million compared to August 2023, overall sportsbook revenue through eight months stood at $715.8 million. This marks a nearly 20% improvement - or an additional $117.9 million compared to the same period last year. The rapid growth in iGaming and sports betting contributed to the state's overall gaming industry expanding by 10.5% from January through August. Notably, 2024 marks the fastest year in which New Jersey's gross gaming revenue has surpassed the $4 billion threshold, underlining the rapid expansion of digital gaming in the state. Continued challenges despite success Despite the encouraging August figures, casino operators continue to face operational challenges. Inflation and rising costs have put pressure on their bottom lines, affecting overall profitability. In the second quarter of 2024, the NJDGE disclosed that profits declined by nearly 2% across Atlantic City's nine casinos, even though revenue grew by 1.3%. Casino representatives argue that while gaming revenue has increased, soaring costs for operations, energy, and labor are cutting into the profits. As they head into the fall season, operators hope to maintain the positive momentum built during the summer. Record-breaking month for iGaming New Jersey's iGaming sector set a new record in August, as online gamblers lost $198.3 million. This was the highest-ever monthly win for the state's internet gaming platforms. Internet slots and table games accounted for $195.8 million of that total, while online poker contributed nearly $2.4 million. Sports betting, heavily driven by online activity, was another standout performer. Out of the $62.7 million sportsbooks won in August, more than $57.7 million was produced through online channels. This brings the total iGaming revenue for the month to roughly $256 million, only $43 million less than the total revenue from the physical casino floors. As Atlantic City enters the fall season, there is optimism within the industry for continued growth in both in-person and online gaming. "Overall business in Atlantic City remains stable, with operators gaining competitive advantage from a unique combination of impressive gaming options and first-class in-person experiences," Plousis remarked. "There is great opportunity for continued momentum in the fall season." However, sustaining this growth will require operators to navigate the challenges posed by higher costs and shifting consumer behavior and preferences, particularly as online gambling continues to outpace the traditional brick-and-mortar gaming experience. With record-breaking months in iGaming and promising sportsbook performance, the digital side of the industry appears to be the key to long-term success.

Rush Street Interactive and Playtech announce partnership to bring more games to BetRivers customers in New Jersey. Now, players can take advantage of more slot games, table games, and live dealer games from Playtech, which is famous for creating titles like Buffalo Blitz, Lil' Demon Gold Hit, Epic Ape, and more. Rush Street Interactive, one of New Jersey's top online casino operators, has announced an exciting partnership with Playtech, a prominent game manufacturer. This tactical collaboration is set to enhance the game offerings at RSI's BetRivers Casino, bringing even more variety to players in the Garden State. Already home to hundreds of popular games, BetRivers will now expand its portfolio with a host of new titles that include table games, slots, and live dealer experiences from Playtech's impressive catalog. Expanding BetRivers' game library with Playtech titles Playtech is known for producing an extensive range of games, from high-quality slots to engaging table and live dealer games. Some of the notable slot titles that will soon be available at BetRivers Casino include Buffalo Blitz, Epic Ape, Blue Wizard, Oink Oink Oink, and Lil' Demon Gold Hit. These games have become fan favorites due to their exciting gameplay and captivating visuals, and they are filled with rewarding features as well. Buffalo Blitz, in particular, is one of Playtech's standout titles. It is also available in a live slot format, offering a thrilling experience with real-time interaction for players. Alongside this, Playtech's extensive live dealer options will introduce BetRivers players to a variety of table games, including standout titles such as Jumanji, which adds a cinematic and interactive twist to traditional gaming formats. Playtech's expansion in North America Playtech's Chief Operating Officer, Shimon Akad, expressed excitement over the partnership, noting the significance of collaborating with Rush Street Interactive in a growing market like North America. In a press release, Akad stated, "The launch of Playtech's game content partnership with RSI is a great moment as we build our presence across North America with new content. Our ability to collaborate and distribute content to RSI, an industry-leading operator, is essential to Playtech's success." This collaboration is seen as a key element of Playtech's wider strategy to expand its presence in North American markets. By partnering with RSI, which is regarded as one of the most respected casino operators across the Americas, Playtech aims to bring its content to a broader audience and further strengthen its foothold in the US online gaming space. Aiming for growth in the competitive market of New Jersey New Jersey, home to approximately 30 online operators, represents one of the most competitive online gaming markets in the United States. Despite the crowded landscape, BetRivers has managed to secure a spot in the top 10, currently ranking seventh in terms of revenue with $47.3 million in earnings through August of 2024. This new partnership with Playtech comes at a crucial time as BetRivers looks to increase its market share and climb further up the leaderboard of online casino revenue in the state. RSI's Chief Executive Officer, Richard Schwartz, shared his optimism about the future impact of this partnership. "We are very pleased to be announcing this exciting game supplier relationship with Playtech. At RSI, we are proud to deliver innovative, industry-leading online entertainment experiences to our players. The addition of this casino content from Playtech will further our efforts to become a leading online operator across the Americas," said Schwartz. Schwartz believes that the introduction of Playtech's diverse game selection will not only attract new players to the platform but also offer fresh content to the existing BetRivers community. With the competitive nature of New Jersey's online gaming market, RSI's goal is to provide players with a superior gaming experience that stands out from the crowd, and this collaboration with Playtech is a major step in that direction. The coming months will be critical for BetRivers as the new Playtech titles become available to players. Both RSI and Playtech are monitoring player engagement and revenue growth as the expanded game portfolio rolls out. Industry experts and analysts will also keep an eye on BetRivers' performance in September, October, and beyond to see if these new games will contribute to a significant revenue boost.

When it mattered most, Lionel Messi sure does have a knack for performing at a high level for his team. That’s what happened when he helped Inter Miami come up with a 3-1 victory in their weekend clash against the Philadelphia Union – with the star coming back stronger after dealing with his ankle injury. Now it seems that Inter Miami is definitely primed for more intense playoff action now more than ever. Messi missed out much of the action for Inter Miami’s campaign in the Leagues Cup and even the World Cup qualifiers for Argentina due to an ankle injury that he suffered back in the country’s Copa America final win over Colombia last July. At the age of 37, it does seem that Messi is definitely poised for some promising strides in his games this season as he comes back with a goal to make up for lost time. His return to the MLS action proved to be quite a show of his strength in the game. Messi dished out an assist while also coming up with two goals to lead the way for the team’s win against Philadelphia Union, and so far – it does seem that the star forward is poised for more action heading into the final stretch of the season. A Promising Return Philadelphia Union was poised to upset Inter Miami in Messi’s return by taking the lead after just 58 seconds in the game. However, Messi refused to have this kind of disrespect in just a snap, and so he led the team to equalize in the 26th minute. The Argentine star beat a defender en route to the attack and secured a pass from Luis Suarez before finally drilling the goal – the first of the game and the first for Messi since he’s missed games due to injury. In another play, Messi would go up in the 30th minute after receiving a quick pass from Jordi Alba, who escaped two defenders and found an open Messi gunning for a goal to finally give Miami the 2-1 lead that they had been searching for all night. Messi would later get on the attack for the second time around behind Jordi Alba’s quick pass before setting up Suarez for a goal in the 98th minute to close out the game for good. Inter Miami Inching Close to a Deeper Playoff Run Messi’s return was an inspiring sight, and it cannot be denied that he has inspired Miami to play at a high level as they inch close to a deeper playoff run this season. Leading the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi is surely thinking of making up for lost time and helping his team secure their spot in the playoff stage. "I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time," Messi said in his return. "Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that's why we decided that I would start, and I'm very happy." Inter Miami has already clinched a playoff spot along with Cincinnati and Columbus. They have a promising 10-point lead in the standings at the top of the Eastern Conference and currently run with a 19-4-5 record in 28 games played. With the season winding down to its final games, it is a good note that Messi has returned to action and is playing well at a high level heading into the closing matches of the 2024 campaign.

There are a lot of great players in the NBA who have been honored by their respective teams with jersey retirements over the years. However, not everyone gets a chance to have a statue of them placed in front of the team’s arena. That’s what Dwyane Wade is expected to receive this October from his team, the Miami Heat. Wade has been one of the most prominent players to ever play for the Miami Heat in his career. The Heat revealed that a statue of the former Heat player was slated to come soon, and now they have announced that the statue will be finally unveiled this October 27th with the hopes of reigniting fan confidence in the team and delivering a promising confidence heading into the later months of the season. For the first time in Miami Heat history, Wade will be honored with a bronze statue that will be placed in front of the Kaseya Center. The face of the Miami Heat franchise over the years was also inducted into the Hall of Fame last season alongside the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Becky Hammon, and Gregg Popovich. An Enduring Legacy for Wade Wade’s statue was created by Omri Amrany and Oscar León of Fine Art Studio Rotblatt Amrany. Amrany was known for his works of retired NBA stars – such as the iconic “Michael Jordan Spirit” in Chicago as well as statues of Shaquille O’Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among many others. Not all players have earned statues of themselves outside their respective teams’ arenas. For Wade to be given the first statue in Miami Heat history proves that he has excelled in his career. It cannot be denied that the former star guard deserves this praise now more than ever, and he is definitely a legend for the team at this point. “When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane was the face of this franchise forever and I meant it,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement in January. “Dwyane’s legacy is a towering one not only for the Miami Heat but for Miami-Wade County. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by memorializing that legacy.” The Prodigal Son of Miami Wade was selected by Miami back in 2003 and was immediately a star factor in his run with the team. A 13-time All-Star, Wade helped the Heat to clinch its first NBA title back in 2006 and was even named the Finals MVP. He would later team up with LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010 to form the Heat’s big three and won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 while securing four straight berths to the NBA Finals from 2011 to 2014. In his 15-year run with the Heat, Wade averaged 22.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds while also winning the 2009 NBA scoring title. He was also named to the NBA 75 anniversary team on top of being inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2023. Over the years, Wade has become the face of the franchise throughout his career. Wade also stands as Miami’s all-time leader in multiple stat lines, such as points, games played, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken. Now he is slated to have his statue erected in front of Kaseya Center for fans to remember his legendary contributions to the franchise’s success in his career.

The Chief Executive Officer of UFC, Dana White, has long had a storied reputation in Las Vegas. But his legendary exploits are seen in a new light as he admitted to winning over $26 million in Caesars Palace's baccarat tables early this year. He said in a recent podcast that Caesars and Bellagio allow him to play $350,000 to $400,000 a hand - but his ultimate goal is to play $1 million a hand. Dana White, the outspoken CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship, is renowned not only for his leadership in the world of mixed martial arts but also for his high-stakes gambling exploits, particularly in Las Vegas. White's betting habits have long been the stuff of legend, and his recent reveal has added even more fuel to the fire. A revealing podcast In a candid conversation on a recent episode of the podcast, Full Send, the UFC chief disclosed his extraordinary success at Caesars Palace earlier this year. Between January to March, White estimated he won between $26 million - $27 million playing baccarat at the famous Las Vegas casino. "Caesars Palace...I clipped these guys for $1 million a night from, like, the first week of January all the way into March," he stated. He added that he beat Caesars an estimated $26 to $27 million. While these numbers might sound unfathomable to most, White has a long history of playing with incredibly high stakes at select casinos. He mentioned Caesars Palace as his favorite casino, where high-rollers like him are given the opportunity to wager enormous sums. Caesars, in particular, allows White to wager $350,000 a hand - a limit extended only to a very select group of clients with substantial bankrolls. At that level of betting, it's entirely possible to rake in $1 million (or more) in a single night. However, with such high-stakes gambling comes the risk of losing massive amounts as well. White was open about the downside, stating there are nights where a player can get "wrecked" when playing at such high limits. Caesars Palace: a high-stakes player's dream Despite the risks, White remains unwavering in his devotion to Caesars Palace, praising the casino for accommodating serious gamblers. He commented, "Caesars is gangster" and lauded the venue as the premier place for high-level betting. Caesars' willingness to let him bet $350,000 per hand speaks to the casino's stature among top-tier gamblers. For White, winning $1 million in a night is not just possible, it's something he has achieved consistently during the first few months of 2024. This success, however, also highlights why many other Las Vegas casinos refuse to take his action. White explained his betting strategy on the podcast, saying that he leaves the table after winning three consecutive hands. This tactic allows him to secure a significant profit, which, in turn, results in hefty losses for the casino. Given his aggressive approach and the large sums at play, some Las Vegas casinos have decided not to allow White to gamble at their establishments. Casinos closing their doors on White White has not been shy about his frustration with certain casinos for declining his business. In another recent podcast, he called Wynn Las Vegas "a bunch of [slur about a female body part]" for not allowing him to bet at his chosen limits. Given his notoriety, many casinos may view White as too big a risk. His methodology of cashing out after three straight wins can lead to large and consistent losses for the house, which is likely why many venues opt to limit his play or refuse it altogether. While White's relationship with Caesars remains strong, he also frequents other venues, including Bellagio, which allows him to bet as much as $400,000 per hand. He also mentioned playing at Red Rock Resort, a venue located in Summerlin and controlled by UFC's original investors, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. However, at Red Rock, White plays for lower stakes due to being the only client allowed to wager such high amounts. Chasing a new goal: $1 million per hand Despite already achieving substantial success in the high-stakes gambling world, White revealed that he’s still chasing a new goal: wagering $1 million a hand. "That's my goal. That's my goal in life before I die," White remarked on the podcast. Although the UFC boss dreams of finding a casino willing to extend him $30 million in credit to bet at this astronomical level, he acknowledged that it's highly unlikely any gaming venue in the world would indulge such a request. His biggest losing night, White disclosed, was $8 million, yet he remains undeterred in his pursuit of the $1 million hand dream.

Missourians Against Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment has received a substantial contribution from Caesars Entertainment, who operates a number of casinos in the state. Caesars is opposed to sports betting in Missouri because of the language in Amendment 2, which limits Caesars and PENN Entertainment to a single mobile betting skin. A campaign opposed to a sports betting appraisal in Missouri has drawn significant financial support from Caesars Entertainment properties, with over $4.1 million raised to defeat the proposal. The sports betting measure, known as Amendment 2, will appear on the ballot for the upcoming November 5 election. Major contributions to anti-sports betting campaign According to a filing with the Missouri Ethics Commission on September 13, the St. Louis-based committee, Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment, has received substantial contributions from Caesars properties. The committee is dedicated to opposing the legalization of sports betting in Missouri. The notable contributions are as follows: Harrah's in North Kansas City - $1.4 million Isle of Capri in Boonville - $1.3 million Tropicana in St. Louis - $1.3 million Caesars Enterprise Services - $156,202.79 Caesars Entertainment, based in Nevada, operates hotels and casinos throughout the country, including several in Missouri. Their involvement in the campaign signals a strategic effort to block the proposed sports betting legislation. Divided interests: Caesars opposes, sports teams support The upcoming vote has created stark divisions within the gaming and sports industries. While Caesars Entertainment is opposing the measure, other stakeholders, such as major sports betting operators and Missouri's professional sports teams, are in favor of the initiative. Online betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings have provided financial support to the pro-sports betting campaign, Winning For Missouri Education, which advocates for the passage of the amendment. This group recently aired television ads urging voters to approve the measure in November. Gaming analyst Steve Ruddock explains that Caesars and other casino operators oppose the measure due to its specific licensing structure. "The language of the initiative has a unique structure, with licenses limited to each casino's parent company, Missouri's six professional sports teams, and two online-only licenses," Ruddock noted. He stated that the proposal limits companies like Caesars and PENN Entertainment to a single mobile betting skin, despite both companies operating multiple casinos in the state. This limitation has fueled opposition from Caesars, which would prefer greater flexibility in offering mobile betting services across its multiple properties. Sports teams rally behind Amendment 2 In contrast to Caesars' stance, several of Missouri's professional sports teams have thrown their weight behind the measure. If passed, Amendment 2 would allow the state's six pro sports teams and 13 casinos to offer both onsite and mobile sports betting to individuals 21 years and older. Additionally, the Missouri Gaming Commission would have the authority to license two extra mobile sports betting operators. The St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and two soccer teams - the St. Louis City and Kansas City Current - are among the sports teams that support the amendment. These teams are eager to tap into the growing sports betting market and provide fans with an opportunity to engage in legal betting within the state borders. Legal challenges and voter sentiment In recent legal proceedings, a county circuit judge rejected an attempt to block the measure from appearing on the November ballot. This ruling clears the path for Missouri voters to decide on the future of sports betting in the state. Proponents of the measure, including Gary Jenkins, an attorney from Kansas City, believe that voter approval is likely. Jenkins noted in an interview on Gambling.com that many Missouri residents are already traveling to neighboring states to place sports wagers, causing Missouri to lose out on potential tax revenue. Notably, sports betting is already legal in 38 states, including Washington, DC, with every state surrounding Missouri (except Oklahoma), allowing some form of legal wagering. Supporters of Amendment 2 argue that legalizing sports betting in Missouri would keep tax revenue within the state and generate new funds for education and other public services. The battle wages on As the November election approaches, both sides of the debate are ramping up efforts to sway public opinion. With over $4.1 million already raised by Caesars to defeat the measure and sports teams and betting operators campaigning for its approval, the battle over sports betting in Missouri is intensifying. Voters will ultimately have the final say on whether Missouri joins the growing list of states to legalize sports betting. The outcome of this vote could have significant financial implications for casinos, sports teams, and the state's economy as a whole.

James van Riemsdyk is expected to bring his veteran experience and goal-scoring ability to a young Blue Jackets team. His experience in scoring and physical play will likely be valuable in providing leadership and depth scoring, especially for a team that has been in a rebuilding phase. Van Riemsdyk is known for his strong presence around the net, where he excels in tipping pucks and scoring in tight areas. JVR’s leadership qualities and veteran experience have also made him a valuable asset to his teams, both on and off the ice. So far, he is expected to become quite a promising addition to the team considering the fact that they need some veteran presence in the squad. JVR has played for multiple teams in his career. He was drafted 2nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft, then later played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2012 to 2018, before returning to the Flyers in 2018 to 2022 and then signing with the Boston Bruins last August 2023. A Productive Veteran Van Riemsdyk is considered to be one of the most promising players who can serve as a reliable reserve in any squad considering how well he performs in a secondary role for his team. This says a lot about how the Blue Jackets valued him as a spark off the bench and a locker room leader for their young squad. In 71 games last season, van Riemsdyk tallied a total of 38 points coming off 11 goals and 27 assists with the Boston Bruins. He has also played 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games for his team and tallied five points coming from four assists and a goal. Adding him to a squad like the Blue Jackets should enable him to work even better with more minutes as well. For his career, van Riemsdyk has already tallied 629 points (311 goals, 318 assists) in 1,011 regular-season games for the Bruins, Flyers and Maple Leafs. He has also amassed a total of 36 points (21 goals, 15 assists) in 82 playoff games. The Blue Jackets could definitely make use of him well in the coming season as they seek to re-enter the competitive side of the NHL once more. A Chance to Win The Blue Jackets finished dead last in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference with a 27-43-12 record for 66 points. The team has been one of the lowly teams in the last five years, with the 2019-20 season being their last playoff appearance where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round. For van Riemsdyk, who has been an unrestricted free agent since July 1 before the signing, this is a chance for him to help a team come back and secure a return to the playoffs. So far, this will be a long and trying season for him, which will see him give him all his best to be a leader when needed. "For sure at this stage of my career, it's all about having a chance to win and obviously being in a place where it's a good fit as far as with what you bring to the table," van Riemsdyk said of his future in the game. At this point, van Riemsdyk seeks to come up with a hopeful run with the Blue Jackets. Who knows? Maybe he can lead them to a bigger run sooner or later while he takes his time in guiding them with his veteran experience in the game.