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Caesars Palace Online Casino has just been named in a lawsuit alleging that its promotions and advertising strategies are deceiving consumers. The lawsuit was filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute last week, and it states that Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Interactive Entertainment, and Caesars Palace Online Casino's land-based Pennsylvania partner, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, which were advertising a 100% deposit match of up to $2,500, were misleading and dishonest. The advocacy group suggested that in order for consumers to get back their deposit, they would have to gamble excessively for just a short timeframe. Caesars Palace Online Casino is under legal fire after the Public Health Advocacy Institute filed a lawsuit accusing the gambling giant of deceptive advertising. The complaint centers around a sign-up promotion that promises a 100% deposit match of up to $2,500 - an offer the advocacy group says is virtually impossible to claim without risking hundreds of thousands of dollars. The lawsuit, filed in the First Judicial District of Philadelphia, names Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment (its parent company), and Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, its local partner. According to the filing, the promotion misleads consumers by hiding an extraordinary wagering requirement in the fine print, especially for table games like blackjack. $2,500 bonus requires $375,000 in bets, complaint says At the core of the complaint is the casino's 100% deposit match bonus. While advertised as a generous welcome incentive, PHAI contends that it misrepresents the reality faced by users who want to unlock the bonus. The promotional details, when scrutinized, reveal a significant caveat: the wagering requirement for table games such as blackjack is 75 times the combined deposit and bonus amount. This means that to fully access a $2,500 bonus, a new user would have to wager $375,000 within just seven days of signing up. "Caesars and its partners are luring new customers with a false and misleading promise," PHAI stated in a release. "Only in the small-print terms and conditions is it disclosed that a new customer playing blackjack is required to gamble and risk $375,000 in the first week." Advocates slam promotion as dangerous and irresponsible PHAI, a nonprofit based in Boston dedicated to improving public health through legal action, has sharply criticized the promotion. The group focuses on industries it deems to pose health risks - including unhealthy food, tobacco, and gambling. "This is among the most egregious promotions we have seen," said Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI. Dr. Harry Levant, the Director of Gambling Policy for PHAI, echoed the concern. "It is unconscionable for a gambling company to knowingly require people to gamble excessively and put their mental health at risk just to cash out their winnings," he said. More importantly, nothing in Pennsylvania law allows a casino to withhold payment until a customer gambles to excess. This is dangerous, immoral, and just plain wrong, he added. Caesars' wagering requirements under close scrutiny An independent review of the promotional terms confirmed the steep wagering thresholds: 75x for other games, 15x for slots, and 30x for video poker. This system significantly affects games like blackjack, where the high wagering multiplier makes the bonus virtually inaccessible for the average player. For example, to fully claim a $1,000 bonus with a $1,000 deposit while playing blackjack, a player would need to wager $150,000. And according to Caesars' terms, the entire bonus will be forfeited if the wagering requirement isn't met within seven days. iGaming revenue surges as critics raise alarms The lawsuit comes as Pennsylvania's iGaming market experiences rapid growth. In 2024 alone, players lost over $2.18 billion to online slots and table games - nearly double the $1.11 billion lost three years ago. This surge has raised concerns among gambling watchdogs, including the National Association Against iGaming, which argues that current regulations do little to prevent excessive gambling or protect vulnerable users from harm. Following public scrutiny, Caesars Palace Online Casino quietly revised its Pennsylvania promotion, lowering the deposit match to 'up to $1,000.' However, the original offer - still promoted in some regions - remains a point of contention. Caesars Palace Online Casino is also active in New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, and Canada (Ontario). As its reach grows, so too does the scrutiny surrounding its advertising practices and consumer protections.

And just like that, the Oklahoma City Thunder sit at the top of the NBA world, and they are NBA Champions most of all. Oklahoma City roared with a massive swing in the third quarter to take control of Game 7 at home, closing a game that saw them down by a point at halftime even after Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury. It was all Thunder after that as lightning struck and kept on banging and hounding the Indiana Pacers as they pulled away to finish Game 7 with an exclamation point. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Finals MVP – after having won the scoring title, season MVP, and the WCF MVP awards on top of the championship. He finished with 29 points, 12 assists, and five assists to lead Oklahoma City to a massive victory en route to their first league title. It was a picture perfect finish for the Thunder, and they certainly carried the momentum counting to the final seconds of the game. Fans celebrated with time running out of the game clock, knowing that after 17 years of wait, Oklahoma City now has its own NBA Championship to celebrate ever since the franchise competed at a high level for many years. A Dominant Finish OKC owned the third quarter thanks to a 34-20 scoring margin, and they built a massive 22-point lead at most in the second half. Indiana was leading 48-47 to start off the second half, and OKC went on a massive rally, first to retake the lead, and then cooked the rest of the way. The Pacers did try to stage a comeback of their own without Haliburton, who went down in the first quarter with a right lower leg injury. He finished with nine points and was 3-of-4 from three before he left Game 7 and did not return for the rest of the game. OKC never let up and showed that their magical season will not end with a blown lead and a missed chance at a championship. Jalen Williams added 20 points, while Chet Holmgren finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. The Thunder only had 11 threes – just the same as Indiana, but they were spectacular on the defensive end and rallied the crowd well behind them for a strong closeout finish. A Historic Season For most of the season, Oklahoma City was the best defensive team in the league, and for good reason. They have registered 10.2 steals per 100 possessions, the highest rate for any team in the last 12 seasons. Their 10.7 steals per 100 possessions in the playoffs were the most for any team that played beyond the first round in the last 26 years. In Game 7? The Thunder forced 21 turnovers and scored 32 points off them – the usual game for OKC. They also had 14 steals on that regard, along with eight blocks. It was the defense that carried them to the Finals, and it is only fitting that it would also be the same thing that now took them to a title finish. Nothing has been easy, and yet the Thunder strongly persevered as the second-youngest team to ever win a championship, and this is a storybook finish for the team to remember as they now etch their names in the history of the NBA.

Legislators in Rhode Island have approved a bill that bans smoking in workplaces, and this now includes casinos and other gambling facilities. These facilities will be allowed to have smoking lounges instead, as long as the smoking lounge has a well-ventilated system that prevents smoke migration into other smoke-free spaces. In a significant shift toward healthier workplace conditions, Rhode Island lawmakers have approved a bill that extends the state's workplace smoking ban to include casinos. The legislation, championed by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski, marks the end of a long-standing exemption that had allowed smoking on casino floors despite broader public health regulations. Closing the casino loophole The legislation repeals a carveout in the state's Public Health and Workplace Safety Act, which previously excluded gambling facilities from the ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces. Sosnowski, who also sponsored the original Act over 20 years ago, said the time had come to extend the same protections to all workers - including those in the gaming industry. "Everyone deserves to breathe clean air in the workplace," said Sosnowski. "Yes, we want a casino that's making money because we depend on that revenue; but we want our workers to be strong, healthy and vibrant as they're making money for our state." A compromise with the industry While Sosnowski's initial proposal called for an outright and immediate ban on smoking inside casinos, the legislation was amended following pushback from Bally's Corporation, which operates both the Tiverton and Twin River casino locations in Rhode Island. Bally's argued that a full ban could drive away smoking patrons and lead to a significant dip in revenue. In response, Sosnowski modified the bill to allow for designated "smoking lounges" - enclosed areas outfitted with specialized ventilation systems designed to prevent smoke from seeping into non-smoking areas. In a statement, Bally's expressed appreciation for the compromise: "We appreciate the thoughtful review Senate and House leadership provided on the issue of smoking at our two Rhode Island casinos, and are grateful that a compromise has been reached that will allow us to continue to accommodate our smoking patrons." Delayed implementation In another concession to the casino industry, the bill's implementation has been delayed until the 1st of July, 2027, giving gaming operators time to prepare for the transition. Bally's has high hopes the extended timeline and the smoking lounge provision will help reduce any financial impact once the full ban is in effect. The push to ban smoking in casinos has gained strong momentum in recent years, particularly among employees and staff who have long voiced concerns over their working conditions. The movement intensified right after Rhode Island's casinos temporarily halted indoor smoking during the Covid-19 pandemic. When that temporary ban was lifted in March of 2022, many workers felt abandoned and renewed their calls for permanent reform. I've had to breathe in secondhand smoke for years while just trying to do my job, said one Twin River employee who supported the bill. We're not asking for much - we're just asking for the right to work in a safe and healthy environment like everyone else. The next steps for the Rhode Island bill The bill now awaits Governor Dan McKee's signature. If signed into law, Rhode Island will join a growing list of states reevaluating smoking policies in casinos, balancing public health priorities with economic considerations. For both public health advocates and casino employees alike, the legislation represents a long-awaited victory. Though not immediate or absolute, it moves the state significantly closer to smoke-free gaming floors - and a safer workplace for all.

The Jacksonville Jaguars finally signed rookie acquisition Travis Hunter with a four-year deal heading into the 2025 NFL season, and it seems that the team is keen to fire up the campaign with a promising run that will see them return as contenders in the NFL now more than ever. So far, it is looking good, and we are seeing a potential comeback from the team at this point. It can be remembered that the Jaguars moved up with a trade to ensure that they would get Hunter with the second pick instead. They sent a hefty amount of picks to the Cleveland Browns to ensure that they would not miss out on such a dynamic talent, and it seems that this is the best pick that they could have gotten out of it. This marks as the cornerstone of the fresh beginning that the Jaguars are looking forward to with the team putting James Gladstone as their new GM to start off the offseason. Before the draft, Gladstone said that Hunter being a priority acquisition is because of the fact that the receiver/cornerback is regarded as a trajectory-changing player now more than ever. Huge Signing for Jacksonville Rookie contracts are usually pretty predictable — slotted amounts, signing bonuses paid in installments, and a few incentives here and there. But this? This is different. Hunter becomes the first player who isn’t a quarterback or the No. 1 overall pick to get his entire signing bonus all at once. That’s a huge shift in the league’s contract culture and could change how elite prospects negotiate moving forward. The deal is worth $46.65 million over four years, along with a $30.57 million signing bonus. The Jaguars didn’t just draft Hunter — they traded up to get him. And they didn’t just pay him — they made history doing it. According to the team, they’re planning to ease Hunter into both sides of the ball, starting with more offensive snaps early in the season. But make no mistake: the goal is full two-way deployment by Week 1. Hunter is anticipated to be a top-tier acquisition by the team, and him training on both sides of the field means that there is going to be a lot of expectations in his games. He is going to be a two-way performer, and that is just elite as it can be when you hope for massive finishes. Writing History in Jacksonville With top-tier receivers and DBs often commanding north of $25 million per year, locking in a dual-role star at rookie contract prices? That’s not just smart — it could be revolutionary. In 2024, Hunter became the first player in college football history to win both the Biletnikoff Award (best WR) and the Bednarik Award (best defender) in the same season. Oh, and he won the Heisman Trophy, too. The Jaguars took a bold swing — and they just might have hit a grand slam. Travis Hunter is already a once-in-a-generation player. Now, he has a once-in-a-generation contract to match. For fans, all of this means one thing: get ready to watch something special. Whether Hunter is hauling in a deep ball or breaking up a pass on third-and-long, he’s poised to become one of the most exciting players in the league from day one. The contract is just the beginning. The real story will be written on the field — where Travis Hunter has the chance to change the game in real time. The season countdown begins now more than ever, and it is going to be exciting as it can be.

The series isn't over just yet. With backs behind the walls, and odds stacked against them, the Indiana Pacers delivered a massive haymaker with their season on the line. What could have been a tough end to the season now extends to the two biggest words in sports – Game 7. Indiana pounded and hounded both ends of the floor to ensure that there will be no avalanches on their home floor, routing the fabled Oklahoma City team that has been dominant for the whole season. After suffering back-to-back losses in Games 4 and 5, the Pacers made sure that they won't lose a third time around, and not suffer consecutive losses at home. Instead of an early offseason break, the Pacers are headed back to OKC for a chance in a winner-take-all Game 7. It is worth noting that it will also be the first Game 7 since the 2016 NBA Finals – another spectacular finish between two historic teams. Pacers Stay Alive Indiana has battled against the odds all season, and this one was not new to them. It did, however, have bigger implications considering that their season is on the line. The team ended up with six players in double figures, with Obi Toppin scoring the most points for the team with 20. No other player in the squad reach more than 20 points, showing how incredible this massive Indiana team is when it comes to scoring on a balanced attack. Tyrese Haliburton, who was suffering from a left calf strain, still managed to play and put up an impressive performance with 15 points and knocked down three threes. Pascal Siakam banked in on his experience in the Finals, dropping 16 points and 13 rebounds to go along with a huge poster slam on Jalen Williams. Indiana trailed by eight early after a strong start by the Thunder. But after drilling a few threes, the Pacers would go on to take over the game as they went on multiple runs, including 30-9 to finish the first half and was up by 24 points. Both teams started slow in the second half, but a layup by Haliburton kickstarted yet another massive run by the Pacers as they finished the third with a 30-point lead, capped off by a buzzer-beating three that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Game 7 in the Midst With OKC waving the white flag to begin the fourth quarter, it was clear that the Thunder were leaning to finish the series at home instead. It was a dismal performance from the best team in the league, who had every chance to make Game 6 interesting when Indiana struggled to hit from the field. With the win, the Pacers stay perfect in Game 6s played these playoffs. However, it is worth noting that the Thunder are 3-0 all-time in Game 7s played at home, and has won its latest Game 7 when it blasted the Denver Nuggets in the West Semis. The last time a Game 7 was played in the NBA Finals, it was the culmination of the historic comeback of the Cleveland Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors – who had a majestic season of a league-best 73-9 record. LeBron James led the Cavaliers to complete the comeback. Now with another Game 7 looming, it seems that we are headed for a massive finish in the biggest stage of the game.

After being released by the Green Bay Packers, Jaire Alexander didn’t last long in the free agent market as the Baltimore Ravens signed the cornerback to a one-year deal heading into the 2025 NFL season. This comes as a huge fulfillment of star QB Lamar Jackson’s request to add more depth to their corner crew. This has been a significant offseason for the Ravens, who continue to make roster upgrades after yet another disappointing 2024 campaign. Nothing has been easy for the team, and every season ending in a loss has surely built a lot of frustration, especially for Jackson. Hopefully, Alexander’s addition will be a fruitful move that gives them a chance to compete at the highest level. Baltimore is coming into the season as one of the top picks to win the Super Bowl. To get there, however, the Ravens must pass the big hurdles that have been testing them for so long – beating the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, their rivals in dominating the AFC. With Alexander on the squad, their chances should be better than in the past few years. A Chance at Redemption According to reports, Alexander is signed to a one-year deal worth $4 million and comes with at least $2 million in incentives. The incentive package comes on top of the play-time bonuses, which will see the cornerback earning an additional $500,000 when he hits 35, 40, 45, and 50 percent of the team snaps. That is a massive incentive to inspire Alexander to work hard in the coming season. Alexander brings in a new dynamic to an already superb corner crew, which consists of All-Pro Marlon Humphrey, 2024 first-rounder Nate Wiggins, and veteran Chidobe Awuzie, another signing in the offseason. Should Alexander manage to stay healthy, it seems that he will fit with Wiggins and Humphrey for a promising trio in the corner. The Packers opted to move on from Alexander after seven seasons, not re-signing him to another deal last week. In a snap, the Ravens immediately worked to sign the former Pro Bowl star, who quickly accepted the offer with the hopes of earning his worth once more. It is worth noting that Alexander excels well in his position, but it is his health that has been a major concern over the years. He just played in a total of 14 games in the last two seasons, due to multiple injuries, mostly on his groin, back, shoulder, and knee. He even went on to miss the final eight games for the Packers last season, resulting to their Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Satisfying a Star’s Request For most of the offseason, the focus for the Ravens is to ensure that Lamar Jackson doesn’t get any ideas of moving to another team. Thus began the massive signings that the team has overhauled so far. Alexander is the latest among them, and the Ravens made sure that they brought in the one requested by Jackson to cap off the offseason. "He's excited to be here. We're excited to have him," head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday. "It made Lamar happy. I think it made everybody happy." Now that the season is coming in hot, it is expected that the Ravens would find a way to solve their woes last year, and finally break through the biggest challenges of the franchise en route to a title.

A fortunate player, who chose to remain anonymous, played penny slots on Father's Day - and took home more than $1.2 million. The lucky man wagered only $4 on the penny slot at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, located in Eagle Pass, Texas, and the machine gave him a progressive jackpot win of $1,256,808.56. A Father's Day visit to a Texas casino turned life-changing for one man from San Antonio, who hit a massive $1.25 million jackpot on a penny slot machine. The win occurred at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, located in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Sunday, the 15th of June - Father's Day. According to a statement from the casino, the anonymous player - identified only by the initials R.M. - placed a $4 max bet on Light & Wonder&'s 1,000,000 Degrees Stars and Bars, a penny slot classified as a bingo-based gaming machine. The result? A staggering payout of $1,256,808.56. "R.M. of San Antonio turned a Sunday spin into a life-changing jackpot," the casino posted on social media. "Million-dollar wins don't just happen in movies. They happen right here at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle where we are home to many life-changing million-dollar jackpots." Tribal casino operates under unique regulations Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino is owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and serves as the tribe's primary source of revenue. The resort features a 249-room hotel, more than 3,300 electronic gaming machines, several dining options, and even an RV park, making it one of the region's most comprehensive gaming destinations. Located near the US-Mexico border along the Rio Grande, the casino operates under Class II gaming rules as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. That means it cannot legally offer traditional Las Vegas-style slots or table games because Texas does not permit Class III gaming compacts with tribal nations. Instead, machines like the one R.M. played are based on electronic bingo. These games may look and sound like typical slots, but their outcomes are based on simulated bingo draws rather than standard slot mechanics like random number generators. Despite the differences, jackpots like Sunday's prove that these machines can offer equally life-altering rewards. The winning machine, 1,000,000 Degrees Stars and Bars, is part of a wide-area progressive network, meaning the jackpot pool grows across multiple machines and even locations. While the game only requires penny denominations, players must place a max bet - 400 credits or $4 - to be eligible for the top prize. In this case, R.M.'s strategy paid off. But what surprised many wasn't just the win - it was the reaction. A win without a cheer? Social media reacts The casino posted a video clip of the winning moment on Instagram, showing the game screen flash with the jackpot win. However, what drew almost as much attention as the prize itself was the total lack of visible or audible excitement from the player. "No one is yelling or screaming?" one commenter asked. "Was he asleep?" joked another. Some questioned the authenticity of the video. "Seems fishy," one user wrote. "He recorded his spin and hit big but was quiet? Seems fake." Others went further, accusing the casino of staging the event. "They're lying to you to get you to come lose your money," claimed another skeptical commenter. The casino has not addressed the social media backlash, but insiders note that in Class II gaming jurisdictions, it's not uncommon for jackpot spins to appear unexpectedly calm, especially if the machine simulates the win in a pre-recorded fashion or doesn't register the victory immediately to the player. Big wins, bigger impact Regardless of the player's reaction - or lack thereof - the win itself is real. And for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, such payouts reinforce the value of their gaming enterprise in supporting tribal sovereignty and funding essential services. For R.M., that quiet Sunday spin turned into a million-dollar milestone. Even without the cheers, the result is the same: one very lucky Father's Day.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued cease and desist orders to a total of 10 gambling platforms operating illegally in the state. The gambling platforms are located both offshore and in domestic sites, and the MGC has filed criminal cases against these operators, saying that these platforms have even gone to the extent of pretending to be legal entities, duping residents. The Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued a stern warning to unlicensed gambling operators conducting business in the state without authorization. In a sweeping enforcement action, the MGC has sent cease-and-desist letters to at least ten companies it accuses of illegally offering games of chance and sports betting products without the required licenses. The regulator is demanding that these entities cease operations in Mississippi within 14 days of receiving the notice. The letters, which were dispatched both by mail and electronically, cite a host of legal violations, including infractions under state and federal laws such as the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, the Mississippi Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Federal Wire Act of 1961. Illegal operators misusing established casino brands According to MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel, these rogue companies have gone to extraordinary lengths to present themselves as legitimate gambling platforms. In several instances, they misappropriated the branding and imagery of well-known land-based and coastal casinos operating legally in Mississippi. McDaniel explained that illegal websites had even used images of licensed venues in social media ads - particularly on platforms like Facebook - to create misleading promotions. These tactics, he said, were aimed at duping Mississippi residents into believing they were gambling through regulated channels. "The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators," McDaniel stated. "We are currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution." Sweepstakes and unlicensed betting under fire The crackdown also forms part of a broader push by the state to combat the rise of illegal online sweepstakes and unregulated betting sites. Mississippi, like a growing number of US states, has classified many sweepstakes-style gaming sites as unlawful, particularly those that allow users to wager money under the guise of promotional contests. McDaniel emphasized that these platforms not only bypass regulatory oversight but also exploit the trust of local consumers, luring them into wagering in environments that offer no consumer protection or financial accountability. There's no tax revenue generated, no responsible gaming protections in place, and no recourse for players who get cheated, he added. Players may be entitled to compensation The Mississippi Gaming Commission has also reminded the public that Mississippi law provides a legal pathway for players who have lost money to illegal operators. Under certain provisions, residents may be entitled to recover their losses - along with associated legal costs - incurred through gambling with unauthorized platforms. Consumers should know they have rights, McDaniel stated. We encourage anyone who believes they've been misled by one of these platforms to come forward, he continued. A clear message from the regulator This enforcement action sends a clear message to illegal gambling operators: Mississippi will not tolerate companies that flout the law and prey on unsuspecting residents. By leveraging state and federal statutes and by collaborating with law enforcement at all levels, the MGC is taking a firm stand in protecting both the integrity of its regulated gambling market and the safety of its citizens. As the industry continues to evolve and shift toward digital platforms, Mississippi's swift and decisive action signals its commitment to upholding high standards - and to rooting out bad actors who operate outside the law.

BetMGM and Inspired Entertainment have jointly launched a new Hybrid Dealer game, Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet, and BetMGM is the very first gambling operator in the US to launch this innovative Hybrid Dealer game. The game introduces a twist to the standard roulette game with 4-Ball Extra Bets - which offers new betting options for players along with payouts that go up to as much as 500/1. Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a global leader in B2B gaming content and solutions, has announced a landmark partnership with BetMGM to introduce the Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet to the US market. Under an exclusive agreement that runs for three months, BetMGM becomes the first US operator to launch the innovative digital roulette game, setting a new benchmark for immersive online casino play. An evolution in roulette gaming The Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet is the latest addition to Inspired's fast-growing Hybrid Dealer portfolio, which fuses patented technology with creative game design. The centerpiece of this launch - the 4-Ball Extra Bet - offers players a bold new twist on traditional roulette, with four additional balls appearing on an inner wheel. Players can wager on a color match between the outer and inner wheels, opening the door to unique betting combinations and massive payouts of as much as 500/1. Players can place these side bets through multiple interfaces, including the standard roulette layout, a neighbor wagers table, and a special interface that highlights hot and cold numbers - providing a strategic edge and enhanced engagement. Next-gen technology behind the wheel The Hybrid Dealer system is a patented technology platform that bridges the gap between live casino gaming and CGI-powered digital content. It uses ultra-realistic visuals, smooth transitions, and pre-recorded hosts to recreate the look and feel of a traditional casino, without the latency and inconsistency often associated with live-dealer games. The result is a seamless and dynamic player experience that delivers both excitement and efficiency. Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet is the third title in the Hybrid Dealer suite and showcases the visual power of virtual CGI alongside cutting-edge user interface design. Its flexible format is compatible with both online and mobile devices, ensuring broad accessibility and engagement across digital platforms. To complement its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, the new roulette offering also integrates social features designed to foster community and interaction. Win leaderboards and a fast chat function allow players to celebrate wins, share strategies, and engage in real-time - bringing an added layer of excitement and camaraderie to the table. The game's launch is expected to redefine the standards of digital roulette by blending realism, player interactivity, and state-of-the-art technology into one polished package. Executive insights from Inspired and BetMGM Brooks Pierce, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the new US debut. "We are excited to partner again with BetMGM to bring the first US deployment of our groundbreaking Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet," Pierce said. "This game exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative, engaging gaming experiences that captivate players and support our partners' growth in the digital space." Meanwhile, BetMGM's Vice President of Gaming, Oliver Bartlett, echoed that sentiment. "Partnering with Inspired to introduce Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet marks an important milestone for us in delivering innovative gaming experiences to our players," said Bartlett. "This game's immersive visuals and unique betting features will undoubtedly enhance our online casino offering and set a new standard for digital roulette." As Hybrid Dealer Roulette 4-Ball Extra Bet rolls out in the US exclusively through BetMGM, players can expect a fresh and exhilarating twist on the roulette experience. Combining the thrill of live play with the consistency and scalability of digital gaming, this new title exemplifies where the future of online casino entertainment is headed.

The state of New York is on the verge of officially approving Senator Joseph Addabbo's proposed bill banning sweepstakes casinos from operating. The bill now awaits the signature of the governor, and it will make New York the fourth state to ban online sweeps casinos after Montana, Nevada, and more recently, Connecticut. New York is now just one signature away from becoming the fourth state this year to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos, following the unanimous passage of a sweeping bill in the state Assembly on Tuesday. The legislation, championed by Senator Joseph Addabbo, aims to ban dual-currency sweepstakes models frequently used by online casino-style platforms operating in legal gray zones. A smooth path through the legislature The bill, which had already advanced through the Senate with little opposition, was swapped in place of an identical version introduced in the Assembly by Assemblymember Carrie Woerner. Both bills sought to close loopholes that allow sweepstakes-based platforms to mimic real-money online gambling without state regulation or taxation. Addabbo's version had easily passed the Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee in the Senate, which he chairs, before moving to a full floor vote last week. In the Assembly, Woerner's version passed through several committees unchallenged before being replaced by Addabbo's for final passage. Assemblymember Jarrett Gandolfo was the only legislator to ask for clarification, focusing on the bill's targeting of dual-currency systems - one of the key features of sweepstakes casinos that allow users to exchange "sweeps coins" for cash prizes. Woerner assured lawmakers that common customer loyalty programs, like those from Starbucks or airlines, would not fall under the ban, explaining that those programs do not convert points into cash. Industry backlash grows Not everyone is pleased with the bill's trajectory. Industry groups such as the Social and Promotional Games Association and the Social Games Leadership Alliance swiftly voiced their opposition, warning that the legislation could have broader implications than intended. "This bill doesn't just target sweepstakes," said an SPGA spokesperson. "It sends a chilling message to anyone looking to invest in the next generation of gaming innovation. Nearly every form of online gaming we know today, including companies like FanDuel, began as pre-regulated concepts. This legislation criminalizes that innovation cycle." Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of the SGLA, echoed similar concerns. Legislators raised legitimate questions about enforcement, federal legal conflicts, and unintended effects on mainstream promotions. But those questions remain unanswered because the bill was rushed through, Duncan noted. "By blurring the line between lawful sweepstakes promotions and illegal gambling, this legislation threatens a vibrant digital-entertainment sector while offering players no safer alternatives." Legal pressure and national trends New York’s legislative action follows mounting legal scrutiny of sweepstakes gaming models across the country. On June 6, New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed her office had issued cease-and-desist letters to 26 operators for offering 'sweeps coins' to state residents. That legal development gave lawmakers additional justification for accelerating the bill's passage. Senator Addabbo also cited Connecticut's aggressive enforcement against sweepstakes operators, specifically the Department of Consumer Protection's decision to suspend High5Games and file over 1,000 criminal counts related to illegal gaming activity. Similar bans have already been signed into law this year in Montana, Nevada, and Connecticut. Major operators began withdrawing early Sensing the inevitable, some operators have already begun scaling back operations in New York. VGW, arguably the world's biggest sweepstakes gaming company and operator of Luckyland Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker, reportedly initiated plans last month to remove its sweepstakes offerings from the New York market. That exit is expected to roll out gradually throughout the summer. Despite New York's forward momentum, proponents of sweepstakes gaming have notched a few recent wins elsewhere. In Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed a bill that had passed unanimously in both legislative chambers. A similar effort in Maryland failed to move beyond committee stage. With the Assembly vote complete, the bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. If signed into law, New York will join a growing list of states pushing back against online sweepstakes gaming - a trend that shows no sign of slowing.

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed to come up with a promising finish when they clocked out the San Diego Padres in all three games of their marquee series. However, things seemed to have come up with a lot of heated arguments as emotions were on the rise in this series, leading to fans speculating that this will ever be a fiery matchup to look forward to in the years to come. Perhaps the most spicy clashes of the season so far, the Dodgers vs Padres series lived up to the hype – all close games, high implications in the standings, and a lot of drama that began right from the first game and was carried all the way to the final game. It was a picture-perfect finish for fans in the MLB, and you can see how it really continues to be a spectacle at this point. Despite a mature win for the Dodgers, fans were quick to point out that the club wasn’t really much interested in the antics that was stirred up by the Padres. The opponents were clearly trying to get into their heads, and that didn’t work well as Los Angeles remained composed – at least for most parts of the game, but it was manager Dave Roberts who could not handle that well. Roberts Ejected in Game 2 In just an inning, fans saw both stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani get plunked by pitchers, causing lineup shifts and massive complaints from the Dodgers. Tatis was clocked in the back with a fastball coming from reliever Lou Trivino, while Ohtani’s right leg was struck with another fastball, this time from Randy Vasquez. Both teams were immediately issued a warning from the umpires – and that perhaps proved to be quite the trigger point as Roberts eventually stepped out of the dugout and barked out loud, saying that Vasquez should have been ejected. His plea was not taken lightly by the umpires, with third-base umpire Tripp Gibson deliberately ejecting him from the game as soon as he made his way from the dugout. As far as rivalry goes, this is something that fans would’ve loved to see, and the tensions rising says a lot about how it is expected to be for the two clubs when they get a chance to face each other again. “They got way more superstars over there if we want to hit somebody,” said Manny Machado. “They’ve got some big dogs over there we could hit. This game is crazy, right, this rivalry. It’s back and forth. Playing this competition, things get heated. You want to go out there and compete.” Rising Emotions This incident wasn’t the first one, however. Monday night clash that ended up in a Dodgers win also saw outfielder Andy Pages get struck in the left leg after a fastball by Dylan Cease. It led to a staredown from the Los Angeles outfielder – thinking there was intent behind the “accidental” hit. The next day, both superstars on each team ended up being hit as early as the third inning. Tension mostly cooled off after the Dodgers’ manager was sent out of the game. The series did end in a bang, with emotions settling down. However, fans are expecting to see more from a showdown between the two clubs. Luckily, there’s still two series of baseball left between these two teams, which comes in August.