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An alleged match-fixing scheme is currently under investigation, involving one of China’s premier StarCraft II players in Xue ‘Firefly’ Tao. But despite having no formal and final results on the matter, the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has opted to suspend him from participating in any StarCraft II events moving forward. While it may be temporary and not final, the resulting suspension has unfortunately forced Firefly out of the Chinese roster that will participate in the upcoming Esports World Cup this July 22nd to 25th. Firefly was expected to play at the Boulevard City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but instead will be sitting this one out due to the suspension. According to multiple sources, timelines for match-fixing last around eight months to lifetime suspensions. ESIC is not new to this case, as they have also handed out several punishments in this year alone. For instance, ATOX Esports had its players receiving such suspensions due to the same case. Firefly Out, Lancer In Huang ‘Lancer’ Min was the runner-up in the Asia Qualifier that Firefly eventually won. But with the suspension now in effect, he now takes over the slot of Firefly in the upcoming StarCraft II tournament in the EWC. Initially, Lancer opted to join an 18-player lineup that would hopefully compete for a Global Qualifier with a shot at a $700,000 prize pool. With the changes, Taiwanese player Lemon will now take over his spot in that 18-man campaign – which takes place from June 21st to 22nd. A total of four players will be given a chance to earn its place in the biggest stage of the game. The timing of Firefly’s suspension was so unfortunate. According to reports, mainly stemming from a forum post by former player Cao ‘Jim’ Jinhui, Firefly was involved in a match-fixing scheme since 2023. While there is no confirmation about how long it has continued to be that way, the ESIC saw no saving grace to keep them from suspending the Chinese player. “Following a preliminary investigation by the Esports Integrity Commission, ESIC has advised all tournament operators that StarCraft II competitor Xue ‘Firefly’ Tao has been provisionally suspended from competition pending finalisation of the investigation,” stated the Esports World Cup in its social media post. Jim and Firefly Fell Out Apparently, Jim recently claimed that Firefly owed him a lot of money, and the latter refused to reimburse the former player. This definitely left Jim with no choice but to further release alleged evidence about Firefly’s involvement in match-fixing and reporting his former partner in the said scheme. ESIC did not waste time on the report. After all, Jim is no longer an active player, which means that Firefly was the only one who needed to answer to the esports laws. While details of the breaches were not disclosed by ESIC, the immediate suspension was said to be irrevocable and took effect right away. “Due to the volume and quality of evidence ESIC has received, ESIC has issued Firefly with a provisional suspension pending the conclusion of its investigation into breaches of the ESIC Integrity Programme,” said the commission. A well-known Protoss player, Firefly has just lost his massive chance to prove his worth on the biggest stage of the game with the provisional suspension handed by the ESIC. It is worth noting that he last played for OFFSYDE Esports before he eventually moved on from the team last year.

It was another storied finish for the Florida Panthers, who took control of the series when they secured a 5-2 win on the road in a crucial Game 5. After that, the momentum was riding on their side, and they didn’t let the chance slip past them as they conquered the series for a promising finish at 4-2, repeating as the Stanley Cup Champions. They are the first team to pull off the said feat after interstate rivals Tampa Bay Lightning did the same feat in 2020 and 2021. Florida deliberately avoided a repeat of the previous run, where the Oilers managed to force a Game 7. Instead, the Panthers made sure to take control of the game early, and they did not hold back as the barrage of goals came into play. Florida lifted the Stanley Cup for the second time around, and they made sure that this one would not go the distance as it did last year. Now they will enjoy a promising finish that saw them become champions once more. After all, this is their second in a row – and that remains a rare feat in the NHL, but now there are aspirations of going back-to-back-to-back as well. Pure Panthers Dominance Right from the start, it was all Florida. Sam Reinhart opened the scoring gates with a goal just 4:36 into the game with his snap shot, and Matthew Tkachuk followed that up with another wrist shot at 19:13, ending the first quarter with a 2-0 lead for Florida and definitely in a good position to win the game. Reinhart would then later score the lone goal of the second frame in a shot that was deflected before it went it at 17:31. However, that would not slow down the Panthers star as he went on to score his final two goals in the fourth, giving Florida a 5-0 lead – a very comfortable cushion heading into the final six minutes of the game. The Oilers tried to make their presence felt, but all they managed was just a lone goal from Vasily Podkolzin. The high-powered Edmonton offense was silenced, and neither Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had good looks for most of the game as they were hounded by the Florida defense. The Honor Roll for the Panthers Reinhart became the second player to score four goals in a Stanley Cup clincher, and is also the first player to notch a four-goal hat-trick in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in franchise history. Carter Verhaeghe came up with three assists, while Alexander Barkov had two. They are also the second team to beat the same opponent in the Cup Final in two straight seasons after the Canadiens took down the Bruins in 1977 and 1978. Sam Bennett was named the Stanley Cup Final MVP and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. He led the NHL this postseason with 15 goals in 23 games. “This is way harder than I thought it would be to win, and to win twice,” Bennett told Sportsnet of the back-to-back titles. “I mean, we put in so much work for this. I’m so proud of this group. It’s incredible the team we have here. I’m so proud of all the guys. It’s the best feeling in the world. I don’t know how else to describe it.” The Panthers have made history once more, and it seems that they are not slowing down with the way they are playing their best hockey at this point in time.

What a season it has been for Taylor Fritz so far, and it cannot be denied that his recent stretch has been impressive. Thanks to his Stuttgart triumph earlier this week, the American rising star continues to roar loud in the campaign and is insanely delivering massive performances night in and night out. This has been a one-of-a-kind season for Fritz, who has returned to his highest ranking overall in his career. The American was ranked at world no. 4 back in November last year, but eventually dropped in his level of play, winning just three matches in four clay court tournaments. It hasn’t been easy, but his recent climb has been quite phenomenal that he’s back up to where he’s supposed to be. But Fritz’s start in the grass campaign has been great to begin with. Fritz lifted a trophy in Stuttgart and played well in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Now he sets his eyes on the bigger games with Wimbledon also looming around. After all, everyone wants to win big on that side, and it is expected that this will be Fritz’s goal to conquer now more than ever. A Win to Remember With this impeccable win against Alexander Zverev in the final of Stuttgart, Fritz has moved to an 8-5 record in his head-to-head series with the German star. He took down Zverev in two straight sets to capture the BOSS Open trophy, showing that he still has what it takes to play at a high level. Fritz did not let up right from the start and clinched the ATP 250 title in a short while. He took the opening set on Sunday in just 30 minutes after he forced Zverev to have double faults. The German only managed to save a break point in the second set, before Fritz pulled away with a strong rally to end the match. Now he is seeking to come up with a huge run with the Queen’s Club this week, followed by a huge rally in the grass major in Wimbledon, which will be the main highlight of this surface run with many players keen to come up with a massive rally. That includes Fritz, who is seeking his first major win of the season as he is yet to show life in his runs. “I’m back,” Fritz cheekily wrote on the camera lens following the victory. Ending 2025 With a Bang? It can be remembered that Fritz also had a strong finish in 2024, performing well in the grass season and reaching the finals of the US Open and the ATP Finals. This has been quite a roller-coaster season for the American star, and one can say that this is the big run that he’s been waiting for to build his pace on for the rest of his season. "I'm really happy, especially as it was not too great of a clay season," said Fritz. "From there, to come and start the grass season off perfectly, I am super happy." A win in the Queen’s Club and Wimbledon would put the American star closer to the world no. 3 spot, also held by Zverev. At this point, it is expected that Fritz will use the victory in Stuttgart as a launching pad to deliver his impressive games and reach a much more promising level of play in his games this season.

A baccarat scamming group has victimized a minimum of 10 casinos in multiple states, and warrants have been issued for the arrest of six group members suspected of massive gambling fraud. The cheating ring has already gotten over $1.5 million, and the cheating method involves making use of a cut card to 'fan out' the deck, then the image is relayed to another accomplice who studies the deck of cards and advises other group members with the use of hidden earpieces when to bet for the best gains. A coordinated baccarat scamming ring is under investigation after defrauding a minimum of 10 casinos across six states, netting more than $1.5 million through a sophisticated card-manipulation scheme. Law enforcement agencies in Indiana and beyond are now seeking six suspects accused of executing the scam between July of 2023 and March of 2024. The largest known heist occurred at the Hard Rock Casino in Northern Indiana, where the group allegedly walked away with over $700,000 using high-tech subterfuge and sleight-of-hand tactics. The criminal case, now unfolding in Lake County, Indiana, has triggered a multistate manhunt and raised alarms across the casino industry. Cut cards and concealed phones: the scam in action At the center of the operation was a deceptively simple trick - using a cut card to briefly expose the sequence of playing cards during a baccarat game. The fleeting image of the deck was captured on a hidden phone camera, then sent to an off-site accomplice. That person, using the footage, would determine the card sequence and relay precise betting instructions back to players at the table through hidden earpieces. This strategy allowed the group to time their bets perfectly, often winning hand after hand while avoiding immediate detection. The casinos affected include the Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino Resort located in Wilkes-Barre, Imperial Palace and the Golden Nugget casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Bally's Casino, located in Chicago. Officials believe this was a well-organized operation that deliberately sought out vulnerabilities at each location. Suspects named and warrants issued Indiana authorities have issued arrest warrants for six individuals in connection with the scheme: Fuxiang Liu, Jianchu Liu, Qingyong Zhang, Daiqi Wang, Yuhan Hu, and Honghui Wu. All are charged with felony theft and cheating at gambling. Some are believed to be foreign nationals, including Jianchu Liu, who is also wanted in Pennsylvania on separate misdemeanor charges involving fraudulent gaming tactics. The accused reportedly moved as a unit, alternating roles and adjusting their techniques depending on the casino's level of vigilance and the dealers' experience. Caught on camera: a brazen execution Court filings and police affidavits reveal striking footage from inside one of the targeted casinos. At Mohegan Pennsylvania, surveillance cameras captured Liu discreetly activating a mobile app while seated at the baccarat table. He dimmed the screen to avoid drawing attention and concealed the phone beneath a stack of scorecards. When Liu was asked to cut the deck, he was seen subtly guiding the dealer's hands to manipulate the card exposure - an action that appeared innocuous but was integral to recording the deck order. The footage, investigators say, shows how the group was able to exploit a seemingly ordinary game mechanic. No inside help, just inexperience While the level of precision led some casino officials to suspect inside assistance, authorities in Indiana say that wasn't the case - at least not deliberately. A dealer at Hard Rock Casino was initially believed to be involved, but further questioning revealed that he was merely inexperienced and had been manipulated by the group to allow them greater control during the cut. They preyed on less experienced staff who were more likely to allow subtle liberties at the table, investigators noted in their report. The case has sent ripples through the US gaming industry, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in table games like baccarat, which rely heavily on dealer discretion and minimal player interference. Regulators are now advising casinos to review surveillance procedures and reinforce staff training to identify unusual behavior during card handling. As the investigation widens, authorities remain focused on locating and apprehending the suspects, believed to be responsible for one of the most elaborate gambling frauds in recent memory.

Since its entry into sports events contracts a few months ago, Kalshi downloads have been steadily increasing. But it hasn't quite reached the level of downloads brought by some of the most popular sportsbooks and fantasy sports apps in the US such as FanDuel, PrizePicks, and DraftKings. Kalshi, the regulated prediction market platform that recently added sports event contracts, has seen a notable uptick in downloads and public interest following a semi-viral commercial during the NBA Finals. However, despite some clear gains, Kalshi's customer acquisition efforts still pale in comparison to major players in the sportsbook and fantasy sports sectors. A new chapter with steady gains Kalshi officially launched its sports contracts in January, marking a strategic pivot intended to broaden its appeal beyond political and financial markets. According to data from Sensor Tower, the app's download numbers have steadily climbed in recent months, showing progress in Kalshi's evolution from niche market player to a more mainstream competitor. In March, Kalshi was ranked in the 200s among free finance apps on the App Store. But since early May, its position has improved significantly, routinely placing in the top 100. The app reached its best ranking - No. 54 in the finance category - shortly after its commercial aired during the NBA Finals, a spike that coincided with increased social media buzz. Although this surge provided a visible boost, it was modest compared to the scale of virality that propels apps like FanDuel or PrizePicks. Still, the progress indicates that Kalshi's efforts to broaden its user base are gaining traction, albeit slowly. Growth with limits Despite the positive momentum, Kalshi's download numbers remain well below those of more established sportsbook and fantasy platforms. Over the past month, Kalshi generated approximately 60,000 downloads via the App Store. In contrast, FanDuel, the largest sportsbook in the US, logged roughly 300,000 downloads. PrizePicks, a leader in fantasy pick'em, saw about 200,000. Comparable platforms like BetMGM and Dabble pulled in 80,000, while DraftKings Picks 6 and Caesars drew around 40,000. These figures suggest Kalshi is still in the early innings of building its user base. And while its recent improvements are encouraging, the platform has yet to approach the scale of its closest peers. Why the gap? Several factors help explain the disparity in growth. First, Kalshi is technically available in all 50 states - an advantage over sportsbooks and fantasy apps, which face regulatory limitations. Yet, Kalshi's sports betting offerings are still limited in scope and variety, especially compared to the more immersive experiences on FanDuel or DraftKings. Second, Kalshi spends far less on marketing and customer acquisition than its competitors. Top sportsbooks routinely invest millions in promotional campaigns, sign-up bonuses, and celebrity partnerships to draw in users. Fantasy pick'em apps, though smaller in reach, are similarly aggressive. A partial offset to this marketing gap is Kalshi's integration with Robinhood, a much more widely used app. Robinhood users can access some of Kalshi's markets through its platform, helping drive some crossover interest, even if this doesn't always translate into standalone Kalshi app downloads or active trading. Downloads aren't everything It's important to note that app downloads do not necessarily equate to engaged or paying customers. While Kalshi's 60,000 monthly downloads represent forward momentum, the real test will be how many of these users are actually depositing funds and actively trading contracts. A telling remark came from Polymarket Chief Executive Officer Shayne Coplan, who highlighted Kalshi's modest download performance in a recent post on X. His observation demonstrates what many in the industry already recognize: Kalshi has potential, but realizing it will require more than just fleeting virality. Kalshi's venture into sports prediction markets appears to be bearing early fruit, but the platform still has significant hurdles to overcome if it hopes to rival major sportsbook or fantasy brands in user acquisition and engagement. With a unique regulatory status and increasing public visibility, Kalshi is positioned to carve out a distinct niche. Whether it can scale that niche into a more dominant presence remains an open question.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has sent cease and desist letters to a total of five illegal online gambling platforms that are targeting residents in Michigan. These operators include Cherry Gold Casino, BoVegas Casino, BUSR, Wager Attack Casino, and Lucky Legends. According to the MGCB, these sites accept wagers and deposits from players in Michigan for slots, sports events, blackjack, and a host of other casino games without the safeguards and oversights required under Michigan law. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has taken decisive action against five online gambling operators accused of illegally targeting Michigan residents. On Friday, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist orders to BoVegas Casino, Cherry Gold Casino, BUSR, Wager Attack Casino, and Lucky Legends, citing multiple violations of state law, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Penal Code, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. "These illegal sites undermine the integrity of Michigan's regulated gaming industry and put players at serious risk," said the Executive Director of the MGCB, Henry Williams. "We will not tolerate unlicensed gambling operations that exploit Michigan residents. Our top priority is to protect the public by enforcing the law and shutting down these illegal platforms." Illegal operators in the crosshairs The five gambling platforms targeted by the MGCB offered a range of casino and sportsbook-style betting options without any licensing or oversight from state regulators. Each platform was found to be actively accepting wagers from Michigan players in violation of established legal frameworks. BoVegas Casino - Operates with no regard for Michigan's licensing requirements, offering digital slots and table games that expose players to potential fraud and rigged systems. Cherry Gold Casino - Promotes a broad gaming selection but functions without Michigan oversight, leaving users vulnerable. BUSR - Promotes itself as a reputable sportsbook and casino while skirting consumer protection rules required under state law. Wager Attack Casino - Offers combined sportsbook and casino options without a license, which exposes players to unregulated operations. Lucky Legends - Advertises high-end bonuses and a VIP experience but bypasses regulatory controls essential to fair play. Consumer risks and regulatory concerns According to investigations done by the MGCB, these websites accepted real-money bets on everything from sports events to blackjack, slots, and other casino-style games. With no regulatory body ensuring compliance or fairness, players were left with no safeguards, no guaranteed payouts, and no reliable channels for resolving disputes. This kind of illegal activity strips players of basic protections, said Williams. Many users don't realize they're gambling on platforms that operate outside the law and can disappear without warning - taking deposits and winnings with them, he continued. Michigan's legal gambling market includes licensed operators who meet stringent requirements to ensure game fairness, data protection, and responsible gambling support. Illegal sites, by contrast, often operate offshore and can evade accountability. State enforces strict compliance The cease-and-desist orders serve as an official demand for these operators to stop offering their services to Michigan residents immediately. They now have 14 days to conform or face legal consequences, including potential lawsuits coordinated with the Michigan Department of the Attorney General. This enforcement action sends a clear message: If you're targeting Michigan residents without proper authorization, you will be shut down, stated Williams. He emphasized that the MGCB remains committed to monitoring the digital gambling landscape and taking action against any entities that flout Michigan's regulatory structure. To help maintain the integrity of Michigan's regulated gambling environment, the MGCB urges the public to report any suspected illegal gambling activity. Residents can contact the agency by phone at 1-888-314-2682 or by email at MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov. With the crackdown in motion, the MGCB reiterated its dedication to ensuring that Michigan's gaming industry remains secure, transparent, and beneficial to players and the state alike.

After leading by as many as 18 points, the Oklahoma City Thunder saw their lead evaporate to just two at 95-93 with 8:30 to play in the fourth. The Indiana Pacers managed to hang around, before Jalen Williams drilled a three after two misses from OKC, eventually kickstarting a huge rally to finish strong for the Thunder’s 120-109 win in a pivotal Game 5. J-Dub dropped 40 points, including a superb fourth quarter where he nailed 11 points on 50% shooting. He finished with 56% shooting overall, including an efficient 60% shooting from three. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 31 points, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals, and OKC pulled away when it needed most. Now, the Thunder are set to return to Indiana for a chance to close out the series on the road. They are one win away from a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. After a very long road, OKC is gunning its chances as the team now seeks to put the series to bed. However, it is going to be a tough challenge as they will battle a desperate Pacers squad on the road. A Historic Night For OKC J-Dub was on fire right from the start, fueling the energy and level of play that the Thunder played for the whole game. OKC was dominant right from the jump and found ways to grind out to explode for an 18-point lead at most. Indiana kept fighting back, but it was Williams who found the best shots to stabilize the Thunder’s pace and keep Indiana from making a deep push. Nothing was easy, but Williams knocked down 14 field goals – in a game just a few days after he had two bad falls that would have taken a toll on his level of play at this point. Instead, Williams came up with a statement game, and showed that he can win big for the Thunder. Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander were lighting and thunder in this win, combining for 71 points to lead the way. The star duo also was the second pair of teammates to drop 40 and 30 in a single game since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving did in the 2017 NBA Finals. Talk about being in elite company on the biggest stage of the game. Haliburton Missing? Tyrese Haliburton was held to just five field goal attempts in the first half of the game and had zero points. He finished 0-of-6 and only had four points coming off the charity stripe. He did have seven rebounds and six assists but was -13 as well. The Pacers guard also had three turnovers and three fouls. Without Haliburton breathing life into the Pacers’ offense, Indiana could only hang back, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with 28 points and TJ McConnell pushing for 18 points off the bench. No other Indiana player had more than 15 points. The team committed a total of 22 turnovers in the loss and shot 36.7% from three. With their backs against the wall, the Pacers now have one last chance to save their season as they return to Indianapolis in Game 6. It can be remembered that the Thunder managed to claim a massive win last time in Gainbridge Fieldhouse that led to the 2-2 tie. Now it seems that OKC is raring to make a deep push this time and win it all.

Backs against the wall. Season on the line. Legacy in question. Everything seems to be against the odds when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers, especially with Game 6 bringing in a lot of implications as the team heads into enemy territory in Florida. They have been in this situation before, but it somewhat feels different as they are heading to a bigger challenge. After that deflating loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 at home raised a lot of questions in the series, especially after the defending champions did not have any problem scoring the puck and how Edmonton’s offense was completely shut down. Losing in front of their home crowd was not a good look, and the Oilers dropping another one at home just meant that even a Game 7 at home doesn’t put them at an advantage at all. Now playing in a rink where they have dropped a massive number of goals, it seems that Edmonton’s chances are dwindling by the minute, which is worrying at this point. It cannot be denied that the Panthers are expected to be crowned back-to-back champions by the end of Game 6, and the Oilers need everything to work in their favor if they are going to defy the odds this time. The Goalie Dilemma Heading into Game 6, the Oilers remain undecided when it comes to their starting goalie. With their season on the line, both Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner are pegged to start off the crucial Game 6 showdown. While it does boast the team’s flexibility and incredible depth, it has been the big reason why they dropped Game 5. Edmonton trails the series 3-2, and Pickard was the starter in the Game 5 loss. Skinner was the starter in the Game 3 loss, and both players have shown impressive performances in their own right, despite not being able to win key games for their team. “We've got two goalies that have shown that they can play extremely well and win hockey games, and we feel that no matter who we choose they can win the game," Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said. Pickard stands with a 7-1 record in this postseason, with his only start coming in that Game 5 loss. Skinner, on the other hand, has stood strong with a 7-6 record in 14 starts. What the big difference is, however, is that Skinner has experience in the clutch, going 9-1 whenever he starts in Games 5-7 over the last two postseasons. Whoever the Oilers choose to start, it has to matter for their chances of winning. Bigger Stakes for the Oilers At this point, the pressure is on the Oilers to win and survive until Game 7. After all, they are now 2,500 miles back to South Florida with the Panthers looming to go back-to-back Cup winners since state rivals Tampa Bay Lightning did the same feat in 2020 and 2021. For the Oilers to win this one, everything has to click well. For starters, Edmonton needs to counter the two-man punch of Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, who have been able to score more than five goals each – the first for such duo in a Stanley Cup Final in over 50 years. Still, the dream of being the first Canadian team to win a championship since the Montreal Canadiens since 1993 remains alive for the Oilers. That is, until they can find a way to win Game 6 and send it back home.

The Boston Red Sox were fresh off a three-game sweep against one of the top teams in the league in the New York Yankees. The club has notched its seventh win of the last eight games, and they are set to focus on their upcoming trip to the West Coast as they are set to take on the Seattle Mariners. All of that hype and focus went away in a snap after Rafael Devers was suddenly traded. The star slugger – the last remnant of the club’s most recent success in the World Series back in 2018 – Rafael Devers is gone from wearing Red Sox club kits to putting up a new one. Boston received righty Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, and a pair of prospects in outfielder James Tibbs III (Giants' No. 4 prospect at the time of the deal) and righty Jose Bello. All of a sudden, the story has flipped well from being a huge season for Devers, only to end up being on the moving end of a trade that may well define the future of the club. Just six weeks before the July 31 Trade Deadline, and just five days before the two teams involved find themselves in a showdown in San Francisco. Why is the Devers Trade a Shocker? For starters, Devers was the face of the Red Sox, especially after he inked a massive deal of $313.5 million worth 10 years. Imagine how would it have held up had he stayed with the team instead of being traded. In his suddenly final game for the Red Sox, Devers notched his 15th homer and the 215th overall of his career. On top of that, he logged his 500th extra-base hit. At the age of 28, Devers is at the best of his game, well within his prime, and certainly capable of being a championship piece for his team. It can be remembered, however, that things have gone turbulent between Devers and the Red Sox in the past Spring Training, especially after the team signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year deal. In that turn, Bregman became the club’s right-handed batsman and veteran leader. Devers, who is a below-average defender based on the numbers, was prominently in the third base in his whole career. He didn’t like transitioning to the designated hitter role, but eventually agreed to that shift last March. A New Star for the Giants It can be remembered that the New York Giants went for Aaron Judge in the offseason, only to fall short. They also made their case for the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Carlos Correa – also falling short in both. The Giants roster has been somewhat full of supporting cast players, but never an elite star who can win big and lead the club to bigger heights. Landing Devers in a massive deal, however, is a good move for them. In fact, it is a steal. It is rare for a star of his caliber to be involved in a trade. The mere fact that he is still in his best prime says a lot about how it is expected to turn out for the Giants moving forward. The only thing that the Red Sox can hope for is that this trade does not end up as a disastrous move like the way they did in moving Mookie Betts, which still hits hard considering that they signed Devers a big deal because of that. Now they just gave him away.

Connecticut has now officially become the second state after Montana to ban sweepstakes operators after Governor Lamont signed the online sweepstakes casino ban, SB 1235, into law. The ban on sweepstakes operators will take effect on the 1st of October and is actually part of some broader changes in regulations and laws that are set to take place across the state. Connecticut has officially become the second state in 2025 to enact a ban on online sweepstakes casinos, as Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1235 into law last Wednesday. The legislation, which includes a broad range of changes to gaming laws and regulations, will go into effect on the 1st of October. The measure aims to tighten oversight of gambling operations in the state by outlawing simulated gambling devices not tied to legitimate commercial activity. Connecticut joins Montana, which enacted a similar ban in May, in pushing back against the rise of online sweeps casinos that operate outside the state's licensed gaming ecosystem. A unanimous legislative push SB 1235 passed the Connecticut House with unanimous approval on June 3 before moving to the Senate for concurrence and eventually landing on Lamont's desk. The bill gained swift support amid growing concerns about consumer protection and the unregulated nature of sweepstakes-based gaming. While lawmakers emphasized player safeguards, the bill's quick passage has drawn criticism from some in the emerging sweeps gaming sector. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, a newly-formed industry advocacy group, expressed disappointment in a statement following the House vote. "This bill was hastily passed based on incomplete information with little attempt to engage with legitimate industry operators that prioritize player protections," said Jeff Duncan, the SGLA's Executive Director. "The result is a win for the black market, and other groups with vested interests that campaigned for this bill with falsehoods and misinformation. It is a loss for innovation, competition, free choice and potential benefits for the State of Connecticut." What the bill bans - and what it doesn't The new law specifically prohibits sweepstakes or promotional drawings that either do not involve the bona fide sale of goods or services, use simulated gambling devices, or facilitate participation in real or simulated sports wagering or online casino gaming without appropriate licensure under state law. Critics of the bill raised concerns it could unintentionally affect retail sweepstakes programs offered by grocery chains or major retailers. Legislators, however, included language to address that concern. Sweepstakes operated by retail grocery chains - defined as those with five or more locations where grocery sales are the primary business - remain legal as long as prizes cannot be redeemed for cash and only serve as discounts on purchases. A booming gaming economy Connecticut is one of only seven US states with regulated online casino gaming. According to the state's latest revenue reports, the first four months of 2025 have already brought in $34.4 million in state tax revenue from online casinos, marking a 31.6% increase over the same period in 2024. Legal sports betting also contributed $9.4 million in tax revenue, up nearly $1 million year-over-year. State officials maintain that the sweeps casino ban is meant to protect this growing revenue stream by ensuring only licensed and regulated platforms are permitted to operate in Connecticut. New sports betting rules for UConn fans The new legislation also includes provisions for sports bettors in Connecticut, particularly those who follow in-state college teams. Under SB 1235, residents will now be allowed to place bets on tournaments involving Connecticut schools - including powerhouse programs like UConn - provided the tournament features at least four teams and wagers are placed on the tournament as a whole, not individual games. This change opens the door for UConn basketball fans to back their teams in postseason play via operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. Though the UConn men's bid for a historic NCAA 'three-peat' ended early in 2025, the women's team will begin the 2025-26 season as reigning national champions under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. While the ban on online sweepstakes casinos has drawn a mixed response, Connecticut lawmakers view it as a necessary step to safeguard consumers and maintain the integrity of the state's regulated gaming market. Whether other states follow suit - as New York inches closer with its own legislation - remains to be seen, but for now, Connecticut has drawn a firm line.

While Governor Phil Murphy introduced a proposed budget way back in February that included an increase in sports betting and online gaming tax rates to 25%, a source within the industry says that legislators don't support this increase. New Jersey is still debating whether to go ahead with the proposed increases - but it is likely that either one or the other will gain approval, but not both. As the June 30 deadline to finalize New Jersey's 2026 fiscal year budget looms, lawmakers in Trenton are still wrestling with Governor Phil Murphy's controversial proposal to increase tax rates on sports betting and iGaming to 25%. While the idea promises a significant revenue boost, it faces resistance from legislative leaders and the gaming industry alike. Governor Murphy, delivering his final budget in February, laid out a record-setting $58.05 billion spending plan. Among the highlights was a proposal to raise the state's iGaming and sports betting tax rates - currently 15% and 13%, respectively - to a unified 25% rate on adjusted revenues. If enacted, the move could generate an estimated $402.4 million in additional revenue for the 2026 fiscal year. However, according to a source with direct knowledge of discussions in both the Senate and Assembly, support for such a sharp increase is lacking. There's almost no appetite to go all the way to 25%, but there is enough interest where some form of increase - at least in iGaming - is likely, the source stated. Primary election results may shape tax outcomes Recent primary elections in New Jersey are expected to influence the direction budget negotiations will take. Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill emerged victorious from a crowded primary field, while Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a seasoned candidate and former Assemblyman, won the GOP nomination. Had Sherrill lost, sources suggest the probability of a Republican governor in the next election cycle could have exceeded 50%, which would have likely resulted in shelving any tax increases on the gaming sector. With Sherrill's victory, however, Democratic momentum remains strong, and lawmakers are more inclined to consider moderate tax adjustments. The industry source outlined two likely outcomes currently being discussed: increasing both sports betting and iGaming tax rates to 18%, or leaving the sports betting rate untouched while bumping iGaming up to 20%. Governor Murphy has stated he will defer to the will of both chambers on the final rate decisions. New Jersey among several states eyeing tax adjustments in 2025 New Jersey is not alone in its effort to rework gaming tax structures in 2025. Several other states have made similar moves this year, though none have enacted increases as steep as the 25% proposed in the Garden State. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore signed legislation raising the sports betting tax rate from 15% to 20%. The final number came after Moore initially proposed a 32% rate, but compromise prevailed in the legislature. The tax hike contributes to Maryland's $67.3 billion budget, which also includes $2.3 billion in spending cuts and over $1 billion in new revenue. Louisiana also passed legislation to raise its online sports betting tax rate. The original proposal by Representative Neil Riser aimed for a 31% rate, but after pushback from operators, lawmakers settled on 21.5%. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. Meanwhile, Illinois has taken a different approach, opting to implement a per-bet fee rather than adjusting percentage-based taxes. The state will now charge a $0.25 fee on the first 20 million online bets per operator annually, increasing to $0.50 per bet thereafter. The fee is expected to generate $36 million annually but could lead to effective tax rates of up to 60% for high-volume operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. This new structure is layered on top of a progressive tax model enacted last year, which already requires rates between 20% and 40% depending on revenue. With just weeks remaining before the budget deadline, the future of New Jersey's gaming tax rates remains in the balance. While the full 25% hike appears unlikely, operators are still bracing for some level of increase. The final outcome will depend on behind-the-scenes negotiations among lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and Governor Murphy's administration.