All news

Legendary gambler and high-roller Archie Karas, whom we just wrote about in our blog, has died at the age of 73, apparently from natural causes; he was in poor health. Karas lived a long and colorful life, running away from Greece as a teenager and finding his way to the United States, starting out by playing pool and poker and honing his skill - until he became widely popular for his winning streak in Vegas called 'The Run.'

Archie Karas, the audacious gambler whose name is synonymous with one of the most remarkable winning streaks in the history of Las Vegas, has passed away at the age of 73. Known in the gambling world as "The Greek," Karas is believed to have been in declining health for some time before his death.

Karas, born Anargyros Karabourniotis on the island of Kefalonia, Greece in 1950, lived a life as daring and unpredictable as the gambling tables he frequented. His journey to fame was as much a tale of resilience as it was of fortune, and his legendary winning streak, known as 'The Run' secured his place in Las Vegas folklore.

Humble beginnings

Karas' early life was marked by hardship. After a difficult relationship with his father, Karas ran away from home as a teenager and found work on a ship as a waiter. His voyage eventually brought him to the United States, where he settled in Los Angeles.

While working in a Greek restaurant, Karas discovered a pool hall next door and, over time, realized his natural talent for it. His knack for pool quickly transitioned to poker, and he began making a name for himself in Los Angeles' booming poker scene.

By the early 90s, Karas had accumulated $2 million from poker winnings. However, the highs of gambling can be fleeting. By the time he arrived in Las Vegas in 1993, Karas had lost his entire fortune, reportedly down to just $50.

The start of "The Run"

With little more than a few dollars and an iron will, Karas began building his fortune once again. A small winning streak at the poker tables led to a $10,000 loan from a friend. Armed with this, he turned $10,000 into $30,000 playing Razz, a variation of poker, and promptly repaid his friend.

What followed was the start of a fabled series of wins. Karas ventured into the pool hall, where he reportedly played an unnamed "wealthy pool and poker player." It's been rumored that his opponent was Bobby Baldwin, the 1978 World Series of Poker champion and an important casino executive. Over two months, Karas defeated this player for $1.2 million in pool, followed by another $3 million in poker.

Word quickly spread of Karas' streak, attracting the attention of high-stakes poker legends. Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, and Chip Reese, along with other poker greats, lined up to take on Karas. Despite their skill, most of them left the table defeated. The only player to secure a win during 'The Run' was Johnny Chan, and he managed to walk away with $900,000. But Karas' fortunes were soaring - by then, he had accumulated $17 million.

The peak - and the fall

When the poker dried up, Karas turned his attention to pit games. At Binion's Horseshoe, he played craps with $100,000 per roll, and his fortune climbed to an astonishing $40 million. At his peak, Karas had wiped out the casino's highest denomination chips.

But in the world of gambling, even the hottest streaks eventually cool. Within three weeks, Karas lost $30 million. After a short break in Greece, he returned to Las Vegas only to lose the remaining $10 million. His spectacular rise and equally dramatic fall became the stuff of legend, often cited in books and documentaries on gambling history.

A tarnished legacy

While 'The Run' cemented Karas' fame, his reputation later became tainted. In 2015, the Nevada Gaming Commission voted to place Karas in its notorious Black Book, barring him from entering any Nevada casinos. The commission cited numerous infractions, including cheating at blackjack tables, dating back to 1988.

Though the ruling clouded his reputation as a gambler, Karas remained unapologetic about his approach to life. In a 1995 interview with Cigar Aficionado, he reflected on his relationship with money, stating, "Money means nothing to me, I don't value it. I've had all the material things I could ever want... The things I want, money can't buy: health, freedom, love, happiness."

Archie Karas allegedly passed away broke, but his legacy as one of Las Vegas' most daring and memorable gamblers remains intact. Despite his later controversies, 'The Run' is remembered as an unparalleled feat of courage and fortune in the high-stakes world of gambling.

Caesars Palace in Michigan has just reported on X that Cleopatra, the popular progressive slot game in its online casino, has now reached more than $500K. Just two months ago, Caesars Palace had another slot game that grew to over $500K, the widely popular Siberian Storm. Caesars Palace offers a newer and brighter selection of branded slots to players in Michigan.

Well-known online casino operator Caesars Palace has made headlines with its latest announcement that the progressive jackpot for the branded slot game, Caesars Cleopatra, has surged to an impressive $560,000. The news, shared on the operator's official X (formerly Twitter) page, demonstrates the game's growing popularity in the Wolverine State and its status as an exclusive take on a classic IGT slot game.

The Cleopatra slot is just one of several high-stakes offerings available at the Michigan online casino, where six-figure prizes are becoming a notable feature. This recent milestone follows an earlier announcement made by Caesars in June, when the progressive jackpot for another favorite, Siberian Storm, grew to half a million, amounting to $509,000.

A new version of the classic slot game from IGT

Caesars Cleopatra is a customized and modernized version of IGT's legendary Cleopatra slot, which has long been a staple for online slot enthusiasts. Launched in the summer of 2023, Caesars Cleopatra has been designed to cater specifically to the Caesars Michigan iGaming market. While the gameplay mechanics and basic features remain true to the original Cleopatra game, the new version comes with significant visual upgrades.

One of the key distinctions in Caesars Cleopatra is the iconic Caesars Palace venue from Las Vegas, which serves as the backdrop for the game. The Cleopatra symbol itself has been reimagined as the Caesars Cleopatra symbol, bringing a branded twist to the traditional slot experience. However, most of the other game symbols remain unchanged, providing players with a familiar yet refreshing gaming environment.

The game features 20 paylines along with a 5x3 grid, offering players the chance to win big with a return to player rate of 95.02% and medium volatility. Betting starts as low as $0.20 and can go as high as $200, making the game accessible to both casual gamers and high-rollers. Additionally, the popular free spins feature remains intact, with a 3x multiplier that can further boost winnings.

When Caesars Cleopatra first launched, Matt Sunderland, Senior Vice President of Caesars Digital, expressed his excitement about the new offering. He stated that the game combines familiar gameplay and graphics with a new visual style and bonus features to offer a compelling experience. His statement truly signifies the appeal of the game - a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation for Michigan's online casino market.

Branded games give Caesars Palace a competitive edge in Michigan

The release of Caesars Cleopatra was part of a broader strategy by Caesars Palace to boost its presence in the Michigan iGaming industry. Its launch in August of 2023 was timed to coincide with the rollout of Caesars Palace's standalone app exclusively for casino games, further differentiating it from the Caesars Sportsbook and Casino app, which continues to operate in Michigan but focuses on both sports betting and online casino games.

In the 11 months since its launch, Caesars Palace online casino has carved out a respectable portion of Michigan's iGaming market, securing nearly 5% of the total market share. This places the operator in the top five online casinos in the state in terms of revenue. However, it still trails behind major industry players such as FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, which collectively dominate over 70% of the share of the market.

Despite the gap between Caesars Palace and its larger competitors, the brand is making strategic moves to expand its footprint. Branded slots like Caesars Cleopatra have become a cornerstone of Caesars' strategy, offering exclusive content that helps the operator stand out in a crowded market. In addition, progressive jackpots and attractive bonus offers, such as no-deposit bonuses, are key incentives that draw players to the platform.

The operator has also been proactive in expanding its game portfolio, regularly adding new titles and forming partnerships with leading developers in the iGaming industry. This approach ensures a steady flow of fresh content, which appeals to both long-time players and newcomers to the online casino scene.

With the Caesars Cleopatra jackpot now standing at $560,000, the game has attracted substantial attention, and more players are flocking to Caesars Palace in hopes of landing life-changing payouts. As the competition in Michigan's iGaming market increases, Caesars Palace's dedication to exclusive content and player-focused offerings may prove to be the key to its continued success in the Wolverine State.

Week 5 of the NFL is coming in hot with just a few more days to wait out the rest of the competition. Gear up for some intense action on the big stage as football comes your way! Find out which teams have the best chances of winning and which should ones should you bet on to come up with handsome winnings at the end of the day!

The season is getting more intense as we open up the first week of October, and this just means that you should expect massive clashes and fiery showdowns that will bring you to the edge of your seat! With Week 5 coming up, make sure you don’t miss a chance to place your wagers on the winning teams!

Breeze through the top picks for the week as you try to make the best out of your bets! Make sure to consult the GambleSpot Odds and Parlay Calculator to see the potential winning chances that you’ll get if you pull off the best wagers today!

Parlay Tip: Chiefs, Commanders, and Buccaneers to Win Outright Games

The Kansas City Chiefs are going in as a favorite to win in their game against the New Orleans Saints. The defending champions have not lost a single game in the season yet, which just says a lot about their winning chances as they take on the 2-2 Saints, which has not seen some good strides in their season so far.

The same can be said for the Washington Commanders, who currently stand at 3-1 in the season after their whopping 42-14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. The team has enjoyed strings of success since their 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and are currently riding a three-game winning streak, which is just second to the pace that the Chiefs are in right now so far.

When healthy, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not be underestimated at this point in time. The team has been seen with impressive strides with the way Baker Mayfield has found his massive chemistry with Bucky Irving and Mike Evans, which has certainly helped them improve at a high level so far, recently beating the Philadelphia Eagles in a 33-16 win at Week 4.

These three teams are all favorites to win in their respective games, which should definitely spice up your bets and help you score impressive bets if you get lucky. GambleSpot’s parlay tip of the day encourages you to strike a parlay bet that will see the Chiefs, Commanders, and the Bucs to win in their games.

Over/Under Pick: Jayden Daniels to Complete 20 and More Passes

If you want to spice up your sports betting run for a bit, it is worth placing a bet on Jayden Daniels to complete more than 20 of his passes in the coming clash against the Cleveland Browns. The Commanders rookie QB has been phenomenal in his games this season so far, starting out 17-24 in his debut game – and then completing 23, 21, and 26 passes in his last three games – all leading to wins.

Aside from the fact that the Commanders win the game whenever Daniels makes 20 or more passes, it does seem that the rookie QB is making a massive leap in his games, making him a much more promising player to look out for – and a reliable pick in your bets as well.

When it mattered most, the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves managed to step up big-time in their games, punching a ticket to the next stage of the MLB season – the playoffs. Now both teams get a chance to compete at the highest level with the hopes of entrenching themselves in the Wild Card series.

All American League teams were settled before Sunday, but the National League had to host two games between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves as they needed late-game heroics to settle the series and finally secure their respective playoff spots. The Braves end up as the no. 5 seed and will now battle the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, while the Mets will take on the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Mets took Game 1 in a dramatic finish with a late rally in the eighth and ninth inning to secure an 8-7 victory. The Braves would then bounce back and secure a win against a confident Mets team who already had nothing to lose in the season, allowing Atlanta to steal a 3-0 win to secure their own playoff spot.

A Dramatic Finish to the Season

For the whole season, the first game has been quite the story for the New York Mets as it led to a defining finish that needed a heroic play from Francisco Lindor to come up with a game-saving hit to score a two-run homer that snatched the victory against the Braves. The captain pulled off one of the best performances of his career, and it cannot be denied that he was the game-changer for that moment.

That winner by Lindor turned what could have been one of the most disappointing Mets losses into a promising victory, but that was just the half of a series – as the Braves would then go on to bounce back on their own to secure a much-needed victory to preserve their postseason chances after that loss to the Mets.

This season would have ended up as a disappointing finish for the Braves had it not been for the dominant performance in the second string of the doubleheader against the Mets. Atlanta went on to secure a 3-0 victory that would lead them to the playoff stage thanks to Grant Holmes’ sudden step up as he delivered four-plus scoreless innings.

“I had enough time to sit down, use the bathroom, and then come back and get ready to pitch,” Holmes said, who was notified that he was starting in place of Chris Sale just about 30 minutes before the game but managed to deliver impressive results.

Preventing a Third Party

Had it been a dominant win on both games for either the Mets or the Braves, a third team would have clinched a playoff berth. Instead, the Arizona Diamondbacks are now headed to an early summer after falling just a little bit short of the playoff spot as the series ended up in a split between the Mets and Braves.

Arizona did secure a needed win over the San Diego Padres – who did not play its main players in the game to rest them up ahead of the playoffs. However, they needed two wins from either the Mets or the Braves as their season record placed them in a three-way tie that could have easily led them to the postseason.

But with the win for both clubs, the Mets and Braves upset the Diamondbacks with an early offseason exit instead, while they get the chance to play at the highest level to begin the postseason rally.

While there were undoubtedly plenty of tourists that visited Las Vegas in August, these visitors didn't necessarily grace the casino floors. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, gross gaming revenue on the Strip for August fell by 3.5% from the same month last year, even though visitor numbers increased by 2.4% this year.

Las Vegas continues to draw large crowds, welcoming almost 3.4 million visitors in August of 2024, a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year. However, despite the rise in visitation, casinos on the Strip and across Clark County reported a decline in gross gaming revenue largely due to a challenging calendar and unfavorable house win rates.

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Las Vegas Strip casinos generated GGR of just under $643.7 million in August, representing a 3.5% year-over-year decline. Downtown Las Vegas casinos experienced a more substantial drop, with GGR sliding by almost 9% to only $58.3 million. The Boulder Strip faced the steepest fall, with GGR tumbling by around 22% to only $64.8 million. Collectively, Clark County saw a 4.4% decline in casino revenue, bringing in $980.9 million for the month.

Timing and calendar effects contribute to decline

Michael Lawton, a senior economic analyst for the NGCB, attributed some of the downturn to how the calendar fell in August. "A lot of the volatility you are seeing downtown and on the Boulder Strip is the result of the month of August ending on a Saturday," Lawton explained. This scheduling quirk meant that slot collections from the last weekend of the month fell into September, which will be reflected in the Board's next filing. Despite the drop in reported revenue, Lawton suggested that some of the losses may balance out in future reports.

The challenges of the August calendar compounded the fact that statewide GGR had already posted a year-over-year decline in July, making this the second consecutive month of lower gaming revenue compared to 2023.

Baccarat and betting losses weigh heavily

One of the primary drivers of the revenue decline was a sharp drop in baccarat winnings. The game, popular among Asian high-stakes players, saw a dramatic 34% reduction in GGR on the Strip, bringing in $75.7 million for the month. Lawton noted that without the game of baccarat, the Strip's GGR would have actually increased by 2.8% year-over-year.

Adding to the challenge, Strip oddsmakers also struggled in August, generating only $7.4 million in revenue with a hold rate of merely 3.7%, well below expectations. This poor performance mirrored similar trends in other parts of Nevada, such as Reno and Washoe County, where GGR fell by 3.8% statewide to $1.16 billion.

Despite these headwinds, August's gaming revenue declines were not as severe as some analysts had predicted. Deutsche Bank had forecast a year-over-year decline of 4.8%, which was slightly worse than the actual numbers reported.

Smaller markets show growth while leisure travel boosts visitor numbers

While major gaming markets like Las Vegas and Reno saw declines, several smaller Nevada counties posted gains in August. Carson Valley, for example, reported a 9% increase in GGR to $12.3 million. Other areas also saw notable growth, including Churchill County, which reported revenues of $2.4 million (up by 24%), and Nye County, where revenue climbed 4% to over $5.6 million. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County posted a modest gain of 1.3% to $26.7 million.

The rise in visitor numbers was driven primarily by leisure travelers, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Public visitation helped push the overall visitor count up by over 2%, despite a slight drop in convention attendance, which fell by more than 1% to just 638,300 attendees.

The influx of tourists also contributed to higher hotel occupancy rates in Clark County. The overall occupancy rate climbed 0.9 points to as much as 81.2%, with weekend occupancy reaching 90.2%. Weekday occupancy, which relies more heavily on business travelers, dipped slightly to 76.9%. On the Strip, hotel rooms were nearly 85% full for the month, with an average nightly rate of $186.

Airport traffic reflects growth

Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas' primary air hub, continued to see strong passenger traffic in August, with over 4.8 million passengers. This marked a 5% increase from the previous year. Year to date through August, the airport has handled over 38.7 million passengers, a nearly 3% increase from 2023, which was a record year for the airport.

Southwest Airlines continues to dominate the Las Vegas market, accounting for 14.5 million passengers in 2024's first eight months.

Despite the declines in gaming revenue, Las Vegas remains a bustling destination, buoyed by strong tourism numbers and a recovering leisure travel sector. However, with volatile gaming results and challenges in the casino industry, the city's financial outlook remains mixed.

BetRivers has geared up, revealing more slot titles for Michigan online casino players. It has just revved up its slot offerings to 13 new slot titles from various software developers, including The Wild Life Extreme from IGT, Piggy Blitz from Play n Go, Slingo's Cosmic Clusters from AlchemyBet, and Jumpin Jalapenos Quick Strike from Konami, among many others.

The online casino market in Michigan is witnessing rapid growth, with 15 operators vying for dominance in the ever-bustling sector. According to projections by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the state's online casino revenue is set to reach an impressive $2 billion by the end of 2024. As the December numbers are expected to be published later this month, all eyes are on the final figures, which could further attest to the state's booming online gambling industry.

Since legal online gambling was launched in Michigan in 2021, the market has continued to expand with operators introducing new games and features to attract and retain players. One of the major players in Michigan's online casino landscape is BetRivers, a brand that has consistently adapted to the competitive environment by enhancing its offerings.

BetRivers introduces 13 new slot titles

This week, BetRivers is making a noteworthy move by releasing 13 new slot titles on its online casino app and website. The additions will include a diverse range of games from well-known developers in the iGaming industry. The exciting new titles include:

• 12 Super Hot Diamonds Extreme! (Pariplay)
• Slingo's Cosmic Clusters (AlchemyBet)
• Brazil (Anaxi)
• Rome Fight For Gold (DGC)
• The Wild Life Extreme (IGT)
• Arctic Sky (H5G)
• Thriller Gorilla Cashpots Jackpot Royale (Whitehat)
• Pyramid Linx (Playtech)
• Yahtzee Instant Tap (LnW)
• Piggy Blitz (Play n Go)
• Jumpin Jalapenos Quick Strike (Konami)
• Professor Big Win (Spingames)

These new releases are designed to capture the attention of both seasoned players and newcomers. As it continually updates its slot and table game offerings, BetRivers is solidifying itself as a leader in Michigan iGaming. With the addition of these new titles, BetRivers now boasts over 1,500 slot and table games in its catalog, offering one of the most comprehensive gaming selections in the state.

A growing portfolio of games

BetRivers has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing fresh content for its players. The operator typically releases between 10 to 12 new online casino games in Michigan each week, ensuring that its offerings stay current and engaging for players. As part of its strategy to maintain a competitive edge, BetRivers has partnered with top-tier game developers like IGT, Konami, Playtech, and Pariplay, among others.

The constant release of new titles is a key element of BetRivers' success in Michigan. By offering a wider variety of games, including slots, table games, and progressive jackpots, the company can cater to a broader range of players with different gaming preferences. Additionally, the inclusion of unique slot titles like Thriller Gorilla and Jumpin Jalapenos is intended to capture the attention of players looking for fun, themed games with plenty of bonus features and jackpot opportunities.

BetRivers' stronger presence in Michigan's online casino market

BetRivers was one of the first online casino operators to go live in MI when the state legalized online gambling in 2021. Since then, the company has gained a strong foothold in the market by providing a reliable and high-quality gaming experience. One of the key factors contributing to BetRivers' success is its user-friendly mobile app, which allows players to enjoy seamless gameplay from their smartphones or tablets.

G2 Esports takes center stage as they pulled off a promising victory over Natus Vincere in the final of the BLAST Premier Fall Finals, 3-1. The team now enters the next tournament at hand, the IEM Rio 2024, with a much better pace in their games thanks to this impressive victory.

After coming up with a poor stretch in the IEM Cologne and in the ESL Pro League Season 20, it seems that G2 Esports is finally back on track on the winning path after the German squad scored an impressive victory in the BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024. The team also managed to avenge its loss in the recent Esports World Cup, where they were defeated by NAVI as well.

G2 now takes on the next phase of the CS2 calendar as they seek to keep a winning pace all the way to the final tournaments of the campaign. This win at the BLAST Premier Fall Final proved to be a statement as they hope to rain down impressive performances on the final stretch.

G2’s Dominance 

G2 lost only a single game in the Group Stages and had to settle for a lower-bracket run in the playoffs. They did manage to beat FaZe Clan at 2-1 in the opening matches of the group stages, before bowing down in an 0-2 loss to NAVI. G2 would then go on to take on Team Spirit and score a 2-0 sweep in the quarterfinals to begin their playoff campaign.

The team’s winning pace did not stop there, as they managed to beat Team Vitality, who emerged as a favorite to win after knocking out Astralis and Team Liquid in the earlier stages of the competition. G2 scored a tight 2-1 victory in that semis clash, coming back from a 0-1 deficit and winning the last two maps.

G2 would then go on to settle a best-of-three showdown with their rivals in NAVI at the Grand Final. G2 took the lead at 2-0 after winning Ancient and Dust II on back-to-back runs. However, NAVI would respond and take a 13-11 win at Mirage, cutting the deficit to 2-1 by the end of the third map. However, G2 did not want to extend the final any longer, winning Nuke at 13-7 to close out the competiton for good.

A Contender Reborn

G2 instantly earns its qualification to the BLAST Premier World Final, which will take place this October 30th in Singapore as they seek to claim a lion’s share of the $1,000,000 prize pool. For this win, however, G2 takes home the 1st-place prize of $200,000 and ends up securing a promising slot to the next BLAST tournament at hand.

NiKo’s elite performances for G2 has significantly increased their chances further this season, and it is believed that his confidence continues to grow at this point with the team seeking to complete the year with a bang.

"It feels amazing. It's been a very very tough event, we beat the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the world, and No. 3 or 4, I don't know what Spirit is right now,” said NiKo. “But, I'm super happy with how we played, and how composed we were after losing Mirage as well. The feeling is amazing, we're still a young team and we already managed to lift a trophy and have a couple of deep runs. I'm super happy."

If you are one of the Knicks fans who are waiting for the “Nova Knicks” to show up with their games in the season, then you would be utterly disappointed to know that they won’t be playing any games together for the coming season after the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a trade – that no one even expected at this point in time.

At this point, it did come as a massive surprise considering the fact that the Knicks didn’t really need to make some changes in their squad as well. The Knicks sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo along with a protected first-round pick to the Timberwolves, with the latter team sending their star big man Karl-Anthony Towns.

This comes as a shock considering how well both teams are doing well with their respective star players. The Knicks missed Randle’s paint dominance in the postseason due to injury, while Towns just played a huge role in dismantling the 2023 NBA Champions and bringing the Wolves to its first-ever Western Conference Finals berth in a long time.

KAT on the Big Apple

Karl-Anthony Towns clearly did not expect to be traded at this point in time – where the season is nearly underway with just a few weeks left. Towns is entering his 10th season with Minnesota and has sacrificed his lead role for Anthony Edwards. He even remained unbothered by the addition of Rudy Gobert two years ago.

A four-time All-Star and a promising big man, it does seem that Towns is now on the move and will be focusing on helping the Knicks build their best chances of winning. He was even pleased with the breakthrough that Minnesota had last season and was looking forward to bigger runs with the team before the trade.

“We showed our merit last season,” Towns said. “We showed our growth, and I think more importantly we showed maturity. We found a way to show we belonged. I’m just so proud of what we were able to do last year. We’re not going to be surprising anyone. I think we’ve shown that we’re a team that you definitely have to take into consideration. When you see us on the calendar, you’ve got to bring your best.”

Towns will get the chance to play the Wolves on December 19th, where the Wolves will host the Knicks. The center just posted an ellipsis on his social media platform as his main reaction to the trade.

Randle and DiVincenzo on the Twin Cities

Randle arrives as a two-way player for the Wolves but significantly decreases the floor spacing that they had with Towns. However, the addition of Donte DiVincenzo to the squad is clearly looking like a fair win to consider with the way Minnesota relies on wing players to boost their on-ball action and movement. This further stresses the fact that the Wolves are in a dire need of breaking salaries for the future.

The recent max contract signing for Edwards and the addition of Rudy Gobert amidst other expensive commitments just shows how they needed to ship Towns in order to get away from the second apron of the luxury tax that will be soon coming under stiff restrictions with the new collective bargaining agreement taking place.

This trade was a massive buzz among fans, and it cannot be denied that it was a shocking move from both teams considering how well they performed in the previous playoff run.

The NJDGE has just released a report detailing the state's record-breaking revenue for August, at $198.4 million. This breaks the previous record in March of $197.2 million. The online casino revenue for the state has been climbing steadily from the start of this year, edging ever closer to the $200 million mark.

New Jersey's online casino market continues to grow, setting yet another state record for revenue in August. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that online casinos in the state produced $198.4 million, edging past the previous record of $197.2 million set in March. This significant milestone brings the state closer to a highly anticipated achievement - reaching $200 million in monthly online casino revenue, a feat accomplished only by Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Revenue surge continues

New Jersey's online casinos have been enjoying robust revenue gains throughout 2024, marking consistent increases in the past two months. In July, for example, despite a slow beginning to the summer season, online casinos generated $195.4 million, and by August, that figure jumped to $198.4 million, representing a 1.5% increase over the previous month. This growth also marks a notable 27.8% year-over-year rise compared to August of 2023, demonstrating the steady expansion of the state's online gaming industry.

Over the past seven months, online casinos in New Jersey have achieved revenue of $190 million (even more) in four separate months, showcasing a strong upward trajectory. With just $1.6 million short of $200 million in August, the state is well-poised to potentially break that barrier soon.

Consistent growth since January

New Jersey's online casino revenue growth has been remarkable in 2024, with substantial earnings every month. Here's a breakdown of the monthly online casino revenues for the year:

In January, online casino revenue reached $183.3 million. In February, the sector produced $182.3 million in revenue. March was the biggest revenue earner thus far at $197.2 million (the previous record), followed by a slight dip in April at $187.9 million. But in May, the industry started to climb back up again with $192.1 million in revenue, and in June, it reached $186.8 million. July saw a robust growth of $195.4 million, and August was the showstopper at $198.4 million (a new record).

With such consistent growth, online casinos in the state are edging closer to achieving a $200 million month, a significant achievement that would place New Jersey alongside Pennsylvania and Michigan as one of only three US states to hit that mark.

Top performers lead the way

As expected, the biggest names in the online gambling industry continue to dominate New Jersey's market. Topping the list for August is DraftKings, which raked in $43.2 million in revenue. Hot on its heels is FanDuel, with $41.3 million, followed by BetMGM with $22.16 million, and Borgata at $20.3 million.

These four operators consistently lead the pack, reflecting the strong brand recognition and loyal customer base they've built in the highly competitive NJ online gambling landscape. Together, they account for a significant portion of New Jersey's online gaming revenues, but they're far from the only players in the market.

Diverse lineup of operators

In total, there are 28 online casinos in New Jersey contributing to the state’s record-setting revenue in August. Among them were Betway, Jackpot City, and Wheel of Fortune, though these platforms posted more modest revenues, with each earning $778,163 or less. Despite their smaller contributions, the presence of such diverse operators highlights the competitiveness of the market.

A noteworthy newcomer to the state's online gambling scene is Fanatics. Having only launched its online casino operations in May, Fanatics has already made impressive headway in revenue growth. In its first month, the operator generated $963,543, and by August, its revenue had surged to about $2.6 million. This rapid increase showcases the potential for new entrants in New Jersey's online casino sector, especially those with well-established brands in other areas, like sports apparel and merchandise.

PokerStars in Michigan has revamped its live casino games with a timely partnership with Evolution Gaming, and it has just released 12 improved games in its arsenal, including craps, blackjack, poker, and roulette. Aside from this, a new team of pro dealers will host the new live dealer tables, bringing a fresh perspective to the whole live casino experience.

In a bid to elevate its live casino offerings, PokerStars has partnered with Evolution Gaming to launch an immersive gaming experience for its users in Michigan. This collaboration introduces 12 new live dealer games, expanding the existing live casino catalog on the platform. The new games include popular classics like blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette, providing players with a thrilling and authentic live casino experience.

Fostering a premier live casino environment

The new additions to PokerStars' live casino section focus on enhancing the overall player experience. One key addition is the integration of PokerStars' branding, with the company's logo featured prominently on each of the new tables. However, the improvements go beyond mere branding, aiming to create a more authentic and engaging atmosphere.

The new live dealer games will also retain the familiar payout odds and rules, ensuring that seasoned players feel at home. However, the introduction of a new lineup of professional croupiers is one of the standout features. These highly trained dealers are tasked with hosting the games and creating a vibrant and entertaining environment. Their professional demeanor and charm contribute significantly to the immersive experience, bringing a new level of interaction to the platform. Players will also have the opportunity to communicate directly with the dealers via a live chat feature.

Flexible betting ranges for all players

PokerStars has also made its live casino games accessible to players with varying budgets, offering flexible betting ranges across the new titles. For instance, blackjack, one of the most popular live dealer games, accommodates bets starting from $5 and can go up to $15,000. Meanwhile, roulette tables allow bets from as low as $0.50 to as much as $10,000, ensuring that both casual players and high rollers can find a table that suits their preferences.

To enhance the gaming experience further, the games are streamed in high-definition video resolution, paired with a sophisticated and user-friendly betting interface. These features ensure a seamless experience for all participants. The new games are also expected to be included in future promotions tailored specifically for PokerStars Michigan users.

PokerStars' growth in Michigan's iGaming market

PokerStars has been a prominent name in the Michigan iGaming market since its entry in 2021. As one of the 15 online casinos operating under the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the brand has consistently maintained a strong position within the competitive landscape. Its success in Michigan has been boosted by its extensive selection of games, including more than 300 slot titles and now more than 30 live dealer games, thanks to the latest collaboration with Evolution Gaming.

In addition to its live casino offerings, PokerStars also operates a shared poker player pool with its New Jersey platform, allowing Michigan players to participate in a larger poker community. This feature has proven particularly popular among poker enthusiasts, contributing to the platform's steady player traffic. The brand's reputation for offering competitive bonuses, including a no-deposit bonus for new players in Michigan, cements its standing even further as a top choice for online gaming in the state.

Despite its competition, PokerStars has demonstrated impressive growth, with a 32% increase in player traffic reported in 2023. According to the MGCB, the platform generated $2.9 million in revenue for April, a slight dip from the $3 million recorded in March. However, the brand remains optimistic about its future trajectory, especially with the enhanced live casino offerings now available to its Michigan user base.

At the age of 23, Jannik Sinner’s 2024 ATP Tour run seems to be quite the season to remember for such a young star. However, the Italian star believes that he still has some things to work out and improve on as the calendar closes in on the final tournaments of the year as he seeks to continue his dominance in the game.

Winning six tour-level titles, and two Major trophies in the Australian Open and the US Open in this season alone, it is hard to argue that Sinner has indeed made waves in his 2024 campaign as he rushed to the top of the ATP Rankings, holding the world no. 1 spot as of the time of writing.

However, despite all those successes and impressive strides, it does seem, that Sinner still notes a lot of things that he still needs to work on and improve in his game. That seems to be a goal that will affect not only his coming run in the Shanghai Masters and the final two tournaments of the year but also the next Tour as he seeks to build a strong pace and keep hold of the top spot for as long as he can.

Remarkable 2024 Campaign

Jannik Sinner’s strides has become quite the standard in the ATP Tour this season. His impressive campaign has shown that the Big Three era of the league is finally coming to an end, and with Novak Djokovic falling into the top five, it does seem fitting that a young star would take the helm of the ATP Tour rankings now more than ever.

A persistent hip injury hampered Sinner’s campaign, but he managed to break through the struggles and later on scored a win at the Cincinnati Open – beating two top-10 stars in Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev. He would later go on to dominate in the US Open – capping off an impressive victory in the final major of the season. Sinner defeated 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in the semis and routed American no. 1 Taylor Fritz for the title.

So far, Sinner leads the ATP Live Race to Turin by a total of 4,305 points over Alexander Zverev, who sits in second place. The Italian star seeks to claim his first year-end World no. 1 spot for the first time in his career, and he is definitely closing in fast on that feat.

A Note for Improvement

Sinner did not play well in all of the games he played this season, but it cannot be denied that in spite of his impressive performances, there is still indeed a need for him to improve in his games this season and beyond. Most of these improvement concerns his health, which played a pivotal role in keeping him off form for some of the biggest tournaments, such as the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I have to improve a couple of things, which already me and my coach in the US Open swing needed to improve,” Sinner said. “We worked on that and also the physical shape. We tried to improve.”

So far, his service game has been the best aspect of his tennis run this year. Sinner won at least 87.5% of his service games in the US Open alone, but his backhand, return game, and volleys are expected to be on the focus of his things to work out on in the coming months, and fans can definitely expect to see more from Sinner as he seeks to deliver a promising campaign now more than ever.