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June 26, 2024 – The poker room at Caesars Palace will be closed for several months. The poker room at Caesars is the temporary high-limit area that they are required to accommodate while the high-limit slot parlor undergoes a substantial renovation so as not to interfere with business.

As part of a refurbishment project, the resort is anticipated to close the 18-table room around July 17. The high-limit slot section of the casino will be renovated, and its current location will be temporarily moved to the slot area. It's unclear when the poker room will reopen following the makeover, which is anticipated to take two to three months.

“Caesars is looking to find a temporary home for the poker room during the high-limit remodeling process, but a space hasn’t yet been chosen, and there’s no guarantee at this point that the casino will find a spot.” A representative from Caesars said.

Employees at the site are worried that they might lose their jobs, however, management will provide information to staff once the plans are finalized. Since the outbreak, a number of other poker rooms have closed, including Binion's, Treasure Island, Tropicana, and the Mirage.

About Caesars Palace

One of the most prestigious casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace is owned by Caesars Entertainments, the same company that also owns the World Series of Poker and the Horseshoe and Paris locations for the yearly event. In addition, the firm has a large number of additional properties across the nation and in Las Vegas.

June 26, 2024 – Since no one was able to win the top prize on Saturday, the Powerball jackpot has increased to $84 million for the drawing on Monday.

Based on lottery calculations, the winner of Monday's jackpot might get a $40.4 million lump sum payout after taxes.

Just past 11 p.m., the winning numbers were selected. ET on Monday; the outcomes are shown below. The Powerball drawing on Monday night yielded the following winning numbers: 5, 6, 36, 53, 69 Powerball: 8 and the Power Play: 2x

Playing the Powerball

You can buy a $2 Powerball ticket at your neighborhood convenience shop, gas station, or grocery store. In certain jurisdictions, you can even buy tickets online.

You must mark your ticket with a total of six digits in order to play. There will be five white balls representing the numbers 1 through 69. The Powerball has one number, between 1 and 26, and is red.

You can add a $1 "Power Play" to boost your chances of winning, which increases the payouts for all non-jackpot prizes. Winnings can be multiplied by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X with this addition.

A "Quick Pick" is another option available to players, in which case a cashier prints a Powerball ticket with computer-generated numbers on it.

Powerball draws occur thrice a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings at 10:59 pm. If no one wins the jackpot, the monetary award will rise by millions.

No one can deny the fact that Desmond King’s faith in the Houston Texans this season has been quite the promise that many fans would expect from a veteran who has been on the prowl so far. When he joined Houston four years ago, it was far from a contender team that had what it takes to deliver a run towards the big stage of the NFL.

Well, it does seem that the times have changed, and King is now more eager to take on the challenge after some promising strides they have seen in the 2023 campaign, and it does seem that the Texans are even one of the heavy favorites to look out for after what seems to be a promising offseason where they have made some good signings as well.

At this point, it is easy to be impressed the way King is for the Texans. A team that has been criticized heavily for not being able to come up with massive runs in the NFL has now enjoyed some good strides in the past few years with some good notions in their games so far, which says a lot about how well they have improved in just a short span of time.

King’s Renewed Confidence with Houston

It cannot be denied that patience has paid off for King. He came into Houston as a veteran when the Steelers didn’t want him back, and he initially provided his best guidance and veteran leadership in the team. Still, the 2021 and 2022 seasons proved to be crucial in the team’s development, with Houston becoming quite a developing team with young players, despite enduring finishes at a lowly level.

It was not quite a good experience for players who have a lot to offer on the big stage. Going 4-13 and 3-13-1 finishes in 2021 and 2022 under the direction of two different head coaches seemed to be quite a stretch, and yet King endured before trying with the Steelers. It didn’t work out, and when he returned with the Texans, it was now the perfect time for them to jive together.

"I wouldn't say that's the only reason I'm back," King said in an interview. "I'm going on my fourth year in Houston. I've done seen the evolution of the team and the organization just being here for those first couple of years and seeing where it's at now, knowing my capability and what I can bring to the team, why not be here with Houston? We're an up-and-coming team and we're here to stay. We're just getting ready for the season and I'm here."

Setting Expectations for the Texans

The Texans finished with a 10-7 record in the previous season, which saw them come up with their first AFC South title and playoff win since 2019. It was a success in the making, and the Houston Texans have been waiting for, and you could feel the crowd roaring when they played their games considering that it was the best they have been for almost half a decade.

The addition of quarterback CJ Stroud has also proven to be a massive swing in the team’s climb to the top. That was one of the biggest reasons why King had zero doubts about returning to the Texans once more.

"Just honestly, it's all about staying focused on the goal," King said. "We know what kind of team we have. That said, you see it every day in the locker room. It's what we do when we go out there on that field. Yeah, we have the noise. We have the hype behind us, but that's not out there on that practice field when we're out there working.

It is official. The New York Knicks are reuniting Mikal Bridges with his Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo after agreeing to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks are sending Bojan Bogdanovic along with four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-rounder.

This comes as a massive shift for the Knicks, who are looking to retool its squad with the hopes of getting back to the top of the league after missing out on a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals when they lost to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. Armed with a two-way guard in Bridges, it does seem that they are on the way to bigger development this offseason.

This addresses the need for the Brooklyn Nets, who did not have a draft pick until 2026 prior to the trade. The deal gives them a total of five first-round picks, a pick swap, and a second-round pick. So far, these picks will convey starting 2025, and will be there until 2028, which is the protected pick swap.

A New Dawn for the Knicks

For those who didn’t know, Brunson, Bridges, Hart, and DiVincenzo spent three seasons at Villanova together and went on to win a total of two national championships there. The Knicks have suffered a lot of injuries during the playoffs, and adding an Iron Man player in Mikal Bridges would be a good note, especially when he has not missed a game since entering the league. Bridges played a total of 82 games last season and was averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Nets, which was his first full season since being traded from the Phoenix Suns.

The Knicks would have to come up with some changes in the squad still. OG Anunoby is coming in as a free agent this July, and with Bridges now in the squad, it does seem that there are still some unknowns whether Anunoby would be signed or not. The Knicks are slated to enter the 2024-25 season with a 25-year drought the Eastern Conference Finals, and fans are hoping to see Bridges be the spark who can help the Knicks reach that stage.

Nets Surging for Bigger Hopes

The Brooklyn Nets have also engaged in a deal after sending Bridges to New York, this time earning more picks to bring in some picks with the Houston Rockets. Houston is said to acquire the favorable first-rounders from Dallas and Phoenix after the Nets returned the 2026 first-rounder in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick from the Suns.

For the Nets, this comes as a favorable exchange as it means that they can position themselves in the coming years and structure a much more favorable rebuild. Let’s not forget the fact that the Nets are keen to make the most of the coming seasons in the hopes of finding value in their players to make some key trades in the long run.

For the Rockets, however, the goal is to bring in Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant in a future trade. While the Suns have already stated that they are not open to trading Durant, the Rockets are now armed with a luxury of picks that can possibly sway the Suns to bring in Durant in the long run.

If you have always been bothered by the hazy smoke and ashtrays in land-based casinos, PA workers feel the same way – in fact, they have banded together and sought to curb indoor smoking in casino establishments in Pennsylvania once and for all. But will they be successful?

In Pennsylvania, the longstanding association between smoking and casinos might be on the brink of change, driven by the determined efforts of casino employees advocating for a healthier work environment. Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (aptly named CEASE) recently joined forces with Representative Dan Frankel, a dedicated advocate for a smoke-free Pennsylvania, to press lawmakers to close the loophole in the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act that permits indoor smoking inside casinos in the state. The rally took place at the Capitol building in Harrisburg, underscoring the growing urgency of the issue.

Legislators are responsible for protecting workers’ health

The push for smoke-free casinos in Pennsylvania is part of a broader movement highlighting the responsibility of lawmakers to safeguard workers’ health. This movement has gained traction not just in Pennsylvania but also in neighboring states. For instance, casino workers in New Jersey recently filed a lawsuit against the health commissioner, accusing the state of failing to protect their health by allowing indoor smoking in casinos.

The question now is whether or not Pennsylvania will follow New Jersey's path. Although Pennsylvania has not yet seen a similar lawsuit, there is already a legislative effort underway to address the issue. Representative Dan Frankel has introduced a bill aimed at banning smoking inside Pennsylvania casinos. However, the bill has not made significant progress in the House, leaving the future of smoke-free casinos in the state uncertain.

Casinos’ mixed reaction to the proposed ban

The casino industry’s reaction to the push for smoke-free environments has been mixed. Major brands like Caesars Entertainment have been resistant to change, maintaining policies that allow indoor smoking. In contrast, some casinos are taking steps toward accommodating non-smokers and promoting healthier environments for their employees.

One case in point: Mohegan Pennsylvania recently opened a new smoke-free gambling lounge, signaling a positive shift. This move has been welcomed by many who see it as a step in the right direction. However, the response from other casinos has been less encouraging. For instance, the owners of Pennsylvania's Valley Forge Casino recently rejected proposals for a study geared towards implementing a non-smoking policy, demonstrating the ongoing resistance within parts of the industry.

The debate over smoking in casinos continues to generate strong opinions on both sides. Advocates for smoke-free environments argue that allowing smoking indoors poses serious health risks to employees and patrons alike. They point to numerous studies linking secondhand smoke to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular disease.

On the other hand, some casino operators argue that banning smoking could hurt their business, potentially driving away customers who prefer to smoke while gambling. They also point to the significant investments already made in ventilation systems designed to mitigate the impact of indoor smoking.

The current state and future outlook

As it stands, the only completely smoke-free casino environments in Pennsylvania are online casinos, where the absence of physical spaces naturally eliminates the issue of indoor smoking. However, the growing advocacy from groups like CEASE and supportive legislators like Representative Frankel provides hope that this could change.

The push for smoke-free casinos in Pennsylvania reflects a broader societal trend towards healthier, smoke-free environments. As awareness of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke continues to grow, the pressure on lawmakers and the casino industry is likely to increase. For now, the future clearly remains uncertain. The battle between health advocates and industry stakeholders continues, with significant implications for the well-being of casino employees and patrons. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the conversation around smoking in casinos is far from over, and the outcome could reshape the landscape of the gaming industry in Pennsylvania, for better or for worse.

If you think there are too many slot machines in New Jersey, you might be right – but apparently, BetMGM doesn’t think so. For those who are planning to visit BetMGM Casino in New Jersey anytime soon, you just might like their new offerings – the latest slot games based on hit movies and TV shows such as Cheers and Ace Ventura.

BetMGM online casino in New Jersey has just expanded its gaming repertoire with exciting new slots inspired by hit movies and television shows. Following their successful debut in the BetMGM online counterpart in Michigan, these new offerings include slots based on well-loved classics such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Cheers," thanks to a strategic partnership with Atlantic Digital.

“BetMGM is a destination for the most recognizable movie and TV shows-turned slot games,” stated Oliver Bartlett, BetMGM’s vice president of gaming product and content. He added that they have taken popular content from movies and television shows and have reimagined them specifically for iGaming, and it’s “a great way players can experience them in a different and exciting way. Our partnership with Atlantic Digital has added an element of exclusivity and entertainment to our already expansive library of games,” Bartlett added.

The brand-new and exciting Ace Ventura slot: nostalgic 90’s fun

The new Ace Ventura slot game brings a wave of nostalgia, especially for Gen X and millennial players who grew up enjoying Jim Carrey's comedic genius. In this 5-by-3 slot with 20 lines, players can join Ace Ventura in his quest to find Snowflake (the missing dolphin in the movie). The game features four jackpots, bonus spins, respins, symbols, and multiplier wilds that fans will recognize immediately, such as the Ace Ventura business card, footballs, Ray Finkle’s jerseys, Carrey's own likeness, and, of course, Snowflake.

Adding to the immersive experience, when a player spins and loses, Carrey’s iconic line, "Loser," is heard, mimicking his dramatic delivery from the movie. This playful feature is designed to delight anyone familiar with the film.

The equally evocative Cheers Slot: throwback to the 80s!

Equally captivating is the Cheers slot game, a 3-by-3 slot comprising 17 lines. It showcases beloved characters from the show, including Sam Malone and Norm Peterson, providing players with a chance to reminisce while spinning the reels. The slot game is even adorned with animations and the classic theme tunes, bringing the Cheers bar atmosphere to life.

CEO Sam Hobcraft of Atlantic Digital expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to work with these iconic brands - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Cheers, and BetMGM. We have built two unique games that really show off the brands to their fullest extent, from classic theme tunes to animations showcasing all the characters. It is a pleasure partnering with BetMGM to launch these branded games and add a new dimension to their product offering.”

A growing library of iconic slots

These latest additions to BetMGM's online casino NJ come on the heels of other popular titles, including The Godfather slot, which was also developed through their partnership with Atlantic Digital. Other TV and movie-inspired slots in their library include Charlie’s Angels and Star Trek, with promises of more to come.

Ever since NJDGE (the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement) began distributing revenue figures for different casinos in January of 2024, BetMGM has produced over $110 million, placing it third in the state, trailing only DraftKings and FanDuel.

As BetMGM continues to expand its selection of themed slot games, players are left wondering what iconic TV show or movie adaptation will come next. With the success of their current offerings and their strong partnership with Atlantic Digital, the possibilities are endlessly vast and exciting. For now, though, fans can enjoy spinning the reels with Ace Ventura, Sam Malone, and other iconic characters, experiencing their favorite shows and movies in an electrifying new way.

June 25, 2024 – With a Powerball of 21, the winning white numbers were 4, 5, 15, 32, and 62. However, the Powerball jackpot has not been claimed once more, some players have still managed to win large sums of money.

At the time of the June 22 draw, the jackpot stood at almost $73 million, with a lump cash value of $35.2 million. The winner of the jackpot was guaranteed a life-changing opportunity. Nevertheless, nobody could accurately match the red Powerball with all five white numbers, so the reward kept increasing.

The winning white numbers were 4, 5, 15, 32, and 62, with the red Powerball at 21. Two players matched all white numbers, winning $1 million each where winners hailed from Ohio and Virginia.

The Ohio ticket was sold to a Giant Eagle customer in Akron, turning a grocery trip into a $1 million win. Similarly, a Virginia customer also matched all white numbers, earning $1 million. Neither winner had Power Play active, which would have doubled their prize to $2 million.

More Powerball Prizes Awarded

Seven players won $50,000 each by correctly guessing four white numbers and the Powerball. Four additional players with Power Play activated won $100,000 each.

A total of 245 regular players and 80 Power Play players guessed four white numbers, winning $100 or $200 each. With no jackpot winner, the top prize is expected to reach $84 million.

THE DROUGHT IS FINALLY OVER.

The Florida Panthers have finally etched themselves in the annals of NHL history after a promising performance in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final – a series that should have been over a few weeks ago if the team didn’t choke a 3-0 lead to start the battle against the Edmonton Oilers. After losing three straight games, the Panthers seemed to gather their wits as they narrowly defeated the Oilers in a 2-1 battle in Game 7.

It was a story of massive performances from both teams, and it proved to be a classic battle that many fans remembered, especially when the Panthers found their way to the top when the odds already counted them out after those three straight losses. Instead of blowing that 3-0 lead for good, the Panthers now have won their first Stanley Cup championship.

The crisis has been averted, and what could have been one of the biggest laughs in NHL and even in sports history ended up being a fantastic story of achieving big stories, which says a lot about how the Panthers have really turned up their game in the right place and the right time.

Hero Performances All Around for Florida

Game 7 never fell short of expectations for the NHL fans who have waited a long time to see a massive seven-game series like this. Carter Verhaeghe – who has not scored a goal since Game 1, was the one who drilled the first goal of the game to give Florida a 1-0 lead in the first period. Of course, the Oilers didn’t let this one go without a fight, and Mattias Janmark suddenly found himself open in the first period as he clapped back with a wrist shot with 6:44 on the clock.

Tied at 1-1, the deadlock was seemingly expected to last all the way to the third period. That was until Sam Reinhart played the hero game – the biggest of his career, when he drilled a wrist shot of his own 15 minutes into the second period to give Florida a 2-1 lead, which would actually end up as the game-winner that would bring the Panthers up top.

All while Edmonton tried to come up with massive comebacks, it was Sergei Bobrovsky’s huge performance on the defensive end that allowed the Panthers to relax and ease on the final frame. The goalie ended up with a total of 23 saves – he had five in the first, nine in the second, and nine more in the third, showing his superb performance on the big stage.

The Silver Lining for the Edmonton Oilers

Despite the loss, Oilers’ Connor McDavid was voted the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Final. It is rare for players on the losing teams to be named for the said award, but it does seem that McDavid has made a strong case for the said award. He is now the first player from the Oilers to be named MVP since Bill Ranford won the same award in 1990.

McDavid showed up for the whole playoffs, and led the league with 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 games, the fourth-most in a single postseason. The legendary Wayne Gretzky still holds the record of 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 18 games for Edmonton in 1985.

The loss to the Panthers was a tough ending for the Oilers, but it cannot be denied that they have learned a lot about each other this time. Learning who has what it takes to step up on the big stage, and who can they rely on to pull off the impossible at times.

June 24, 2024 - In 2019, Yuri Dzivielevski won his first bracelet from the World Series of Poker Last June 24, at the $50,000 Poker Players Championship Event #58, the 2024 WSOP made a comeback with the same nine-game lineup, featuring many of the same big names competing.

With 379 entries, there was a $1,011,930 final prize fund for this event. The 57 players who cashed included many well-known names:

• 57 players cashed, including:
• Phil Hellmuth, 17-time bracelet winner
• Shaun Deeb, 6-time bracelet winner
• Robert Mizrachi, 5-time bracelet winner
• Brian Rast, 6-time bracelet winner
• Koray Aldemir, 2021 WSOP Main Event champion
• Phil Hui, 14-time bracelet winner
• Ben Yu, 13-time bracelet winner
• Adam Friedman, 5-time bracelet winner (12th place)

Since then, the 32-year-old Brazilian poker player from Florianópolis has amassed five bracelets in his WSOP hardware collection. His most recent victory came in this year's series $3,000 buy-in nine-game mixed event. As the winner, Dzivielevski took home $215,982.

The Brazilian poker pro now has almost a quarter of Brazil's 26 bracelets to his credit. He is the only multi-bracelet winner in the country. In poker history, he is only the 40th player to have won five or more bracelets.

This was Dzivielevski's third bracelet in a multi-game tournament. He had previously won the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. and the $2,500 mixed Omaha eight-or-better and stud eight-or-better in 2019 and 2018. His two prior bracelet wins came from pot-limit Omaha, where he won the 2020 WSOP Online $400 "PLOssus" and the WSOPO $10,000 PLO championship.

June 24, 2024 – The microFestival online poker series from GGPoker is back which is set to start on Sunday, July 7th. This online poker event was designed with budget-friendly poker players in mind. The 2024 GGPoker microFestival takes place over 15 days, which ends on Sunday, July 7, starting on Sunday, June 23.

When the series launched on June 4, 2023, players who played for smaller stakes overwhelmingly praised it. Like last year's launch, this year's version will be aggressively supported by freerolls and other promotions. Every day, GGPoker will provide multiple $5,000 freerolls with a minimum prize pool of $250,000 throughout the series.

There are hundreds of activities available over the 15-day microFestival, with entry prices ranging from $1.10 to $25. Additionally, a $10 million prize pool is assured to be given out. The $10.80 Mystery Bounty Big Event, which has a $1 million guaranteed prize pool and a $100,000 top bounty payout, is the festival's main attraction.

Featured Games

GGPoker's microFestival returns with hold'em and Omaha tourneys, offering bounty, turbo, and short-handed events. A daily $10.80 event is also featured. Sarne Lightman, GGPoker's Managing Director, highlights the series' accessibility with events starting at $1. The festival includes 50 daily $5,000 freerolls as 'Second Chance' events for players who didn't cash the previous day, ensuring multiple opportunities to win big.

No one can deny the fact that it was a surprising note that OKC has gone to send one of their young and impressive guards in Josh Giddey, who has been on a tough note with the Thunder after the team got eliminated in the second round of the 2024 Playoffs. Oklahoma City received Alex Caruso in exchange for Giddey in the said deal.

The deal was such a surprise on both ends. For OKC, Giddey’s brilliance on the court in the past few years has him intended to be one of the best staples in the squad who could really help the Thunder come up with massive strides in the game, so trading him away seemed to be a huge surprise, especially when his so-called “liability season” saw him average impressive numbers even as a fourth scoring option in the team so far.

For the Bulls, however, it seems that it is going to be one of the biggest stories that will see them either regret it or celebrate it. Many fans even thought that they could’ve gotten more from Caruso as a valued player in the Bulls’ roster so far.

A New Future for Giddey

Giddey is one of the biggest assets in Oklahoma City. Selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, the promising guard finishes his tenure with the Thunder with averages of 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 31.0 percent from three. Giddey was essentially a candidate for the Rookie of the Year back then and was also the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.

What proceeded with OKC’s decision to trade Giddey was that the team sought to see him come off the bench in the 2024-25 season. However, discussions with the third-year guard led to him seeking options where he can serve viable minutes while being a starter. That came for Chicago later on, in which sends a promising groove for Giddey in the long run.

Giddey was quite said to be a liability in his games, especially against the Dallas Mavericks. However, Giddey’s playstyle was quite hampered with him going more off-ball than what he was used to. For context, Giddey used to average 25.1 minutes per game in the regular season, but was on the court for just 18.1 minutes each night in the playoffs.

A 3&D Boost for the Thunder

At the age of 30, it is actually quite baffling how fans should expect Caruso to fill in the playmaking that Josh Giddey brings to the table for OKC. But with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Wiliams transitioning into elite playmakers, it seems that OKC is seeing a formula work for them, much like how Jrue Holiday, a 3&D player, did the trick for the Boston Celtics’ championship run.

Caruso averaged a career-high 10.1 points this past season and was named to the All-Defensive First Team for 2022-23, the All-Defensive Second Team for 2023-24, and he won the NBA Hustle Award for 2023-24. To add to that impressive trade, Caruso used to play for the Oklahoma City Blue, under the Thunder’s current head coach Mark Daigneault back then.

OKC can either see him come off the bench, or as a starter for the team should he ever be considered to be a good fit on each unit. His defensive brilliance makes him a good choice for the Thunder considering that they are on the pace to become one of the best defensive teams in the league.