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At this point, it does seem that there will be a lot of hopeful expectations for the Seattle Kraken as they move forward into the 2024-25 season after signing Adam Larsson to a four-year deal worth $21 million, which will extend his stay with the team and potentially lead them to a promising championship if they’re lucky. Entering the final year of his initial four-year, $16 million deal signed back in July 2021, Larsson entered negotiations with the Kraken in the offseason and was pleasingly satisfied with the way the team has handled his options moving forward. Now the 31-year-old brings his services to the table for the Kraken in the next five years with the hopes of securing a league title in those campaigns. So far, Larsson’s performances might just well become a promising note as to how he can come up with a campaign that will lead his team to the upper echelon of the NHL standings after the team has had a poor finish in the previous season. A Cornerstone Returned Larsson is one of the key players that the Kraken prioritized to sign this offseason. Selected with the team back in July 21, 2021 when he was claimed by Seattle from the Edmonton Oilers in the aftermath of the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, it does seem that the defenseman will be coming with a promising hope to improve his game heading into the season. For GM Ron Francis, however, it does seem that Larsson is a huge win to keep for the team at this point. "Adam has been a veteran leader for our group on and off the ice the past three seasons," Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. "He's a big (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) right-shot defenseman who plays a heavy, physical game and has been a cornerstone of our defense since the Kraken's inaugural season. We're excited to have Adam and his family in Seattle for five more years." In the 2023-24 season, Larsson tallied 18 points coming off four goals and 14 assists in 81 games last season. He spent the second-most ice time per game at 22:57 behind Vince Dunn at 23:05, who is also a defenseman in the squad. Larsson is also the team’s alternate captain in each of his last three seasons and leads the team in all-time leader in games played at 245. A Playoff Run Coming? It is worth noting that the Seattle Kraken have signed the likes of Matty Beniers (seven-year, $49.98 million), Chandler Stephenson, and Brandon Montour to promising deals this offseason. Larsson was the last signing to be made, and it cannot be denied that the Kraken are keen to deliver a promising run in the season with their core intact. In three seasons since their debut in the league, the Kraken managed to make the playoffs only once, beating the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup in seven games before losing to the Dallas Stars in the same number of games in the second round. Still, it goes without saying that the Kraken are expecting to get back on the playoff stage once more after missing out last year with a 34-35-13 record. It is expected that Seattle with get the best out of its games moving forward, hoping to continue making deep runs in the Stanley Cup.

The upset trend continues to shine in The International 2024 as Xtreme Gaming pulled off yet another shocker to defeat defending champions Team Spirit to knock them out of the competition, moving forward to the third round with the hopes of continuing a promising run in the tournament. No one expected Xtreme Gaming to lose after that tough loss to Team Liquid considering the fact that they failed to put up a massive fight against the latter. However, Xtreme Gaming pulled off a strong performance to show up and come up with a promising victory against Team Spirit, taking them out of the competition for good and thwarting a repeat championship attempt from the said team. Xtreme Gaming now moves on to the next stage and will face Aurora, who lost to Cloud 9 in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals and went on to defeat HEROIC in the second round of the Lower Bracket. This sets up a huge showdown in the depths as it is expected that these two teams will be coming up with a huge fight to move forward in the tournament – facing either Tundra Esports or the Gaimin Gladiators in the next round. A Huge Upset Win – Again Three days into The International 2024 playoffs, it cannot be denied that there have been a lot of promising twists and and turns so far, which has definitely made it quite fun to watch at this point. So far, the biggest twist that has happened on the big stage at this point is Team Spirit’s rough finish on the Lower Bracket. So far, it cannot be denied that Team Spirit’s exit was truly unexpected, and fans were left shocked and at a loss of words. This means that Team Spirit’s hopes of coming up with a repeat in The International 2024 and claiming their third title in the tournament come to an early end now. Team Spirit was one of the heavy favorites to win in the competition after having a promising campaign so far, but it is hard to comprehend that the defending champions would bow out easily from the battles in The International. Team Spirit was the only team to finish 3-0 in the group stages, only to lose to nouns in the Seeding Decider at 2-0. The team would go on to show some signs of life in their first round win over G2 x IG in the Lower Bracket, but the team fell short of coming up with another hopeful win in their 2-1 loss to Xtreme Gaming. Last Chinese Team Standing With Team Zero and G2 x IG now eliminated from playoff contention, it does seem that Xtreme Gaming is now the only team left to carry the Chinese banner in The International 2024. The team now enters the top eight of the tournament and will be the only Chinese team to look out for at the Royal Arena. This coming challenge against Aurora will be a tough one with 23savage leading the squad. As the last hope for many Chinese fans, the pressure is now on for XG to continue making some big strides in their games and cement their place at the top of the game. It has been eight years since a Chinese team has won The International, and Xtreme Gaming has a chance to come up with a historic finish this year.

After 27 Mega Millions drawings in a row with no winning ticket, last Tuesday was a hit. The Mega Millions $800 million jackpot was won by a ticket bought in Texas, with a winning number combination of 1, 2, 16, 24, 66, along with 6 for the gold Mega Ball. The winner beat the odds of 302.57 million to one. A life-changing moment occurred on Tuesday, September 10, as the Mega Millions jackpot, which had been growing for 27 back-to-back drawings without a winner, was finally hit. The massive $800 million prize was claimed by a single ticket purchased in Sugar Land, Texas, a town located just southeast of Houston. This mind-blowing win marks a key milestone in the history of Mega Millions, placing it as the seventh-largest jackpot ever won in the game along with the 13th-largest in US lottery history. The winning numbers for the September 10th drawing were 1, 2, 16, 24, and 66, plus the Mega Ball at 6. Early Wednesday morning, the Mega Millions Consortium confirmed that a lucky ticket sold at a Murphy USA gas station along Highway 90 in Sugar Land had matched all five white balls and the Mega Ball, beating the astronomical odds of 1 in 302.57 million to claim the grand prize. A life-altering decision awaits The winner of this unprecedented jackpot now faces a crucial decision: whether to receive the full $800 million payout over 30 years or opt for a one-time payment of cash at $404.2 million. This decision is made even more complex by the Federal Reserve's current interest rate, which influences the value of the annuity. Should the winner choose the lump sum option, the $404.2 million cash prize will be subject to federal taxes, reducing the amount by $149.5 million. This leaves the winner with an estimated $254.6 million. However, because the ticket was purchased in Texas, one of the few states that does not tax lottery winnings as individual income, the winner will retain significantly more of their prize than if they had purchased the ticket in a state with high lottery taxes. Had the winner been in a state like New York, for example, which imposes a 10.9% tax on lottery earnings, they would have faced an additional $35.6 million in state taxes. In contrast, the lack of state income tax in Texas ensures that the lucky individual will walk away with the full after-tax amount of $254.6 million - a considerable windfall by any standard. Texas' lottery winner joins a prestigious club This Mega Millions jackpot win is the first since June 4, when a ticket sold in the state of Illinois won a $552 million prize. The previous major win occurred on March 26, when a New Jersey player won an astounding $1.128 billion, the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever - though that prize remains unclaimed. The excitement surrounding the Mega Millions drawing was not limited to the jackpot alone. Tuesday night's drawing produced more than 2.1 million winners across various prize levels. Among these were four tickets that matched the five white balls, earning their holders a $1 million second-tier prize. Unfortunately, none of these ticket holders opted for the additional $1 Megaplier, which would have quadrupled their prize to $4 million. In addition, 47 tickets matched four white balls and the Mega Ball, each earning $10,000. Ten of these players had the foresight to add the Megaplier, boosting their winnings to $40,000 each. Over 1,300 tickets matched just the four white balls, earning $500 apiece, with 255 of these enhanced by the Megaplier to win $2,000 each. Finally, more than 1.36 million tickets matched the Mega Ball alone, allowing players to recoup their $2 bet. An impressive 258,153 of these tickets included the Megaplier, increasing their winnings to $6. As the Mega Millions jackpot is claimed, it resets to its base value of $20 million for the next drawing, scheduled for Friday, September 13. Though the excitement of an $800 million prize is behind us, the temptation of a fresh jackpot ensures that the Mega Millions frenzy will continue, with hopeful participants across the nation dreaming of becoming the next big winner.

Polymarket, a betting exchange platform that allows the buying and selling of shares based on political results, said after Tuesday's presidential debate between Harris and Trump that Vice President Kamala Harris has raised the odds in her favor, whereas before, she was the underdog. Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the perceived winner of Tuesday evening's highly anticipated presidential debate against past President Donald Trump. The debate, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on the 10th of September, 2024, marked the first direct confrontation between the two candidates vying for the White House in the upcoming election. Prior to the debate, Harris was already the betting favorite on the political betting exchange Polymarket to be declared the winner. Her strong performance on the stage solidified her position, leading to a noticeable shift in the 2024 election odds in her favor. A poised and strategic performance During the more than 90-minute debate, Harris was deliberate in her approach, speaking directly to the American people. She effectively baited Trump into discussing his past record, leading to moments of visible frustration from the former president as he attempted to defend his legacy as well as criticize Harris and President Joe Biden's administration. Trump, who has long been known for his combative debate style, appeared unprepared at certain times. He often reverted to familiar talking points that have not resonated well with moderate Republicans or independents. His overconfidence in taking on his new rival may have backfired, as even some Republican advocates acknowledged that Tuesday was not his best night. Despite Trump's own declaration that it was his "best debate ever," the reaction from political bettors was swift. Polymarket users quickly adjusted their positions, shifting their election predictions in favor of Harris. 2024 odds shift in Harris' favor In the lead-up to the debate, Trump had been the frontrunner in the 2024 betting markets. On Polymarket, his stock was trading at around 52 cents, compared to Harris' 46 cents. However, the debate performance has significantly altered those dynamics. As of midday on the 11th of September, Polymarket's latest data showed the former President's shares trading at 50 cents, with Harris close behind at 49 cents. On another political wagering exchange, Betfair, the odds now imply a 51.2% chance of victory for Harris, compared to even money, or 50%, for Trump. The shift in betting odds was not confined to the US. Sportsbooks in the UK, where political wagering is permitted, also reacted to the debate. William Hill, one of the leading UK bookmakers, adjusted its odds, shortening Harris' line to 4/5 (-125), representing an implied probability of 55.56%. Trump's odds, on the other hand, lengthened to 10/11 (-110), translating to an implied chance of 52.38%. Before the debate, Trump was the favorite at -125, with Harris considered the underdog at +110. Impact of debates on election outcomes While debates have historically played a significant role in shaping voter perceptions, the extent of their impact on the final election outcome remains a subject of debate among political analysts. The debate on Tuesday was Harris' first major opportunity to connect with the American electorate on a national stage. Since becoming Vice President, Harris has largely avoided the limelight, with few media interviews or public appearances. During the debate, Harris chose to focus on a softer, more emotionally resonant approach rather than delving into detailed policy specifics. Her strategy appeared aimed at appealing to undecided voters and those seeking a leader who could empathize with their concerns. In contrast, Trump's brash style was on full display, with his supporters criticizing the debate as a three-on-one scenario. They argued that ABC News moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir frequently fact-checked Trump while allowing Harris' statements to go unchallenged. But despite these complaints, the overall consensus among political analysts and bettors is that Harris had the upper hand. Looking ahead to November 5 The aftermath of the debate has undoubtedly shifted the momentum in Harris' favor, as reflected in the changing betting odds. However, it remains to be seen how these perceptions will translate into voter behavior. Polls in the coming days are likely to show a shift towards Harris, but the ultimate decision will rest with the American electorate when they cast their votes on November 5.

The flagship property of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut has marked a fantastic achievement - the casino has received the Best Casino Hotel by USA Today for the 7th time in a row. In addition to the award, Mohegan Sun was also in the Top 5 for Best Casino Outside Las Vegas as well as 2nd place for its Momentum rewards program for Best Players Club. Mohegan Sun, the flagship casino of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, has once again secured its place as a top destination in the United States, earning the title of Best Casino Hotel in the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year. This recognition marks the most wins by any casino in this category since the award's launch in 2013, marking Mohegan Sun's reputation for excellence in the gaming and hospitality industry. A testament to excellence The President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun, Jeff Hamilton, expressed his pride in the achievement, attributing the win to the dedication and hard work of the entire Mohegan Sun team. "This achievement continues to be a direct result of the dedication that our team members put forward every day in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests," Hamilton said. The consistent recognition of Mohegan Sun as the Best Casino Hotel highlights the property's commitment to providing top-tier service and luxurious accommodations along with a world-class gaming experience. The USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards are highly regarded, with nominees in each category selected by a panel of experts, including editors from USA Today and 10Best.com, as well as other contributors from various Gannett properties. This esteemed panel ensures that the selections reflect the best in the industry, and Mohegan Sun's continued success in the Best Casino Hotel category accentuates its standing as a premier destination. Additional honors for Mohegan Sun In addition to being named Best Casino Hotel, Mohegan Sun achieved other significant rankings in the 2024 awards. The casino achieved the Top 5 ranking for Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, a testament to its appeal beyond the gaming capital of the world. Moreover, Mohegan Sun's loyalty program, Momentum, earned the No. 2 spot in the Best Players Club category, further demonstrating the property's commitment to rewarding and retaining its guests. "Our Momentum Rewards also achieved high marks, which is another tremendous honor as so much hard work goes into making this program one of the best in the industry," Hamilton noted. The Momentum program is highly regarded for its generous rewards and exclusive benefits, making it a favorite among frequent casino-goers. Mohegan Sun: a leading casino destination Located in Uncasville, Connecticut, along the picturesque Thames River, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest and most renowned casinos in the United States. The property boasts over 300,000 sq. feet of gaming space, featuring nearly 4,000 slot machines and more than 300 table games. This extensive offering ensures that guests have access to a wide variety of gaming choices, from classic table games to the latest in slot machine technology. Mohegan Sun's reputation extends beyond Connecticut, as the Mohegan tribe, which owns the property, has expanded its reach with resorts in Pennsylvania, Washington, Nevada, New Jersey, and even Canada. Additionally, Mohegan INSPIRE, a state-of-the-art resort in Incheon, South Korea, celebrated its grand opening in March 2024. The tribe's digital gaming platform, Mohegan Digital, also went live in April. A bright future for Mohegan As Mohegan Sun continues to receive accolades and expand its global influence, the future looks bright for this iconic brand. The property's consistent recognition as the Best Casino Hotel reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence, not just in gaming, but in hospitality, customer service, and guest satisfaction. With its impressive range of amenities, world-class gaming options, and a top-rated rewards program, Mohegan Sun remains a true leader in the casino industry.

Players in Pennsylvania are looking forward to the arrival of game developer Wazdan, who has brought many iconic slot titles to the table, including Magic Spins and Hot Slot: 777 Crown. Wazdan has teamed up with Rush Street Interactive to bring its games to Pennsylvania, particularly to Sugarhouse's and BetRivers' online platforms. The landscape of Pennsylvania's online casino market has just received a significant boost as Wazdan, the globally recognized software developer, officially makes its mark in the Keystone State. In a truly exciting move, Wazdan has partnered with Rush Street Interactive, the powerhouse behind popular online gaming platforms SugarHouse and BetRivers. This collaboration is set to enhance the gaming experience for Pennsylvania players, offering them a range of innovative and high-quality slot titles. Wazdan's iconic slot titles now available in PA Wazdan's arrival in Pennsylvania marks a milestone for online casino players, particularly those who favor unique and rewarding slot games. The developer is celebrated for its creative approach to game design, incorporating distinctive mechanics that set its offerings apart from the competition. That said, Pennsylvania players can now enjoy Wazdan's iconic slots on both the platforms of SugarHouse and BetRivers. Among the titles now available are fan favorites such as 9 Coins Grand Gold Edition, Hot Slot: 777 Crown, and Magic Spins. These games are already capturing the attention of players with their engaging gameplay and high payout potential. The newly introduced Prosperity Reels, which features four jackpots and 46,656 ways to win, is also predicted to quickly become a top choice for those seeking thrilling and lucrative gaming experiences. Wazdan's innovative game mechanics, including Hold the Jackpot, Cash Infinity, and Sticky to Infinity, are designed to keep players on the edge of their seats. These features offer dynamic gameplay and enhance the chances of winning, making Wazdan's slots particularly appealing to the Pennsylvania crowd. Wazdan continues to expand its presence in the state, and these games are likely to become staples among the offerings at RSI-operated casinos. A strategic partnership with Rush Street Interactive The partnership between Wazdan and Rush Street Interactive represents a bold move for both companies, aimed at enriching the gaming options available to Pennsylvania players. RSI, known for delivering top-tier gaming experiences, is all set to introduce Wazdan's diverse portfolio to a new audience. The collaboration aligns with RSI's mission to continually offer fresh and engaging content to its players. Richard Schwartz, CEO at Rush Street Interactive, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Wazdan's reputation for creating high-quality and entertaining games. "As we enjoy bringing firsts to our players, we are thrilled to debut Wazdan's exceptional games to our customers in Pennsylvania. Wazdan's reputation for creating engaging and entertaining content is well known, and we are confident that our BetRivers and SugarHouse players will enjoy its diverse selection of games," Schwartz stated. The addition of Wazdan's games is expected to enhance player satisfaction and attract new customers. The availability of Wazdan's titles not only broadens the range of options for existing players but also positions RSI's platforms as leaders in the ever-competitive online casino sector in Pennsylvania. Potential for future expansion in Pennsylvania Wazdan's entry into the Pennsylvania market is just the beginning. The company has ambitious plans for further expansion, with the potential for its games to be featured on additional platforms in the state. Andrzej Hyla, Wazdan's Chief Commercial Officer, hinted at these future developments, stating, "We look forward to bringing even more thrilling experiences to online gaming enthusiasts in Pennsylvania." As Wazdan continues to establish itself in the region, players can anticipate the introduction of more innovative and more exciting titles. This ongoing expansion will likely contribute to Pennsylvania's growing reputation as a hub for online gaming in the US.

The San Francisco 49ers picked up where they left off in that tough Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs by taking down one of the hyped contenders for the season – the New York Jets – as they cruised for a 32-19 win in their season opener while also spoiling the return of Jets’ star Aaron Rodgers. The 49ers made it look easy as they dominated in all four quarters, with the Jets trying to make a futile comeback in the fourth quarter but to no avail. San Francisco took control as early as the second quarter, and it cannot be denied that the team has managed to come up with some of the best plays as they dominated the Jets from start to finish. The Jets were expecting to have some explosive start to the season with Aaron Rodgers back in action. But perhaps fans can argue that they are just happy that the star didn’t get injured in his first game, just like what happened in the previous season. Now they do have some good hopes to look forward to in the 2024 campaign. Wire to Wire Dominance The 49ers did not hold back under Brock Purdy’s lead, who finished with 19/29 attempts and tallied 231 yards. They were down 3-7 in the first quarter but later responded with a 13-0 barrage in the second to take a 16-7 lead heading into the locker room at halftime. Deep field goals from Jake Moody and a 2-yard touchdown run from Deebo Samuel Sr. proved to be crucial in delivering them the lead heading into the second half. The team would not stop there as the squad would go on to add more 10 points in the game via an 11-play drive from Jordan Mason that capped off a promising 5-yard touchdown run. Rodgers would then answer back with a touchdown pass of his own to cut into the deficit, but the Niners were clearly out of reach even before they began a climb in the final frame. The Niners would wrap up a 32-19 victory – safe from any comebacks like the Super Bowl last season. The team stole the spotlight in Monday Night Football, showing that Aaron Rodgers’ return was not a highlight compared to their show of form in the game. Missing Some Key Stars Christian McCaffrey did not play in the game after declaring that he was confident to play in the season opener. The running back dealt with a calf and Achilles injury since the start of the team’s training camp, but coach Kyle Shanahan claimed that the ailments would not really much bother him heading into the season. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year is expected to come back strong within this season. McCaffrey posted 1,459 rushing yards last season to go along with 564 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. Without McCaffrey, Jordan Mason started in place of the star, and the undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech made his mark in the game after rushing for 147 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown. The team’s reserve running back Elijah Mitchell did not play and is on the injury reserve due to a hamstring injury. All seems to go well for the Niners so far, and they are expecting some good strides in the season at this point after a promising win to begin the campaign.

When everyone expected Aaron Judge to continue hitting big strides to keep the New York Yankees in the game against the Kansas City Royals, it was the superhuman efforts from Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo who stepped up well to deliver a promising 10-4 comeback victory as the Yankees opened up their series against one of their American League rivals. The Yankees were definitely in trouble in the game as the team entered the seventh inning down 4-3. The club was on the verge of losing the top seed to the Baltimore Orioles at the time, and they were just a win-and-a-half ahead of their rivals. The Yankees went on to outscore the Royals in the closing moments and secured a much-needed victory. In the win, the Yankees have now surpassed their previous season’s win total and has moved ahead of the Orioles in the top-spot race once more. However, they are still slated to face the Royals one more time following today’s 5-0 loss heading into their third clash against their rivals. Heroics in the Clutch New York was initially down at 0-4 before Alex Verdugo managed to pull off a big home run in the fourth inning, marking his 12th home run of the season and his first since August 24. That ignited the offense for the Yankees but they could not capitalize on their opportunities until the seventh inning. After Judge nailed the first clutch hit in the seventh, Wells came up with his 13th homer of the season, sending the ball into the bleachers at the deep right field to take the lead. Wells would later load more of his massive game as he came up with a two-out RBI double coming off the left-field wall. That capped off the Yankees’ scoring for the night as the latter finished with 2-5 on hits and four RBIs. Yankees manager Aaron Boone was pleased with the win, and claimed that Wells was definitely perfect in his game so far. Wells’ 404-foot drive was his seventh in his last 37 games since July 21. “He’s been a middle of the order hitter for two, three months now and I think we’ve all seen that, witnessed that,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Whether you get a result or not it’s the just the level of the at-bat that he gives you from the left side is impressive and that was a no doubter tonight.” Race to the Finish The Yankees are expected to be locked in a tight race in the American League East with the Baltimore Orioles, and it does seem that it will be a promising showdown as the two clubs battle it down to the wire with the season already winding down to the playoff chase now more than ever. As it stands, the Yankees and Orioles will likely go toe-to-toe in the final weeks of the MLB season. It is also worth noting that these two clubs will be coming in for a three-game clash heading into the closing week, right before the Yankees take on the Pittsburgh Pirates for their last series of the season. This win is just one of the crucial numbers that will be considered as a promising boost to their chances of finishing at the top of the AL East. The Yankees can certainly thank Wells and Verdugo for stepping up well when they needed it most.

It cannot be denied that Brad Marchand’s full form was well-missed by the Boston Bruins in their run. The captain had surgery for a torn tendon on his elbow and a sports hernia in his groin and abdominal area. So far, the team now expects him to come back into action with the hopes of being ready for the coming season. The Bruins are hopeful of a playoff run in the coming season, and it cannot be denied that they are expecting to see more of Marchand into action as the team’s captain this season. There were many talks of how his surgeries may also throw him off in the game completely, but with Marchand coming back for the training camp earlier than expected, which should give him a chance to build in his game as well. A Captain’s Return While Marchand played well in the previous season for the Bruins, it cannot be denied that he had to adjust to his new role as the captain of the team. He took over in the regular season after Patrice Bergeron went on to retire from the game. Marchand was named captain later on and finished with 67 points coming off 29 goals and 38 assists in a total of 82 games. He even went on to tally a total of 10 points off three goals and seven assists in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “The summer that I had is not typical for what I’m used to, and it might take to the season. It might take a little bit into the season, but I’ll treat the next two months like a summer and train and skate the way that I normally would in the summer, kind of from now on,” Said Marchand. “The biggest thing is probably getting conditioning back up to speed. I think that’s kind of the biggest thing. My strength’s kind of there already. Power and conditioning, I think is where I need to focus to get back to where I need to be.” There’s a lot of work ahead for Marchand and the Bruins after the team fell to then-champions Florida Panthers in the second round. With the training camp set to open this September 18 for the Bruins, there is no doubt that Marchand is focused on the task at hand. A Captain’s Future There are also concerns as to when will Marchand move on from the game. At the age of 36, it does seem that he is close to moving on from the game for good considering that he is already at the twilight of his career in the NHL. However, it is also worth noting that the Bruins captain is slated to enter the final season of his eight-year, $49 million contract with the team. “I’m going to say this now and kind of leave it at that, but I won’t ever talk about contract stuff in the media,” Marchand said. “I saw a report come out the other day -- I think it was the Hockey News, I don’t know where he’s getting his information -- but it wasn’t from our side. We’re not going to talk about it. There are a lot of pressing concerns for the Bruins in the offseason so far, but it is hard to argue that Marchand’s status en route to the season was more of a priority as well at this point. Marchand returning to the training camp after those surgeries will be a massive news for the team now more than ever.

Jamal Murray is now slated to return to the Denver Nuggets for four more years after he signed a promising deal with the Denver Nuggets. The guard will receive a guaranteed $244 million in the next five years in addition to the remainder of his five-year extension with Denver in 2019. Murray has been the second scoring option for the Denver Nuggets behind Nikola Jokic, and it cannot be denied that the guard is expected to continue his big game with the 2023 NBA champions after a promising run in the 2023-24 season on an individual note. Now this will be a season where he can capitalize on this deal and prove that he deserves to be paid bigger in the long run. Drafted back in 2016, Murray has served as a key player for the Nuggets in the past few seasons and has been in the team’s starting lineup since 2019. This says a lot about his value in the game and why he is expected to come up with a lot of promising strides that will help Denver reach another run to the top of the NBA world. Building off a Strong Season So far, Jamal Murray has enjoyed a promising season in his last campaign. The guard averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game to go along with 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 31 minutes of acton every contest. The 2023-24 campaign has been the best of his career, and it is no secret that the guard may just well be expected to come up with bigger strides in the coming seasons as well. It can be noted that Murray has been working hard over the years to prove his worth. He has been one of the clutch players in the game as well – and that does not come as a surprise despite him coming off a missed season in 2021-22 due to an ACL tear and returning strong in the 2022-23 season where he helped Denver win a championship. Surprisingly, Murray has never been selected as a all-star over the years despite coming up with massive performances and huge strides of massive plays in his games. There’s no doubt that it will be one of his bigger focuses heading into the season, especially if he gets some bonus on getting named as an all-star in the coming campaign. Hopes of a Championship The Nuggets failed to defend their title in the previous season after a nerve-wrecking meltdown in games 6 and 7, where they humiliatingly lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, squandering a 3-2 series lead when they came back from an 0-2 hole. With Murray still back in the squad, it goes without saying that the team can count on him to improve his game moving forward. On top of that, Murray will have to keep his emotions in check if he is going to play and hope for a championship this season with Denver. It can be remembered that he lost his temper with the Wolves in their Game 2 loss in the West Semis, where he threw a towel and even a heat pack on the court. Many fans even say that he was lucky enough not to be suspended by the league back then. This season will be a chance for Murray to prove his worth further, and he is ready to take on the challenge in the big stage now more than ever.

Several significant changes are in store for the Mega Millions lottery, including a higher ticket price of $5, the elimination of the added Multiplier that could be replaced by an automatic multiplier, and a decrease in the number of gold Mega Balls from 25 to 24, among others. The popular interstate lottery game, Mega Millions, is reportedly on the brink of significant changes, including a substantial ticket price increase. A store in Texas recently advertised selling a winning Mega Millions jackpot ticket, a reminder of the game's widespread popularity. However, changes may be coming that could reshape how millions of Americans play the game. The Texas Lottery has revealed that the Mega Millions Consortium, the governing body of the lottery game, is considering these changes, with the most notable being a steep increase in price. Changes to the structure and how Mega Millions operates In April, it was reported by our friends at Casino.org that there were early rumors from LotteryGeeks.com about the possibility of a price increase in tickets. Recently released files from the Texas Lottery now suggest that this price increase is just one of several significant changes that are likely to come to the lottery game, which is played in 45 states. The Texas Lottery recently told the counsel for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Doug Jennings, about the planned changes to the Mega Millions lottery, with an enactment date set for the 8th of April, 2025. This revelation has sparked widespread speculation about the future of the game. Big changes on the horizon As the Mega Millions Consortium remains tight-lipped about the gameplay changes, the Texas Lottery's intended adjustments provide insight into what players might expect. According to the documents, the price for a basic Mega Millions ticket is set to increase substantially from $2 to $5 in the spring of the coming year, more than doubling the current cost. Another significant change involves the termination of the $1 additional Megaplier, a popular feature that allows tickets winning a non-jackpot prize to multiply their payout by two, three, four, or five times. Currently, Mega Millions draws on Tuesday and Friday evenings include a Megaplier draw with the potential to significantly boost winnings. Instead of this optional feature, the proposed rules suggest employing an automatic multiplier, and this will be said to increase prizes by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. In addition, the "Just the Jackpot" selection, which offers players chances to win the jackpot without the possibility of winning lower-tier prizes, is also slated for discontinuation. This option is currently available in 14 US states, including Texas, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, and Georgia. More significant changes in the pipeline One of the subtler changes involves reducing the number of gold Mega Balls from 25 balls to 24. While this might seem minor, it will slightly improve the odds of hitting the jackpot from the current one in 302.57 million to a slightly better chance. This change will also improve the whole odds of winning any prize. According to the Texas Lottery's explanation, these game changes are anticipated to generate increased interest as it offers players potentially higher jackpots, improved overall odds, and the new multiplier feature, which could boost non-jackpot prizes by up to ten times. As the lottery world digests these proposed changes, the Mega Millions jackpot for Tuesday, the 10th of September, has already climbed to a ballpark estimate of $800 million, along with a one-time cash prize option of $401.8 million. Criticism from various sides While the proposed changes are intended to enhance the game's appeal, they have already sparked backlash among some players. Powerball, the primary competitor of Mega Millions, could emerge as the big winner if Mega Millions proceeds with these modifications. In response to the rumored ticket price increase from $2 to $5 - a 150% surge - many players have voiced their displeasure. In an online discussion, one player named Lou commented, "I play a ticket in every Mega Millions and Powerball drawing. I will no longer play Mega Millions if this is true." Another player, Eddie, added, "Mega Millions is drunk with delusion thinking they can get away with a $5 basic price to play." Even those who might still consider playing expressed reservations. Bob, another player, remarked, "I would only pay $5 if the jackpot was over a billion. This could actually save me money." As the Mega Millions Consortium weighs these significant changes, the future of one of America's most popular lottery games hangs in the balance. Whether these changes will bring about a new era of excitement or alienate loyal players remains to be seen.