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Sweepstakes platform VGW – owner of LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker – has announced that it is pulling out of New York, and it is a decision that it didn’t take lightly. Beginning on the 2nd of June, New York players will no longer be able to purchase Gold Coins, participate in contests, and the like. The remaining Sweeps Coins in players’ accounts can still be used until July 2, and on August 1, the redemption of Sweeps Coins will no longer be possible. In a significant move for the online social casino industry, VGW - the powerhouse behind Global Poker, Chumba Casino, and LuckyLand Slots - has announced it is phasing out its sweepstakes operations in New York. While the company will continue offering its free-to-play Gold Coin games, Sweeps Coin functionality is being systematically wound down over the coming months. Sweeps Coins to be discontinued starting June 2 VGW stated that New York players have already been notified of the decision via email. Beginning June 2, players will no longer be able to acquire Sweeps Coins through any means - including daily logins, contests, Gold Coin purchases, or mail-in entries. However, existing Sweeps Coin balances can still be used for gameplay until July 2. From July 2, gameplay using Sweeps Coins will be fully disabled, and any new mail-in requests will no longer be processed. By August 1, the ability to redeem any remaining Sweeps Coins for prizes will be permanently discontinued. A VGW spokesperson emphasized that players in New York will still have access to their favorite games using Gold Coins, which are entirely free-to-play and remain unaffected by the regulatory concerns driving the decision. “We are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth and seamless as possible,” said the spokesperson. A decision made in the best interests of all stakeholders VGW acknowledged the significance of this decision, particularly for long-time players in New York. “We understand this is an adjustment after many years, and some players may be disappointed,” said the spokesperson. “This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made at this time in the best interests of all our stakeholders.” This move reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to align with evolving expectations around regulatory compliance. In February, VGW raised its minimum player age from 18 to 21, citing a commitment to safe and responsible gaming. The New York exit follows that same philosophy. “VGW has operated in North America for more than a decade, creating not only great games, user experiences and entertainment but ensuring this is done safely, responsibly and at the highest level of standards,” the company said. Regulatory clouds prompt sweeps retreat VGW is not the first sweeps operator to leave the Empire State. Other major platforms, including High 5 Casino, McLuck, Hello Millions, and Funzpoints, have also exited the market in recent months. The trend coincides with increased legislative scrutiny. In March, Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced a bill to ban online sweepstakes casinos in New York. While that bill has seen little movement since April 30, and a duplicate Assembly Bill is only just entering committee on May 28, the industry has already begun to act preemptively. VGW is not a member of the Social and Promotional Games Association, which has advocated for regulatory clarity and held conversations with New York officials. However, the company is part of the newer Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which shares similar goals around responsible growth and engagement with lawmakers. “As we’ve previously said, we acknowledge increased interest in our innovative industry that millions of Americans enjoy,” VGW said. “We are committed to respectful engagement on establishing modern, appropriate regulatory structures that benefit players and states alike.” Social gaming remains viable in New York More importantly, VGW’s Gold Coin-based social casino gaming will continue to be available to New York players. Unlike Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for real-world prizes, Gold Coins are purely for entertainment and fall outside the regulatory gray areas affecting sweepstakes promotions. Although New York has not yet enacted new laws restricting these platforms, VGW’s decision demonstrates a growing sense of caution and strategic foresight within the industry. For now, the departure of VGW - the largest and most recognized sweepstakes operator in the US - marks a pivotal moment. But one thing is clear: the industry is preparing for change, and VGW is intent on leading the transition with transparency and responsibility.

A candidate for the governor of California, Kyle Langford, has bet on himself to win as governor. He placed the wager of $100 on himself to be the next governor of the state and even boosted his odds to nearly 20%. But is it legal? Kalshi weighs in. In a move that has sparked both intrigue and ethical questions, California Republican gubernatorial candidate Kyle Langford placed a $100 wager on Kalshi - a regulated prediction market - betting that he will become the state’s next governor. Langford posted a video of himself making the bet on Saturday via X, writing: “I just bet $100 that I, Kyle Langford, will be the next Governor of California. Join me (if you believe) @Kalshi.” Though the amount wagered is modest, the act of betting on one's own political future has drawn attention across political and regulatory circles. Langford’s public call to action also led to a temporary spike in his odds on the Kalshi platform, pushing his probability of winning from virtually zero to nearly 20%. This shift occurred despite limited market activity, with only about $2,500 in total trading volume on the California governor market at the time. Regulatory gray area: what Kalshi allows Kalshi, a federally regulated exchange for event-based trading, has a complicated stance when it comes to political candidates participating in their markets. According to Kalshi’s rulebook, the California governor market itself does not carry any explicit “trading prohibitions.” This has led to ambiguity around whether candidates like Langford are technically allowed to wager on their own races. While Kalshi has introduced broad restrictions on political betting, especially following scrutiny from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, it stops short of explicitly banning all candidates from trading. One notable restriction, however, does prohibit “paid employees of PACs” from participating in most markets. Langford, notably, served as the president of the California First PAC, and according to his LinkedIn profile, may still hold that position. A Kalshi email sent to users in October clarified that candidates running for office were expected to abstain from participating in political markets, summarizing the rule with the statement: “Spoiler alert: if you’re running for office or counting the votes, you’re sitting this one out.” Despite this guidance, the rules remain somewhat open to interpretation, especially since the California governor market doesn’t appear on Kalshi’s most tightly restricted list of political markets. Langford’s bet, therefore, may not explicitly violate Kalshi’s policies, but it certainly pushes the boundaries of acceptable conduct in the eyes of many observers. Ethical dilemma: is betting on yourself fair play? The legality of Langford’s move may be murky, but the ethical implications are clearer to many: candidates wagering on their own races - even in small amounts - undermines public trust. The concern is not just about betting for oneself, but about the broader potential for market manipulation. What’s to stop a candidate from betting against themselves or placing wagers on opponents? The fact that Langford’s bet influenced his odds on Kalshi further complicates matters. By encouraging others to follow suit, Langford leveraged a relatively low-liquidity market to manufacture the appearance of momentum. In the absence of traditional polling or media coverage, these odds can be misleadingly cited as evidence of viability by a campaign seeking to build credibility. Though Langford’s action may seem like a stunt, it highlights a structural vulnerability in the intersection between politics and prediction markets. Kalshi responds to public scrutiny Following media inquiries and rising concern, Kalshi issued a statement addressing the situation: "We are aware of the recently publicized circumstance regarding a candidate trading on a market regarding their candidacy, and our compliance and surveillance teams are acting accordingly. As required of all CFTC-regulated exchanges, Kalshi investigates and, as appropriate, adjudicates all potential violations of its Rules." Kalshi added that the outcome of the investigation could become public through an official exchange notice but declined to offer additional details at this time. Langford’s bet has opened a conversation about the role of prediction markets in modern campaigning. While Kalshi remains under close watch by regulators and the political community, this incident could prompt calls for clearer guidelines - or even legislative action - to ensure that candidates aren’t incentivized to manipulate platforms that are meant to reflect public sentiment, not shape it.

A lot of loaded contenders in the Counter-Strike 2 scene are making their way to the Austin Major this season with the hopes of notching history in the tournament. However, it seems that a massive favorite is looming over all of them this time around with Team Vitality set as the top pick to win the competition. Kicking off today, the CS2 Austin Major is set to feature the likes of MOUZ, Team Spirit, and Team Falcons – just some of the hottest teams in the league right now that has made their presence felt on some of the big stages earlier in the season. But despite all their strong runs so far, nothing has been better than Team Vitality, who has been riding on a massive winning streak of 30 straight matches so far. To win consecutive matches alone is a tough task in a highly competitive environment such as CS2. Yet, Team Vitality seems to be keen on writing history as they keep on putting up impressive performances night in and night out, which says a lot about their chances of clinching the Austin Major now more than ever. A New Era of Dominance? No team in the history of the whole Counter-Strike franchise has been able to dominate the big stage this way. Well – at least since the days of the legendary Astralis squad in its prime back then. Now, Team Vitality is riding hard with a lot of pressure and confidence at the same time. Vitality, for all its success and dominance in the game so far, isn’t without its challengers. Still, none of these teams have had a winning record against the French squad so far. MOUZ has a 3-15 record against them this year. Team Spirit has gone 1-7, and Team Falcons may be the closest at 5-10. These so-called CS2 juggernauts may be needing some massive tweaks if they are going to ever score a win against Team Vitality, who has been scorching hot against these three teams this season, showing how their dominance is allowing them to take over the CS2 scene as if they are the new face of the franchise moving forward. Well, a win at the Austin Major could tilt the scales into their favor on that regard. After all, no one has ever managed to win a lot of games the way Team Vitality did, which definitely proves that there is indeed more to expect from the team as they move forward with a bigger goal in mind. Can the Streak Stay Alive? The superstar duo of Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Robin “ropz” Kool has been very vocal about their recent success, crediting the entire squad and putting a lot of trust and spotlight on their supporting cast. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, William “mezii” Merriman, and Dan “apEX” Madesclaire have all been crucial in helping the squad win a total of six tournaments in a row. The last win in IEM Dallas following a sweep of MOUZ says a lot about how they are still reigning supreme in the game. For the streak, however, to stay alive, they will have to keep on grinding hard and outwit their opponents on the big stage. After all, Team Vitality is in prime position to also become the first team in the history of CS2 to win two Grand Slams in a single calendar year. They now have three chances left to complete that feat this year.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup has always been one to determine the best among elite teams in the North Americas. Last year, it was Columbus Crew who took home the crown, and now it is all far from the MLS as the Vancouver Whitecaps lost out on their chance to win the final when they lost to the Cruz Azul. But to say that the Whitecaps lost is an understatement. They were, after all, heavy favorites to win this showdown in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, only to disappoint the many fans and critics who were rooting for them as they dropped a 5-0 clash against the LIGA MX side – a poor finish for the first time in a long while. The Whitecaps, who are the best team in the Western Conference, was nowhere near their best when they battled Cruz Azul. They took an absolute beating all around and could not find their groove when it mattered most, ending up in a clean sheet win for the latter team and for Vancouver to go back to the drawing board and refocus their priorities in keeping hold of the top spot in the West. A Tough Loss for the Whitecaps Azul did not let up in almost every single moment in the game, and one can say that there have been a lot of missed opportunities for Vancouver to make the most of its chances. In fact, the 5-0 finish is just Azul missing out some key shots, and it would have been double the deficit if they made all of their shots. Nothing has been easy for Vancouver for the whole game. Cruz Azul limited the passing lanes and had a body on almost every other player for the Whitecaps, and the defense was ultimately swarming a lot to the point that the Canadian side did not even get a shot off FOR THE WHOLE GAME. Vancouver did try to show some signs of life in the game. Head coach Jasper Sørensen subbed up Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda with the hopes of changing up the pace of the attack. However, the effort was futile as the Whitecaps could not turn the tables in the game, especially when Cruz was already up 5-0 before halftime. By the Numbers The stat sheet was as realistic as it could be. It was all Cruz Azul as they nabbed eight shots on target coming off 18 attempts overall. Vancouver, on the other hand, had no shot attempts at all, which says a lot about how the game came into this poor finish for the team. Azul held most of the ball for 68% and was on-point with their passes, finishing with a total of 550 on 89% accuracy. Nothing worked well for Vancouver on that end as well, as they only had possession of the ball for 32% of the game, including 79% pass accuracy for 267 passes made. Entering this match, the Whitecaps were unbeaten in all competitions for 15 straight games. It could not have come at a worse time, considering that this was a high-stakes match with the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup slots were on the line. Now it seems that they will have to wait for another chance to prove their worth on that big stage now more than ever.

Five men from Pennsylvania have decided to sue DraftKings for hundreds of thousands of dollars lost due to gambling. One of the plaintiffs is a teacher who allegedly lost more than $130K, while another player lost more than $350K – in spite of applying for self-exclusion. Five men from Pennsylvania are suing online sports betting company DraftKings, claiming the platform used predatory tactics and misleading promotions to exploit their gambling addictions and drain them of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The federal lawsuit, filed in late April, accuses DraftKings of targeting vulnerable users with deceptive marketing and intentionally vague terms and conditions. According to the complaint, the men - one of whom is a public school teacher - were systematically manipulated by a platform designed to keep compulsive gamblers engaged, despite their efforts to stop. They are seeking to launch a class action lawsuit, potentially opening the door for other similarly affected bettors to join the case. Promotions mask deceptive fine print, lawsuit says The lawsuit takes aim at the way DraftKings advertises its promotional offers. Common deals like deposit matches or “no sweat” bets are touted as risk-free, but are allegedly packed with complicated and hard-to-find terms that limit their actual value. “DraftKings uses these tactics to identify and cultivate the people it wants on its platform: those who are most susceptible to these sorts of promotions and most likely to lose a lot of money betting,” reads the complaint. “In other words, marks.” The plaintiffs argue that the platform does not act to protect users showing signs of gambling addiction, but instead exploits them for profit. The lawsuit also criticizes DraftKings for failing to honor user requests for self-exclusion, a tool meant to help compulsive gamblers restrict their own access. Personal stories highlight devastating losses Among the plaintiffs is a Pittsburgh teacher earning roughly $50,000 a year, who lost $134,000 on the DraftKings platform. The lawsuit says he drained his bank account and borrowed heavily from friends and family in order to continue gambling. Another plaintiff from Allentown reportedly attempted to self-exclude after recognizing his gambling addiction. But despite his request, he regained access to his account and proceeded to lose over $350,000. The complaint states that the man now suffers from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, in addition to having lost friends and employment. A third man, even after placing himself on Pennsylvania’s official self-exclusion list - a state-run registry that should prevent access to gambling platforms - continued to gamble on the app, suggesting that DraftKings failed to comply with the state’s safeguards. Lawsuit reflects growing scrutiny of online sportsbooks The lawsuit comes at a time when online sports betting platforms have surged in popularity across the United States, following a 2018 US Supreme Court decision that overturned a federal ban and allowed states to legalize sports betting. In Pennsylvania, DraftKings operates through a partnership with Hollywood Casino and ranks as the state’s second-largest sportsbook by revenue. The company also owns an online casino. The plaintiffs are represented by Loevy + Loevy, a Chicago-based civil rights law firm that has filed similar suits against DraftKings in other states, including New Jersey, Illinois, New York, and Kentucky. As of May 20, DraftKings had not filed a legal response to the Pennsylvania lawsuit, and company representatives did not respond to media requests for comment. If granted class action status, the lawsuit could have wide implications for how online sportsbooks are regulated, especially in their handling of vulnerable users. It could also pressure companies like DraftKings to implement stronger safeguards for problem gamblers and improve transparency in their promotional strategies. For now, the plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will bring accountability - and relief - to others who have faced similar financial and emotional harm at the hands of online gambling platforms.

An official report in Japan has pointed out that illegal gambling online has continued to rise, and illegal sports betting on soccer is cause for the greatest concern. Even though Japan is all set to launch its very first onsite casino in the near future, it hasn’t prevented Japanese from wagering illegally – in fact, the report says that Japanese people have bet $45 billion (6.45 trillion yen) on illegal gambling websites in the past year alone. Japan is facing a growing issue with illegal online gambling, according to a recent report from the Council of Sports Ecosystem Promotion. The study, conducted with support from the National Police Agency, reveals that Japanese gamblers wagered approximately 6.45 trillion yen or $45 billion on unregulated online casino platforms in 2024. Despite Japan’s restrictive gambling laws, millions are turning to offshore websites to place bets beyond the limits imposed by the country's state-run options. Currently, gambling in Japan is limited to state-sponsored lotteries, the government-controlled Sports Promotion Lottery (commonly known as "toto"), and parimutuel wagering on horse racing and motor sports. However, the tightly regulated nature of these options has pushed bettors to seek higher limits, better odds, and more diverse offerings elsewhere - often illegally. Illegal sports betting, especially on soccer, a major concern The report highlights that illegal online sports betting represents the largest portion of the unregulated market. Of the total 6.45 trillion yen wagered illegally, 4.9 trillion yen was estimated to have been placed on sports events, with soccer accounting for a staggering 2.9 trillion yen. Labeled the "Freeride Market," the illicit online betting industry is thriving by exploiting legal loopholes and limited domestic enforcement capabilities. Many of the platforms used by Japanese bettors are hosted overseas, with licenses issued in jurisdictions such as the Philippines, Curacao, Malta, Ukraine, and the Isle of Man. These operators often advertise heavily online and offer generous promotions, features that are unavailable through Japan’s government-run betting services. The overseas sports betting operators providing services in the manner described above are providing illegal services to residents of Japan, the Council’s report noted, also warning that these platforms may infringe on copyrights, publicity rights, and other protections. Regulators eye MGM Osaka amid concerns Despite the booming illegal market, Japan is slowly opening its doors to regulated casino gambling. The highly anticipated MGM Osaka, the country’s first integrated resort casino, is scheduled to open in the coming years. This development represents a significant shift in national policy, aimed at attracting tourism and providing a legal, controlled alternative to the current black-market activity. Still, critics argue that a single integrated resort is unlikely to curb the demand for online gambling, especially as it remains geographically limited and targeted more toward foreign visitors than locals. Others warn that without a comprehensive legal online framework, illegal platforms will continue to flourish, undermining national laws and exposing consumers to fraud and unfair gaming practices. Pachinko: the legal grey area Japan’s most popular form of gambling is pachinko, a game that operates in a legal gray area. Technically categorized as a recreational activity, pachinko is exempt from gambling laws because players win prizes rather than cash. However, it is common practice for players to redeem those prizes for money at nearby exchange facilities, often owned by the same pachinko operators. These arcades can be found across the country, and though technically legal, they mirror traditional gambling in function and popularity. While pachinko remains untouched by recent crackdowns, the massive scale of its operation continues to raise questions about Japan's definition and regulation of gambling. The latest figures demonstrate the urgent need for comprehensive gambling reform in Japan. As illegal online gambling, particularly sports betting, continues to expand unchecked, experts suggest that policymakers must consider broader regulatory solutions - including legalizing and regulating online betting - to protect consumers and reduce the appeal of offshore sites. Until then, the country faces a dilemma: enforce outdated laws that millions are ignoring or evolve its gambling framework to meet modern realities. Either way, the message is clear - the stakes for Japan’s gambling future are higher than ever.

When a door closes, another one opens, and that’s what Russell Wilson had in his mind as the veteran star quarterback enters the 2025 season with the hopes of redefining his legacy for one last time. It seems that the New York Giants are keen to give him that opportunity, and he is definitely keen to make the most of it now more than ever. The New York Giants are one of the teams that haven’t actually seen great strides in the postseason for quite some time now, and it is safe to say that Wilson fits the team well in their hopes of coming back alive on the big stage of the NFL once more. For the QB, this is seemingly the twilight run of his career, and it is expected that he will be bringing the best of his game now more than ever. In a place where pressure can be too much, Wilson is not minding the bright lights that he has seen over and over again in his career. After all, he has been on the ups and downs of the league, so the mounting pressure that is being seen as the new narrative in New York is nothing new to him as he approaches perhaps the biggest season of his career. Two Long-Time Champions Longing Wilson last lifted the Lombardi Trophy back in 2014, where he was just a second-year quarterback with the Seahawks, which seems a lifetime ago considering that it has been more than a decade. To make it more ironic, he lifted that trophy at the Giants' MetLife Stadium – where he is now slated to play the coming season’s games. On the other hand, the Giants have won a total of four Super Bowl titles, but they haven’t been that relevant much since last winning a title in 2011. Nothing has been easy for the Giants since then, and they are seeing this like a year to prove that they can still be a team to beat, especially bringing in a 36-year-old quarterback who has enjoyed a promising run prior. "The opportunity here is so great," Wilson said. "I don't mind the lights. I don't mind that part of it. I think the other part of it for me, most importantly of it all that, is I've been here before. When you walk into a stadium, into a locker room and you know, like my locker is the same locker I had when I won the Super Bowl. So, for me, when I see that, when I walk into the stadium I'm like, I've been here before. Not just been here but, like, we did this before.” Wilson notched 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns last season to go along with five interceptions while leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a playoff berth. Can Wilson Break a New York Drought? The New York Yankees and the New York Mets haven’t done anything well in the MLB in the past few seasons, especially with the Yankees falling short last season. The two New York teams in the NHL? Already in vacation mode at this point. Let’s not dive into the New York clubs in the MLS as they are yet to become relevant at this point. New York in the NFL? The Jets and the Giants are as bad as they can be. The New York Knicks recently fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, and now the focus shifts to the NFL this season. But can Wilson help end that championship drought for the city that never sleeps? The star QB is definitely keen to endure in New York, and this is a chance he is not going to let pass by.

If you told someone and guaranteed that there would be a rematch in the Stanley Cup Final this season, no one would have believed you back then. And yet here are the two finalists from last year, showing that the regular season records don’t actually matter when you’re a champion at heart. Now it is the second installment of this beloved rivalry, and it’s going down for real. A year ago, Connor McDavid and Matthew Tkachuk hoped to see each other once more on the biggest stage of the NHL. The 2024-25 season, however, has its way of putting doubts on the contenders as other teams made their presence felt and kept on knocking at the championship door. A lot of bettors have counted them out with the inconsistencies that they have seen in the season. And yet here are the Oilers and the Panthers, ready to take on the challenge on the Stanley Cup Final. It is the 11th time in the history of the game that the two same teams end up meeting in the Final for consecutive seasons. The last time we have seen this kind of game? 2008 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings, with the two teams splitting the series. Will this one be the same? A Score to Settle Between McDavid and Tkachuk The Oilers nearly completed a historic twist of a comeback from an 0-3 deficit in the previous Cup Final. This time, the series begins at the Rogers Place in Edmonton once more, and this is going to be quite a spectacle to look out for now more than ever. "I believed that it was going to be us two again," Tkachuk said. "I think we're the two best teams in the League. And if everything would go right, it would probably be us two again in the Finals. I have that confidence in our team and they were the best team that we played last year in the playoffs. I stand by that. I believed it at the time. And here we are again." Tkachuk is playing in his third straight Cup Final with the Panthers, winning one of the last two runs. On the other hand, McDavid is in his second appearance in a row, and it does seem that this will become a storied finish to remember as the two stars – leaders of their respective teams – will collide to a promising finish in the postseason. A Promising Goalie Showdown We have seen how goalies have played a huge role in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and it is no secret that this promising rematch will feature two of the best defenders on the goal in Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner. Skinner has definitely upped his game to another level when he took over the starting role for the Oilers in the second round, and he went on to go 6-1 with a 1.41 GAA, .944 save percentage and three shutouts in his seven starts since a disastrous run in his first three. On the other hand, Bobrovsky has been showing promise that he is definitely the league’s best goalie to watch, posting a record of 12-5 with a 2.11 GAA, .912 save percentage and three shutouts in starting all 17 games. While this may downplay whatever tricks these teams have up their sleeves, it is definitely a big thing to consider the goalie play and how it will directly influence the chances of winning for both teams in this highly-anticipated final.

The state of Nevada has just approved a new bill that seeks to prohibit unlawful gambling enterprises from operating within the state. Senate Bill 256, authored by Senator Rochelle Nguyen, passed the Assembly with a vote of 42 – 0, just several weeks after getting a unanimous vote in the Senate. In a move to further clamp down on unauthorized gambling, the Nevada legislature has passed a bill that would give the state expanded powers to target and prosecute unlicensed gambling operators. Senate Bill 256, introduced by Senator Rochelle Nguyen, passed unanimously in the Assembly on Thursday with a 42 - 0 vote. The legislation had previously cleared the Senate without opposition, signaling strong bipartisan support for stricter enforcement measures. One more step to becoming law Although SB 256 has cleared both chambers, a minor amendment added in the Assembly means the bill must return to the Senate for concurrence before it can be sent to Governor Joe Lombardo for signature. The sole change - adding Assemblymember Brittney Miller as a joint sponsor - poses no substantive alteration to the bill’s content, and reapproval is expected to be swift. SB 256 marks a significant evolution in Nevada’s regulatory framework for gambling. The bill is designed to strengthen the state’s ability to police both physical and online gambling operations that operate without proper licensing. Importantly, it grants Nevada the authority to pursue unlicensed operators located outside the state - if they accept bets from Nevada residents. Under the bill, any financial gains derived from illegal gambling activities - including profits and gross receipts - must be surrendered to the state. These funds would be deposited into the General Fund, creating a financial deterrent for unlawful operators while bolstering public resources. Operators who exploit Nevada residents through illegal platforms will now face real consequences, stated a legislative source. This is about fairness, accountability, and preserving the integrity of our gaming industry, they continued. Tougher penalties for facilitators In addition to targeting gambling operators directly, SB 256 increases the penalties for individuals and entities found to be facilitating unauthorized gambling. Some offenses under the new law could be prosecuted as felonies, escalating the legal risks for those involved in illegal gaming ventures. These provisions reflect growing concerns over the proliferation of unlicensed platforms, particularly in the online space, where enforcement has historically lagged behind technological innovation. Addressing the online gray area While SB 256 does not specifically mention online sweepstakes casinos - a popular, often legally ambiguous form of gambling - it references existing state law defining gambling broadly. That definition includes any game played for something of value using dice, cards, or electronic devices. This opens the door to possible action against sweepstakes platforms, depending on how regulators interpret the term “representative of value.” Many such platforms use dual-currency systems designed to skirt gambling laws, but SB 256 may close those loopholes if enforcement officials apply a wide lens. “With the rise of online gaming apps, we’ve seen an increasing number of unlicensed platforms operating in the shadows,” said Janice Wong, a legislative intern, during a Senate hearing in March. “This bill sends a clear message: If you operate illegally, you will be held accountable.” Widespread support from the industry and regulators SB 256 has drawn endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, and the Nevada Resort Association. Advocates argue the bill is essential to maintaining the integrity of Nevada’s gaming sector, a cornerstone of the state’s economy. Supporters also highlight the need to protect consumers and ensure the state does not lose online gaming traffic to unregulated alternatives, which often lack safeguards against fraud or addiction. As Nevada awaits final Senate approval and the governor’s signature, industry observers say the bill could become a model for other states grappling with similar issues.

Solana, one of the largest cryptocurrencies, has now been added to Kalshi’s platform, Kalshi announced. According to Kalshi, Solana can now be used for funding Kalshi accounts as an extension of its collaboration with Zero Hash. Kalshi, a prominent operator in the regulated prediction markets space, announced on Friday that it has added Solana (SOL) as a new option for clients to fund their accounts. This development brings the total number of cryptocurrencies accepted on the platform to six. The update was shared via Kalshi’s official account on X, where the company framed the move as a continuation of its partnership with crypto infrastructure firm Zero Hash. Solana joins a growing list of digital currencies supported by Kalshi, including Bitcoin, XRP, Worldcoin, Ripple USD, and USDC. The addition enhances Kalshi's appeal to users who prefer the speed and flexibility of cryptocurrency over traditional funding methods. Crypto deposits offer speed and flexibility Kalshi emphasizes the advantages that come with using cryptocurrency for deposits. In a post on its Help Center, the company explained that crypto-funded accounts gain near-instant access to funds, enabling users to participate in trades without delays typical of conventional bank transfers. “Depositing with crypto on Kalshi allows for immediate access to your funds, enabling you to participate in trades without any delay that usually occurs with traditional banking methods,” the platform noted. “All successful deposits will be able to be traded in just minutes!” Additionally, Kalshi revealed that users can deposit as much as $500,000 in a single cryptocurrency transaction - a significantly higher threshold than what is generally permitted through traditional banking options. This capability is likely to appeal to high-volume traders and institutional clients seeking to move capital quickly. Why the Kalshi–Solana development is significant Kalshi’s decision to expand its cryptocurrency roster demonstrates a trend of prediction market platforms deepening their integration with digital assets. Unlike traditional online sportsbooks and iGaming platforms, which face regulatory restrictions around cryptocurrency transactions, Kalshi and its peers - such as PredictIt and Polymarket - operate with fewer barriers when it comes to accepting crypto deposits. Currently, Kalshi can operate in all 50 states, and there are no explicit regulations preventing it from allowing clients to deposit with cryptocurrencies. That stands in contrast to traditional gambling operators, many of whom have voiced interest in accepting crypto but are constrained by state-level regulatory hurdles. “Some gaming companies have signaled they’d be willing to accept crypto deposits from bettors, but it’s not an option they pursue with much vigor because they know that state regulators are likely to oppose it,” industry analysts note. This regulatory flexibility gives platforms like Kalshi a unique edge as digital currencies gain mainstream traction. Solana's growing role in sports betting and memecoins Solana is currently the sixth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, narrowly behind BNB (Binance Coin) and well in advance of USDC. It’s not just a popular blockchain for serious DeFi projects - it also enjoys a strong presence in the memecoin space, where users often trade tokens based on internet culture and celebrity personalities as well as viral moments. This popularity extends into the sports betting world. Figures such as Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy and viral sensation Hailey Welch (also known as Hawk Tuah Girl) have launched their own memecoins using the Solana blockchain. This connection means many users who are active in sports betting or crypto speculation already maintain Solana wallets, making it a natural fit for Kalshi's platform. As crypto adoption accelerates across industries, Kalshi’s inclusion of Solana marks a timely and strategic move. With corporate treasuries increasing their Bitcoin holdings - now totaling over $349 billion, or about 15% of all Bitcoin in circulation, according to deVere Group Chief Executive Officer Nigel Green - digital assets are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to cash.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are coming for a blazing showdown in the 2025 NBA Finals, and the two historically built teams are going to be on a massive race to the finish. However, one can easily spot that both have someone mutual to thank to their respective successes. Paul George, who has been a franchise player for Indiana around his first nine years, has been able to lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals, and some legendary playoff runs as well. With Oklahoma City, George was phenomenal in reinventing himself after that freak leg injury and played at the best of his career. However, he did not go on to lead the Thunder past the first round in his brief stay. However it may look for both teams, at the end of the day, it seems that both OKC and Indiana will go down to thank PG for his contributions and how he played a huge role in rebuilding the squads. The Thunder Timeline In July 2017, the Thunder traded Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for George, which eventually led him to play from 2017 to 2019. George eventually appeared in two postseason campaigns with OKC, only to drop both in the first round. He was definitely in the firsthand when Damian Lillard drilled that infamous “bad shot” that sent Oklahoma City to a rebuild. Of course, that would then lead the Thunder to come up with a flurry of overhauls, of which was known – the Paul George trade. The forward later ended up playing for the Los Angeles Clippers at the behest of Kawhi Leonard. The bigger story, however, is what OKC ended up getting for that trade. The Thunder received a total of five first-round draft picks and two swap picks in the first round. One of those picks ended up being Jalen Williams – who became a first-time All-Star in the 2024-25 NBA season. But what ended up as a stunning piece of that trade was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who spent his rookie season with the Clippers, only to be sent to Oklahoma City. Of course, we know all what happened with SGA. He led OKC to a 68-14 record this season, and ended up winning the season MVP award while also being the league’s scoring champion and recently the Western Conference Finals MVP. The Pacers Timeline The Indiana Pacers have very little to thank off Paul George as he was just a by-product of the trade. After that impressive 2017 Playoff run where the Pacers went to seven games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, George would go on to move on to Oklahoma City in exchange for Oladipo and Sabonis. Later, after five years of less promise on the big stage, Sabonis became a two-time All-Star but was then traded to the Sacramento Kings – in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton. Sabonis would generate just a single playoff run for the Kings, and got eliminated in the first round. The Pacers, on the other hand, have just gone for back-to-back ECF runs. Perhaps the most ironic of all these trades? George should definitely earn a ring from either team that will win the NBA Finals. As laughable as it sounds, George definitely had a hand in the building blocks and core players that eventually made these teams the contenders they are today.