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Zach Edey is one of the hyped big men in the 2024 NBA Draft who is expected to make a splash in the coming season. It seems that the Memphis Grizzlies rookie is slated to continue building on that hype as his recent photos see him gaining some muscle in a workout – sparking a promising expectation for the big man in the coming season. When the Memphis Grizzlies initially drafted him out of Purdue, Edey was more of a beast-type big man among centers. That was his main strength in college – allowing him to become a dominant big man in the game and even leading his team to the NCAA Final, where they fell to the UConn Huskies. Now that he is taking his game to the next level, it does seem that Edey is on the right track. In a recent photo where he is working out with fellow Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, it seems that Zach Edey looked leaner than before, probably losing a lot of fat and converting it into muscle, being slimmer than he did before in college, which should really make a strong case for him as one of the hyped performers in the coming season. Slimming Trend for Centers The modern NBA has changed the dynamic so much for the center position in the game. Over the years, we have seen strong big men go extinct due to many teams favoring the flexible point forwards who can actually handle the ball and even stretch the floor with their three-point shooting. This has been the trend over the years, and needless to say, the previous season was enough proof that this is currently seen by teams as the meta in the league. The 2023-24 season was headlined by two talented rookies, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. These two players are the modern definition of centers in the NBA, with both stars being able to dribble the ball and come up with shots from almost anywhere on the court, and it cannot even be denied that their slim build is truly quite the trend that the league is seeing among its big men so far – such as Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo. Size does matter – and if you have heard of how Kenneth Lofton Jr. was supposed to dominate the league with his sheer size a la Shaquille O’Neal, the rookie now went on to play in the NBA G League, which just says a lot about how he did not fit well in many teams’ gameplan. Building on a Hype in the Season Zach Edey stands at 7-foot-4, making him the tallest player in the game. Selected ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Purdue product was initially set to be a top-three pick. Many fans are hoping to see him prove his critics wrong after he fell off the top five and show that he has what it takes to bring his game to the next level for Memphis. In his four-year run with Purdue, Edey averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His last season saw him average multiple career-highs, tallying an average of 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2.0 assists per game on a staggering 62.3% shooting, including 50% from three – which made him a promising prospect heading to the season.

Connecticut has penalized both White Hat Gaming and DraftKings after an online slot game didn't deliver any payouts in one week in August of last year. The slot game, Deal or No Deal Banker's Bonanza, was supposed to pay out almost a dollar for each dollar bet. But in that week, it didn't pay out even though the slot earned nearly $24,000 that same week. It turns out it was a computer glitch, but the mistake was, neither White Hat nor DraftKings informed the public, even though they refunded players' losses. Connecticut has taken action against White Hat Gaming and DraftKings following a significant payout issue with an online slot game, Deal or No Deal Banker's Bonanza, which failed to pay any winners over the course of a week in August of 2023. The state's Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division has fined the companies a total of $22,500, with DraftKings bearing the brunt of the penalty, amounting to $19,000. A slot game with issues The issue came to light after a report by CT Insider, revealing that the game, which had been advertised to pay out almost 95 cents for every dollar bet on it, had inexplicably failed to do so during the period from August 15 to August 21. During that time, more than 20,600 spins were made on the game by 522 players, with nearly $24,000 wagered in total. Astonishingly, not a single player won. The game debuted on the online casino platform of DraftKings in August, attracting players with a minimum bet of 10 cents. However, unlike other similar slot games, Deal or No Deal Banker's Bonanza offered no returns, raising red flags among both players and regulators. The root cause: a computer glitch An investigation by Connecticut state regulators revealed the root of the problem: a computer issue that prevented the game from generating wins. This technical glitch meant that despite the high number of spins and bets placed, the game was malfunctioning, leaving players without any winnings. In response to the investigation, DraftKings issued refunds totaling $23,909 to the affected Connecticut players. Despite this gesture, the state's investigation revealed that the players were not informed of the exact reason for the refund, leaving many unaware of the malfunction. Additionally, it was reported that the Department of Consumer Protection was only told of the issue a week after the game was fixed and then re-launched. Transparency and reliability a concern This incident has raised concerns about the transparency and reliability of online gaming platforms. Slot games like Deal or No Deal Banker's Bonanza are designed to pay out at a predetermined rate, typically offering players a chance to win back a portion of their wagers. However, when a game malfunctions, as in this case, it can erode trust in the fairness of online casinos. The fines imposed by Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection demonstrate the importance of regulatory oversight in the online gaming industry. As online gambling continues to grow not only in Connecticut but in other states, incidents like these highlight the need for more stringent controls and quick action to protect consumers. DraftKings and White Hat Gaming's response to the issue has been met with mixed reactions. While the refund of nearly $24,000 to affected players is a positive step, the lack of communication regarding the malfunction has been criticized. Transparency in such situations is crucial to maintaining player trust and ensuring that gaming companies are held accountable for their platforms' performance.

A lawmaker in Ohio has filed legislation with the senate in Columbus seeking to legalize online gambling in the state. Senator Niraj Atani says the success of online sports betting in Ohio paved the way for the legalization of iGaming and demonstrates Ohio's ability to safeguard and protect consumers. Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani has introduced new legislation aimed at legalizing iGaming, which would allow for online casinos offering interactive table games and slot machines. As Ohio already permits brick-and-mortar casinos, racinos, and both online and retail sports betting, Antani believes it's time to expand the state's gaming landscape and move to the next logical step. The push for iGaming in Ohio Senator Antani's push for iGaming comes on the heels of the successful implementation of online sports betting in Ohio. The lawmaker argues that the state's ability to regulate as well as protect consumers in the realm of sports wagering demonstrates its readiness to manage online casino gaming as well. Antani stated that gaming has evolved in the state and they have seen immense success with sports betting, so it's now time to legalize iGaming in Ohio. "Many Ohioans don't have close access to a casino or racino, but should be able to participate in this entertainment option," Antani added. Senate Bill 312, which proposes the legalization of iGaming, has yet to be assigned to a committee for initial review. However, the bill's introduction has already sparked significant debate among the state's proponents and opponents. Potential economic impact Proponents of iGaming in Ohio highlight the potential for substantial tax revenue. A recent study by the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming estimated that online casinos in Ohio could generate between $500 million and $650 million in annual taxes. The commission's report pointed to similar tax structures in Pennsylvania and Michigan, states with comparable populations, as models for Ohio. Currently, only seven states in the US have legalized iGaming: Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. A study by Vixio, a gaming regulatory intelligence company, suggests that states without regulated iGaming could be leaving up to $15 billion in annual taxes on the table. The potential revenue from iGaming could be a game-changer for addressing critical state issues, such as the childcare crisis, the commission's report noted. However, caution is necessary to ensure that the implementation of iGaming does not negatively impact Ohio businesses and workers, the report continued. Opposition from brick-and-mortar casinos Despite the potential financial benefits, the proposed legislation faces significant opposition, particularly from local casino operators. Jack Entertainment, the only casino company headquartered in Ohio, is among the most vocal critics. During an April meeting of the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming, Jack Entertainment's senior VP of government affairs, Daniel Reinhard, argued that iGaming could devastate the state’s brick-and-mortar gaming sector. "Just like online retail has decimated local retail, iGaming will do the same under any logical scenario," Reinhard stated. He continued on to say that iGaming would damage Ohio businesses and cost jobs, leading to diminished capital investment and the degradation of the existing tax base of the state. Jack Entertainment runs two gaming venues in Ohio: Jack Thistledown Racino and Jack Cleveland Casino. The company fears that the introduction of iGaming could lead to job losses and reduced foot traffic at its properties. Support from major competitors In contrast to Jack Entertainment, other major gaming operators in Ohio, such as Penn Entertainment and MGM Resorts, have expressed support for the introduction of iGaming. MGM operates the MGM Northfield Park racino, while Penn runs a total of four casino gaming properties, including Hollywood Casino in Toledo and Hollywood Casino in Columbus. Jeff Morris, Penn's head of government relations, testified that in states where Penn operates online casinos, iGaming has been a "catalyst for growth" for the company's land-based properties. According to Morris, iGaming can coexist with traditional casinos and even drive more business to physical locations.

What is the real deal with outrageous casino carpeting? It may not be as strange as you think. Contrary to a popular myth, those bright and colorful carpets in casinos are not designed to make gamblers disoriented nor are meant to wake gamblers up. It's much more simple than that, as a Vegas insider attests. In the ever-thrilling world of casinos, one often overlooked (but ever-present) feature is the carpet. To the untrained eye, these carpets might seem like random assortments of colors and patterns - and a design that some might even describe as ugly. However, according to a recent article on GamblingSites.org, these carpets are the result of extensive market research designed to keep players awake and focused. But is there truth behind this claim, or is it just another in a long line of casino myths? The psychology of casino myths As we all know, the gambling world is rife with myths, many of which stem from plain psychology. For instance, every seasoned gambler knows that, on average, the house always wins. This knowledge prompts the brain to create methods to outsmart the system, leading to a proliferation of theories that attempt to explain every aspect of one's experience in a casino. One such theory revolves around the belief that everything in a casino, including the carpets, is designed to disorient and manipulate players. For instance, one user on Reddit, going by the name of LordPraetorian, claimed on the LasVegas subreddit that casino carpets are intentionally designed to disorient patrons, making it harder for them to find the exits. Another Redditor, oftcenter, offered a different perspective, suggesting that the carpets are meant to draw the eye upward, while the plain ceilings direct attention downward, ultimately keeping players focused on the gaming facilities. But not everyone agrees with these theories. Scott Roeben, the mind behind Casino.org's Vital Vegas blog, dismisses these ideas as absurd. "It has never occurred to any casino manager, operations person, or owner I've ever spoken with to make an ugly carpet so that people will stay awake, or be disoriented, or look up instead of down," Roeben asserts. The real dirt: practicality over psychology So if casino carpets weren't designed to confuse or control players, why do they look the way they do? The answer, according to Roeben, is far more practical: busy designs conceal stains and wear better than simpler patterns. As we can all agree, casino carpets endure a tremendous amount of foot traffic every day, with thousands of customers, many carrying colorful slushy drinks, walking across them. Despite frequent cleaning - sometimes more than once a day - keeping these carpets pristine is an uphill battle. According to Roeben, casinos are different from most any other business because thousands of people continuously walk through them every day, and almost all of these people carry drinks. He adds, "The spills are more frequent and often more colorful. Slushy drinks come in a variety of colors. Oh, and there's also the vomit." For casinos, replacing carpets can be a costly endeavor, one that some establishments put off for as long as possible. This financial pragmatism leads to the use of intricate, often jarring designs that can mask the inevitable stains and wear, extending the carpet's usable life. The branding angle: a distinctive element Aside from their practicality, these carpets in Las Vegas casinos also serve another important purpose: branding. According to Roeben, a casino's carpet is a distinctive element of its brand identity. This is why you won't find the same carpet design duplicated across different casinos. Each pattern is unique to its location, contributing to the overall atmosphere and theme of the establishment. For example, the rebranded Bally's casino, now known as the Horseshoe, features a carpet adorned with literal horseshoes, directly tying into the casino's name and theme. While such on-the-nose designs are rare, most casinos opt for patterns that are distinct enough to be recognized by frequent patrons. In some cases, this distinctiveness can even lead to unintended consequences. Roeben notes that law enforcement sometimes releases crime scene photos featuring only the carpet, hoping to keep the location anonymous. However, the unique patterns are often so recognizable that social media users can quickly identify the casino in question. Busting the myth In the end, the idea that casino carpets are designed to keep players awake or disoriented is just another myth in a long line of casino-related urban legends. The reality is far less sensational - the carpets in casinos are busy and bold in order to hide stains, endure heavy use, and reinforce the casino's brand. While these carpets might not be able to manipulate players' minds, in the end, they certainly contribute to the unique and unforgettable atmosphere that keeps them people back for more.

Seven online casino players in Philadelphia have been found guilty and placed on the state's involuntary exclusion list, after they reportedly conducted several transactions online that amounted to almost $30,000. The players were accused of obtaining an online account using another person's identity, depositing funds into these accounts, and more. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has placed seven online casino players on the state's involuntary exclusion list after uncovering fraudulent activities amounting to nearly $30,000 at various online casinos. The decision follows an in-depth investigation by the PGCB's Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, which found the individuals guilty of a range of deceitful practices. Fraudulent activities uncovered The investigation revealed that three of the seven individuals engaged in sophisticated fraudulent schemes that targeted online casinos in Pennsylvania. These players used fake identities and the personal financial information of others to carry out their illicit activities. The fraudulent acts included: Opening online accounts with stolen identities: The players obtained online casino accounts using another individual's identity, which they accessed through fraudulent means. Depositing various funds using stolen payment methods: Once the fraudulent accounts were set up, the players deposited funds using the banking details of unsuspecting individuals, without their consent. Withdrawing funds without gambling: The most striking aspect of their fraud involved withdrawing the deposited funds to their own bank accounts without engaging in any gambling activities. This was done by creating two distinct accounts under false names, using stolen credit cards to make deposits, and then withdrawing the same funds back to their own accounts. Unlawful chargebacks: The players went a step further by requesting chargebacks from the credit card issuers. They claimed the transactions were unauthorized, receiving refunds despite the fraudulent nature of the deposits. The total amount defrauded through these actions was $27,168, a significant sum that prompted the PGCB to take decisive action against those involved. Wider implications and further offenses In addition to the three players found guilty of the above fraudulent activities, the other four persons were banned for a variety of offenses, which included theft, child endangerment, cheating, the use of counterfeit currency, and disorderly conduct. These offenses underline the range of criminal activities that can occur within the online gaming environment. The PGCB's action to exclude these players reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Pennsylvania's online gambling industry. The role of the PGCB and the involuntary exclusion list The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, responsible for regulating all aspects of gambling within the state, has the authority to place individuals on the involuntary exclusion list. This list is reserved for those who have committed serious violations of gaming laws or regulations, thereby barring them from participating in any legal gambling activities within Pennsylvania, including online gaming platforms. Being placed on this list is a significant penalty, as it effectively cuts off individuals from all legitimate gaming opportunities in the state. For the seven individuals recently added to the list, this exclusion serves as both a punishment for their actions and a warning to others who might consider similar fraudulent activities. The PGCB's decision to place these seven individuals on the involuntary exclusion list is a clear message to all players that fraud and other criminal activities will not be tolerated in the broad Pennsylvania gaming sector. The Board's proactive approach in investigating and addressing these issues emphasizes its dedication to protecting the interests of both legitimate players and the gaming community as a whole.

After its launch last August 23, PlayStation has announced in its latest blog that Firewalk Studios’ Concord will now shut down moving forward after receiving feedback from various players, critics, and fans amidst its poor launch week that proved to be a disappointment from a game that was eight years in the making. The competitive gaming scene has been quite on a buzz after the recent announcement by PlayStation. Concord did not even last more than two weeks on the market and was said to be quite a bust for many as it failed to sell the estimated copies and even come up with a promising tally on players despite having 2,300 gamers present in its beta launch. This shutdown by Concord marks the worst entertainment launch of all time. Many critics are even calling the PlayStation title the worst game since the 2023 flop The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, which was criticized for its lack of unique game features that eventually led to its downfall. Pulling the Plug Concord was hyped to be one of the up-and-coming competitive esports titles of 2024, only to come up short with a poor performance in its launch week, not being able to sell more than 25,000 estimated copies while also having a all-time peak of 697 players on Steam. In the end, PlayStation went on to pursue the inevitable – a total shutdown of the hero shooter game. “We have decided to take the game offline beginning September 6, 2024, and explore options, including those that will better reach our players,” says Concord game director Ryan Ellis in a PlayStation blog post. “While we determine the best path ahead, Concord sales will cease immediately and we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased the game for PS5 or PC.” Concord was first announced in the PlayStation Showcase back in May 2023 with a CGI trailer. The game would go on to release a beta in July 2024, only to meet underwhelming player numbers with the most accurate estimate at 2,300 players. In retrospect, it did receive promising scores from game reviewers, but many factors played out to affect the game’s overall performance in the market in the long run. Failing to Thrive in the Market As said above, Concord managed to bring a peak of 697 concurrent players on Steam – which is even lower than the game’s beta phase and a disappointing number for a major release. Many critics believe that it was the game’s lack of a unique selling point that proved to be a major reason why it failed to thrive in the market where it had to go up against the likes of Fortnite and Overwatch in the hero shooter genre. On top of that, some even blamed the expensive price tag that PlayStation put for the game, which is set at $40. Considering the fact that both Overwatch and Fortnite are free-to-play titles, it is worth noting that Concord made a poor decision to come up with the way they released the game in such a competitive market. This ending for one of the hyped games of 2024 is quite a disappointment. However, it does serve as a promising learning point for many developers and publishers in the long run, what not to do in coming up with a title that is in the hero shooter genre.

It seems that the upset stories aren’t finished just yet as Taylor Fritz just added one more to the list after he defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal of the US Open in four sets, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3), which helped him reach his first-ever semifinals in any tennis major. Now he is slated to continue a promising campaign on his home soil in front of American fans. Zverev, who just clinched his 450th tour-level win and a slot at the ATP Finals by the end of the Tour, was left disappointed with a tough break after he failed to claw back in the final two sets of the match which led to his loss. On the other side, Fritz claims his landmark moment in the US Open, and he can definitely cap off that run with a massive battle in the semis, where he is set to face fellow American Frances Tiafoe. Fritz held his ground in his game against Zverev, which lasted for three hours and 26 minutes. However, Fritz’s consistent performance under pressure proved to be a crucial factor that led him to pull off a massive victory, adding to the huge upsets that featured losses from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the earlier rounds. A Massive Battle to Remember Heading into the US Open, Fritz was 0-4 in his last-eight matches at Grand Slam events, which proved to be a pivotal factor in his chances of winning. He stuck to the fundamentals and kept his cool for the crucial moments of the game, leading to the promising victory against one of the best performers in recent majors in Zverev. “I feel amazing,” Fritz said of the big showdown that he pulled off against Zverev. “I’ve had a lot of looks at quarter-finals in the past couple of years, and today just felt different. I really feel that it was my time to take a step further and it’s only fitting I’m doing it here on this court at the US Open in front of this crowd.” Fans at the Arthur Ashe Stadium were stunned by the impressive performances from the two stars. Fritz went on to tally a total of 13 break points to counter Zverev’s massive service game, and he even converted two of those breaks to secure the victory against the German star. Continued Development in the Game Fritz was the aggressor for most of the game, and he kept his composure in the game with an impressive first-serve, where he won 81% of those points. So far, he forced Zverev to come up with a lot of forehand errors, and he even delivered a promising smash to close out the final deuce in the closing set of the game. “I’ve worked on adding so much to my game. I feel like my forehand and backhand have kind of always been there, but I’m trying to come to the net a little bit, trying to mix in some drop shots, just trying to add stuff to my game so I can back up my serve in better.” In this victory, Fritz now seeks to become the first American player to reach a major championship match ever since Andy Roddick pulled off a massive run in the 2009 edition of Wimbledon. Fritz also levels his head-to-head series with Zverev at 5-5 while also building a 16-3 record in all 2024 Majors.

There were a lot of talks as to how Leon Draisaitl was already slated to move on from the team after losing out one season after another and never reaching the Stanley Cup Final. But after a near-historic comeback in the previous Final, it seems that the forward is keen to be back for more with his team heading into the 2024-25 NHL season. Draisaitl just landed a bigger deal with the Oilers, signing an eight-year, $112 million deal that averages $14 million per season. At the age of 28, Draisaitl was already slatted to enter the final season of his $68 million deal that he signed back in August 2017, and had it not been for the extension, the star forward could have ended up as an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. A Big Run Ahead for Draisaitl Leon Draisaitl was pleased that he got a chance to play for the Oilers once more, and this extension deal with the team truly caps off what was a promising run from the team last season. Now it seems that the star forward is hoping for bigger strides that will help him and the rest of his team deliver a promising championship for the first time in decades. "I take great pride in being an Oiler and always obviously wear my heart on my sleeve, but I love nothing more than wearing that jersey and representing our city and our great fans," Draisaitl said. "I'm really, really excited and happy to hopefully be an Oiler for life. I don't know anything other than Edmonton and I feel super proud and excited to wear that jersey every single day. I think we're building something really special and that's just something I want to continue to be a part of and hopefully get it one step further." Draisaitl said that he cannot picture himself wearing a different team’s jersey, and the deal working out just fine means that he is really meant to stay in the Oilers for years to come. Now that that is done, it is time for the forward to focus on delivering a promising performance in his coming games with the team this season. A Chance for Redemption Despite Edmonton coming up with one of its biggest stories in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there was still a touch of disappointment as the team failed to deliver what could have been a historic comeback from an 0-3 deficit when they fell short of winning Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. "It took some time, it was a pretty gut-wrenching feeling for a little bit," he said. "There is a sense of being proud of what we did, but at the end of the day, nobody talked about the Edmonton Oilers. Our goal, what we want is on the last day of the season for everyone to talk about us. Obviously, you can't be much closer than what we were. I think we're ready to attack again and ready to apply these messages and these moments that we've learned along the way last season, into this season." The Oilers quickly went to work as soon as the offseason began, negotiating deals with the star forward with the hopes of keeping him for more years to come – pairing him with the team’s ace and captain, Connor McDavid. Now that it is all said and done, it does seem that the Oilers can breathe easy and expect yet another massive run in the 2024-25 season.

The owners of Palms Casino Resort and Bally's Corp have just made their strategic partnership public, and it will allow members of the Bally Rewards program to earn points and redeem them in Palms Las Vegas. This partnership comes after Bally’s will no longer have a partner in Las Vegas after the Tropicana is set to be demolished. Bally's Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with the Palms Casino Resort, offering the members of Bally Rewards a unique opportunity to earn points and redeem them in Las Vegas. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Bally's, which no longer has a casino presence in the city following the closure of the iconic Tropicana earlier this year. A new era for Bally Rewards As of April 2, there has no longer been a casino in Vegas associated with Bally’s after it closed down the historic Tropicana, a Rat Pack-era casino and hotel that had been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip for decades. The Tropicana is slated for demolition next month, leaving Bally's without a direct presence in the city. However, the company has swiftly moved to ensure its loyalty members continue to have access to Sin City's attractions. The partnership with the Palms Casino Resort, located off the Strip, provides Bally Rewards members with an alternative destination in Las Vegas. Starting immediately, Bally Bucks - the loyalty points earned by Bally's players - can be redeemed at the Palms. This move not only keeps Bally's connected to Las Vegas but also offers its members a fresh experience at one of the city's unique gaming resorts. "We are thrilled to join forces with Palms in Las Vegas for this exciting venture. Our goal is to provide our Bally Rewards members with unparalleled rewards and experiences, and this partnership with the Palms is a significant step toward achieving that," said Mike Donovan, the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Gaming at Bally's. Expanding Bally's footprint Bally's Corporation manages 16 on-site casinos across 10 states in the US, and it is currently undertaking its largest project - a $2 billion integrated resort casino in Chicago. Despite the closure of the Tropicana, Bally's continues to expand, and this partnership with the Palms represents a key element of its growth strategy. The Palms Casino Resort, now owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was acquired from Red Rock Resorts in 2021 to the tune of $650 million. The California-based Native American tribe, known for operating the successful Yaamava' Resort & Casino in California, has brought new life to the Palms, making it an appealing venue for Bally's members. Cross-marketing synergy The Bally Rewards program is a multi-tiered system with four levels. Members earn their share of Bally Bucks through slot machine play, table games, and sports betting at Bally's casinos across the country. Higher-tier members enjoy additional perks, including complimentary stays and gaming credits at designated properties. The Palms Casino Resort now joins Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, Bally's Lake Tahoe, and Bally's Atlantic City as a destination where Bally Rewards members can redeem their points. This cross-marketing partnership enhances the gaming experience for guests at both Bally's and the Palms through exclusive annual trips, tier matching, and tournament invitations. "We're pleased to welcome Bally Rewards members to Palms Casino Resort and provide an exciting Las Vegas experience," said Greg Shulman, the Palms' VP of Casino Marketing. He added that partnering with Bally's Corporation allows the Palms to explore new opportunities and, in turn, introduce Palms hospitality to Bally's members. The Palms: a storied legacy The Palms Casino Resort has a rich history in Las Vegas. Originally developed by the Maloofs, the resort launched in November of 2001 and quickly became a popular destination. However, the financial downturn during the Great Recession led to the property's sale to two private equity companies. Red Rock Resorts then acquired the Palms for $312.5 million in 2016 and invested an additional $620 million in upgrades to restore its prominence. Despite these efforts, the Palms struggled to regain its foothold in the competitive Las Vegas market. The acquisition by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians marked a historic moment as the first time a Native American tribe took full and complete ownership of a casino resort in Las Vegas.

In a recent study conducted by the American Gaming Association, it was found that more Americans are changing their mindset about gambling and gambling-related activities such as sports betting. 65% of non-gambling Americans now see gambling as a responsible gaming activity and accept it as a form of entertainment, while 81% of American casino players believe the sector is behaving more responsibly. As the NFL season kicks off and Responsible Gaming Education Month begins, a new study by the American Gaming Association reveals that Americans are now seeing the gambling industry in a more positive light than ever before. The study, conducted by Kantar on behalf of the AGA, highlights a growing acceptance of casino gaming and sports betting as mainstream forms of entertainment, while also recognizing the industry's efforts toward responsible gaming. One of the key findings of the study is that 75% believe the gaming sector behaves in a responsible manner in the regions where it runs. This perception has significantly improved over the years, especially regarding the industry's stance toward responsible gaming and addressing problem gambling. According to the survey, 65% of Americans are satisfied with the industry's efforts in this area, a notable increase from 55% in 2023. Back in 2018, under 40% of Americans shared this positive view, showing the substantial progress the industry has made in public perception. Increased acceptance among casino players and sports bettors The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults over 21 between July 31 and August 9, found that this positive perception is even more pronounced among those who actively participate in gambling. Among casino players, 81% believe the industry behaves responsibly, up from 70% last year. Sports bettors share a similar sentiment, with 88% expressing confidence in the industry's responsibility, compared to 78% the previous year. These numbers reflect a wider trend of increasing trust and satisfaction among those who engage with the gaming industry firsthand. As legal, regulated gaming continues to expand across the United States, more Americans are recognizing the benefits of a well-regulated marketplace that prioritizes responsible gaming practices. Gambling participation and acceptance on the rise The study also sheds light on the renewed prevalence of gambling in American society. More than half (55%) of adults reported participating in some type of gambling in the last year, reflecting the ongoing acceptance of gambling as a legitimate and enjoyable pastime. Moreover, almost 88% find casino gambling online acceptable, either for themselves or other people, indicating a growing comfort with digital gaming platforms. The increased acceptance of gambling, particularly online, accentuates the importance of the industry's continued focus on responsible gaming. As more Americans embrace these activities, the need for robust protections and education around responsible gaming practices becomes even more critical. Positive economic impact of the gaming industry The AGA study also highlights the significant economic contributions of the gaming industry. Over 76% of people in the US believe that the gaming sector has a positive influence on the US economy. This sentiment is mirrored in local communities, with over three-quarters of respondents crediting the industry for its contributions to job creation, local economies, and the tourism sector. Joe Maloney, Senior VP of Strategic Communications at the AGA, emphasized the importance of a regulated gaming marketplace in fostering these positive perceptions. "These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility, and provides unmatched entertainment," Maloney said. The study's findings underscore the growing acceptance of the gaming industry as a responsible and beneficial force in American society. As the industry and other related sectors continue to grow and evolve, its commitment to responsible gaming, economic contributions, and providing high-quality entertainment will remain key factors in maintaining and enhancing the public's trust.

Amidst all the impressive progress that the various teams in the league have done to upgrade their respective rosters, it seems that the Kansas City Chiefs have one more trick up their sleeve to come up with a promising push in the 2024 NFL season as they have a rookie in Kingsley Suamataia to start as the team’s left tackle. Selected in the second round in the recent NFL Draft, Suamataia enters the season as a promising prospect for the Chiefs as they hope to place him alongside Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in the season opener. It does seem that the team has some impressive trust on the rookie to begin this campaign. The Chiefs have become fixated on improving the offensive end that they have now opted to give Mahomes with more options on the attack by adding Suamataia, who will start as the left tackle for the team now more than ever. Kansas City will take on the Baltimore Ravens – one of their heaviest rivals in the game – to begin the 2024 season and will even headline the first game of the season. A Promising Addition Suamataia entered the team’s training camp when Wanya Morris had to deal with several injuries – and later had to exit the team’s final preseason game with an injury. Head coach Andy Reid noted that Morris will be back in the coming games, but cleared that Suamataia is slated to begin the first week of NFL action. "He had a good training camp," coach Andy Reid said. "He had a good preseason, but this is going to be a learning experience for him here. This is a good defensive line, and he's going to -- I'm sure there will be some ups and downs as he goes like any young player has. He's prepared himself, and it's time to go play now." If things go as planned, Suamataia is expected to be the fourth left tackle who will start in the opening day beside Mahomes for the last four years since becoming the team’s lead QB. Suamataia joins the likes of Eric Fisher (2018-20), Orlando Brown (2021-22), and Donovan Smith (2023). At the age of 21, it does seem that Suamataia will definitely bring some impressive boost to the team’s chances of winning against one of their rivals. Earning Mahomes’ Trust Mahomes has seen some different names in his left tackle slot, and it is worth noting that he trusted all of them well to come up with defending his side and even providing him with impressive options down the stretch. For the star QB, however, it seems that there are a lot of potential that he can expect from the rookie. "He has the confidence. He's going out there, and he's enjoying the moment," Mahomes said of Suamataia. "He's practicing hard. He's learning from the guys beside him. This is, like we said, probably the best defense in the league other than ours, so it's just going out there and competing against the best of the best Week 1. He's going to get kind of introduced fast. I'm excited for him to accept the challenge and see where he's at, but he did a great job in the preseason. He did a great job in training camp, and I'm excited for him to go out there and accept that next challenge." Of course, the task will never be easy for Suamataia at this point. He has to block out the best Baltimore pash rushers, and one can even say that there is going to be a lot impressive action coming up with the rookie in the spotlight now more than ever.