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While he did manage to notch three goals in the Black & Gold’s push at the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, it cannot be denied that fans were still waiting for Denis Bouanga to break his scoring drought eight games into the season and launch LAFC back into the top of the league – and he finally delivered when it mattered most. Bouanga scored a promising goal late in a 1-1 affair with the San Jose Earthquakes, and it was the game-winning shot that allowed LAFC to escape with a 2-1 win over their rivals and get back to a winning pace heading into their weekend clash with the Portland Timbers. Now the LAFC star is finally back in action, and fans are expecting bigger things to come for the club moving forward. Bouanga was scoreless in his previous five games across all competitions this season, and now he’s finally back into the mix and will likely get a promising pace up and running now more than ever. Ranked seventh overall, LAFC seeks to get back on track and get into a competitive form in order to rally their cause for another playoff campaign. A Rough Start Coming off two seasons with high-scoring numbers for LAFC, much has been expected in Bouanga’s fourth stint with LAFC. It can be remembered that he scored 20 38 goals in his first full season with the team, and later followed that up with 28 goals in the 2024 campaign. So far – Bouanga has four goals in total, with three of those coming in the CONCACAF campaign. "It's always complicated to score the first goal," Bouanga said via a translator after the match. "I missed another opportunity. Now that I scored that goal, it should be okay. Other goals are going to come." After being eliminated by Inter Miami midweek and riding two losses in a row, LAFC definitely needed a positive result to get back on the winning path for the season, and Bouanga’s goal definitely played a huge role in setting them up for a promising pace at this point. So far, being able to bounce back when it mattered most has been one of the known characteristics for LAFC, and Bouanga’s show of response after not being able to score in MLS games has been fun to watch. Bounceback Run For manager Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s losses will always come and go, Bouanga’s return to scoring is a sign of good things to come for the team at this point – a season where almost nothing has been right so far. His 86th-minute goal proved to be a satisfying sight, especially as it meant getting all three points in a key match. "It's part of every finishing drill. When you finish, you don't shoot and stop; you always see if there's a rebound," he said. "We basically tell our attackers... there is an opportunity to score, no matter if it's unrealistic or easy, always score."It's part of every finishing drill. When you finish, you don't shoot and stop; you always see if there's a rebound," he said. "We basically tell our attackers... there is an opportunity to score, no matter if it's unrealistic or easy, always score. Bouanga is definitely satisfied with his performances and knows that he could have done better in the past few games that ended up as a loss. Now that he’s finally clinched a goal for this season, maybe he can find his rhythm and start serving up winning plays for the team in the coming weeks.

Jacqueline Davis sued BetMGM in 2021 after it refused to settle a $3 million win in a roulette game. Back in 2021, she played the game for five consecutive days and was able to win as much as $11 million. By the end of her winning streak, she was down to just $3 million - but BetMGM refused to pay, citing a glitch in the Luck O' Roulette game. A multimillion-dollar legal battle between a Detroit woman and BetMGM over an online roulette win has landed in the Michigan Supreme Court, raising critical questions about who holds the authority to resolve disputes in the state's online gambling industry. A $3 million legal spat Jacqueline Davis claims she won $3 million playing the 'Luck O' Roulette' game on BetMGM's platform in 2021. The Detroiter says she played nonstop over five days, at one point amassing $11 million in winnings before cashing out at $3 million. But when she tried to collect her earnings, the casino told her the game had suffered a software malfunction and refused to pay beyond an initial $100,000. Davis, who was given the $100,000 in cash at the MGM Grand Detroit, said BetMGM offered her the funds on the condition that she sign a confidentiality agreement. According to court documents, the agreement would have required her to return the money if news of the glitch became public. She refused, and instead filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract and fraud. A software malfunction resulting in a glitch? BetMGM does not dispute that the game malfunctioned. However, it contends that the win was invalid due to a software glitch and that Davis had no legal grounds to sue. The company pointed to Michigan's Lawful Internet Gaming Act (LIGA), which it argues grants the Michigan Gaming Control Board exclusive authority over online gambling disputes. Both the circuit court and the Michigan Court of Appeals sided with BetMGM, concluding that Davis's case falls outside the jurisdiction of the courts. In a 2 to 1 decision, the appellate court held that LIGA vests exclusive regulatory power with the MGCB, particularly in disputes that involve complex technical issues like game software malfunctions. An intriguing twist But in a twist that has shifted the dynamics of the case, the MGCB itself submitted an amicus brief stating it lacks the authority - and resources - to adjudicate civil disputes such as Davis's. The board emphasized that its role is regulatory, not judicial, and it does not act as an arbitrator between casinos and players in matters involving private contractual claims. This unexpected position from the state's gaming watchdog caught the attention of the Michigan Supreme Court, which granted Davis leave to appeal in May 2024. During oral arguments last week, justices questioned whether BetMGM's interpretation of LIGA was valid if the MGCB itself denies having jurisdiction. "What do you make of the fact that the MGCB itself says, "We don't have jurisdiction"?" Chief Justice-Elect Megan Cavanagh asked during the hearing. "The very entity that you say is the keeper of all of this. Are we supposed to assume that they have an incorrect understanding of their jurisdiction?" BetMGM adamant about its position in the case BetMGM's attorney, Norman Ankers, maintained that the MGCB's interpretation of its authority should not override the plain language of the statute. He insisted that the courts must defer to the legal framework established by LIGA, which, in the company's view, excludes traditional courtrooms from resolving online gambling disputes. Davis's attorney, David Steingold, countered that even if a glitch occurred, BetMGM had multiple opportunities to detect and correct the issue. He noted that Michigan law requires licensed operators to monitor their games daily - a safeguard that, he argues, BetMGM failed to uphold during Davis's five-day roulette session. The Supreme Court's ruling could have severe implications for online gambling in Michigan, particularly in clarifying whether players have the right to take operators to court over disputed payouts or if such matters fall solely under the purview of the MGCB.

A proposed online sports betting bill in Nebraska, LR20CA, passed the legislature by 27 - 16, and the bill is now on its way to the Enrollment and Review Initial stage. It will be reviewed for grammatical and technical accuracy and for final recommendations before it is sent to the next step, which is the Select File - where legislators will debate on the bill and make further amendments. Upon approval, it will head to the final reading and ultimately, get the Governor's signature. One step forward, two more to go. Nebraska lawmakers took a significant first step Monday toward allowing residents to decide whether to legalize sports betting online. A legislative resolution proposing a constitutional amendment passed its initial floor vote in the state's legislature, bringing the controversial issue one step closer to appearing on the 2026 general election ballot. Resolution LR20CA now heads for the final steps Senator Eliot Bostar's resolution, known as LR20CA, was approved in a 27 - 16 vote, along with six senators not voting. Although it survived a particular motion to indefinitely postpone - withdrawn before coming to a vote - the bill still faces two more hurdles in the legislative process before it can be placed before Nebraska voters. The resolution now heads to the Enrollment and Review Initial stage, where legislative staff will integrate any adopted amendments, ensure grammatical and technical accuracy, and prepare the bill for the next round of debate. If it passes the next two stages - Select File and Final Reading - with the required support, it will then need a signature from Governor Jim Pillen to make it onto the 2026 ballot. Crucially, constitutional amendments in Nebraska require approval from at least three-fifths (30 of 49) of elected senators at the final stage. Monday's vote suggests that support for Bostar's measure remains shy of that threshold, making the path forward uncertain but promising. A complex path to legalization The proposed constitutional amendment would authorize Nebraska's six casinos and racetracks to partner with one online sportsbook each, allowing them to offer mobile and digital sports wagering platforms. Retail sports betting was legalized in Nebraska in 2021, but the state remains among the few without a regulated online market. Since its introduction in mid-January, LR20CA has navigated a winding path through the legislature. It spent nearly two months in the General Affairs Committee before emerging in March with bipartisan backing in a 6 - 2 vote. Proponents, including the Sports Betting Alliance and Warhorse Casino, argue that legalizing online betting would generate much-needed tax revenue and help curb the state's growing unregulated market. Supporters also point to the large number of Nebraskans who currently cross state lines - often to Iowa - to place online bets, resulting in lost economic opportunity for Nebraska. We're losing out on millions to neighboring states, and our current laws are just pushing activity underground, Bostar said during floor debate. Another key motivator, Bostar noted, is the desire for the legislature to retain control over regulation. "We saw last February that proponents were considering moving forward with a petition effort," he said. "If that happens, with public support hovering in the mid to high 60% range, the version that reaches the ballot may not reflect the careful regulatory framework that this body would establish." Opposition remains strong Despite the progress, LR20CA has faced significant pushback, especially from conservative and religious groups. At a public hearing in March, only three individuals testified in favor of the bill, while 51 submitted testimony in opposition. Critics worry about the potential for increased gambling addiction, particularly among young men, and remain skeptical of the financial benefits online betting might provide. The Nebraska Family Alliance, one of the most vocal opponents, has highlighted concerns over social harm and has rallied support from high-profile figures such as former football coach Tom Osborne and former Governor Kay Orr. In a public statement, NFA warned that online betting would open the door to predatory practices and strain families and communities. Still, Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, has previously signaled that he would not oppose a sports wagering bill if passed by the legislature. With the session running through June 9 - and bills eligible to carry over into next year - Bostar and supporters have time, but not unlimited momentum. Whether LR20CA clears its final hurdles remains to be seen, but the possibility of Nebraskans voting on online sports betting in 2026 is now more real than ever.

In what would have been a promising campaign for the Golden State Warriors after acquiring Jimmy Butler, it seems that Stephen Curry and the rest of the gang are headed for a series of survival matches in the Play-In Tournament after finishing as the seventh seed in the Western Conference on the final game of the season. Essentially, the Warriors went 22-7 with Butler, and Game 82 felt like Game 7 for many teams, including Golden State. However, they failed to salvage what was a great second-half run and now join seven other teams in the league in a bid to capture the final four spots of the NBA Playoffs, which begins this April 20th. The Warriors finished with a 48-34 record this season, tied with the Memphis Grizzlies with the same record but holding a win advantage in the regular season. Golden State will be battling them for the seventh seed in the Western Conference and a chance to play the Houston Rockets in the first round. A loss would put them for a second chance to play against the winning team between the ninth and 10th seed, and a win will see them play the Oklahoma City Thunder as the eighth seed. Losing to the Clippers Butler had 30 points and nine assists, while Stephen Curry had 36 points and six assists – but he finished with eight turnovers as well as was -16 in the game. No other player came close to scoring more than 20 points – as Brandin Podziemski had 19 points, while Draymond Green finished with 14 points. James Harden pulled off one of his biggest games in the season, where he dropped 39 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard showed why the Clippers are a better team with him – finishing with 33 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in a game that felt like had bigger stakes than a playoff game. A few games ago, former Warrior Harrison Barnes drilled a game-winning three at Chase Center to beat Golden State at the buzzer, 114-111. While the Spurs have nothing to play for, the Warriors lost out on a key stretch that proved to be a needed win for the team. That has come back to haunt them well with this loss as they would have easily been the sixth seed had they won that game. Instead, they are now going to square off with the Memphis Grizzlies in the hopes of coming up with a playoff spot – and a chance to earn redemption in the postseason. The Chase for the Playoff Spots The Warriors finished as the seventh seed. They will battle the Grizzlies at home in the hopes of securing a date with the Rockets in the first round. If it all ends up as a loss for Golden State, then they would get a second chance – either against the Sacramento Kings or the Dallas Mavericks. It has been a wild week of hoops in the NBA – especially in the Western Conference. A few weeks ago, we would have seen the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers in the Play-In Tournament as well had they not won in their respective games to secure the higher seeds in the West. The Eastern Conference, on the other hand, will feature the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and the Miami Heat in their own Play-In Tournament. The Play-In begins today, while the first round of the NBA Playoffs will follow suit.

Before he even joined the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, Kenny Pickett was already lobbying himself for the starting QB position for the team, and it seems that he is definitely keen to lock up that spot heading into the campaign with the hopes of reestablishing himself as one of the best players in the squad. Competition comes in for him in the form of a veteran star in Joe Flacco – and even possibly a rookie acquisition considering that the Browns are somewhat still in the market at this point in time. Pickett knows that it is natural to compete for a starting spot, and he has high belief that he will be able to ace the spot he deserves so much to prove his worth on the big stage. After all, this isn’t his first rodeo. The 2022 first-rounder was benched in Pittsburgh and was also skiing behind Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia for a year. Still, being traded to the Browns means a second chance for a depressed quarterback asset. Now with Deshaun Watson expected to be out of the season, it seems that Pickett will likely getting his chance to rise up for the Browns. A Second Chance at Starting Browns landed Pickett in a trade with the Eagles in exchange for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick. He understood that this season will be a critical point for his career, and vying for a starting role and giving himself a shot at the biggest stage in one of the most high profile teams in the league. "I do view myself as a starter," Pickett said of his odds to become the starter in the Browns’ rotation this season. "I'm sure they're going to bring in another veteran and who knows what else, but I'm just excited to be here and compete with whoever. All the quarterback rooms I've been in, each room's been really tight. We all pull for each other. That's really what it's all about: getting better together and making the team better. So definitely prepare for whatever situation that may present itself." Pickett predicted it right, the Browns brought in Joe Flacco after a one-year hiatus – which means that the veteran star is going to be his competition moving forward. It is worth noting that Pickett was just 10 years old when Flacco began his rookie career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, so the old QB has the edge when it comes to experience. In the 2023 season, Flacco started five regular-season games that campaign, going 4-1 with 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions while getting them across the finish line to reach the playoffs. Pickett’s Case Still, it would not be the same as plugging Flacco in and out and expect to have the same results. Pickett has gone 7-5 in his two seasons when he started for Pittsburgh, and while he’s failed to show consistent offense, the QB will be surely bringing all of his high level of play in order to prove that he has a strong case when it comes to showing up on big games. Watson’s injury was unfortunate, and it is also safe to say that Cleveland will definitely have to make the right decisions in finding a promising QB who could start all the way and deliver impressive performances. After all, they took a big swing in trusting two QBs this season, and it is definitely going to be a hit or miss scenario for them moving forward.

With the regular season all done for the Winnipeg Jets, the team has opted to rest its starters in their 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers – essentially handing the win to a team that needs the win even more. And despite the loss, the Jets move to the top of the league with the best record in the whole NHL, showing how well the team has played at a high level so far. No Josh Morrissey, Adam Lowry, Neal Pionk, Luke Schenn, and Connor Hellebuyck, and yet the Jets have virtually secured the best record in the league after the East-leading Washington Capitals dropped its second game in a row, losing to the Columbus Jackets earlier today and now stands with a 50-21-9 record, which is a far-fetch from Winnipeg’s 55-22-4 standing as of the time of writing. Not many people expected the Jets to come out swinging for the whole season, and yet they made it look so easy for most of the campaign as they separated themselves from the rest of the pack – winning big games and putting up an impressive fight before the closing stretch of the season. Now they have turned their eyes on the postseason run with their season-closing game now set against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. A Giveaway from the Jets Edmonton needed the win to stay in chase for the second place in the Pacific Division. They are now two points behind the Los Angeles Kings (46-24-9, 101 points), and this win gives them a chance to at least turn the home-ice advantage on their side as these two teams are also slated to play in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third year in a row. Corey Perry played floor general for the Oilers with a goal and an assist, while Connor McDavid went on for his usual self with two assists. Edmonton won its third straight game in the nick of time. Stuart Skinner, who missed the last eight games with an injury, made his return for the Oilers just in time and made 17 games in his first start. The Jets played its reserves at most, Alex Iafallo scored for the team, while Eric Comrie tallied 35 saves. So far, the Jets still stand with the fourth-best betting odds in the 2025 Stanley Cup despite starting out with just +2,100 when the season began, now going as high as +800. A Majestic Season ​The Winnipeg Jets have demonstrated exceptional performance during the 2024–25 NHL season, culminating in securing the Presidents' Trophy with the league's best regular-season record. Their impressive 55–22–4 record includes a franchise-record 53 wins, with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck leading the league with eight shutouts. Despite their regular-season success, the Jets' playoff prospects are met with cautious optimism. Historical patterns show that their postseason performance has not always mirrored their regular-season dominance. For instance, after a strong 2022–23 season, they faced a first-round exit against the Colorado Avalanche. While the Winnipeg Jets have achieved remarkable regular-season success, their playoff journey is viewed with a mix of hope and skepticism. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if the team can translate their regular-season excellence into a deep postseason run. For now, winning the Presidents’ Trophy is a promising feat that the team could draw some inspiration heading into the playoffs. After all, it all goes back to zero once the postseason action begins, and it is hard to argue that the Jets have had the best success in the past few years. They will definitely need everything they can get – even if it’s luck or inspiration.

Oklahoma City made the most of its final stretch of games – winning its final four games, including three on the road without its main cast playing at all. After a blazing 115-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the final game of the season, the Thunder ended up winning a total of 68 games, which is one of the best records up to date in NBA history. OKC has capped off an amazing season with a lot of feats from start to finish. That 68-14 record is the fifth most wins in NBA history, and has set the highest point differential of +1,055. On top of that, the Thunder have set the highest gap between a first seed and the second seed – by a whopping total of 16 games. Let’s not forget the fact that the Thunder have also brought in the most double-digit wins in NBA history at 53, and would still be the first seed if you even counted their single-digit wins as losses. On top of that, OKC went 30-1 against the Eastern Conference – the best interconference record in league history. Now, it’s all-in on the postseason, and the playoffs are definitely coming in hot now more than ever. OKC’s Dream Run After being knocked out of the West Semis last season, OKC returned on a mission this season and made sure that they are going to keep the same pace going in their games – now increasing their win total by 11 more games after finishing with 57 last season. However, it cannot be denied that the expectations are even higher than ever with the way they have improved so far. This season has been nothing short of spectacular as they have set one big feat after another. OKC is the deepest team in the league, and that is hard to argue with considering that they are undefeated when the starters don’t play. So far, the Thunder have shown their worth all season – notching its second 60-win season and now seeking its first NBA Finals berth since 2012. The season hasn’t been easy at all as OKC’s main cast has missed a lot of games for most of the campaign – Chet Holmgren was out for most of the run after he suffered an injury back in November, Isaiah Hartenstein was integrated late into the season, and the starters were never fully healthy until the final stretch. Still, this dream run for OKC is yet to be seen as due. OKC is the seventh team to win at least 68 games. The 2016 Warriors (73 wins) lost in the NBA Finals, while the 1996 Bulls (72 wins), 1997 Bulls (69 wins), 1972 Lakers (69 wins), and the 1967 Sixers (68 wins) all have won their respective NBA championships. Only the 1973 Celtics (68 wins) did not reach the NBA Finals in that group. A Hope for Bigger Strides OKC has made some significant changes in the offseason – but zero adjustments in the midseason where a lot of massive trades have taken place. The Thunder have added a monster in the paint in Hartenstein, whose rebounding presence changes the game for OKC’s postseason hopes. Alex Caruso, on the other hand, was traded for Josh Giddey in hopes of putting up a three-and-D player on the rotation and expand the Thunder’s options with the postseason in their hands. OKC is set to wait for its opponent in the first round of the playoffs while the Play-In Tournament ensues. This can be any of the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, or the Dallas Mavericks.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has become the latest state to issue cease and desist orders to a total of 18 sweepstakes casino platforms. The platforms consist mostly of offshore entities, but some are also based in the United States. All 18 recipients of the C&D orders have complied, but counsels state that the definition of gambling in Pennsylvania needs to be amended, as it is easy for sweepstakes operators to circumvent the law and find loopholes. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is stepping up efforts to combat the rise of unlicensed sweepstakes casinos operating in the state. During a recent Gaming Oversight Committee hearing, the PGCB disclosed that it has issued 18 C&D letters to sweepstakes-style online casinos that have been conducting business in Pennsylvania without proper authorization. These platforms, often referred to as "sweeps" sites, offer social casino-style games that use a sweepstakes model to award prizes. While they technically operate using virtual currency and skirt federal gambling definitions, many state regulators, including those in Pennsylvania, consider them a growing threat to the regulated gaming market. A challenge to enforce According to PGCB officials, most of the companies targeted are based offshore, though several have US origins - and some were even found to be conducting business within Pennsylvania's borders. Despite their activities, none of the 18 companies issued cease-and-desist letters held interactive gaming licenses from the PGCB. Cyrus Pitre, Chief Enforcement Counsel, described the situation as a 'whack-a-mole' challenge. "As soon as one operation is shut down, another appears to take its place," he said. Fortunately, all 18 operators contacted so far have complied with the cease-and-desist orders. However, the PGCB's enforcement capabilities are limited. Since these platforms do not fall under the traditional definition of gambling as outlined in Pennsylvania law, the agency lacks the authority to pursue legal action or impose penalties on the companies behind them. It can only issue cease-and-desist warnings. That regulatory gap is now under increasing scrutiny. Chief Counsel Steve Cook emphasized the need to revise the legal language within Pennsylvania's Gaming Act to provide clarity and close existing loopholes that allow sweepstakes casinos to operate unchecked. "Unfortunately, in the area of interactive gaming, we are significantly hamstrung by the specific language of our enabling statute," Cook said. He cited Chapter 13B of the Gaming Act, which includes conflicting sections that simultaneously appear to ban unlicensed online gaming while also limiting PGCB oversight to licensed entities. Concerns about sweepstakes casino operators regarding responsible gaming and more Cook also referenced a December 2023 ruling by the Commonwealth Court, which determined that the current definitions do not extend PGCB authority to unlicensed gambling operations - a decision that significantly impacts the board's regulatory reach. The court held that this language wasn't nonsensical - which I believe it is, Cook said. It essentially reinforces the idea that the PGCB only has control over entities it licenses, even when those outside the system may be operating illegally. Both Cook and Pitre expressed concerns about the unchecked nature of sweepstakes casinos, noting that unlike regulated platforms, these sites are not required to undergo fairness testing, verify users' ages, or provide responsible gaming tools. That lack of oversight, they warned, exposes consumers to potential harm and undermines Pennsylvania's legal gaming industry. These platforms are not subject to any consumer protection measures, Cook added. They don't play by the same rules, and that makes them a real risk. Russ Diamond, Chairman of the Gaming Oversight Committee, acknowledged the dilemma facing the PGCB and affirmed his commitment to updating the law. He expressed support for legislative action that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future developments in the rapidly evolving online gambling space. "We have to do it in a way that not just takes care of what's going on today," Diamond said, "but also what could be coming in a year, five years, or even a decade from now." With support building among lawmakers, it appears that the PGCB may soon gain clearer legal tools to regulate - or shut down - unlicensed sweepstakes casinos operating in Pennsylvania. Until then, the board remains vigilant, using its limited powers to preserve the integrity of the state's regulated gaming environment.

Several proposed bills in the state of Indiana would make running and operating a lottery courier service effectively illegal are on the verge of being approved. SB 94 has been able to go through both chambers of the legislature and a modified version has been sent to the Senate for final approval, and House Bill 1053 is also on the way. The Indiana General Assembly is poised to tighten regulations around the state's lottery operations with two bills that would criminalize unauthorized lottery courier services nearing final passage. Senate Bill 94, which seeks to amend the Indiana Code, has cleared both the Senate and the House with overwhelming support - passing 44 - 5 in the Senate and 82 - 10 in the House. The amended version has now returned to the Senate for concurrence, the final step before potential enactment. The specifics of Senate Bill 94 and House Bill 1053 If signed into law, SB 94 would establish that operating a lottery courier service without the express authorization of the Indiana Lottery Commission constitutes a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill makes clear that neither the Indiana Lottery nor the Indiana Gaming Commission has the right to authorize such services unless specifically granted that power by future legislation. A companion measure, House Bill 1053, originated in the House and mirrors the language found in SB 94 regarding lottery couriers. It too has passed both chambers and is awaiting final concurrence on amendments. The two bills share key legislative sponsors: Reps. Ethan Manning and Peggy Mayfield in the House, and Sens. Ron Alting and Lonnie Randolph in the Senate. Increased legislative scrutiny These legislative efforts come amid growing national attention on lottery courier services - third-party companies that buy lottery tickets on behalf of online consumers, often for a service fee. While the current Indiana bills do not permit any party to operate or license such services, they also leave the door open for potential future regulation, should lawmakers decide to revisit the issue. Earlier this year, Rep. Manning sponsored House Bill 1432, a broader measure that sought to legalize online casino gaming and online lottery sales in Indiana. That proposal would have allowed the Indiana Lottery Commission to oversee digital lottery expansion, including the regulation and licensing of courier services. However, HB 1432 stalled in committee in February, amid concerns about potential revenue losses for retail casinos and small lottery retailers. Despite the setback, lawmakers and industry observers believe the issue could resurface in future legislative sessions, especially as the use of digital platforms to access lottery games continues to grow nationwide. The courier trend across the US Lottery courier services like Jackpocket, Jackpot.com, Lotto.com, and TheLotter are already active in several US states. Jackpocket, in particular, has gained national visibility after its acquisition by DraftKings last year. Jackpot.com's footprint, on the other hand, includes major commercial partnerships, such as becoming7-Eleven's official lottery partner and the official results provider for the Associated Press, as well as marketing deals with Major League Baseball teams like the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians. However, the growth of the courier model has not been without friction. Jackpocket withdrew from New Mexico this year following concerns raised by the state's Attorney General that its operations could violate tribal gaming compacts, despite having a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Lottery. Further discord in the lottery courier market Neighboring Texas has also seen movement on this front. A bill introduced in the Texas House seeks to create a regulatory framework for lottery courier services, citing the widespread use of digital apps by Texans to order lottery tickets. That bill has received backing from several courier providers, even as the Texas Lottery Commission maintains its position that such services are illegal under current law. As Indiana moves forward with legislation that would criminalize unauthorized courier operations, the state joins a growing national conversation about how best to adapt lottery regulation to the digital age. Whether lawmakers choose to revisit the idea of licensed couriers or online lottery offerings in future sessions remains to be seen - but for now, the message from the Statehouse is clear: unapproved lottery courier activity will not be tolerated.

Persevering and grinding – that’s how the New Jersey Devils have kept their playoff hopes alive on the big stage this season even with injuries hounding the squad so far. Now they have secured a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and are set to settle a score with their postseason rivals in the Carolina Hurricanes. The hopes of shining bright on the playoff stage are alive and well for the Devils after being guaranteed a playoff berth following the New York Rangers’ 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. The team that finishes second in the division will have home-ice advantage in the best of seven series, and Carolina is currently holding the Metropolitan’s second spot with a 46-27-4 record as of the time of writing. New Jersey stood at 41-30-7 when they clinched a playoff spot, and it cannot be denied that they have really found some tough stretches following key injuries to their stars, but then they mustered some impressive strength with whoever is left to play in the season. That has allowed them to come up with late pushes in the campaign, hoping to salvage everything they can from what was initially a promising run in the earlier months. The Devils’ Grit Without its top stars, the Devils are entering the postseason with Jesper Bratt at the lead, who has been putting up a career-high 88 points on 21 goals and 67 assists in just 78 games. Captain and forward Nico Hischier has also stepped up big-time for the team as he has tallied 67 points so far with 35 goals and 32 assists. That has been a good look for the team considering how Jack Hughes’ injury has been really tough for them. Goalie Jacob Markstrom has also been impressive for the team so far and has played a huge role in their rally to the playoff chase – going 26-15-6 with a 2.53 GAA and .899 save percentage in 48 games this season. Backup goalie Jake Allen is 12-15-1 with a 2.59 GAA and .911 save percentage in 29 games and 27 starts. It has been a massive turnaround after the Devils initially struggled to win without Hughes leading the way. Since then, it has been an impressive stretch where they have managed to capture a couple of key victories to stay afloat in the tight standings of the Eastern Conference, which says a lot about their chances in the offseason. Revisiting a Rivalry For the sixth time in five postseason meetings, the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils will be battling against each other. It should be noted that the Canes have won four of the last five postseason matchups, and it is likely that the home-ice advantage will play a huge role in this showdown. The two teams split their season series at 2-2-0. The Devils last won a playoff series against Carolina way back in the 2001 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, but since then, it has all been Hurricanes who have been whirling the wind in their postseason meetings. In the most recent meeting in 2023, Carolina eliminated the Devils in five games of the Eastern Conference Second Round. Considering that this will be a promising matchup, the stakes are definitely high for both teams, and it is also safe to say that there’s indeed going to be blazing action involved in all of their games especially with the fact that no other team has the clear advantage over the other heading into the postseason.

After the prior game’s disappointing loss to OKC and Luka Doncic’s unwarranted ejection, the latter responded with a majestic performance to steer the Los Angeles Lakers atop one of its new rivals as they took a 112-97 over the Dallas Mavericks and its new star, Anthony Davis. For the first time since the trade deadline in February, the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers have met with their new rosters featuring Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis – who were traded for one another (along with other assets) in one of the shocking trade moves that have really buzzed the entire sports world. It showed a glimpse of who actually won the said deal. The Lakers battled all night as Dallas kept at their heels. However, Los Angeles used a massive run in the fourth quarter to keep the Mavs at bay and come up with a big lead all the way to 1:34 to play in the game – at which point the Lakers elected to sit its starters, including Doncic as they braced for the win with their bench. Los Angeles now continues to stand third in the Western Conference and is likely to lock up that spot by the end of the season. A Dramatic Homecoming for Doncic Luka Doncic had an emotional return to Dallas for the first time since February. He missed a chunk of the early half of the season, only to return in the game in Los Angeles instead. Dallas laid white shirts all over the American Airlines Center that said “Hvala za vse”, which is “Thank You” in Slovenian. Dallas also played a tribute video dedicated to Doncic’s five-and-a-half-year run with the Mavericks, leaving the former Texas star in tears as he watched it before the pre-game introductions. But business is business, and Doncic went to work as he dropped 45 points – matching his season high and now being able to score it twice this season for both of his teams. Luka also tallied eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals along with seven threes to lead the way for the Lakers. Anthony Davis, who was the trade piece that brought Doncic to Los Angeles, finished with a dismal night and had a poor game overall with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Dallas fans were cheering for Luka for most of the game whenever the star guard was on the floor, while shouting “Fire Nico” whenever he’s off the floor – calling out the Dallas GM who was responsible for sending Doncic to the Lakers. Game Takeaways With the win, the Los Angeles Lakers are guaranteed at least the top six overall in the Western Conference and could likely finish with the third seed at best. The team came into the showdown off their third game in four days – where they split a pair of games in Oklahoma City. Dallas, on the other hand, is now guaranteed to finish with a losing season not even a full year after reaching the NBA Finals. However, the Mavericks are locked for the Play-In Tournament and could finish anywhere from the seventh to 10th seed. Naji Marshall led the scoring for the Mavericks with 23 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while PJ Washington added 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Lakers, on the other hand, saw LeBron James come up with a promising scoring burst and finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Rui Hachimura scored 15 points in his return, while Austin Reaves, who was on fire in the game before, only had 11 points and four rebounds and assists apiece.