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In a promising rematch of the MLS Cup 2023, the Leagues Cup Final was filled with a lot of roaring fans as the game evolved into one of the most intense battles. Fans have seen this scene before and they have seen it again, and the Columbus Crew emerge victorious at 3-1, beating LAFC in a crucial final showdown to clinch the Leagues Cup 2024. A game that has been decided in the final moments, the Leagues Cup Final has been quite a story to look out for, and it cannot be denied that many fans were left celebrating in the end as Columbus took over in added time to seal the deal, bringing their best plays when it mattered most, which has definitely proved to be the story of the game. Wilfried Nancy’s Crew is now roaring out loud in the league with a lot of impressive strides, and this victory in the Leagues Cup is definitely another expansion in their trophy case after winning the MLS Cup 2023 – roughly just nine months earlier, and it even came less than three months after the team managed to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup Final. This is definitely a strong case for one of the MLS club contenders at this point in time. Heroics from Cucho The game took a long time before it actually had goals in the mix. A side lob from Mohamed Farsi allowed a cutting Cucho Hernandez to pull off a massive header in the 45th minute to give Crew a 1-0 lead in the final. The best number 9 in the MLS showed off that he has what it takes to outpace the defenders of the LAFC, and he did well to pull off heroic finishes in this game. Mateusz Bogusz nearly had a goal in the 53rd minute, only to be called an offside. Latest signing Olivier Giroud would later on drill a header for himself in the 56th minute on the back post to tie the game. This drought would go on for some time, as Hugo Lloris’ defense for LAFC proved to be a pivotal factor, but the Crew answered well on the defensive end to prevent their opponents from scoring – leading to added time. Cucho would later float it for a cutting Jacen Russell-Rowe, making it appear like a pass, only to fake it as the ball caught Lloris flat-footed, leaving a wide-open goal scored by the Crew to retake the lead. The crowd celebrated in that goal as the Crew fans knew that they are just a few moments away from clinching the Leagues Cup title. The Dagger Shot Cucho has been the story of the game, and with LAFC clearly getting desperate to score a goal of their own, chaos definitely ensued. LAFC’s attackers were on the front trying desperately to score a goal in the 92nd minute. However, tight defense by Crew and overwhelming defensive lines hampered the play that was initially drawn up by LAFC, leading to a loss in possession by the team. This opened up a breakaway possession for Columbus in the closing moments of the game. Cucho earned possession as he drove the ball and later passed it up to Russell-Rowe just before he reached the box. The latter would go on to drill the clinching goal in the 93rd minute to seal the championship, closing the game at 3-1 to add the Leagues Cup Championship to their trophy case.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Rasmus Dahlin believes that he can aid the Buffalo Sabres in transforming themselves to become elite contenders in the league. This says a lot about how much Dahlin really wants to win and improve the team’s chemistry and hunger in the game now more than ever. The Sabres finished 12th overall in the Eastern Conference last season with a 38-33-11 record. Sure, they finished well above the .500 mark, but the team has failed to come up with impressive performances in the season that ultimately led them to fall off the playoff chase when they nearly had a promising pace to begin the campaign. For Dahlin, the goal of improving and taking his leadership up a notch is to show that he has what it takes to lead the team to a bigger level of greatness in the game. At best, this sets bigger expectations for the Sabres in the long run as the team is in dire desperation of trying to make it to the playoffs at this point in time. Breaking a Drought The Buffalo Sabres have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 13 years in a row right now, which is the longest playoff drought in the NHL right now. Dahlin has played in six of those 13 years, and has been named as an alternate captain in the last two seasons, which has definitely urged him to step up and take steps towards bringing his game to the next level. At the age of 24, Dahlin has been definitely taking his leadership role seriously and quite on the fence about seeing his team take a leap in their games. With captain Kyle Okposo departing via trade last March, it does seem that Dahlin is expected to take his game to the next level with the hopes of also bringing his team to a bigger run. "What this says most is about 'Dahls,' how much he wants to win, how much he wants to do stuff right and how much he wants to take care of everybody else in the team and make sure that we're in the best shape to start the season," teammate Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen said. "I think it's a lot from him and how well he does things for us that the players were able to come there.” Setting Expectations on Dahlin Dahlin was selected to his third straight NHL All-Star Game in the previous season after a run full of impressive performances. Back in April when they were eliminated from playoff contention in a loss to the Dallas Stars, Dahlin believed that they can be so much better and improve their status in the league. "We're a young team, but that shouldn't be an excuse anymore," Dahlin said. "We are looking at ourselves in the mirror and we have to be better. It sucks. We have to get better. We got to make sure this doesn't happen again. We got some work to do and the group is all-in for it." Dahlin wants everyone to get better, and he is definitely happy to see his boys ready and eager to improve and show that they have what it takes to win. There are a lot of positive takeaways from the recent practices that they have enjoyed so far, and Dahlin believes that this will serve as a reminder that the team is not far from contention at all.

After going through a lot of tough struggles and unexpected injuries, Emma Raducanu is finally slated to make her comeback on one of the majors of the tennis calendar as she is set to play against Sofia Kenin in the first round of the US Open this season. Many fans are expecting the British star to set the tone for the rest of the campaign as she seeks to make a climb on the big stage heading into the final months of the year. Ranked as high as world no. 10 back in July 2022, the Toronto-born British star has fallen from grace in the WTA Tour standings as she currently stands at world no. 71 as of the time of writing. This season has been quite a challenge for the right-hander, whose games have been often hampered by injuries and her form issues after that recent surgery. Still, the US Open presents a chance for Emma Raducanu to finally establish her foot on the ground and get back on track to winning in the game. It has been a tough campaign for her so far, and it cannot be denied that a lot of fans are expecting her to win her first singles title of the year now more than ever. A Chance to Get Back on Track The farthest that Raducanu has got in any competition this year is at the semis in the Nottingham Open, where she fell to Katie Boulter in three sets. The 21-year-old also played in only two majors this year, ending in a second-round loss in the Australian Open and a Round of 16 exit in the recent Wimbledon. Still, nothing is promised in the game of tennis, and injuries come unexpected often. This is why there is a lot of expectations as to how Raducanu will turn her struggles around and finally get a winning run in the US Open, which is also the same tournament where she made history in 2021 as she became the first British woman to win a major singles title in 44 years. It is worth noting that Raducanu has played less than 30 matches this year and has passed up multiple chances to be active in favor of taking long rests. She even missed out on this year’s French Open despite being considered healthy to participate in the clay court major. A Glimpse of Hope Raducanu finished practicing in the US last week with the hopes of shrugging off her struggles and finally returning to her impressive form. The 2021 US Open remains the singles title that she has won due to injuries. She is still young, but one can say that Raducanu has a strong potential to even bring her game to the next level in the coming tournament. “Even when I won the U.S. Open, I only played a few tournaments that year,” Raducanu said. “Yes, they were closer together, but I’m not in any big rush to play those. I think I’d rather target tournaments and play the tournaments that I’m entered in.” It is also worth noting that Raducanu passed up a chance to play in the recently finished 2024 Paris Olympics. She did appear once in the North American hard-court swing to gauge her chances, only to lose in the third round in Washington. So far, battling against Sofia Kenin will be a true test of her form now more than ever. The United States star also has a mixed pace so far, not making any winning strides as much as Raducanu has seen this year.

This has been quite a promising offseason for the San Jose Sharks, and it cannot be denied that the team has managed to come up with an impressive set of acquisitions capped off by the trade and later signing of Yaroslav Askarov. The goalie is slated to begin his new contract worth $4 million for two years starting in the 2025-26 season. Askarov is slated to put a close to the rumors that the Sharks will be capitalizing on rookies for the goaltender position in the coming season. The Sharks are even highly confident that he has a high potential to be the no. 1 goalie in the league this season thanks to his impressive size, athleticism, and the uncanny ability to come up with underrated anticipation of the puck. So far, Askarov is guaranteed the starting role for the Sharks this season, and that means a lot for the 22-year-old rising star, who has been impressive in his games in the previous campaign for the Predators but has lacked minutes due to the team’s ever-changing scenery and gameplan implications. According to Sharks GM Mike Grier, this is a chance for the goalie to show that he has what it takes to hold his ground as the no. 1 option on the spot. A New View for Askarov Nashville selected Askarov with the no. 11 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. At the age of 22, he finished with a 2-1-1 record to go along with a 2.58 goals-against average and a promising .914 save percentage in three games across two seasons with the Predators, and it seems that he is slated to come up with bigger strides in the coming season instead. “It’s a really big day for our franchise, I believe,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said of acquiring the goalie. “… To have an opportunity to add him to our group is really exciting, and I think it kind of breathes some more positive energy into the group. He’s obviously a super-talented goalie, and there’s not too many opportunities where you have the chance to go after a young goalie like this and add him to your group.” According to multiple reports, Askarov requested a trade from the Nashville Predators in the hopes of finding a promising landing spot where he could put his talents on the ice for more minutes. While the Sharks also have Mackenzie Blackwood, Georgi Romanov and Vitek Vanecek on their roster, it is very likely that Askarov will be getting the starting role. A Promising Goalie to Have Askarov has been one of the best young prospects back in his day with the American Hockey League, where he finished with a 56-29-6 record coming off with a 2.55 GAA and a promising .911 save percentage. He had nine shutouts in 92 games in the course of two seasons with Milwaukee. Experience isn’t a problem with the 22-year-old if many fans are concerned on that end. Askarov also made his debut in the Kontinental Hockey League with SKA St. Petersburg at the age of 17, which made him the second-youngest goalie to ever start in a KHL game. That says a lot about the diverse experience that he has in his bag heading into the big stage of the NHL. Fans can definitely expect a much more competitive training camp in the Sharks’ side moving forward. With the season coming in hot, San Jose’s coaching staff will have to make a massive decision in either having Askarov as a starter or a reserve off the bench.

If you do not appreciate how Aaron Judge has been playing at a high level this season, then you probably don’t watch MLB at all. Last week, Aaron Judge just eclipsed a total of 50 homers in the season with a promising set of performances against the Cleveland Guardians and the Colorado Rockies, which included five victories and four straight games where he’s tallied at least a single homer. That has been one of the most impressive performances to look out for this season for Judge, and if that doesn’t make him an elite candidate for the MVP honors this season, it is entirely possible that the league has lost its minds. So far, Judge remains on track to at least tally a total of 61 or more homers this season. That is at least one homer shy of the American League single-season record that was set in 2022 by no other than himself. Moving past 50 total homers this season is a record in itself, and it cannot be denied that Judge is having the time of his life now more than ever. The amazing part of it is that it is already the closing days of August, and fans hope that Judge won’t cool off all the way to the Playoffs, where the real test awaits for the team in the hopes of finally winning a championship that many have been waiting for over the years. Hitting a Consistent Mark Judge has been nailing more than eight homers since August 14th, and an overall 18 homers in his last 34 games – since July 12th. So far, this marks the second time this season that Judge has homered in four games in a row, having done the same feat back in May 22 to 25. This is a sight to behold for many fans, and even Yankees manager Aaron Boone could not hold back his delight on the pace that Judge is playing with right now. “The amazing part about what Aaron’s doing is, I don’t even necessarily feel like he’s on fire right now or anything,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Friday’s game. “I just feel like he’s this good.” Two years after setting the American League record in 2022, Judge is back on the mission to bring his second 60+ homer season to fruition. Should the Yankees star reach that mark, it would be the 10th 60+ homer season in the history of the MLB, and it is easy to say that he is definitely expected to take on a promising path towards that historic feat. Judge By the Numbers Through 129 team games in 2022, Judge was already sitting at 50 home runs while slashing at .294/.396/.661. This season’s version of Judge in 129 games is the same – albeit a little better on the consistency side at 49 homers on .333/.464/.728. If he reaches 60 homers, he would go on to join Sammy Sosa (three) and Mark McGwire (two) as the only players with multiple 60+ homer seasons. On top of all that, Judge may also be on the way to set his mark on the most home runs in a season. 2022 Aaron Judge ranks as seventh overall with a total of 62, while the most homers tallied in a single season was set by Barry Bonds in 2001 with a total of 73 home runs. At this point, nothing is impossible for Judge, and he is definitely willing the Yankees to enter a playoff level that has never been seen before in many decades.

BetMGM has just announced the newest product in its repertoire: a sports betting wallet that is now fully accessible from other states where sports betting is permitted. The digital wallet, which is initially available on the BetMGM Nevada app, can be used in other jurisdictions where BetMGM operates, such as Louisiana, Arizona, Michigan, and more. BetMGM is a leader in the sports wagering industry, and it has unveiled a new groundbreaking feature that allows users of its Nevada digital wallet to extend their betting capabilities to other states. This innovative move, announced on Thursday, marks BetMGM as the first gaming company with deep Nevada roots to offer this cross-state functionality, providing a new level of convenience for its customers. Cross-state accessibility: a novel feature BetMGM's latest feature is a game-changer for sports bettors who frequently travel. Now, anyone who registers for a BetMGM account in Nevada can use the same account in any of the 28 other US and even Canadian jurisdictions where BetMGM operates. This includes popular destinations like Louisiana, Arizona, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada, among other regions and states. The process is simple and straightforward. When a Nevada account holder travels to another state where BetMGM is licensed, they can simply open the app, and a pop-up message will prompt them to switch to the version of the app specific to their current location. For example, if a bettor opens the BetMGM app in New York, they will be directed to select the NY app version, seamlessly allowing them to continue placing wagers just as they would back in Nevada. A technological milestone This advancement is powered by BetMGM’s collaboration with MGM Resorts International and the technology of Entain, a global leader in the gaming sector. The partnership has enabled BetMGM to become the only legalized sports betting app that allows Nevada residents as well as visitors to not only place their bets within the state but also carry their accounts and funds across state lines to other BetMGM markets throughout North America. The feature reflects a significant leap in mobile sports betting technology and serves to solidify BetMGM's commitment to enhancing its users' experience. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, BetMGM ensures that its customers enjoy unparalleled convenience, regardless of where they are within the United States or Canada. Convenience with caveats While this development is a significant step forward, it does come with limitations. Nevada's stringent face-to-face requirement for the registration of mobile wagering accounts remains a significant hurdle. To register for mobile sports betting in Nevada, bettors must physically visit a casino to complete the necessary paperwork. This requirement is seen by many as an obstacle to mobile sports betting adoption and continues to hinder the state's ability to compete with other jurisdictions. The financial impact of this obstacle is evident. In 2023, Nevada sportsbooks handled $1.7 billion more in wagers than their Arizona counterparts. However, Arizona's more user-friendly online registration process allowed the state to outpace Nevada in revenue by $77 million. Experts predict that Arizona's revenue advantage over Nevada could grow to between $100 million and $200 million annually if Nevada does not eliminate its in-person registration rule. Setting a precedent for the industry BetMGM's success in enabling cross-state wallet functionality may set a new industry standard, potentially prompting other major players to follow suit. Among the largest sportsbook operators in Nevada, Caesars Sports is the most likely contender to adopt similar technology, given its presence in multiple states. However, not all Nevada-based operators are positioned to benefit from this advancement. Companies like Boyd Sports and STN Sports, which only operate within Nevada, don't have to link accounts across state lines. Additionally, neither DraftKings or FanDuel - the two biggest online sportsbook operators in the US - are currently licensed in Nevada, limiting their ability to compete in this arena. By enabling Nevada bettors to use their digital wallets across multiple states, BetMGM is not only enhancing its service offerings but also setting a new benchmark in the sports betting industry. As other operators look to keep pace, the impact of this technological advancement is likely to reverberate throughout the market, potentially reshaping the future of mobile sports betting in the US.

At this point, it is worth noting that even if Bill Belichick isn’t the current coach of the New England Patriots, his name alone is definitely easy to associate with the success that the Pats have seen over the years under his command. Now that the NFL’s Hall of Fame has announced new bylaws last week, it seems that Belichick may now be inaugurated into the highly-decorated ensemble as early as 2026. The biggest change in the Hall of Fame’s bylaws is the reduction of the waiting period for coaches to be eligible for enshrinement, going from five seasons spent out of the game to just one season. This means that it would be easy for Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion coach to be named in the Hall of Fame in 2026, and that can be seen as a great look for many Pats fans who are expecting to see the legendary manager honored at the highest level. Should Belichick not take a job in 2025, he is guaranteed to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The former Pats coach is also eligible to be a coach even after he is inducted into the Hall of Fame, and doing so will see him join Joe Gibbs and Paul Brown as the only people to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, then come out of retirement to again become a head coach in the NFL. A Historic Figure in the NFL Belichick is arguably the best coach in the history of the NFL. He is well known for turning the chances of the New England Patriots in the postseason, from being a lowly team in the league to being one of the most prominent dynasties in the league, with a legendary star and arguably the best player in the game, Tom Brady – as his centerpiece over the years. In his tenure with the Pats, Belichick led the team to a total of nine Super Bowl appearances, including six Lombardi Trophies taken home. Belichick leads the league in the record for most Super Bowl victories, wins as a head coach, and appearances on the big stage. Additionally, Belichick has tallied the most playoff wins as a head coach at 31, and the most division titles with 17. At this point, no team has ever been more dominant than the Patriots over the years, with the team recording a 266-121 record and winning 30 of 42 playoff games in 24 years under his lead. It wasn’t until Tom Brady left the team and Belichick’s departure later in 2024 proved to be quite the closing chapter in the Pats’ dominance. A Deserving HOF Candidate As one of the best head coaches in the NFL, Belichick definitely deserves a lot of praise for his impressive career in the NFL. the Nashville native has been on the coaching side since 1975, beginning his career with the Baltimore Colts as a special assistant. He would go on to serve different roles to teams such as the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and the New York Jets before settling as the executive for the New England Patriots. At this point, bringing Belichick into the Hall of Fame would reignite the fan love that the Pats have over the years. While the team is just a shadow of its former glory today, maybe giving Belichick full honors in the HOF would inspire them to get back on the winning track. Who knows, maybe Belichick can come back as a coach for them once more.

After an impressive showing in the Olympics, it does seem that Josh Giddey is ready to take on the mission to continue improving his game in the NBA as he is set to begin a fresh, new chapter in his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. The former Oklahoma City Thunder guard is coming off a promising run in the Olympic Games but has been the subject of ire for many critics in his previous season with the Thunder. Oklahoma City became a promising team in the 2023-24 season, and it cannot be denied that Giddey has been quite a problem for the team amidst all of the shining pieces that have seen impressive strides. When the offseason came, the Thunder quickly pulled the string and traded Giddey for Alex Caruso, from the Chicago Bulls, hoping to bolster their roster moving forward. This is a win-win trade so far. Caruso will be able to provide the Thunder with the reliable spot-up shooting that they need from their wingers. On the other hand, Giddey will have more touches on the ball – something that has changed well in his tenure with Oklahoma City and has affected his overall game. Getting Ready for a Fresh Start The Thunder didn’t trade Giddey simply because he struggled in the previous season. The Australian guard actually had prior talks with Thunder GM Sam Presti, insisting that he did not want to come off the bench in the coming season after he was set off the bench in the middle of the West Semis against the Dallas Mavericks – the first in almost more than 300 games in his career. Eventually, it led to the trade that sent Giddey to the Bulls. "I just said to him at this point in my career, I'm 21 years old, it wasn't something that I was overly eager to do," Giddey said of the trade and how his talks with Presti led to it. "And he completely understood, and throughout the whole process we were open and honest with each other.... He got it. We worked together through the whole process, and he got me to a great spot." Giddey, selected by the Thunder with the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, averaged a meager 12.3 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on 47.5% shooting last season. It was a season where he had to adjust from being an on-ball player who was usually setting the plays to being an off-ball player who was expected to take shots when open. Now he is getting back to a ball-dominant role in Chicago. Shining With the Bulls The Bulls have shuffled through many guards over the years since Lonzo Ball has been hampered by a lot of knee injuries and has not played since January 2022. Among the guards who took over the starting guard role for the Bulls were Goran Dragic, Jevon Carter, and even the team’s promising players such as Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White. Giddey enters the team as one of the best playmakers in the game, and he has certainly proved that in his run with Oklahoma City back then. "Being able to make the game easy for everybody, being able to get guys involved, distribute the ball and get other players confident around me is the thing I pride myself on doing. And it's hard to do that in a role when the ball isn't in your hands a lot,” said Giddey. “That's probably the big thing coming in here. I want to be the pass-first point guard I am."

The CDCR, or Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, has just released their July revenue reports for online casino gaming revenue for the state, which has gained over $35.5 million this July. The earnings have slightly increased from June, which had approximately $33.6 million, but it was still lower than May, which had an impressive revenue of over $39.3 million. According to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, there is a modest rise in the state's total online casino revenue this July, amounting to $35,667,134. This figure represents the revenue after deducting promotional expenditures. The July total reflects a slight increase from June's revenue of $33,680,451, although it still falls short of May's more robust figure of $39,380,132. DraftKings continues to lead the way DraftKings remains the leader in Connecticut's online casino market, just like in other states, posting a substantial increase in revenue for July. The platform recorded $19,159,642 in total gross iGaming revenue, up from revenue figures for June, which were over $17.4 million. DraftKings' strong performance contrasts with the more modest growth seen by Mohegan Sun, which posted $16,283,514 in July, which is a minor increase from the $16,190,672 revenue posted for June. DraftKings' success can be attributed to its extensive offering of more than 300 games in its casino, including exclusive titles such as DraftKings NHL Slapshot, DraftKings Rocket, Assassin Moon, and DraftKings Bingo Blackjack. These unique games likely contribute to its appeal among Connecticut's online gamers, helping the platform maintain its strong edge over its competitors. State revenue benefits from online gaming growth Connecticut's online casino industry not only benefits the operators but also contributes significantly to the state’s revenue. The state imposes an 18% tax on online casino gaming revenue. For instance, in July, DraftKings contributed more than $3.4 million to Connecticut's coffers, while Mohegan Sun, operated by FanDuel, provided over $2.9 million. This steady flow of tax revenue undoubtedly accentuates the importance of the online gaming sector to the state's financial health. A market still in its infancy But Connecticut's sports betting and online casino gaming market is still relatively new, having fully launched only in October of 2021. Despite its youth, however, the market has quickly established itself, with DraftKings and Mohegan Sun emerging as the dominant players. These two platforms offer Connecticut residents a diverse range of gaming options, including a broad variety of table games, slots, and live dealer games, among others. Since its inception, the market has shown strong potential for growth, though it also faces challenges in maintaining momentum. The fluctuations in monthly revenue figures illustrate the ever-competitive nature of the online gaming industry, where continuous innovation and player engagement are key to sustaining growth. Resilience and sustained innovation needed The modest increase in July's revenue signals resilience in the market, though it also highlights the need for sustained innovation to capture and retain the interest of CT's players. But as the market matures, casino operators will probably explore new strategies to enhance player engagement and drive revenue growth. For now, the online casino gaming sector in Connecticut remains a critical contributor to the state's economy, with DraftKings leading the charge. But the coming months will reveal whether this upward trend can be maintained, or if the market will see further fluctuations as it continues to grow and develop.

The MI iGaming market sizzles this July: the Michigan Gaming Control Board has just released its revenue report, which is at $191.4 million. This July revenue is slightly higher than the same month last year, but the sector is still growing slowly but surely, especially when compared to other states. BetMGM is still the number one casino operator, followed by FanDuel and DraftKings. July of 2024 will be remembered not just as one of the hottest summer months - but also as a red-hot period for Michigan's iGaming market. The Michigan Gaming Control Board recently revealed the state's online casino revenue for July, showcasing a slight surge in the market's growth. July revenue climbs to $191.4 Million Michigan's 15 regulated online casinos reported a combined revenue of $191.4 million for July, marking a slim improvement over the $183.2 million generated in June. This slight increase represents a strong 4.5% month-over-month growth, and it shows the steady expansion of the iGaming market in the Wolverine State. Moreover, when compared to July 2023, the figures demonstrate a significant year-over-year revenue spike of 25%. The impressive growth reflects the increasing popularity of online gambling in Michigan as more players engage with a variety of iGaming platforms. But despite this steady progress, Michigan's online casino market continues to grow at a slow but steady pace, carving out its place in the ever-competitive US iGaming market. July 2024 now ranks as the fourth highest grossing month in the market's history, following a March that saw a record-breaking $215.2 million in revenue. BetMGM leads the pack, FanDuel closes the gap The hierarchy among Michigan's top-performing iGaming operators remained unchanged in July. BetMGM continues to lead the market, securing the top spot with an impressive $50.7 million in revenue. Hot on BetMGM's heels is FanDuel, the operator's main rival in the Great Lakes State. FanDuel took in $46.6 million in wagers for July, maintaining its position as a close second. Although the gap between BetMGM and FanDuel has widened slightly in recent months, the rivalry remains intense as both operators vie for market supremacy. DraftKings, the third-best casino operator in MI, reported $37.1 million in revenue for July. After experiencing stagnation and even a slight decline in previous months, DraftKings is now showing signs of recovery. The operator is gradually rebuilding its lead over BetRivers Casino, which generated a revenue of $12.7 million. Caesars Palace Online Casino, despite being a well-known brand, continues to struggle in the Michigan market. The operator recorded a modest $11.4 million in revenue for July, indicating ongoing challenges in gaining a stronger foothold. WynnBet Casino, which was recently acquired by Caesars, also posted modest earnings, with a total of $2 million in revenue. One of the more concerning trends is the performance of Golden Nugget Online Casino, which has been on a downward path. The operator saw its revenue dip to $7 million in July, a significant drop from the $8.6 million it earned in June. This fluctuation is part of a broader pattern for Golden Nugget, which has struggled to stabilize its position in the market. On track for a record-breaking year With seven months of 2024 in the books, Michigan's iGaming market has generated an overall revenue of $1.35 billion. This puts the state on track to potentially reach the $2 billion mark by the end of the year, a milestone that would cement Michigan's standing in the US iGaming market. July's tax revenue from the iGaming sector amounted to $36 million, pushing the market's lifetime tax contributions over the $1.5 billion mark. Notably, the 'big three' - no less than BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings - are responsible for more than 70% of the tax revenues paid to MI, showcasing their dominant position in the market. Michigan's iGaming sector is unique in that online casinos are more well-liked and popular compared to sportsbooks, which is a rarity in the US. This popularity, coupled with the continuous introduction of new and exclusive games in MI, suggests that Michigan's online gaming market still has room for growth, with more records likely to be broken in the coming months. As the year progresses, all eyes will be watching Michigan to see how far this rapidly growing market can go.

With just four games left to play in the Esports World Cup, it does seem that the Esports World Cup’s Club Championship is already secured for Team Falcons for good, and one can even say that the team is already expected to win when they ended the first half of the esports event with a massive lead in the rankings. In a massive competition where there are over a hundred esports teams and organizations vying for a chance to prove their worth on the big stage, it does seem that the Team Falcons have made the most of their opportunities, winning multiple games and coming up with dominant runs. That is enough to give them plenty of finishes inside the top three and has definitely secured them the top spot in the Club Championship. So far, there are four games left to play in the Esports World Cup. Both Tekken 8 and PUBG PC are slated to host its final stage in the weekend, while ESL R1 and Rocket League are scheduled to wrap up their games in the coming week, which is definitely setting bigger expectations for Team Falcons to even add more to their tally and set a bar on the Esports World Cup stage. Impressive Successes so Far Team Falcons have managed to come up with impressive victories in multiple esports titles so far in the Esports World Cup. The team has managed to secure a championship win in Call of Duty: Warzone and Free Fire for 1,000 points apiece. They also had top 2 finishes in Apex Legends and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Sure, the team did not have promising victories in the bigger esports titles such as Dota 2, EA FC, Overwatch 2, and Fortnite, but it is still easy to say that they have managed to keep their presence alive on the big stage. All of these victories combined together have deemed to be enough to help them secure a strong finish in the inaugural Esports World Cup stage now more than ever. Thanks to their success and dominance in Riyadh, Team Falcons is slated to receive a promising $7,000,000 cash prize as the Club Championship winner in this year’s edition of the Esports World Cup. On top of all that, they get to have the bragging rights of being the best esports team all over the world given the scope of this event. Extending the Lead While their tally of 4,435 points is already enough to win the Club Championship considering that Team Liquid is far behind with 2,545 points, Team Falcons can still make an effort to set the standard in the competition by adding more to their win tally. At this point, Falcons can still win in the likes of ESL R1, PUBG PC, Rocket League, and Tekken 8. This means that the team can definitely pull off a year to remember in the competition with a massive finish for fans to look out for. At this point, one can expect the team not to hold back in their level of play. Behind Team Falcons and Team Liquid, T1 Esports lags in the third spot with 1,600 points. The Gaimin Gladiators rank fourth overall with 1,280 points and Natus Vincere lock up the fifth spot at 1,170 points. FaZe Clan, Alpha7 Esports, Team BDS, XSET, and the Selangor Red Giants make up the rest of the top 10 teams in the EWC Club Championship.