All news

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.

It seems Matty Beniers is returning to the Kraken, after all. Beniers returns to the Seattle Kraken once more, this time for quite a long time as he signed a seven-year deal worth at least an estimated $50 million to stay with the team. At the age of 21, there are high expectations from the forward after he had a promising breakout year in the 2023-24 season. Now he is slated to play a bigger role for the team with the hopes of leading them to a promising victory on the big stage. It has been a very busy offseason for the Seattle Kraken so far, and it cannot be denied that the team is starting to pick up steam with the hopes of proving their worth on the big stage and becoming a contender in the long run. Signing Beniers to a new deal at least gives them breathing room to keep one of their best stars in the game for the coming years. Kraken finished with a 34-35-13 record for 81 points in the previous season. Sitting at the 12th seed, it was easy to expect that Seattle would be making a lot of impressive strides to ensure that they would finally have a chance to make it to the playoff stages. A Proven Performer At the age of 21, Beniers has become one of the most reliable players for the Kraken so far, and it cannot be denied that the team is hoping to see more of his big strides in the coming season. In the previous season alone, Beniers scored a total of 37 points coming off 15 goals and 22 assists in 77 games, being one of the most prolific scorers in the team so far. "Matty has been a core part of our team since making his NHL debut, not only on the ice but in his commitment to our community and our fans," Kraken general manager Ron Francis said. "Signing Matty to a new contract was a top priority for our offseason, and we are excited to have it done. We're looking forward to seeing Matty take the next steps as a player and watching him contribute to many more memorable moments for our franchise." Beniers is definitely a great signing for the team so far, and bringing him back for one more run after two seasons of impressive runs is definitely a win that fans can consider for Kraken’s growth in the game so far. Capping Off a Busy Offseason The Seattle Kraken has worked well to come up with impressive signings in the offseason to strengthen their roster so far. The team has already handed out big contracts to the likes of Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour in free agency. Signing Beniers, however, is a promising note as to how dedicated the team is to improve their winning chances. As a rookie in the 2022-23 season, Beniers led all first-year players in points with 57 with 24 goals in just 80 games. He went on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in the same season, where he was selected as the no. 2 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. So far, Beniers has tallied a total of 103 points coming off 42 goals and 61 assists in 167 games in the regular season. He has also appeared in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games and has amassed seven points off three goals and four assists.

Chet Holmgren has been a spectacular rookie in his campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023-24 NBA season. But despite losing the Rookie of the Year award to San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama, Holmgren claims that there is no rivalry between the two players heading into the next season. The last three games played between the two players have been quite a spectacle, and it is no secret that the two players have brought out the best in each other when they faced on the court. Sure, Wembanyama walked off with the Rookie of the Year honors, but it was considered to be a downplay on Holmgren’s impact in the Thunder’s winning season – the best they’ve had since the 2012-13 season. For Holmgren, the ultimate goal is to compete at the highest level, and he doesn’t care who stands in front of him now more than ever, and one can even say that the Thunder big man is focused on the big picture in the years to come. Downplaying the so-called rivalry with Wembanyama in the coming season is one of the ways he’s focusing on winning now. Shutting Down a Rivalry It is easy to say that Holmgren and Wembanyama’s careers are slated to be intertwined forever due to the fact that they were rookies in the same season, and they almost share the same body build and height, making them the new breed of centers in the modern NBA. So far, Holmgren believes that the rivalry was just fabricated by the media to cook up more attention in their respective rookie campaigns. "I don't want to go into any matchup and make it about what it isn't," Holmgren told "Podcast P with Paul George." "It's about winning the basketball game. I don't want to fall into the trap of turning something into a one-on-one game. Obviously, there's a lot of competitive juice — when you go up against a really good player — but I wasn't changing my gameplan just because we had Spurs on the schedule." One of the biggest games that ignited the rivalry match was the fact that they had a spectacular showdown in the leap year game last season, with Wemby finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks, while Holmgren tallied 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and a block. Addressing a Rivalry Whether or not Holmgren accepts it, the general media and a huge portion of NBA fans accept that they are slated to be rivals for the years to come. So far, it is expected that these two players will go head-to-head at least three or four times in a single season. With the Spurs being expected to make a climb on the playoff stage, we may even be treated to a possible postseason showdown between the two. For Holmgren, however, this is just him and the French big man showing that they are ready to compete at the highest level when needed. "That's probably just us being competitors," Holmgren responded. "But when people ask, 'Y'all got beef?' I'm like, 'What beef? We're out there competing.' To me, beef means, we're fighting. Why would I have beef with him? I honestly don't even know the guy." Chet Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game while playing all 82 games in the regular season. The incoming sophomore seeks to boost Oklahoma City’s championship hopes after the team finished with the 1st seed with a 57-25 record but fell short in the West Semis.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released the iGaming revenue report for Pennsylvania, and it shows a stronger-then-ever upward trajectory, reaching almost $175 million for July this year. The overall revenue for gaming in PA - which includes land-based slots and table games as well as sports betting and fantasy games - is at $500.8 million, an increase of 7.22% from last year. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has announced a robust total gaming revenue of $500.8 million for July of 2024, which is a notable 7.22% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is primarily fueled by the strong performance of internet gaming or iGaming and sports wagering, reflecting broader industry trends seen in neighboring states like New Jersey. The reported revenue includes contributions from a range of regulated gaming activities across the state, such as iGaming, table games, slot machines, sports wagering, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals or VGTs. This diversity in revenue streams serves to highlight the adaptability of Pennsylvania's gaming industry in meeting evolving consumer preferences. iGaming and sports wagering lead the charge iGaming continues to be the standout performer, with the revenue for July 2024 reaching $174.3 million - a remarkable increase of 31.20% from July 2023. The growing popularity of online gaming platforms has not only bolstered overall revenue but also generated substantial tax income for the state, amounting to $75.5 million for the month. Sports betting also saw significant growth, with total revenue encompassing $414.7 million in July 2024, representing a 22.52% year-on-year increase. The taxable revenue also rose by 20.18% to $38.6 million, contributing $13.9 million in tax revenue. The rise in both iGaming and sports wagering shows a shifting consumer preference towards digital platforms, a trend that mirrors the gaming landscape in New Jersey, where similar growth patterns have been observed. Declines in traditional gaming segments But while digital gaming segments thrived, traditional retail gaming faced challenges. Slot machines, once the biggest contributor to PA's gaming revenue, made $204.3 million in July of 2024. However, this points to a 4.83% decline compared to the previous year. The decrease coincided with a reduction in the number of slot machines still left running, which decreased from 25,291 in 2023 to 24,709 in 2024. But in spite of this downturn, the tax revenue from slot machines remained significant, reaching $103.2 million. Land-based table games also experienced a dip, falling by 4.84% to $79.4 million in July this year. The corresponding tax revenue from table games reached $13.1 million. These declines in traditional gaming sectors suggest a potential shift in consumer behavior as more players gravitate towards the convenience and variety offered by online platforms. Steady performance in other gaming categories In addition to the major gaming segments, other categories also contributed to Pennsylvania's overall revenue growth. Video gaming terminals or VGTs, which are found at truck stops, produced $3.5 million in July, showing a 4.33% increase from the previous year. The tax revenue from these terminals were at $1.8 million, indicating steady performance in this niche market. Fantasy contests saw an uptick in revenue as well, with July figures totaling $714,971, an increase of 9.01% year-on-year. The tax revenue from these contests reached $107,246, further adding to the state's overall gaming income. A record-breaking year for Pennsylvania's gaming industry These positive revenue figures are trailing Pennsylvania's record-breaking total of $5.7 billion for the whole year of 2023, solidifying the state's position as a leading player in the US gaming market. The continued growth in iGaming and sports wagering is expected to drive the market forward, helping offset the declines that were apparent in traditional segments such as table games and slots.

Former illusionist Lance Burton had always wanted a castle on a hill - and his dream came true in the early 2000s. But as the Las Vegas magician's star faded from the limelight, so did he, seemingly vanishing into thin air. In 2020, he sold the property and moved to Kentucky, where he is supposedly living a quiet life. Lance Burton, the legendary magician who dazzled audiences on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly three decades, once called a lavish mansion in Henderson, Nevada, his home. From 2006 all the way until 2020, the sprawling estate, situated in the Las Vegas-adjacent city, served as a retreat for Burton, a man whose illusions captivated millions. The property, which boasts a plethora of unique and luxurious features, is once again making headlines - this time for its steep price increase as it returns to the market. A magical abode Burton's former residence is nothing short of enchanting. Custom-built to reflect the magician's flair for the extraordinary, the mansion includes secret passageways, a watchtower, hidden doors, and a grand room with soaring 30-ft. ceilings. The two-story gold-plated library and an indoor grotto add to the mystique of the home, making it a place where fantasy and reality blur - a fitting backdrop for a man whose career was built on illusion. The mansion on 1280 Scooter Street in Henderson spans a massive 14,700 square feet. It includes six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, an indoor spa, and a home theater, complete with a four-car garage. For Burton, this was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary where he could immerse himself in the art of magic, away from the limelight of the Las Vegas Strip. The vanishing act Burton's success on the Strip is the stuff of legend. After gaining national attention through 10 guest appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Burton became a fixture in Las Vegas. In 1982, at the young age of 22, he was given a tryout that lasted for eight weeks with the Folies Bergere show at the Tropicana, a stint that extended into a nine-year tenure. His career continued to ascend, leading to a contract with the Hacienda Hotel, before MGM Resorts recruited him to open the Monte Carlo casino in 1996. At the peak of his career, Burton was reportedly earning $10 million annually with MGM Mirage. But after the contract finished in 2010, Burton seemed to disappear from the public eye. Although he was supposedly asked to present a limited run at Caesars Palace, he chose instead to semi-retire, stepping back from the demanding schedule of Las Vegas shows. Now, at 64, Burton continues to perform, but on his terms, with upcoming shows scheduled at the Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California, and Texas' Lowes Arlington Hotel & Convention Center. Farewell, Las Vegas! In 2020, Lance Burton decided it was time to leave his Las Vegas castle behind. He sold the mansion for $4 million to entrepreneur Tarek Tabsh. But after commissioning updates that added almost 2,000 square feet, Tabsh is now attempting to sell the property for over twice the original price he paid for it. The mansion, which once featured street lights from the Monte Carlo before its revamp, is now a symbol of both the magician's legacy and the rapidly appreciating real estate market in the area. After the sale, Burton relocated to his grandfather's farm in Kentucky, the place where he first dreamt of becoming a magician. In a heartfelt goodbye posted on Facebook, Burton reflected on his journey: "Ever since I was a young boy growing up in Kentucky, I dreamed of one day moving to Las Vegas... Please know that I am forever grateful for the mythical city called Las Vegas. I will miss you all. I love you all. Maybe I will return one day as a visitor. Until then, may God keep watch over you." While Burton may have left Las Vegas, his influence and the magic he brought to the city remain. As his former mansion hits the market again, it serves as a reminder of the enchanting world he created - both on stage and at home.

A woman from Chicago gets sentenced to nine years in prison after it was found that she stole 11,000 cases of chicken wings with a street value of $1.5 million - and gambled it all away. In a bizarre case of fraud and gambling, an Illinois judge has sentenced an ex food service director who worked for the South Chicago school district to nine years in prison for stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings. Vera Liddell, 68, pleaded guilty to felony theft charges after being caught in a scheme that lasted nearly two years, during which she placed unauthorized orders for 11,000 cases of chicken wings using school district funds. A pandemic-era scheme Liddell's fraudulent activities began in July of 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and at a time when students were attending classes remotely. Despite the absence of students in school buildings, the district still provided meals meant for underprivileged students, and their families could pick the meals up. Liddell saw an opportunity to exploit this situation, and she began a spree of unauthorized food orders. According to documents presented in court, Liddell ordered from Gordon Food Service, the school district's supplier, under the pretense that the chicken wings were for student meals. The supplier, believing these orders were legitimate, billed the school district, which then paid the invoices. However, these chicken wings never made it to the students' plates. Discovery and investigation The scheme began to unravel in early 2022 when an audit revealed that the school district's food service department had exceeded its annual budget by $300,000 - an alarming figure considering it was only the beginning of the year. This prompted the business manager to investigate, leading to the discovery of multiple invoices which had Liddell's signature - for large orders of chicken wings. A peculiar detail also emerged during the investigation: chicken wings are not typically served in schools because they have small bones, which present a choking hazard to young students. This raised further suspicions, prompting investigators to analyze security footage. The video evidence revealed that Liddell used the school district's vans to collect the chicken wings from the supplier. However, the trail went cold as to where the wings ended up, with Liddell reselling them to unspecified parties and gambling away the proceeds. Judicial response and sentencing Judge Michele Pitman of the Sixth Municipal District of Cook County presided over the case and delivered a stern sentence. Liddell's actions were deemed a significant breach of trust, especially during a time when the school district was striving to support underprivileged students amid the challenges of the pandemic. Liddell's attorney, Patrick O'Byrne, characterized his client as a "churchgoing woman with no previous criminal record" and described her actions as being driven by a gambling addiction. "She's just a little sweetheart that's got a gambling problem," O'Byrne disclosed to People magazine. "She feels beyond terrible about this. This is totally uncharacteristic of her. It was the disease taking over." An unlikely intervention In a surprising twist, NFL player Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs expressed interest in helping Liddell. Jones took to social media, tweeting, "I'll pay for the wings that she stole to get her free." His offer, though unconventional, drew attention to the case, but it remains unclear whether his intervention could influence Liddell's situation, as she has already received her sentence. O'Byrne confirmed that Jones' representatives had reached out and expressed hope that the situation might work out in Liddell's favor. However, the legal implications of such an offer are uncertain, and it is unlikely to alter the outcome of the court's decision.

An excellent line-up of Las Vegas shows and concerts: Janet Jackson formally announces residency, U2 releases new film at the Sphere for a one-night screening, and Tears for Fears, the iconic 80's duo, will perform for three nights at the FontaineBleau. Reserve your tickets early! Pop music icon Janet Jackson has officially revealed the dates for her highly anticipated residency at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. The residency, which was confirmed last week by her manager, is set to kick off on December 30, 2024, and will feature a total of 10 performances, including a special New Year's Eve show. This announcement marks Jackson's return to the Las Vegas Strip and her debut at the award-winning Resorts World Theatre. Janet Jackson's electrifying performances Jackson, known for her groundbreaking contributions to pop music, will deliver a series of shows that will continue into 2025, with performances slated for February, including the highly sought-after Valentine's Day weekend. The initial schedule features dates on December 30 - 31, followed by January 3 - 4 and February 5, 7, 8, 12, and 14 - 15. Senior VP of AEG Presents Las Vegas, Bobby Reynolds, expressed his excitement about Jackson's upcoming residency, stating, "Janet Jackson is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in pop music. We could not be more thrilled to close out 2024 with her return to the Las Vegas Strip and her venue debut at our award-winning Resorts World Theatre, and to kick off 2025 with a run of sure-to-be-unforgettable shows. This is a residency fans won't want to miss." One of the most anticipated highlights of Jackson's residency is expected to be a duet with Michael Jackson, her late brother, on 'Scream,' their 1995 hit single. This powerful and emotional performance has already captivated audiences on Jackson's current "Together Again" tour, which is set to wrap up in Europe this October. The duet is anticipated to be a centerpiece of her Las Vegas shows, adding a poignant touch to the residency. Tickets for the residency will go on sale at 10 am Pacific Time on Wednesday, the 28th of August, through AXS.com. Fans are encouraged to act quickly as this residency promises to be one of the most sought-after events in Las Vegas. U2's immersive concert film to debut at the Sphere In other entertainment news, U2 fans have something special to look forward to this September. "V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las Vegas," directed by acclaimed U2 guitarist The Edge alongside Morleigh Steinberg, is set to premiere for a one-time screening on September 5 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The concert film aims to recreate the electrifying experience of U2's live shows, which captivated over 700,000 fans in 40 sold-out shows from September of 2023 to March of 2024. The Edge shared his enthusiasm for the project in a press release, stating, "The goal was to give the immersive moviegoers as close to the live U2:UV concert experience as possible - and then some. I've never seen a U2 show. I'm so relieved I caught a great one." The film was shot using Sphere Entertainment's Big Sky camera, which is designed to capture the epic scale and energy of U2's performances, making audiences feel as though they are attending the live concert. Tickets for the film screening will be available to the general public starting at 10 in the morning on Friday, the 23rd of August, at Ticketmaster.com. Priced at $100, the movie tickets offer fans a more affordable way to experience U2's concert, considering the steep costs of the live show tickets. Tears for Fears set to perform at Fontainebleau's BleauLive theater Adding to the lineup of exciting events, Tears for Fears will be making a return to the stage this fall with three performances at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. The shows are scheduled for October 30 and November 1 and 2, 2024. In a joint statement, band members Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal stated their eagerness to reconnect with fans: "It's been a while since we've been on the road and are very eager to share this live show experience with everyone. You can expect to hear tracks from our 2022 album The Tipping Point as well as fan favorites. Be sure to listen closely though as there may be something new sprinkled in there as well." The tickets for these performances will go on sale at 10 am on the 23rd of August through the official Tears for Fears website. F1 offers free fan festival during Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend In a surprising move, Formula 1 has announced that it will host the Las Vegas Grand Prix Fan Festival on the Strip during race weekend, and the event will be free for the general public to attend. The festival, which will take place on November 22 and 23, promises live entertainment across from the Wynn, offering fans a chance to enjoy the excitement of race weekend without the hefty price tag. This marks a departure from last year when F1 sold tickets for $200 to $500 just to watch the Chainsmokers perform in the same space. While the lineup for the free event has yet to be announced, the festival is expected to draw large crowds. Additionally, the Neon City Festival will be held downtown from November 22 to 24, offering more free entertainment options for visitors.

As part of its strategic move to enhance its engagement with audiences across the state, the Virginia Lottery has announced a partnership with Fennica Gaming, a renowned affiliate of the Finnish National Lottery. Fennica Gaming will bring several e-Instant games to players in VA, offering the opportunity to attract more players looking to augment their gameplay. In a strategic move designed to diversify its gaming offerings, the Virginia Lottery has announced the introduction of three new e-Instant games from Fennica Gaming, an affiliate of the Finnish National Lottery. This addition marks a crucial step in the Lottery's commitment to providing more innovative and engaging entertainment options for its players. The new games will be accessible through the NeoPollard Interactive platform, thanks to a partnership with US aggregator EQL Games. Fennica Gaming's entry into the Virginia market Fennica Gaming, known for its cutting-edge gaming solutions, is making its debut in the Virginia market with the release of three well-liked e-Instant games: Boulder Blast, Wobblyblobs, and Miner Jack's Combo Caverns. These games are designed to provide a fresh and exciting experience for players, incorporating unique gameplay mechanics such as Blast'EM and Match'EM, which add layers of interactivity as well as strategy to the gaming experience. The launch of these games aligns with the Virginia Lottery's ongoing efforts to expand its digital gaming portfolio. As Deputy Executive Director of Marketing at the Virginia Lottery, Scott Kenyon, emphasized, "As we wrap up four years of having iLottery, it is important for the Virginia Lottery to offer new types of e-Instant games to our players to continue growing our player base. The unique games provided by Fennica Gaming offer us the opportunity to attract new players that are looking for casual gameplay and additional value in their experience." Innovative gameplay for on-demand entertainment The newly introduced e-Instant games are tailored specifically for mobile platforms, offering players on-demand entertainment that fits seamlessly into their busy lifestyles. The games are designed with state-of-the-art graphics, interactive elements, and engaging storylines, all of which contribute to a captivating gaming experience. This mobile-first approach reflects the evolving preferences of modern players, who increasingly seek out gaming experiences that are both accessible and immersive. Fennica Gaming's use of cloud-based technology allows for continuous updates and enhancements, ensuring that the games remain fresh and relevant. This technology not only supports the dynamic nature of the games but also allows Fennica to quickly adapt to the preferences of Virginia players. "We have a vast lottery knowledge through our parent company, Veikkaus, the Finnish National Lottery, and offer games featuring the latest standards and player preferences," says Joni Hovi, Fennica Gaming's Senior Vice President of Customers and Marketing. He added that they are eager to learn the Virginia players' preferences so they can tailor their offerings to meet the Virginia Lottery's needs through their Games as a Service. A strategic move geared towards future growth The introduction of Fennica Gaming's e-Instants is a clear indication of the Virginia Lottery's commitment to staying ahead in the competitive gaming market. By offering these new and engaging games, the Lottery not only enhances its current offerings but also positions itself to attract a broader audience. This move is particularly significant as the Lottery approaches the four-year milestone of its iLottery platform. As the Virginia Lottery continues to expand on its digital presence, the inclusion of Fennica Gaming's titles is expected to play a key role in driving player engagement and satisfaction.

A milestone moment: an online player who played a BetMGM slot game took home the biggest prize ever recorded in online gaming – $6.4 million. The New Jersey player reportedly won the jackpot at the Fruit Blaster game after making a $200 bet. In a monumental moment for online gaming, BetMGM Casino has announced a record-setting payout of $6.4 million to one exceptionally lucky player. The staggering jackpot, revealed on Tuesday, marks the largest win in the history of the regulated online casino industry in the US. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, achieved this life-changing victory while playing the popular Fruit Blaster slot game on BetMGM's platform. The progressive jackpot, known as "The Big One," was struck after the player made a $200 bet from New Jersey, instantly catapulting them into the ranks of the nation's biggest online casino winners. The biggest win in US iGaming history BetMGM, the online gaming and sportsbook platform affiliated with MGM Resorts International, confirmed the historic payout in a statement. "BetMGM and one lucky player made iGaming history," said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM. "It's been a summer filled with anticipation watching the progressive jackpot grow quickly to record levels." Indeed, the jackpot's growth had been closely monitored by both players and insiders in the sector. The jackpot amount had reached an impressive $4 million in February, already setting a company record at the time. However, it continued to swell over the following months, culminating in Monday morning's unprecedented $6.4 million win. The game behind the jackpot The winning bet was placed on Fruit Blaster, which is a slot game featuring five reels that has become a fan favorite for its simple yet engaging gameplay. Players line up various symbols, including classic fruits like cherries, oranges, plums, and lemons to win prizes. However, it was the elusive "Big One" jackpot that this player managed to secure, solidifying Fruit Blaster as a game synonymous with life-altering payouts. Though the winner's identity remains a mystery, speculation abounds about how they will spend their newfound wealth. While a significant portion of the winnings will undoubtedly go toward taxes, the remaining amount is sure to provide a considerable nest egg, enabling the lucky individual to live out some long-held dreams. As of now, the winner has not made any public statements and could not be reached for comment. A historic moment for BetMGM The victory has not only changed the life of the player but also made headlines across the industry. The Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, Angus Nisbet, offered his congratulations in a statement following the payout. "BetMGM congratulates the winner on this historic jackpot," Nisbet said. "It's these 'you never know when' moments that make progressive jackpots especially thrilling." Nisbet also expressed hope that the winner would enjoy a visit to one of MGM Resorts' luxurious properties in the near future, a sentiment that shows the company's commitment to providing memorable experiences both online and offline. The future of progressive jackpots As for the progressive jackpot itself, it has been reset following the payout and was already back to $1.2 million by Tuesday. Players in New Jersey can continue to try their luck on BetMGM, Party Casino, Wheel of Fortune Casino, and Borgata, all of which offer access to "The Big One" - and the potential for similar life-changing wins. This recent win is just one example of BetMGM's impressive performance in online gaming. Last year alone, BetMGM Casino paid out a total of $138 million in jackpots, representing a 32% increase compared to 2022. A significant portion of these winnings came from Entain's popular games like MGM Grand Million Megaways and Bison Fury, further solidifying BetMGM's position as a leader in US iGaming. Aside from New Jersey, BetMGM’s online casino offerings are available to players in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, with its online sportsbook operating in 22 states, including Washington, DC as well as Puerto Rico. As the online casino industry continues to grow, this record-breaking payout serves as a reminder of the thrilling possibilities that await players who try their luck on platforms like BetMGM.