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Juan Soto and Aaron Judge are showing off with some of the incredible performances in the season, and it cannot be denied that they are lifting the New York Yankees when it matters most as they continue to hammer opposing clubs with one big hit after another. The Yankees are staying on par with the Baltimore Orioles to keep hold of the top spot in AL East. If the critics are watching right now, they would definitely be speechless now more than ever. It has been a show of dominance for the Yankees, led by Soto and Judge. Sure, they have split their recent series against the White Sox and the Tigers, and now even against the Guardians, it does seem that they can still stay in the race. Thanks to a promising break from Soto and Judge, it does seem that the Yankees have a chance to secure their best finish in the season. To do that, however, they will need to go toe-to-toe against the Orioles while ensuring that they stay on par with their record heading to the end of the season. Grinding in the Final Months of the Season As of the time of writing, the New York Yankees stand with a 73-53 record in the season, which is just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the AL East. The team has seen some tough struggles throughout the season, but they have also seen some majestic performances from their star duo of Soto and Judge, who have been drilling massive hits in their games so far. As the struggles continue to topple on top of one another for the Yankees, it does seem that the team is in dire need of putting up their best game if they are going to end up with a clear chance at the playoff stage once more. So far, the best thing that the Yankees have done in the past few years has been a wild card berth in the 2021 season, and the rest of the campaigns have ended in disappointment so far. The last time the Yankees won the World Series was back in 2009, which is also the same year that they have last earned an AL Pennant so far. That just says a lot about how the team is expected to make the most of their chance this year with a winning record and deliver a strong finish now more than ever. A Fearsome Pair of Bats We have seen the duo of Albert Pujols and Jim Edmonds (2004) back then and recently the duo of Mookie Betts and JD Martinez (2018) take over the recent years as batter combos with at least 165 or better OPS+. There hasn’t been any better duo of hitters in the game right now aside from Soto and Judge, and that does seem to be the bankable hope that the team is holding on to right now. As the Yankees try to take on the Guardians – one of the best teams in the league right now – it is expected that Soto and Judge will have to carry the scoring load for the team if they are going to come up with a massive victory that will see their stake at the AL East’s top spot, but it remains to be seen how far they can go at this point in the campaign.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith believes that the 2024 NFL preseason should not cause panic or disorder among fans of the team despite the tough losses that the team has suffered in the first two games of the run. But should fans really take his word and trust in their team right now? Smith is not overreacting to the poor performances that the Steelers have done in the first two games of the preseason. That 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills was a show of poor executions and lack of decisiveness on the coaching staff. A lot of it can be blamed on the players, but Smith also takes the heat of those poor performances as well. It just seems that things aren’t improving well under the new offensive coordinator to begin the 2024 run – at least in the preseason. The preseason is a way to gauge a team’s progress in development. Sure, they are not playing against the full might of respective teams in the league, but it is a chance to prove that they have what it takes to battle against the best teams in the league. So far, Smith is using it to see which players will work best on his offensive unit in the Steelers squad. Lessons to Learn That 9-3 loss to the Bills was a tough pill to swallow. Pittsburgh only had 219 total yards gained on the offensive end and even punted on their first four possessions – and that has definitely caused some fans from Steel City to have a frown on their faces and grinning in disappointment as the final whistle blew in a loss. "We need to evaluate (players), and so sometimes it can get distorted, good or bad," Smith said of the team’s loss to the Bills. "Preseason could distort reality, good or bad. We've all seen it.” This preseason has set high expectations for the Steelers. They have seen a lot of changes with various trades and signings, which has set up an on-paper competition that hasn’t been seen in the summer so far. Still, Smith is right not to overreact to the losses so far, and the unpredictable environment of the preseason can be just another testing ground for them. Asking for Patience Smith has his calendar ready and knows that the regular season is coming in fast. The Steelers doesn’t really look ready right now, but he’s right to say that “it’s still just the preseason”, so fans can chill out and watch as the rest of the games unfold with a promise of development for the team now more than ever. "You know that's not their standard, and that's not acceptable, but at the same time, you'd rather go through that now than have that happen Week 1," said Smith, whose offense has produced just 15 total points in the preseason. "There's a lot going on there. We've had a really good camp, but the reality is, when we've got in there in the lights, we found a way to — and this is taking nothing away from the other defense — but we got to get out of our own way.” It is worth noting that not all teams that have succeeded well in the preseason have gone to win the Super Bowl by the end of the season. For instance, the 2017 Cleveland Browns went 4-0 in the preseason, only to become the second NFL team to finish with an 0-16 record. It is early to come up with predictions in a developing year for the Steelers, but Smith hopes to work it out before the season truly begins.

Warner Bros. has committed $8.5 billion to the building of a film and TV studio in the heart of Nevada, but it will greatly depend on a pending film tax credit bill being passed by the Nevada Legislature. Warner Bros. Discovery made a statement on Tuesday of its intention to invest a staggering $8.5 billion in a partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), to lease and run a state-of-the-art movie and television studio in Nevada. However, the ambitious project, which is being developed by Birtcher Development, hinges on the approval of a crucial film tax credit bill by the Nevada Legislature. The Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act, introduced by Senator Roberta Lange during last year's legislative session, is the legislative linchpin for WBD's commitment. Despite its initial failure to pass on the 6th of June, 2023, the bill is anticipated to be reintroduced early next year, in February of 2025, with hopes of securing the necessary legislative support. In a recent press release, Senator Lange emphasized the importance of diversifying Southern Nevada's economy and investing in workforce development. "When talking with citizens, we hear repeatedly that we need to further diversify our Southern Nevada economy and at the same time commit the resources to develop our workforce," Lange stated. "These are top priorities for us all, and I can proudly say my legislation accomplishes both." A bold proposal with far-reaching implications Senate Bill 496, also known as the Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act, sets forth a proposal to provide as much as $190 million in yearly tax credits for television and film production over the span of two decades. This amount far exceeds Nevada's previous use of tax credits and represents a significant financial commitment from the state. Although these credits could cost Nevada an estimated $2 billion, supporters of the bill argue that the potential return on investment could be as high as $55 billion over the next two decades. The bill's proponents believe that this substantial financial incentive will attract major film and television productions to Nevada, transforming the state into a key player in the entertainment industry. The creation of a thriving film and television production hub in Nevada could stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and further diversify the state's economy. Warner Bros. Studios Nevada: a new era for Las Vegas If the Nevada Film Studio Infrastructure Act passes, Warner Bros. Studios Nevada is set to become a reality. The proposed facility would be located at the University of Nevada's Harry Reid Research & Technology Park in Las Vegas and would feature full television and film studios as well as other facilities designed to capitalize on emerging technologies related to Warner Bros. Discovery's content creation. In addition to the studio facilities, WBD plans to establish the Nevada Media and Technology Lab, a cutting-edge research and development hub for the film department of the university. This collaboration between WBD and UNLV is expected to provide students and faculty with immense opportunities to work with industry-leading professionals and access state-of-the-art technology. Senator Lange expressed her zeal for the partnership, stating, "It's safe to say that having a lead partner with the depth of Warner Bros. and its ability to keep the studios full starting from Day One is a key difference maker and enables us to successfully meet these two priorities." Rivalry in the desert: Sony Pictures vs. Warner Bros. The prospect of Warner Bros. Studios Nevada brings a new dimension to Hollywood's rivalry, this time playing out in the Nevada desert. Initially, it was WBD's rival, Sony Pictures Entertainment, that expressed interest in partnering with Birtcher Development and UNLV for a similar project. However, Sony ultimately chose to collaborate with the Howard Hughes Corporation for a $1.8 billion motion picture studio in Summerlin, a suburb of Las Vegas. The Sony-backed project, which has already received unanimous support from the Clark County Zoning Commission, is slated to occupy 30 acres of prime real estate in Summerlin. This development sets the stage for an intense competition between two of Hollywood's biggest studios, both vying to establish a dominant presence in Nevada's growing film and television production landscape.

Hard Rock Bet, under the banner of Hard Rock Digital, has just released its fall advertising campaign for the iGaming and sportsbook platform. The campaign, aptly named 'Roll with Us,' features the Grammy nominee and superstar Post Malone and is set to redefine the boundaries of online betting. Hard Rock Digital has launched its highly anticipated fall campaign, named 'Roll With Us,' showcasing Hard Rock Bet, its flagship online casino and sportsbook platform. The campaign, which seeks to transform the online gaming experience, is fronted by worldwide star Post Malone, a 9-time Grammy-nominated artist. Produced by 72andSunny New York, with support from the in-house team at Hard Rock Digital and the Redline Media Group, the campaign features the highly energized M.O.P track, "Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory)." Redefining sports betting as we know it The 'Roll With Us' campaign is built to challenge traditional opinions of online gambling and sports betting, often viewed as an elite, complicated activity. But Hard Rock Bet aims to create a welcoming environment that opens its doors to all players, no matter their wagering style or background. The campaign's scope spans across all its known verticals, embracing both casino and sportsbook offerings. Post Malone embodies Hard Rock Bet's 'Rebelliously Inclusive' culture. For instance, the campaign showcases Post Malone engaging with people from all backgrounds and walks of life - from salon patrons to friends at a bar and party-goers by a pool - who are all united by their unique love of betting. "It's always a blast working with Hard Rock. It's sports. It's music. It's entertainment. When Hard Rock Bet says 'Roll With Us,' they mean it. They're bringing everyone in. That's what I'm all about," enthusiastically stated Post Malone, contemplating his partnership with Hard Rock Bet. A message of inclusivity Executive Managing Director and President of Hard Rock Digital, Matt Primeaux, accentuated the inclusive message of the campaign. "Our message is simple - no matter who you are or how you play, we want you to Roll With Us at Hard Rock Bet." He further stated that just like their previous campaigns, it was important for them to have players see themselves represented in these spots, especially for "those in Florida kicking off their first football season with legal sports betting and that have enthusiastically embraced our top-rated app." He also mentioned how the star was the perfect partner to speak out for the core values of Hard Rock because of his extensive appeal as well as his genuine connection to Hard Rock's meeting of music, sports, and entertainment. Hard Rock Bet is well-recognized as one of the leaders in real-money gaming, boasting top ratings of 4.8 on Google Play and 4.9 in the App Store. The platform provides a comprehensive online casino and sportsbook experience in the state of New Jersey and sports betting options in other states like Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee. A national launch The 'Roll With Us' fall campaign is expected to make a noteworthy impression across the entire United States market. The initiative will be showcased on streaming platforms, television, social media, radio, audio streaming services, and other advertising formats, such as billboards. This broad multiple channel approach ensures that the campaign reaches a wider audience and resonates with a diverse market base. As Post Malone starts his 'F-1 Trillion' tour on the 8th of September, his participation in the 'Roll With Us' campaign is expected to further amplify Hard Rock Bet's presence. The campaign reinforces the brand's position as one that thrives at the intersection of music, sports, and all-out entertainment.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has just announced a near-record revenue of $195.4 million for its online casinos this June. In the entire history of the state, June of 2024 was the second-most successful month ever, following March of 2024 with $197.2 million. This is a stark contrast to land-based casino revenues, which have reported a significant decrease through the summer months. New Jersey's online casino industry, which has been thriving for over 11 years, continues to set high standards. July of 2024 nearly set a new monthly revenue record, reinforcing the state's reputation as a leader in the online gaming market. Online casino revenue soars upward The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement reported that online casinos generated an impressive $195.4 million this July. This figure marks the second-highest monthly revenue total in the history of the state, trailing only the $197.2 million record set in March of 2024. The narrow margin of less than $2 million between the two months highlights the strength and resilience of New Jersey's online casino market. July has consistently been a strong month for the state's online casinos, with revenue traditionally surpassing that of June. This year was no exception, as July 2024 saw a 4% revenue increase compared to June, which brought in $186.8 million. The year-over-year growth is even more striking because July 2023's revenue totaled $155.2 million. This substantial increase shows the ongoing expansion and vitality of New Jersey's iGaming industry. James Plousis, the Casino Control Commission Chairman, attributed the robust performance to the diverse gaming options available and the enduring appeal of New Jersey's online casinos. "The diversity of gaming options and the strength of New Jersey's online casinos continue to provide resilience in a highly competitive marketplace - not only for the benefit of the gaming industry but also for the economy of the city, the region, and the state," Plousis said. A competitive market with a diverse range of operators New Jersey boasts the most extensive iGaming market in the United States, with 32 operators currently in the state. This diversity in operators has contributed to the market's strength, providing players with a wide array of choices and ensuring that the industry remains dynamic and competitive. As of July of 2024, New Jersey's online casinos have generated $1.33 billion in revenue for the year, representing an increase of 22% from the same period in 2023. The upward trajectory indicates that the state is on track to surpass last year's record-setting annual revenue of $1.9 billion, with projections suggesting that the total could reach nearly $2.3 billion by the end of 2024. Leading performers in July 2024 Among the 32 operators, DraftKings, along with FanDuel, have emerged as the top performers, each contributing significantly to the state's overall revenue. DraftKings led the pack with almost $41.7 million in revenue, followed closely by FanDuel with nearly $37.8 million. BetMGM also posted strong results, generating nearly $25.3 million, while Borgata and Caesars Palace rounded out the top five with almost $18.8 million and $12.2 million, respectively. Other notable performers included Hard Rock Bet with close to $10.4 million, Golden Nugget with almost $8.7 million, and BetRivers with over $6.528 million. Even smaller operators like Bally, ESPN Bet, and Tropicana contributed to the state's impressive revenue total, demonstrating the broad appeal and reach of New Jersey's online gaming offerings. Year-to-date performance and future projections DraftKings has maintained its lead over FanDuel in the year-to-date standings, with $286.9 million in revenue compared to FanDuel's $273.7 million. The competition between the two giants is expected to continue driving growth in the market, pushing the industry toward even greater heights. Looking ahead, New Jersey's online casinos are on pace to set a new annual revenue record, potentially reaching nearly $2.3 billion by the end of 2024. This would shatter the previous record of $1.9 billion set in 2023, further solidifying New Jersey's status as the premier online gaming market in the United States.

Jannik Sinner has regained his composure after coming back from an illness that kept him from playing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the Cincinnati Open and earning impressive points after beating Frances Tiafoe in straight sets to extend his reign at the top spot of the ATP Rankings. Now his eyes are on the next challenge ahead: the US Open. At the age of 24, Sinner overcame Tiafoe in the final in just one hour and 37 minutes, moving up to a 15-4 record in tour-level finals. The Italian star now leads the ATP Tour with five trophies this season, sealing impressive victories in Melbourne, Rotterdam, Miami, and Halle. He is also the only player this season to come up with at least two ATP Masters 1000 crowns so far. Sinner has been mostly hampered by his hip, often limping and even favoring it between points. Still, the Italian star proved to the world why he is the deserving world no. 1 player in the ATP Tour right now. Now the focus shifts to another tournament at hand – the last major of the year, the US Open. A Tough Run Ending in Beauty Sinner was not at 100% when he entered the competition so far, often showing his hip injury hampered him from time to time. However, he managed to stave off Tiafoe when it mattered most, working on his baseline play to come up with advantageous plays in closing sets to cap off a promising victory. “It was a very difficult week, tough week. I'm very happy about about today's match,” Sinner said of his campaign in the Cincinnati Open. “It was very tough mentally. Had such an amazing run here, and I tried to do my best today. We both were quite tired from yesterday. We both felt a lot of tension, but I'm very glad about the level I played today, especially in the important moments.” Sinner is now the youngest winner in the Cincinnati Open since Andy Murray, who won in 2008 at the age of 21. Sinner went on to save all three break points against Tiafoe to claim the big win that saw him emerge as the winner in the Final at 7-6(4), 6-2. The win also extends the Italian star’s lead at the ATP Rankings with 1,440 points to extend his lead over Spanish star and world no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. A Boatload of Confidence Heading to the US Open Sinner has been pondering about his form in the game heading into the US Open. But with this win secured at the Cincinnati Open, it seems that the Italian star is more confident than ever heading into the hard-court major after he capped off a Masters 1000 title. ”Now, for sure, it's important to recover, to be to be ready for New York. This is our main goal here for this U.S. swing,” Sinner said of his pace heading into the US Open this weekend. “I’m very happy to be in a position where I am and just trying to keep going mentally, having this hunger to keep playing, and hopefully I can show some good tennis also New York.” For now, Sinner takes his time to rest and practice at the same time in preparation of the US Open, which will be considered as the closing run of all majors in the 2024 ATP Tour and possibly one of the hyped and intense battles to look out for in the season.

Steve Kerr was asked to speak at the Democratic National Convention as he proposed to rally supporters for Kamala Harris, who was gunning for the presidential election this year after current president Joe Biden opted to withdraw his candidacy in the coming elections. But it seems that the highlight of the day was Steve Kerr’s decision to pay homage to his star player Stephen Curry. During his speech at the convention, Kerr went on to diss presidential candidate and former US president Donald Trump, saying that they can tell him to “night night”, in homage to Warriors star Stephen Curry. This was the celebration that the star guard has done on multiple occasions in the game, most notably in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics when he drilled a three in front of two defenders to ice the gold medal game against France. A Historic Speaking Night Kerr was invited to speak alongside the likes of former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Kerr went on to speak right after presidential candidate and current vice president Harris herself, who was not even slate to speak until the final night of the convention. A former Chicago Bulls player and NBA champion, Kerr relished the fact that he was back to his basketball roots, addressing the Bulls fans in the building as the system even went on to flash his game-winning jumper in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, which secured the fifth title of the Jordan Bulls dynasty. "It is so fun to be back here in the United Center," Kerr said. "As you guys know, a lot of good stuff happened in this building — especially in the '90s. You young people, Google 'Michael Jordan,' and you can read all about it." Kerr believed that it was essential for him to speak that night, claiming that it was his duty as a leader to rally voters for the Harris-Walz ticket in the coming elections. The Warriors coach also stressed the fact that it was his duty as an American citizen to rally them to the right cause. "I believe that leaders must care for a love the people that they are leading. I believe that leaders must possess the knowledge and expertise but with the full awareness that none of us has all the answers. And in fact, some of the best answers often come from members of the team,” said Kerr. "And if you look for those qualities in your friends or your boss or an employee or your child's teacher or your mayor, then shouldn't you want those same qualities in your president?" Kerr’s Coaching Future While he remains the head coach of the Golden State Warriors for the years to come, Kerr has already stepped down as the head coach of Team USA after helping them secure a gold medal finish in Paris. It is expected that either assistants Erik Spoelstra or Tyronn Lue would take over the reins in the next campaign. Kerr served as an assistant to Gregg Popovich in 2016 before he was named as the successor when the latter stepped down after Team USA won in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Kerr’s decorated history of championships with the Bulls and the Warriors dynasty has made him a promising coach to lead Team USA, which ultimately helped them win a gold medal.

After requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Patrik Laine finally fulfilled his wishes, and he and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft was sent to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Jordan Harris. It seems that both teams will have a win-win situation as Laine gets a fresh start in Montreal while Columbus gets promising assets to begin the 2024-25 season. Patrik Laine had an impressive run before suffering a broken clavicle in December 2023 and did not play for the remainder of the season. He was later brought under the care of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in January and was later cleared from the program by July 26th. Laine would go on to speak with the team’s management and later requested a trade from the team, which was granted as soon as the team came up with an equitable deal. Laine initially had nine points coming off six goals and three assists in 18 games last season. He also had two seasons left in his four-year, $34-million contract with the Blue Jackets that he signed last July 2022. Now he gets a chance to prove his worth once more and come back stronger after having some tough struggles in his games prior. A Fresh Start in Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes had already spoken to Laine before the trade was completed. He said that Laine was ready to commit and promised a strong performance in the coming season with the hopes of getting a lot of minutes in the rotation and proving his worth on the big stage. “We’re very young, and he may be young at 26, but that still makes him an older statesman on the Montreal Canadiens. And we’re hoping that as such he’ll do his part to help and teach our young players,” said Hughes about his discussion with Laine before the trade. “And we talked to him about that, about you look back at your time when you came to Winnipeg as a young 18-year-old hockey player and you think about the people and things that helped you be successful, and you think about the things that occurred that maybe made it more difficult to be successful, and carry that forward to the Montreal Canadiens and help those players succeed.” Selected in the 2016 NHL Draft, Laine has a total of 388 points off 204 goals and 184 assists in 480 games with the Blue Jackets and the Jets. He has also played in a total of 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games, amassing 16 points coming from eight goals and eight assists in the postseason stage. A New Dawn for the Blue Jackets At the age of 26, Laine departs from a team that has built on his impressive success in his career.However, this opens up a new opportunity for the Blue Jackets as they now enter the coming season with Jordan Harris instead. Columbus GM Don Waddell claims that it was a good trade to bring in a new defenseman into the squad while also ensuring that Laine will have a bright future in his new team. "We want players that want to be Blue Jackets and Patrik made it clear that he thought a change of scenery was best for him," Waddell said. "We were able to acquire a good young player in Jordan Harris while maintaining financial flexibility in this deal which was very important to us. We wish Patrik all the best." Now this season begins a new dawn for the Blue Jackets, and perhaps they can finally build upon a bigger chance at the playoffs in the season.

More obstructions: as MGM Resorts International prepares to start construction of the MGM in Osaka, it could experience some delays as well as more expensive construction costs, and it's attributed to the opening of the World Fair or Expo 2025. MGM Resorts International, one of the global leaders in the casino and hospitality industry, is grappling with two significant challenges that could derail its plans for a casino hotel in Osaka, Japan's third-largest city. The company could be facing both a delayed launching date and increased construction expenses for its highly anticipated integrated resort on Yumeshima Island. The impact of Expo 2025 on MGM's Osaka project The crux of the issue lies in Yumeshima Island, the man-made site in Osaka Bay where MGM is building Japan's very first regulated casino and hotel. But the island is also slated to host Expo 2025, a World Fair event expected to draw millions of visitors from around the globe. This dual-purpose use of the island is proving to be a double-edged sword for MGM. According to recent reports in Japanese media, the BIE, or the Bureau International des Expositions, the organization overseeing Expo 2025, has requested that construction on the MGM Osaka casino resort be stopped for six months. The BIE’s concerns are primarily aesthetic, fearing that ongoing construction could detract from the visual appeal of the Expo. This request poses a serious threat to the timeline of the project, which already has an estimated overall cost of $9.1 billion. A dream deferred: MGM's journey in Japan MGM's pursuit of a gaming license in Japan has been a long and arduous journey, marked by hopes and setbacks. Initially, there was optimism that the Osaka casino resort could be completed in time to capitalize on the influx of visitors to Expo 2025. This would have provided MGM with a significant opportunity to showcase its new venue to an international audience. However, bureaucratic complications and delays within Japan's regulatory framework shattered that dream. MGM's Chief Executive Officer, Bill Hornbuckle, highlighted the progress of the Osaka project during the company's earnings call. "I just recently returned from Japan, and it's moving along nicely," Hornbuckle stated. He also mentioned that the company aims to start installing pylons by May or June of the following year, with a target opening date still set for mid-2030. However, the timing of the BIE's request for a construction pause casts doubt on this timeline. If MGM Osaka is forced to halt construction for six months, the opening of the casino could be pushed back to 2031. This delay could have significant financial implications for MGM, as construction costs are likely to rise during the pause. Potential consequences: delays and rising costs The potential six-month halt in construction not only threatens to delay the opening of MGM Osaka but could also lead to substantial cost overruns. The exact financial impact of such a delay remains uncertain, but given the already hefty price tag of $9.1 billion, any increase in costs would be a significant burden for the company. Moreover, a delayed opening could diminish MGM's ability to capitalize on the Expo 2025 event. The original vision of opening the resort ahead of the Expo would have allowed MGM to benefit from the event's high foot traffic and global attention. A delay to 2031 would mean missing out on this once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity. A silver lining for Thailand? While MGM struggles with potential setbacks in its Osaka project, the delay could inadvertently profit Thailand, a country rapidly advancing its own casino gaming aspirations. Thailand is working on developing its gaming regulations with the goal of having a minimum of one integrated resort operational before MGM Osaka opens its doors. If the Osaka project is delayed until 2031, Thailand's plans could gain a significant advantage, potentially diverting international attention and investment away from Japan. Interestingly, MGM has expressed interest in participating in the bidding process for Thailand's casino projects through its MGM China unit. This move could help MGM hedge against the risks posed by the Osaka delays. If MGM can establish a presence in Thailand before its Osaka project is completed, it could potentially mitigate some of the financial and competitive impacts of the delay.

Two men who allegedly stole $352,000 from the Grand River Casino in South Dakota are now facing charges, especially since more details emerge of the sophisticated scheme. In other news, a man held up a jackpot winner in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In a somewhat sophisticated scheme that has shocked the tribal gaming community, two men are now facing serious charges after allegedly stealing $352,000 from the Grand River Casino in Mobridge, South Dakota, early this year. The suspects, Roberto Orellana and Roberto Carlos Gonzales Miranda, have been indicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft from a gaming establishment on Indian Lands, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and the transport of stolen funds. These charges come after a detailed investigation revealed the extent of the alleged plot, which unfolded in February. Elaborate scheme unveiled According to details released by KELO, a TV station from South Dakota, the scheme began with a phone call to the casino's cashiers' cage manager. A woman initiated the call, followed by a man who identified himself as a 'collections contractor' for the USPS (United States Postal Service). The man asserted that the casino had a debt of $700,000 to the USPS and threatened that additional fines would accrue if the money was not settled immediately. To add credibility to the fraudulent claim, a third suspect, posing as the supervisor of the manager, sent a text message to the manager. The message instructed the manager to "empty the vault and deposit the cash at a Bitcoin ATM in Aberdeen, South Dakota." Trusting the directive from the supposed supervisor, the casino worker proceeded to take $352,000 from the vault and left the premises. The employee, following the instructions, drove to Aberdeen with the cash. Upon arrival, the individual was directed to meet two people in the parking lot of the gas station, where the money was handed over. The entire heist was executed with precision, leaving little initial trace of the culprits. The Grand River Casino, owned and run by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was left significantly impacted by the theft, both financially and with its reputation within the community. Legal consequences and continuing investigation Miranda and Orellana's indictment marks a vital step in the legal process as authorities continue to piece together the details of the operation. The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft from a gaming establishment on Indian Lands show the seriousness of the crime, particularly given the federal jurisdiction over tribal lands. The involvement of a third suspect, who has yet to be identified or apprehended, suggests that the investigation is ongoing and that further developments could emerge. The case has drawn considerable attention, not only due to the substantial amount of money involved but also because of the methods used to deceive the casino employees. The use of impersonation and technological manipulation highlight the sophisticated nature of the crime. Related incident: Tulsa casino winner robbed In a separate but equally concerning incident, a man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was robbed at gunpoint just hours after winning money at a local gaming property. The suspect, identified as Terry Brown, has been accused of armed robbery with a firearm following the crime that took place at a residence near Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and 44th Street. According to reports from KTUL, a Tulsa TV station, Brown, who is a convicted felon, along with a second suspect who remains at large, targeted the victim shortly after his casino win. The two suspects were caught on a security camera during the robbery, in which they stole the victim's cash winnings, phone, and car keys. The swift response from the Tulsa Police Department led to Brown's arrest after a TPD helicopter spotted a vehicle which matched the description of the getaway car. Brown was apprehended on North Quaker Avenue and booked for the crime. His case has since been transferred to local prosecutors.

The West Virginia Lottery Commission sent a cease and desist order to casino and sportsbook Bovada last June, and it looks like Bovada is complying. This follows a similar cease and desist order from Michigan, bringing the total number of states restricting Bovada to eight, including New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and Colorado. In one significant move which further protects its regulated online gambling market, the West Virginia Lottery Commission has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the online casino and sportsbook, Bovada. The letter, sent to Harp Media B.V., the owner of Bovada, on the 26th of June, 2024, demands that the platform stop operating in West Virginia. In response, Bovada has begun restricting access to its services for players within the state, a development that could have a positive impact on the state's online casino revenue. Offshore restrictions in effect Bovada, a Costa Rica-based online casino and sportsbook, has been operating in numerous US states, including West Virginia, despite not being licensed in any of them. Before the cease-and-desist letter, Bovada actually had customers in 30 states, offering them an unregulated alternative to state-approved online gambling options. This action by the West Virginia Lottery Commission follows a similar move by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which issued its own cease-and-desist letter to Bovada in May. Both states provided Bovada with a 14-day period to comply with the request to cease operations. According to John Myers, Director of the West Virginia Lottery, Bovada has formally placed West Virginia to its list of states which are restricted, though there is still some uncertainty about the platform's full compliance. Bovada full compliance still uncertain In an email to SBC Americas, Myers indicated that while Bovada has begun restricting West Virginia residents, the platform's terms and conditions had not yet been updated to reflect the state's new restricted status. "However, their Terms and Conditions do not appear to have been updated to list West Virginia as of this writing," Myers explained. But he also noted that some accounts in West Virginia have been disabled, and affected users are being advised to contact Bovada's customer service for further information. With the addition of West Virginia to its list of restricted states, Bovada now limits access to players in several states, including New Jersey, Nevada, Maryland, New York, Michigan, Delaware, Colorado, and now added to the roster, West Virginia. Meanwhile, Connecticut has also issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, and Massachusetts is reportedly considering similar action against the offshore platform. Restriction to have a positive impact in West Virginia The decision to restrict Bovada's operations in West Virginia could have significant implications for the state's online gambling market. West Virginia offers a fully legal and regulated environment for online casino and sports betting, with multiple licensed operators providing services to residents. By pushing unregulated operators like Bovada out of the market, the state could see a boost in revenue as players turn to licensed platforms for their gambling needs. West Virginia’s online casino revenue has been steadily growing, with the state benefiting from a competitive market that includes some of the industry's leading operators. The removal of Bovada from the equation could drive even more players to these legal platforms, further increasing the state's gambling revenue. The full impact of this ban on Bovada will become clearer in the coming months as West Virginia reports its monthly online casino revenue figures. If the trend follows Michigan's experience, where similar regulatory action has led to increased market share for licensed operators, West Virginia could see a noticeable uptick in its online gambling revenue.