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Alex Ovechkin has been eyeing that NHL all-time goals record for quite some time now. The Washington Capitals star seeks to continue putting up impressive games for the team this season, and he is now also moving closer to that career-defining record that would give him a better look by the end of his career. Ovechkin just dropped two more goals in their 8-1 win against the St. Louis Blues. Thast means he now adds to his total of 863 goals for his career. And wouldn’t you know it, the star is now just 31 goals away from tying NHL legend Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. At this point, many are talking about how he can actually find a way to reach it faster, and also how more can he add to it all the way to season’s end. The debate over who is the greatest hockey player of all time often comes down to two names: Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin. Gretzky’s status as the "Great One" has remained virtually unquestioned for decades, largely thanks to his dominance on the ice and the seemingly unbreakable records he set. But as Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky’s all-time goals record, the question has become more pressing: Could Alex Ovechkin actually break Gretzky’s scoring record? The Record: Wayne Gretzky's 894 Goals Wayne Gretzky’s career is the stuff of legend. He retired in 1999 after 20 seasons in the NHL, with a staggering 894 career goals. To put that into perspective, his closest competitor, Jaromír Jágr, is still more than 200 goals behind. Gretzky's scoring record wasn’t just the result of being a great goal-scorer; it was about his ability to change the game’s dynamic and create opportunities from anywhere on the ice. He played with exceptional vision and an innate understanding of the game, which allowed him to rack up goals even into his late 30s. For years, this mark was thought to be untouchable. After all, breaking a record like that requires not only consistency and longevity but also the ability to defy the aging process in a sport that demands peak physical performance. Enter Alex Ovechkin, the next star in pursuit of setting his own foot in the history books. Ovechkin's Quest: 800 and Counting Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ captain, is arguably the most lethal goal-scorer of his generation. As of the 2023-24 season, Ovechkin has scored over 800 goals, putting him in rare company (only Gretzky and Gordie Howe have scored more). Ovechkin’s power, shooting accuracy, and relentless drive have made him a constant threat on the ice, year after year. But what really makes his pursuit of Gretzky’s record interesting is his longevity. At 39 years old, Ovechkin is still scoring goals at a high rate, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down. While many players start to see a decline in their 30s, Ovechkin’s scoring has remained remarkably steady. The Great One himself has said that Ovechkin could break his record if he stays healthy, and the numbers back that up. If Ovechkin stays healthy and continues to score at his current rate, it seems inevitable that he will surpass Gretzky’s 894 goals—perhaps in 2-3 seasons, depending on his performance and longevity. It’s an exciting time for hockey fans, as we witness one of the greatest players of all time chase down a seemingly untouchable record.

The Cherokee Nation has filed a lawsuit that challenges the results of the Issue 2 referendum in Pope County that grants it a casino license. In the recently-held elections, voters voted for Issue 2, which means that the casino license that was previously granted to the Cherokee Nation was revoked, prohibiting it from building a casino in Pope County. In a recent federal lawsuit, a subsidiary of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma claims that the constitutional rights of the Nation were disregarded by a statewide gaming referendum passed in Arkansas. The Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the tribe's commercial gaming and hospitality arm, is challenging the outcome of Issue 2, a ballot measure passed by Arkansas voters last week that repealed a previously awarded gaming license for a casino in Pope County's Russellville. The Issue 2 referendum, approved by 56% of Arkansas voters, effectively repeals the commercial casino license allocated to the Cherokees in June by the Arkansas Racing Commission. CNE had planned to invest approximately $300 million in constructing the Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville, envisioning a high-end casino and entertainment facility. However, Issue 2 amends the Arkansas Constitution to prevent the issuance of casino licenses in counties that do not support such developments through a local referendum, a requirement that Pope County did not fulfill when casinos were initially legalized in 2018. Ongoing legal disputes While the three other authorized casinos in Crittenden, Jefferson, and Garland counties have since opened, the Pope County project has remained mired in legal battles for years. In 2018, Arkansas voters approved Amendment 100, legalizing commercial casinos in those four counties, but the specific allocation of a license for Pope County has faced significant pushback. Local opposition and court disputes delayed the establishment of a casino there, even after the ARC awarded the license to the Cherokees in June, deeming their bid the only qualifying submission. Now, with Issue 2 repealing that license effective November 13, CNE has filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Arkansas, alleging that the referendum infringes on its constitutional rights. According to Bart Calhoun, an attorney for CNE, "Cherokee Nation Entertainment is firmly committed to protecting its constitutional rights, defending its lawfully issued casino license, and safeguarding the substantial investments it made in good faith based on the establishment of the Pope County casino license under Amendment 100 in 2018." The tribe has reportedly incurred significant costs in its effort to open a commercial casino in Arkansas, including an estimated $12.5 million spent to contest Issue 2 in the lead-up to the vote. Additional legal expenses over the years have added millions more to the tab. Seeking declaratory relief and injunction In its legal filing, the Cherokee Nation is seeking declaratory relief from the court, aiming to have the amendment declared unconstitutional. It has also requested a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to prevent the amendment from going into effect this Wednesday, arguing that Issue 2 effectively nullifies the tribe's established rights under the state's original casino authorization. The Cherokees maintain that the state's retroactive application of the referendum disregards both the tribe's legal status and the investments made toward developing the casino in Pope County, which they argue were undertaken with due diligence and in compliance with existing laws. Response from state officials and opposition Tim Griffin, the Arkansas Attorney General, responded to the Cherokee filing, labeling the allegations as 'baseless.' Griffin asserted that his office is prepared to defend the state's position, stating that the referendum reflected the will of Arkansas voters. Similarly, Hans Stiritz, a representative for Local Voters in Charge - a campaign funded by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to support Issue 2 - echoed Griffin's remarks. "This legal action to attempt to bypass the voice of Arkansas voters is not unexpected," Stiritz said. "But we are fully confident in the process that brought Issue 2 to the ballot. Arkansas voters have spoken clearly on Issue 2, and we expect it to stand." Interestingly, while Pope County voters originally opposed casino development in 2018, the county recently voted against Issue 2, indicating a shift in local opinion in favor of the casino project. However, because the new amendment now mandates local approval prior to state licensing, the Cherokees' license remains in jeopardy despite this recent shift.

The hot start for the Phoenix Suns this season has really been largely credited to Kevin Durant’s impressive game so far. In their first nine games, most of those have been in the clutch, and it cannot be denied that having Durant out for a few weeks may even be more tough than one can imagine. According to the Suns management, Durant is slated to sit out the next two weeks of action as he recovers from a left calf strain. The star forward was hurt in that 114-113 clutch win against the Dallas Mavericks and will be re-evaluated after that rest period provided for him. Fans hope that Durant will come back to action right away and deliver the best of his games again. The 14-time All-Star was already bothered by the same injury during the Paris Olympics, but he did manage to come up with extensive and elite performances during that time, helping Team USA secure the gold medal finish. However, it seems that the Suns are keen to have him healed up so he can be available in the long run. A Hot Start Troubled Phoenix, who are up 8-1 in the Western Conference standings, will now have to rely on star guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to take over the scoring load until Durant returns. It is also expected that the likes of Royce O’Neal and Ryan Dunn will get more playing minutes in the coming games, which says a lot about how the Suns will navigate their next games without Durant. Durant averaged 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 42.9% from 3-point range. These are the best numbers he’s enjoyed since the 2020-21 season, and the Suns are clearly enjoying the best of their run this season after a dismal campaign in the last two years. At the age of 36, Durant’s performances helped Phoenix go 8-1 in their first nine games. Despite surviving heated and closely contested games, Durant’s killer instinct clicked well to help the Suns set a new franchise-best record of 8-1 to start the season. That says a lot about the way they have improved in his lead, and what should fans expect with him out as well. A Flurry of Injuries in the Season Among many other injured stars and key players aside from Durant, this season has indeed seen a flurry of injuries in the first months of the season. Zion Williamson was already declared out indefinitely with a hamstring injury, while Ja Morant is now set for a week-to-week status to manage his right hip injury. On the latest, Chet Holmgren just suffered a right iliac hip fracture, marking him out for at least eight to 10 weeks, leaving Oklahoma City without a center as Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams are still recovering from their respective injuries as well. Oklahoma City would go on to lose its game against the Golden State Warriors yesterday after Holmgren had to be helped out of the court. For the Suns, Durant’s injury has already been felt. They just lost to the Sacramento Kings in a 127-118 overtime thriller, yet another clutch game for the team, but this time without Durant’s help. That just shows how KD’s presence in the squad has been missed hard and will likely dampen the odds of winning for Phoenix in their games moving forward.

Tennessee is one state in the growing list of states that has restricted Bovada from operating. Tennessee has issued a $50K fine against Bovada as of last October, but now, it has made good on its promise to ban Bovada outright. The list of US states barring access to Bovada, the popular offshore sportsbook, continues to grow, with Tennessee becoming the latest jurisdiction to sever ties with the operator. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (TSWC) announced on Thursday that the sportsbook has officially ceased its operations in the state's sports betting market. As proof of the change, the sportsbook's website now lists Tennessee among the 16 state markets where its services are restricted. In a statement, Chairman Billy Orgel of the TSWC emphasized the significance of Bovada's departure: "Our licensed sportsbook operators provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, and the closure of Bovada's virtual doors in Tennessee is an important step toward the eradication of unlicensed, illegal sportsbooks in Tennessee. One of the Council's primary roles is the protection of the public interest through a safe, regulated environment, and our staff will continue to work closely with our network of law enforcement at the state and federal level to eliminate illegal sports betting." Tennessee's sports betting action with Bovada takes a nosedive Earlier this year, Tennessee regulators took action against Bovada by sending a cease-and-desist letter, which serves to demonstrate the state's zero-tolerance approach toward illegal sports betting operations. The TSWC additionally imposed a $50,000 fine on Bovada as a punitive measure. In response to these regulatory pressures, Bovada notified its Tennessee users on Tuesday that all sports betting accounts in the state would be closed. The TSWC pointed out that offshore sportsbooks like Bovada lack fundamental consumer protections. The Council warned that unlicensed platforms are unable to safeguard users' financial and personal information, posing considerable risks to bettors. According to the TSWC, this shutdown is part of a larger effort to educate the public about the importance of licensed, regulated sportsbooks that ensure greater security and transparency. An increasing list of restricted states Tennessee's action comes as part of a broader wave of states targeting Bovada and similar illegal operators. Earlier in the year, Michigan initiated a significant movement to curb the influence of offshore sportsbooks by enforcing regulatory measures against Bovada. In turn, Massachusetts followed suit when its attorney general issued a cease-and-desist order, resulting in Bovada's exit from the state. As a result, Bovada has now restricted access in a total of 16 states, including: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (DC), Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. These states collectively contribute to a growing coalition committed to curbing illegal sports betting and prioritizing regulated sports wagering options. Sports betting fight against offshore platforms gains momentum The ongoing crackdown on Bovada highlights the larger issue of offshore sports betting within the United States. The American Gaming Association, for example, estimates that Americans wager nearly $64 million per year with illegal sportsbooks, revealing the scale of this unregulated sector. Moreover, just before the NFL season kicked off, the IRS estimated that the value of the illegal sports betting market hovers around $700 million. Efforts to address this issue have extended beyond individual states. The AGA, alongside multiple state regulators, has called for federal intervention to help restrict illegal sportsbooks. These appeals reflect a widespread concern over the risks posed by unregulated betting platforms, not only in terms of lost tax revenue but also for consumer protection. Consumer safety takes center stage The closure of Bovada's Tennessee operations shows a fundamental issue at the heart of the offshore sports betting debate: consumer safety. Regulated sportsbooks are held to the most stringent security standards to protect users' financial and personal information, providing assurances that illegal operators cannot offer. The TSWC and similar regulatory bodies are determined to continue their efforts to combat illegal sportsbooks and maintain the integrity of legal sports betting markets.

Not all teams at the top of the standings and at the odds list get to win it all. Favorites are just an educated guess. This has been the story as Inter Miami bowed out of the MLS Playoffs after losing to Atlanta United in the deciding clash, 3-2. No one expected this to be the outcome, nor for Atlanta to come up with a promising run to beat the heavy favorites to win the MLS Cup. This just says a lot about how Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been sent home in the most humiliating and disappointing fashion. At this point, it cannot be denied that Inter Miami’s story has been hyped ever since Messi came to the club. The expectations were sky-high, and this season has been looked to be quite the year where they are going to triumph and even punctuate a historic feat for the former Barca star to be able to win in three different leagues. Instead, Atlanta United moves on to the semis of the Eastern Conference, and now the odds have been shaken up to another level with yet another upset win after the New York Red Bulls also knocked out defending champions Columbus Crew. At this point, the race to the MLS Cup is wide open. Major Upset on the Horizon Miami was the hot pick to win this clash, and they certainly looked like it right from the start of the game. Matias Rojas drilled the goal to open up the lead for Inter Miami in the 17th minute as they went up 1-0. However, Atlanta would go on to ramp up the pace as Jamal Thiare scored at a hot run with two goals in two minutes, helping Atlanta United take the 2-1 lead by halftime. Panic was not settling in for Miami, and the Lionel Messi show came into life when he drained a goal in the 65th minute to level the game at 2-2, which also marked the first goal for the Argentine in the playoffs. At that point, it was expected that a tight ending was coming – or it would go on to end in a shootout. However, it was a play from Bartosz Slisz who scored a header in the 76th minute that shocked the fans at home. Atlanta took a 3-2 lead with just minutes away from crunch time, and they certainly held on well to keep Miami from tying up the game again. It was an ending that shocked Inter Miami, its fans at home, and even the entire MLS world. With Inter Miami out, the Eastern Conference has been blown wide open – and so is the entire MLS Cup. Shake Up in the Odds At this point, the two LA teams now dominate the show in the MLS with the way things are set up for them. Both LAFC and LA Galaxy won’t meet potentially until the West Finals, which says a lot about the possible winner of the MLS Cup being unpredictable with Inter Miami out. So far, the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United are the only two teams who are expected to make a splash in the East, and this just seems that there are a lot of talks as to how these two teams will find a way to meet each other and call it a massive series to remember. But at this point, it is everyone’s game.

The Kansas City Chiefs are definitely making a big statement here and at the top of the league after the team punctuated its ninth straight win of the season after taking down the Denver Broncos in a 16-14 clutch showdown. There seems to be no slowing down for Kansas City with the way they are playing right now. It was quite an off-game for the Kansas City Chiefs, but they made it look so easy and fun to watch with the way they have thrived on the big stage. Harrison Butker drilled a 20-yard field goal at 5:57 on the clock to retake the lead for the Chiefs, and they managed to defend for the rest of the game and hold on to their two-point lead. At this point, it is hard to argue that the Chiefs may well be able to finish the season without a loss. They are taking this campaign one game at a time, and that seems to be working well for the team as they continue to rack up massive victories, showing the league that they have what it takes to win it all this time. Not Slowing Down for the Chiefs Kansas City was quite on the attack considering how well they are managing their offense from time to time. Patrick Mahomes finished with 28-42 of his passes for 266 yards and a touchdown, winning the showdown against Broncos’ Bo Nix, who finished in a decent fashion with 22 for 30 on passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. However, the game looked a lot closer than it did on paper. Nix and the Broncos were close to pulling off an upset against the Chiefs as Will Lutz nearly scored a field goal as time expired. But the Chiefs just can’t seem to lose, and they managed to block the potential game-winner that would have sent waves in the NFL world at this point in time. Fans at the Arrowhead Stadium were celebrating like it was a playoff game. Kansas City has now won its ninth game trailing by seven points or more, and yet still holds a 9-0 record. They have also won 15 games in a row dating back to their Super Bowl run from last season, and that just says a lot about how the team is really putting up impressive performances on the big stage. All Good Things Must Come to an End? While the Chiefs’ perfect run continues, it cannot be denied that a lot of analysts and critics are putting up predictions as to when the team will lose eventually. There are still eight games left for the team, with the next one being against the Buffalo Bills, which is a promising note for many fans considering how big of a showdown this is expected to be. The Broncos will also have another shot at beating the Chiefs this season, with a January 5 showdown scheduled – which would also be the last game of the 2024 campaign before the playoffs ensue. Should the Chiefs go undefeated from this point forward, it does seem that the Broncos will be the final chance for the Chiefs to have its winning streak and perfect season snapped heading into the playoffs. At this point, the odds are looking up for the Chiefs, and there is a strong chance that the team can actually end up with a perfect season for the first time.

Las Vegas is one place where everything is constantly evolving, and there are plenty of formerly quintessential Vegas experiences that are now obsolete - including the showgirl extravaganzas and the lion tamers, the $5 buffets, and more. In Las Vegas, history and long-standing traditions are often sidelined as the city's entertainment landscape reshapes itself to maximize shareholder profits. From iconic showgirl performances to all-you-can-eat buffets, here's a look at some beloved Vegas experiences that are now relics of the past. Showgirl performances: the end of a glittering legacy For decades, classic showgirl performances were a staple of the Las Vegas Strip, epitomizing its glitzy, glamorous appeal. The final curtain, however, fell on this tradition with the closure of Jubilee! in Bally's in 2016. Opening originally in 1981, Jubilee! showcased meticulously trained dancers in dazzling costumes and intricate headdresses. Yet as tastes in entertainment shifted and production costs surged - estimated at more than $5 million annually - casinos began moving toward more profitable partnerships with AEG Presents, Live Nation, and Cirque du Soleil. The modern Strip is now dominated by music and comedy residencies featuring A-list celebrities, leaving behind only traces of the once-ubiquitous showgirls. The performers you might see today are often either costumed models or street entertainers looking to earn tips rather than the professional dancers who once graced Vegas' grandest stages. Buffets on the chopping block Las Vegas buffets were another iconic feature, providing a wide variety of foods at a single price point - a model born in the 1940s at the first Strip casino, El Rancho Vegas. Back when casinos earned roughly 75% of their revenue from gambling, buffets were seen as a loss leader to keep patrons on the premises. However, as gambling revenue dropped to about 25% of total income by the 1980s, buffets became a costly relic. The pandemic provided a convenient pretext for casino operators to phase them out. Caesars Entertainment, for example, reported annual losses of around $3 million per buffet in 2021, leading to closures across the board. Today, just seven buffets remain on the Strip, while upscale food halls that feature third-party restaurants have quickly filled the void. It's likely that even the remaining buffets, such as MGM's offerings at the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace's famed Bacchanal Buffet, may soon be replaced. Farewell to free parking Until 2016, free parking was a hallmark of Strip casinos, intended as a welcoming gesture to visitors who might soon spend large sums gambling. However, MGM Resorts broke with tradition by introducing parking fees across its 10 Strip properties in June of that year. Caesars Entertainment, the Strip's second-largest casino operator, followed suit shortly after, turning two-thirds of the Strip's parking spaces into paid areas. This shift prompted other properties to begin charging for parking to prevent non-guests from using their facilities. Today, free parking is a rare perk on the Strip, a significant shift from Las Vegas's customer-first mentality in its early years. Lounge performers fade out Live lounge acts were once a defining feature of Las Vegas nightlife. In the 1950s, visitors could catch acts like the Mary Kay Trio performing well past midnight. The 1960s and '70s saw icons like Sonny King and Pete Barbutti captivating crowds in casino lounges, sometimes joined by legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Lounge acts were seen as an investment to keep guests entertained and on the gaming floors. However, as profitability concerns rose, free lounge acts dwindled. Today, entertainment options are still abundant on the Strip, but they are more likely to feature top DJs in exclusive nightclubs, where cover charges inevitably run high. The carefree, laid-back appeal of Las Vegas's lounge acts is now a memory. The curtain falls on big cat shows Las Vegas's fascination with big cat performances, popularized by acts like Siegfried and Roy, faced scrutiny in the early 2000s as attitudes toward animal welfare evolved. Roy Horn's well-publicized tiger attack in 2003 accelerated the decline of animal performances. By 2015, Dirk Arthur's Wild Illusions was the last Las Vegas magic show to feature big cats. Arthur passed away in 2023, symbolizing the end of an era that once delighted audiences with exotic animal tricks but ultimately became incompatible with modern ethical standards. Las Vegas's transformation over the decades demonstrates a strategic shift toward maximizing profitability and adapting to evolving tastes. Once defined by its unique offerings, today's Las Vegas Strip has redefined itself as a destination where every amenity and experience is crafted for maximum revenue. As the once cherished traditions fade, Vegas still remains a place where everything is constantly reinvented, reminding visitors that while the city is timeless, its attractions are anything but.

BetMGM has now become the third platform to offer interstate gaming for poker players in Michigan after it gained the approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The platform joins the likes of WSOP and PokerStars. Michigan players will now be able to play with poker players from New Jersey via the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. BetMGM, a major player in the online gaming sector, has gained regulatory approval to connect its online poker platforms across Michigan and New Jersey. With this green light from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, BetMGM becomes the third online platform to enable interstate poker in Michigan, joining PokerStars and the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In a statement released Wednesday, Executive Director for the MGCB Henry Williams expressed enthusiasm about the decision, highlighting the impact it will have on Michigan's online gaming landscape. "This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries," Williams said. "We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry." The recent approval means that poker players in Michigan can now compete against players in New Jersey on a broader platform, benefiting from larger pools of participants and fostering a more engaging and competitive gaming experience. BetMGM's interstate player-sharing capacity follows a petition it submitted in late May, which was finally approved after an assessment of its Multi-State Poker Submission Form by the MGCB this week. The increasingly competitive landscape of interstate poker With Michigan's inclusion in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which permits player liquidity sharing between six states, BetMGM joins a growing list of operators leveraging interstate poker connections. The MSIGA, established in 2014 by Nevada and Delaware, expanded to include New Jersey in 2017 and later welcomed Michigan in 2021. This cooperative effort now spans Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with the potential to link even more states in the future. BetMGM's entry into multistate poker puts it in direct competition with other major platforms operating in Michigan. PokerStars, in partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, launched multistate play on the 1st of January, 2023. The WSOP followed in May of 2024, through collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Now, BetMGM brings its own player-sharing capabilities to the mix, adding a new level of choice for Michigan poker enthusiasts. BetMGM's interstate poker operations are backed by a partnership with MGM Grand Detroit, a property of MGM Resorts International. This alliance is supported by Entain, a UK-based gaming giant, which co-owns BetMGM as part of a joint venture with MGM Resorts. Through this network, BetMGM has built a foundation to offer diverse online gaming options, including slots, table games, and now, a robust interstate poker component. Boosting the iGaming market in Michigan and New Jersey Michigan and New Jersey represent two of the most lucrative online casino markets in the United States. For instance, from January through September 2024, Michigan's online casinos have generated over $1.75 billion in gaming revenue. New Jersey's internet casinos and poker platforms collectively raked in over $1.73 billion during the same period. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, online poker has contributed significantly to New Jersey's gaming revenue, collecting around $21.3 million between January and September 2024. PokerStars led the New Jersey poker market, earning nearly $7 million in rake, followed by WSOP with $4.8 million, and a tie between Borgata and BetMGM at $2.9 million each. PartyPoker rounded out the top five with $1.5 million in revenue. Future prospects for online poker growth With BetMGM's interstate poker integration, Michigan players gain a broader range of competitive options, potentially revitalizing interest in online poker and providing the state's gaming industry with new avenues for growth. For now, BetMGM's interstate play is limited to New Jersey, but the success of this partnership could open the door for broader collaborations across additional states in the future. As Michigan and New Jersey continue to lead in the online gaming space, they set a precedent for the evolving role of regulated online poker in the United States. BetMGM's entry into the multistate poker realm reflects a growing trend toward player-sharing agreements that enhance gameplay, create stronger communities of players, and drive growth in the iGaming market.

The Cleveland Cavaliers now stand alone as the only undefeated team in the NBA after the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a heartbreaking loss in yesterday’s games. Both teams still remain as the top team in their respective conferences, which just says a lot about the impressive start that these two teams have enjoyed so far to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Cleveland’s 9-0 rise to the top has been punctuated with a promising victory against the Pelicans. This has been the franchise's best start to a season since an 8-0 start to the 2015-16 season where LeBron James would go on to lead them to a 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. So far, this has been a change of scenery so far for the Cavs. The Thunder, on the other hand, have managed to punctuate its best start in franchise history as well. It is the best since the Thunder started 5-0 in the 2011-12 season, where they would go on to come up with a run all the way to the NBA Finals. While the Thunder’s winning streak now ends at seven games in a row, it does seem that OKC will still continue to come up with a winning trend in the season. Cavs on the Rise The Cleveland Cavaliers have now earned its best start in franchise history after sealing a tight 131-122 win in their yesterday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavs have now won nine straight games to open up the 2024-25 NBA season, and it seems that the team is not slowing down as they have survived multiple close games in that stretch. Donovan Mitchell played hero for the Cavs in that win against the Pels after he dropped 29 points – the only one in 20 points for the team – including a clutch and-one play with 5.4 seconds left to ice the game and put it out of reach. One of the biggest stories of the game been the Cavs’ 40 point third-quarter run that separated them in the second half. Jarrett Allen was also a monster on the paint, chucking up 16 points and 14 rebounds. Darius Garland, who had a massive game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the game prior, cooled off and finished with 14 points and nine assists. Caris LeVert was a massive boost off the bench as he scored 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists to spark the Cleveland offense. Thunder Cools Off After setting the best start to the season at 7-0, the Thunder eventually cooled off – but not in any disappointing pace as they just lost to the Denver Nuggets, 124-122. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 28 points and 6 assists, but had his shot blocked by Peyton Watson at the buzzer that could have tied the game and sent it to overtime. The Thunder led by as many as 16 points before Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was called for a technical foul. That would later see the team spark a 40-29 finish in the third quarter alone before going toe-to-toe with the Thunder for the whole fourth quarter. All OKC starters finished in double-figures, but last-minute errors led to to the tough loss for the Thunder. Jalen Williams flirted with a triple-double as he finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss, but struggled to keep up with the pace despite having a promising season debut against Denver last October. Still, OKC remains one of the top teams in the West, locked in a three-way tie with the Phoenix Suns, who have won six straight, and the Golden State Warriors, who have won five straight. All three teams have a 7-1 record as of the time of writing.

At this point, Inter Miami is on the verge of either moving on to the next round – or losing its big chance at the MLS Cup at the hands of the Atlanta United. The Supporters’ Shield winners looked invincible for most of the season, but they are now facing elimination this time, and it is going to be in a do-or-die game at home where they have a chance to finally impress and get back on the winning track. The expectations can really hurt reality at this point. Inter Miami was expected to dust off its playoff success with a promising run to the top and make quick work of the Atlanta United then have at least two weeks of rest before moving to the East Semis. At this point, it cannot be denied that the table has been flipped, and the script isn’t being followed anymore. That being said, the headlines would be “Inter Miami set to dominate Atlanta United”, but now it seems that Inter Miami will now have to find a way to survive this one and score a much-needed win to move on to the next round. At this point, it is all about making it to the semis now more than ever. The Last Two Games Inter Miami was initially expected to make this look easy and move towards the semis with not much trouble. That was seen in their expected 2-1 win in Game 1 where they hammered the ninth seed all-day long. It was a promising victory that proved to be the big response to all the doubts placed on the team, saying they were too old to play and were not healthy from the injuries as well. However, Atlanta has been gritty for most of its games, especially that wildcard win against Montreal where they pulled off a 5-4 win on the shootouts. That was later seen in the second game against Inter Miami when they rallied their home fans as AU found a way to catch Lionel Messi and the squad off-guard as they scored a 2-1 win of their own. That one was a much clearer win than the previous game, and it cannot be denied that the momentum has now shifted in their favor. Game 3 will be held at home for Miami, but that does not mean that they will be instant favorites to win at this point. This is going to be an all-out war, and the winner is expected to clinch a chance to make it to the Conference Final now more than ever. Now or Never As of the time of writing, Inter Miami still remains the top pick to look out for in terms of odds. The Supporters’ Cup winners stand at +129. Atlanta United’s odds? Dead last at 10th with odds of +15,900. That just says a lot about the big stakes that will be on display when these two teams collide now more than ever. Lionel Messi is on the brink of having his legacy blemished on the big stage. Back then, the Ronaldo-Messi debate was settled with Messi having won it all, except that he’s still trying to win it in the MLS as well. Aging legs have been one of the big problems in this matchup, and Atlanta United has capitalized well on the pace to tire out Inter Miami’s veterans to score off big goals. Bigger things are on the line, but for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, it is a now or never situation. And they will need to bring everything they’ve got to close it out with a bang.

Caesars Virginia, located in Danville, is all set for its grand opening on the 12th of December. The new casino, a $750 million investment, will have 1,500 slot games, at least 75 live casino table games, over 45 electronic table games, a WSOP Room, and a sportsbook. It will serve to drive Danville's economy and create more businesses for the area, says Caesars. Caesars Virginia, the long-awaited $750 million casino and resort in Danville, has set its official opening for December 12, 2024. This grand opening marks a strategic milestone for both Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who co-developed, own, and will operate this expansive gaming and entertainment destination. Located just north of the North Carolina-Virginia border, Caesars Virginia will be the third permanent casino in the state, following the openings of Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. The property aims not only to entertain but also to uplift the local economy in Danville, a city with historical economic challenges. A new era of entertainment and hospitality Spanning an impressive 587,000 square feet, Caesars Virginia is designed to be a premier destination for gaming, entertainment, and relaxation. The casino floor will feature over 90,000 square feet of gaming space, including almost 79 live casino games, 1,500 slot machines, over 45 electronic table games, a dedicated World Series of Poker Room, along with a Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting enthusiasts. The luxury doesn't stop with gaming. The resort also includes a 320-room hotel, a pool, a full-service spa, and a large entertainment venue. Dining options range from casual fare to high-end experiences, with one of the highlights being 'Ramsay's Kitchen' from multi-Michelin-awarded chef Gordon Ramsay. The resort also boasts 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, appealing to both leisure and business travelers. "We have worked diligently on creating a world-class resort that will offer all the luxurious and modern amenities expected from Caesars," said regional president for Caesars Entertainment, Barron Fuller. "We're so proud of Caesars Virginia and look forward to welcoming guests on December 12." Economic benefits and job creation for Danville The launch of Caesars Virginia represents a pivotal investment for the city of Danville. In 2020, lawmakers and Governor Ralph Northam greenlit casino developments in specific regions, including Danville, that were in need of economic revitalization. According to the 2020 US Census, Danville's median household income was $41,484, substantially lower than the state average of approximately $90,000, with more than 25% of the population living in poverty. The Caesars Virginia project is expected to play a major role in addressing these economic challenges. The resort plans to hire over 1,200 workers, offering competitive wages and benefits. Numerous job fairs and training sessions have been held to ensure that local residents have the skills and knowledge to excel in the new roles. Chris Albrecht, general manager and senior vice president of Caesars Virginia, expressed excitement over the upcoming opening. "Through numerous hiring events in the region, training at facilities in Danville, and overall support from local and state leaders as well as the business community, we are prepared to continue delivering the Family Style Service that Caesars is known for to our guests in the new, beautiful, destination resort," he said. Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the EBCI echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative impact the casino will have on the community. "Our partnership with Caesars Virginia marks a significant milestone in the region's growth, creating jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit both Danville and surrounding communities. We look forward to building stronger ties within the region and seeing the positive impact Caesars Virginia will have, providing opportunities and experiences that honor the unique spirit and diversity of this area," Hicks stated. Historic charm meets modern luxury Caesars Virginia has preserved a piece of Danville's industrial history, retaining the iconic 'Three Sisters' smokestacks from the former Dan River textile campus on which it is built. The resort's design is a blend of "Roman Luxury Meets Southern Charm," reflecting both Caesars' Las Vegas origins and the heritage of the Danville area. With its inclusion in the Caesars Rewards network, the resort will attract loyalty members from across the nation. Caesars Rewards members can earn as well as redeem points at Caesars Virginia, as well as over 50 other Caesars locations. Since May of 2023, Caesars has run a temporary casino property in Danville, drawing visitors with a pavilion tent that houses about 33 table games and 800 slot machines. The temporary casino has already generated over $66 million in local gaming and state taxes.