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The American Gaming Association has voiced its opposition to sports event contracts available on prediction platforms like Kalshi. It has requested an outright ban of these contracts by the US government, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission will take a more in-depth look into the matter. The American Gaming Association is urging the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to ban prediction market exchange platforms from presenting sports event contracts, warning that such platforms could undermine the state-regulated sports betting industry. The rise of prediction exchange platforms Prediction market exchanges, such as Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com, allow users to stake money on various events, ranging from financial market trends to the outcomes of sporting events. These platforms claim to operate as derivatives markets, enabling participants to invest in contracts rather than place traditional bets. However, critics argue that these so-called investments closely resemble sports gambling, which is already regulated at the state level. The AGA contends that permitting such exchanges to offer sports-related contracts would create an unregulated national betting market, jeopardizing consumer protections and state authority. AGA's strong opposition AGA Chief Executive Officer and President Bill Miller has been vocal in his opposition to prediction exchanges offering sports contracts, calling the issue 'pivotal' for the future of the legal sports betting industry. "The CFTC must reject the classification of sports event contracts as investment products and reinforce the integrity of the existing state-regulated sports betting market," Miller wrote in an op-ed. "Anything less risks destabilizing a system carefully built to balance economic opportunity with consumer protection and support for states and communities." Miller further warned that failing to act could create a backdoor for unregulated national sports betting, eroding the safeguards established through years of legislative efforts. "The reality is that this effort amounts to a backdoor for national sports betting that threatens state authority, consumer protections, and the integrity of the legal sports betting industry," he added. Gambling or investment? One of the key issues at the heart of the debate is whether prediction market contracts should be classified as investment vehicles or gambling products. Supporters of prediction exchanges argue that buying contracts based on event outcomes is similar to purchasing stocks based on a company's projected earnings. Kalshi and similar platforms claim they merely provide a marketplace for speculation, much like traditional financial exchanges. However, Miller and the AGA reject this argument, asserting that wagering on the outcome of a sporting event is fundamentally a form of gambling. He pointed out that even the marketing strategies of these platforms align more with sportsbooks than investment firms. "These platforms argue that these contracts are investment vehicles, not wagers or bets," Miller stated. "This is sports betting, and if you don't believe it, their own advertising presents it quite clearly." The debate over the blurred lines between investing and gambling has gained traction in recent years. Even billionaire investor Warren Buffett has remarked on the increasing overlap between financial markets and 'casino-like' behavior. "The markets now exhibit far more casino-like behavior than they did when I was young," Buffett stated last year. CFTC review and industry reactions The CFTC is set to host a roundtable discussion on prediction markets later on in the month as it reviews the legality of sports-related event contracts. The agency has been gathering input from various stakeholders since early last month. The entities that have submitted comments supporting the AGA's stance include GeoComply, a technology provider of geolocation for mobile sportsbooks, as well as US Representative Dina Titus from Nevada, Major League Baseball, and the Indian Gaming Association. They argue that allowing unregulated sports contracts could disrupt the established sports betting framework, potentially harming consumers and legitimate operators. Caroline Pham, CFTC Acting Chair, has also expressed concerns over sports contracts being offered on prediction exchanges. "Unfortunately, the undue delay and anti-innovation policies of the past several years have severely restricted the CFTC's ability to pivot to common-sense regulation of prediction markets," stated Pham last month. She continued, "Despite my repeated dissents and other objections since 2022, the current commission interpretations regarding event contracts are a sinkhole of legal uncertainty and an inappropriate constraint on the new administration." As the CFTC prepares to deliberate on the future of sports contracts in prediction markets, the outcome could have serious implications for both the financial and gambling industries. For the AGA and its allies, the message is clear: sports betting must remain under the jurisdiction of state regulators to ensure integrity, consumer protection, and economic stability. Whether the CFTC will heed their warnings and impose restrictions on prediction exchanges remains to be seen.

The New Jersey Assembly has unanimously passed a bill that prohibits sportsbooks from partnering with college sports programs and colleges. Assembly Bill 4113 has received 75 votes in the Assembly and is now on its way to the Senate Higher Education Committee. A bill that would prohibit sportsbooks from collaborating with both colleges and college-based sports programs for advertising and marketing has moved forward in New Jersey. The state Assembly has unanimously passed Assembly Bill 4113 with 75 votes, sending it to the Senate Higher Education Committee for further consideration. Aimed at protecting students from gambling exposure The primary goal of Assembly Bill 4113 is to protect students from gambling advertisements on college campuses, at university athletic facilities, and in online college content. "Simply put, advertisements for sports betting on a college campus are unnecessary and can create harmful consequences," said Assemblywoman Linda Carter, the bill's primary sponsor. "We must protect our students from the risks of gambling addiction by keeping these types of promotions off of campuses, where young adults are most vulnerable." Exceptions and amendments This version of the bill carries over from last year, retaining amendments that clarify its scope. It states that a sports betting partnership at public higher education institutions is an agreement between a sportsbook or an intermediary and a college, including a booster club or its athletic department. Such agreements grant sportsbooks access to advertise within stadiums, facilities, broadcast and digital sports content, and other promotional avenues. However, an amendment allows an exception for foundations affiliated with higher education entities, provided that the sportsbook partnership does not involve direct marketing or advertising to students on or off campus. Additionally, another amendment permits partnerships if they are formed for experiential learning opportunities to students or for other academic purposes. Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, previously noted that these amendments help strike the 'proper balance' between student protection and the acknowledgement that the industry could present valuable career opportunities. A shift away from college-sportsbook partnerships At one point, up to five colleges had signed agreements with sportsbook operators, but public backlash led to the termination of all those deals. None of the affected schools were in New Jersey. Since then, no institution has reattempted forming such a partnership. The American Gaming Association explicitly prohibits its partners from working with colleges and universities in this capacity. For Assembly Bill 4113 to become law, it must still pass in the full Senate and be signed by Governor Phil Murphy. Gambling regulations remain a key issue in New Jersey New Jersey already has one of the strictest regulations regarding college sports betting, prohibiting wagers on any collegiate games hosted in the state or in-state college teams. Last year, lawmakers considered a proposal to extend this ban to include college player prop bets, though no further action was taken. Meanwhile, other gambling-related bills have been introduced in the current legislative session. Bill A5207 from Assemblyman Brian Bergen seeks to prohibit the "posting, distributing, broadcasting, or disseminating" of online advertisements associated with sports betting. However, that bill, passed to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and Arts Committee in January, has yet to make further progress. As the debate continues for stricter prohibitions in New Jersey, lawmakers remain focused on balancing gambling industry interests with consumer protections - particularly when it comes to college students, who are considered especially vulnerable to gambling risks.

The Denver Nuggets started strong with a 10-0 run to begin their clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, only to get decimated in the fourth quarter as OKC rallied to finish the game with a bang – winning by 24 points to cap off a majestic finish in a thrilling afternoon at the Paycom Center behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point game. Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t start strong exactly, and shot horribly from three at 2-10, but he did pour in when it mattered most – going perfect in the fourth with nine points on 4/4 shooting. He created opportunities whenever he drove to the basket, and found the open man at the right time. As the dust settled, SGA finished with 40 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks – stuffing the stat sheet to take the win in the first leg of their back-to-back clashes in Oklahoma City. Nikola Jokic finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists – flirting close to a triple-double but was not efficient from the field as he was well-defended by OKC’s twin towers of 7-foot centers in Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. It was a tight clash and many thought it would be neck-and-neck all the way to the final buzzer – until the Thunder pulled away when it mattered most. A Dominant Fourth for OKC After a slow start, OKC came to life and trailed 29-28 in by the end of the first quarter, then a 61-60 lead at halftime before taking an 86-80 lead heading into the fourth. However, OKC would go on to blitz the rest of the fourth, outsourcing the 2023 champions 41-23, which was capped off by a flurry of threes from Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, who missed a dunk on a fast break before finally drilling a corner three with just four minutes left to play and extending a 112-99 lead. Jalen Williams was all over the court with 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while also making his presence felt on the defensive end with two steals and a block. He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter alone including back-to-back threes, with the first one being a step back coming off a swing play by OKC. Another was an extra pass from Lu Dort, as he calmly drilled a three on the corner to make it a 125-103 lead for OKC with a minute left to play, which served as the dagger. Joker Struggling Despite finishing with another near-triple-double, Nikola Jokic didn’t really look like the same historic player who finished with the first 30-20-20 game in the NBA. In an MVP duel with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic failed to come up with his best shooting night, shooting 10-23 from the field and even shooting 2-6 from the line, which was fairly disappointing, 2-10 from three. Some blame the elbow that hit the floor hard in the first quarter, but then he played 41 minutes, which meant that it didn’t really bother him in a major way. What bothered the three-time MVP though was the presence of Holmgren and Hartenstein. Chet finished with +32 in the game and had 14 points on 6/10 shooting, eight rebounds and whopping four blocks despite being in foul trouble. Hartenstein was more of the body who took the fight to Jokic, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 5/6 from the field. OKC’s bench outscored its Denver counterpart, 31-14, and capitalized on points off turnovers with 15. The Thunder also surprisingly dominated the paint – 54-46 while leading by as many as 24 points. This was a defensive statement for OKC, who also comes off with its season-high 14 blocks.

The chase for greatness continues for the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen as the reigning MVP splashes a massive contract with the team, inking a six-year contract with the AFC contenders and seeking redemption for all the previous losses in the playoffs now more than ever. It is with big hope that the Bills can rely on Allen to continue his impressive tear and translate it into massive success in the years to come. Signing the deal with Buffalo means that Allen will now be in a Bills uniform all the way to 2030, and making $55 million per year now puts him as the highest-paid QB in the league next to Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, who is paid at $60 million per year. It is a well-deserved reward for a highly promising individual season by Allen so far. There’s no doubt that Josh Allen is now the face of the Bills and may well be the legendary player who will certainly define the franchise in the years to come, and this deal cements his place as with any other franchise quarterback in the league right now. Now it’s time for Allen to set his eyes on the prize – a Super Bowl win. A Well-Deserved Contract Allen’s deal was monumental – it can be remembered that some critics claimed that he was the actual problem in their AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and yet Buffalo decided to put their trust in him and go all-in with a massive contract – especially after he won his first MVP. At this point, it is easy to say that Allen deserved to get it all. He had a sensational season to remember after throwing 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns – and he even rushed for 531 yards and 12 more scores. If you aren’t that impressed, Allen is the first player in NFL history to tally 40-plus total touchdowns in five seasons in a row – which is a highly impressive feat to begin with. To top it all off, Allen led the Bills to their fifth AFC East title as well. His 26,434 passing yards and 195 touchdown tosses are third and second, respectively, in Buffalo team history, and one can say that his efforts definitely deserved a massive reward – which came in the form of the MVP honors and now, a massive raise. Buffalo finished the season with a 13-4 record, and Allen carried a team that has zero first-team All-Pros and just two Pro Bowlers on the initial roster. That has certainly given him a notch over contender and 2023 winner Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, who arguably put up better stats than in his winning year. Bigger Expectations to Come Josh Allen is undeniably the future of the Buffalo Bills. From the moment he stepped onto the field, his unique combination of arm strength, athleticism, and leadership has been a game-changer for the team. But beyond just physical talent, what sets Allen apart is his growth year after year. He’s proven time and again that he’s not just a quarterback who can make big throws; he’s one who elevates the entire offense and galvanizes the locker room. As the face of the franchise, Allen’s maturity and ability to adapt to different situations have already established him as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL. His competitive spirit and drive to continuously improve make it clear: Buffalo’s future is in great hands. The Bills are a team built around his strengths, and with him under center, the sky’s the limit for what they can accomplish. It’s not just about the here and now—Josh Allen is positioning Buffalo for long-term success and potential championships. The future is bright, and it wears #17.

A woman from the United Kingdom, Corrine Durber, has taken Paddy Power to court after the slot machine Wild Hatter suffered a software glitch that did not allow her to take home £1.1 million in prizes. Instead, she was merely awarded £20,265, and the operator said that the RNG (random number generator) had determined that she had won the much smaller jackpot, but that she was shown the wrong animation due to an error in programming. A woman from the UK who brought the slot operator Paddy Power to court for withholding her £1.1 million (US$1.4 million) prize jackpot has won the case, securing a landmark victory against the gambling operator. Judge rules in favor of player Corrine Durber from Gloucestershire took legal action against Paddy Power after the company refused to pay her the full amount she believed she had won while playing the Wild Hatter slot online in October of 2020. Instead of receiving the £1,097,132.71 Monster Jackpot, Durber was paid only £20,265 (US$26,131) by the operator, which claimed the displayed jackpot was the result of a glitch. Paddy Power, operated by Flutter Entertainment affiliate PPB Entertainment, argued that a programming error caused the slot to show the incorrect winning animation. According to the company, the game's random number generator had determined that Durber had only won the much smaller Daily Jackpot. However, after a lengthy legal battle, the High Court of London ruled in Durber's favor, ordering Paddy Power to pay her the full amount. Gambling terms and conditions under close scrutiny Legal disputes over slot machine payouts often favor the casino, as most operators include clauses in their terms and conditions stating that malfunctions void all winnings. Paddy Power attempted to defend its decision based on this policy, arguing that Durber had agreed to these terms upon registering her account. The terms explicitly state: "If as a result of a Malfunction, your Account is credited with winnings that you would not have received were it not for that Malfunction, we will have the right to void the relevant transaction and withhold the relevant winnings." However, Mr. Justice Ritchie, who presided over the case, found this argument insufficient. In his 62-page ruling, the judge emphasized that the "what you see is what you get" principle was fundamental to the player experience in both online and physical casinos. 'Fair and square' win "Objectively, customers would want and expect that what was shown to them on screen was accurate and correct," Ritchie wrote. "The same expectation probably applies when customers go into a physical casino and play roulette." He further criticized Paddy Power's reliance on the malfunction clause, stating that placing all responsibility on the player for the company's own "recklessness, negligence, errors, inadequate digital services, and inadequate testing" was unfair and unreasonable. Following the ruling, Durber expressed relief and joy at the outcome. "I'm just so happy and relieved that the judge determined I won fairly and squarely," she said. A rare legal victory for players Historically, similar cases have ended in disappointment for players. In 2016, Katrina Bookman, a single mother from Queens, New York, believed she had won a staggering $42.9 million on a slot machine at Resorts World New York City. However, the maximum payout for the machine was just $6,500, and the casino argued that her jackpot was a clear glitch. Bookman was ultimately awarded just $2.25, the actual amount she had won, along with a free steak dinner as consolation. Durber's victory, however, demonstrates a shift in legal attitudes toward player rights and transparency in digital gambling. Paddy Power responds Paddy Power has acknowledged the ruling but stopped short of accepting full responsibility. "We deeply regret this unfortunate case and are reviewing the judgment," the company stated following the decision. The ruling could have significant implications for the online gambling industry, potentially prompting closer scrutiny over how companies handle game malfunctions and how they communicate with players about jackpot wins. For now, Durber's case serves as a warning to gambling operators that courts may not always uphold their broad "malfunction voids all winnings" policies, especially when such clauses appear unfairly weighted against consumers.

In an unprecedented move, the Hawaii House of Representatives has passed an online sports betting bill. In a 35 to 15 vote, the House passed House Bill 1308, the furthest a gambling proposal has gone since the last decade. In a landmark decision, the Hawaii House of Representatives has taken the record step of allowing a bill aimed at legalizing online sports betting to pass, marking the furthest progress any gambling-related proposal has made in the state Legislature in at least a decade. The measure, House Bill 1308, passed with a 35 to 15 vote on Tuesday and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Proponents of the bill argue that it would generate millions of dollars in much-needed tax revenue for the state. However, opponents fear that legalizing online sports betting could exacerbate financial and social issues for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The state of sports betting in Hawaii Currently, sports betting is legal in Hawaii, but there are no legal avenues for placing bets through sportsbooks or online platforms. As a result, residents seeking to wager on sports often turn to offshore or illegal betting sites. Hawaii remains one of only a handful of states without a regulated sports betting market, while 38 states have already legalized some type of online sports betting, typically accessible via smartphone apps. If enacted, HB 1308 would allow up to four licensed operators to offer online sports betting services in Hawaii. The bill also stipulates that a portion of tax revenues generated from legal sports betting would be allocated toward programs addressing gambling addiction. Debate over the bill's impact The ease of access to sports betting apps has raised concerns among lawmakers who fear that legalizing online wagering could lead to an increase in gambling addiction. Representative Andrew Garrett, who hails from Mānoa, shared a personal account of a friend whose gambling addiction led to financial devastation. "I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone," Garrett said, urging caution as the bill moves forward. Despite these concerns, proponents of the bill maintain that gambling addiction already occurs in Hawaii, even without a legalized system in place. Representative Dan Holt, representing Honolulu, emphasized that thousands of Hawaii residents are already engaging in online sports betting through unregulated and illegal platforms. "Hawaii's current laws have not stopped thousands of residents from participating in online sports betting through offshore and illegal platforms," Holt stated. "The reality is that sports wagering is already happening." Revenue expectations and regulatory challenges While legalizing online sports betting could generate new tax revenue, experts caution that similar measures in other states have not necessarily resulted in the financial windfall that some expect. Industry representatives previously told lawmakers that Hawaii could see between $10 million to $20 million in annual tax revenue. Representative David Alcos questioned whether legalizing sports betting was the best way to address the state's financial needs. "Do we need that money to fix our roads?" Alcos asked. "Maybe taking care of families is a better choice." Aside from tax revenue concerns, regulatory challenges could pose significant obstacles to implementation. The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs would be responsible for overseeing the industry. However, a previous draft of the bill allocated only $200,000 from fees for licensing to the department - a figure that DCCA Director Nadine Ando warned would be insufficient to establish and operate a new gambling enforcement division. "It's monumental, what would need to be done in order to set this up to regulate this industry," told Ando to the House Finance Committee in a February hearing. Unlike many other states that have legalized sports betting, Hawaii lacks a pre-existing gaming commission. In other jurisdictions, regulatory bodies overseeing gambling often employ hundreds of full-time staff members to ensure compliance with industry standards. Senate and future considerations While the House's approval of HB 1308 marks a significant step toward legalized sports betting, the measure's fate remains uncertain in the Senate. Although the Senate recently shelved a proposal to allow for Oahu casinos, lawmakers on Tuesday approved the formation of a tourism and gaming working group. This group, housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, will study how legalized gambling could impact job creation, investment, and tax revenue in Hawaii. The working group is expected to include representatives from major gaming companies such as MGM Resorts International, Boyd Gaming Corp., and DraftKings Inc. A report detailing its findings will be submitted prior to the legislative session of 2026, potentially influencing future gambling-related legislation in the state.

At the age of 23, Jack Hughes has been really an impressive performer in his own right and has certainly ignited the New Jersey Devils fanbase this season. However, he will now be out for the rest of the season after coming up with a shoulder surgery this Wednesday. The star is expected to come up with a full recovery in the coming months and will be definitely ready for training camp when it comes up. Jack Hughes has been an absolute performer for most of the season, effectively carrying the New Jersey Devils to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. However, since his injury, the team has plummeted back to the sixth seed after a phenomenal start so far. Now it seems that they are back to the drawing board once more and is likely to fall from playoff contention if they continue to lose games. Selected first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes has risen to stardom with the way he has grown in his games, and it seems that he was even poised for a promising run as the MVP this season. However, it seems that Hughes’ big game will now have to be put at a pause for now as he is slated to recover while the Devils try to salvage what is left of what used to be an amazing season so far. A Big Loss for New Jersey It can be remembered that Jack Hughes also had a surgery on his shoulder back in April 2024 and went on to miss the final four games of the regular season back then. He would go on to return to the team’s training camp and has not missed a game since. Being injured at this point – a crucial stretch in the season – definitely hurts the Devils’ chances at a massive scale. "Jack's a very important player, so the whole group was feeling for him the other night, myself and the coaching staff included," Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Tuesday, before the extent of the injury was known. "Injuries are part of the game but just the nature of it and all of that makes it tougher and also knowing what he's been through in the past." Hughes tops off the Devils in almost every single category this season. He is the team leader in goals, (27), game-winners (7), shots on goal (229) and average ice time (20:54) among forwards. His total of 70 points matches Jesper Bratt for first and is second in assists (43) behind the latter’s 53 total. Dawson Mercer took over Hughes’ spot in the second line, joining Ondrej Palat and Tomas Tatar to begin the game in Dallas. That game ended up in a whopping 4-3 loss for the team. Devils Odds Crashing The Devils opened up the odds of the season at +1300. But after a series of tough losses down the stretch has set them back to the odds of +1700 at worst. Standing at 33-24-6 in the season, the Devils now have a total of 19 games left after Hughes was declared out for the season. The team still ranks third in the Metropolitan Division and stands four points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are two games less in total played. The Devils return hom,e on Friday after wrapping up its five-game road trip to play the Winnipeg Jets at the Prudential Center. The team has been 7-7-0 since January 22 and has gone cold at 9-11-3 to start off 2025.

After being traded in the offseason, Garrett Crochet is seemingly adamant in taking his game to the next level as he keeps on firing up big performances in Spring Training so far. The former star has been able to impress on multiple fronts for the Red Sox, and it is turning out to be an impressive run so far as he gears up for a huge campaign in the making. Now that they have a standout pitcher on the front, it goes without saying that the Boston Red Sox are starting to feel more confident than before. After all, it all begins with a standout pitcher at the top of the rotation, and Crochet certainly fits the bill on that end with the way he has evolved so far. Standout Confidence Crochet’s adjustment to the Red Sox rotation has been seamless. He even made it look easy as he even attended the team’s Fenway Fest in January to show that he’s really eager to work on the chemistry with the rest of the squad so far. However, it seems that manager Alex Cora himself is also keen to see more from Crochet and has strong faith that he would do well in the squad. “He’s just a strong dude who knows his art, or his craft,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He’s working hard with the pitching group to keep getting better. I think for him, last year was last year. He just got a taste of what it is to be a big league starter. And he's eager to get this going and give us 30 starts and then help us win.” Many people didn’t expect to see Crochet become an important piece for a team – let alone a squad such as the Boston Red Sox. They are already eyeing to sign him an extension this season before the star reaches the free agency market after the 2026 season, and so far, the club is making sure that they get him comfortable so far. “Right away, I felt like I belonged,” said Crochet. “I think that everyone is just getting along really well. The camaraderie is really good. Tons of communication from hitters and pitchers, and guys are really meshing well together. I feel like you don't get that too often at this point in the year.” Seeking Long-Term Stay So far, the setup right now is that Crochet will be pitching in front of the Red Sox fans for the next two seasons. Boston will then have his contractual rights until then, which means that reaching an extension with the star is certainly a massive priority for the team now more than ever. “Staying in Boston long term is something that has a lot of merit in my mind and something that I think would be awesome,” Crochet said. “But in the meantime, I'm just focused on Spring Training and getting ready for the upcoming season. Try and just stay focused one day at a time. And, when something is presented, then we'll attack it.” Crochet was brought into the rotation for the Boston Red Sox after he was traded to the club back in December. So far, he has managed to come up with a strong run to begin his early games in Spring Training, which says a lot about how the season is expected to unfold for him with his impressive left hand on the strong work.

Initially ruled to be a week or two out of action, Kyrie Irving is now deemed to be out for the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season after suffering a torn ACL – which now dooms the Dallas Mavericks’s hopes of making it to the playoffs following a very eventful set of weeks since the trade deadline. Irving, who was named an All-Star for the 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco, now wraps up his season as he is now slated to recover from a torn ACL – which was one of the biggest injuries that can derail a point guard’s career. It seems that Dallas could not just catch a break as the team’s injury woes really took out their best players so far. Before he went out with an injury, Kyrie Irving averaged a whopping 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. He carried the load for the Mavericks for most of the season and had to come up with impressive performances as former Dallas star Luka Doncic missed a hefty number of games due to injury. Now the Mavs will turn to the rest of its roster for answers. Irving’s Season-Ending Injury Just nine minutes into the game, Irving was fouled by DeMar DeRozan on his way to the basket. The Dallas star’s right foot unfortunately landed on the foot of Kings center Jonas Valanciunas, which caused Irving to land awkwardly on his left leg and suddenly have his knee hyperextended before falling to the floor. At the age of 32, Irving demonstrated massive toughness and a glimpse of the “Mamba Mentality”, later getting back up but not being able to put on weight on his left knee. Irving would later go on to score both free throws with tears rolling down his cheeks before he finally left the game assisted by the medical staff of the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas would go on to lose the game against Sacramento, 122-98. The bench carried most of the load as the rest of the squad fell off their groove and did not have an answer to a Sabonis-less Kings. “The Dallas Mavericks announced yesterday that Kyrie Irving sustained a left knee sprain against the Kings on March 3,” The Mavericks later released in its social media platforms. “Upon further medical evaluation, an MRI revealed a torn left knee ACL for Irving. Irving will be listed as out with medical updates to follow as necessary.” A String of Tough Woes The injury to Irving continues the string of tough breaks for the Dallas Mavericks this season ever since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers – whose team has now jumped out to the second seed in the Western Conference so far. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are slowly fading away after 10-time star Anthony Davis was injured in his debut and was out indefinitely. Irving’s injury is the biggest blow to their playoff hopes – considering that the Dallas Mavericks were just in the NBA Finals about a year ago. Still, the Dallas Mavericks are in the 10th seed, which means that they are still good for a Play-In spot had the playoffs begun today. Currently with odds of +6000, the odds are definitely taking a massive hit now more than ever, and it is certainly expected to plummet in the coming weeks as they are not improving their chances any time soon, especially with Irving now out for good.

It has been a huge year for Saquon Barkley after winning the Super Bowl in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and it cannot be denied that he was expected to be one of the hot players to be extended by the Eagles, and now it seems that he’s getting what he’s due with a new extension deal with the Super Bowl champions. As part of star QB and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts’ plan to get ready for “the next pursuit”, the Eagles are starting to make sure that they will keep all the best talents they have had in beating the legendary Kansas City Chiefs back in February. Barkley, who has been a monumental piece for the whole season, is now brought back for good – at least for the next two years. Barkley has been huge star in his own right, and being paired with Jalen Hurts – another star hungry for dominance in the NFL, seems to be the perfect combination that has bore fruit to a promising championship now more than ever, and it does seem that the Eagles will come up with yet another massive campaign to remember. Running it back with the best running back in the game, after all, seems to be a great idea to consider. Extended New Chapter for Barkley The Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley have agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million in new money, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The deal, which includes $36 million in guaranteed money and up to $15 million in additional incentives, was later confirmed by the team. This extension keeps Barkley under contract through 2028, marking a major step in his career with the Eagles. The new contract makes Barkley the first running back in NFL history to average over $20 million in new money, with a $20.6 million average annual value. The $36 million in guaranteed money also sets a record for running backs on contracts of three years or fewer. Previously, Barkley had signed a three-year contract worth $37.75 million last offseason, with a $12.6 million average annual salary and $26 million guaranteed. His new deal represents a well-deserved raise for the dynamic running back, who led the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards on 345 carries, along with 13 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's most electrifying players. Big Game Barkley Saquon Barkley’s historic 2024 season not only helped propel the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, but also saw him break a new single-season rushing record, including playoffs, with 2,504 total yards—surpassing Terrell Davis’ previous mark. Barkley’s ability to break big plays was on full display, as he recorded seven runs of 40-plus yards during the regular season. Had the Eagles not opted to rest him in Week 18, he may have had a legitimate shot at the NFL’s all-time single-season rushing record. But for Barkley, a Super Bowl win was the ultimate reward. His new contract extension with the Eagles is a well-deserved recognition of his incredible performance. Barkley’s extension not only locks him in for the future in Philadelphia, but it also reflects the Eagles’ commitment to retaining top talent while managing their salary cap. The deal is expected to lower his $7.4 million cap hit this season, potentially freeing up space for the Eagles to re-sign other key free agents. Over the past year, Barkley has achieved everything he could have hoped for: two new contracts, long-term financial security, a 2,000-yard season, an Offensive Player of the Year award, and, of course, the ultimate prize—a Super Bowl victory.

Hard Rock Atlantic City has done it again: it broke the record for the past year, and as a way to thank its hard-working employees and to celebrate, it's giving $10 million worth of bonuses. Hard Rock has actually been doing this since it opened in 2018, and for the last 4 years, it has distributed $10 million worth of annual bonuses to its workers in Atlantic City. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City has once again recognized its workforce's dedication by awarding $10 million in the form of bonuses, continuing a tradition that began four years ago. The Florida-based gaming and hospitality giant, owned by the Seminole Tribe, has made these annual bonuses a staple since the casino's grand opening in June of 2018. The latest payout follows a record-breaking year for Hard Rock Atlantic City, with significant achievements in profitability, hotel occupancy, market share, table game performance, and slot revenue. Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chair, praised employees for their contributions, emphasizing that the casino's continued success is a direct result of their hard work and dedication. Celebrating success with employee bonuses "2024 was a record-breaking year in many categories for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, and we want to recognize the hard work of team members who made it all possible," stated Allen. The celebration of this success was not limited to monetary bonuses, as Hard Rock also distributed $100,000 in additional prizes and cash at a special town hall event dedicated to thanking employees. Hard Rock Atlantic City's commitment to its staff stands out in the competitive gaming industry. The company has consistently demonstrated that it values its workforce, which includes full-time, part-time, hourly, salaried, unionized, and nonunionized employees. Management members, however, were excluded from the bonus payouts. According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, as of the 1st of February, 2025, Hard Rock Atlantic City employed 3,525 workers, referred to as 'rock stars' by the company. Of these, 2,489 were full-time employees. If the $10 million were evenly distributed, each employee would receive an average bonus of approximately $2,836. Hard Rock's strong financial performance Hard Rock Atlantic City has positioned itself as a dominant force in the Atlantic City gaming market. In 2024, the resort generated around $544.9 million in gross gaming revenue from its brick-and-mortar casino operations, second only to the industry leader Borgata, which reported $738.1 million. Hard Rock's digital gaming and sports betting segments further contributed $187 million, bringing the total GGR for the year to $731.9 million. The casino's operational efficiency was reflected in its record operating profits. Through the first three quarters of 2024, Hard Rock Atlantic City posted $107 million in profits, second only to Borgata's $166.5 million. The resort's net revenue, which includes income from gaming, hotel stays, food and beverage, and entertainment, increased by 5% to reach $455.8 million. Meanwhile, gross profits surged by over 10%, highlighting the property's strong financial performance. Hard Rock Atlantic City's leadership attributes its achievements to a combination of strategic management and the dedication of its employees. George Goldhoff, the president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, reiterated the company's appreciation for its workforce. "Our team members are the reason for our success," he stated. Commitment to employees in the midst of industry changes Despite Hard Rock's financial success, Atlantic City's casino industry has experienced shifts in employment trends. Over the past few years, casinos have scaled back their workforce in response to the rising cost of labor. When Hard Rock and its neighboring casino, Ocean, opened in June of 2018, the total casino employment in Atlantic City exceeded 30,000 workers. Today, that number has dropped to around 22,600 across all nine casinos in the city. With its focus on operational excellence, customer experience, and employee satisfaction, Hard Rock Atlantic City is well poised to maintain its position as one of the top gaming destinations on the East Coast. As the resort looks ahead to another year, its workforce remains at the heart of its ongoing success.