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June 18, 2024 – The West Virginia online casino market has somewhat cooled off following a record-breaking $20.68 million in March, but there was a tiny bump in May.

According to the West Virginia Lottery, the state's internet casinos have earned $17.9 million by May 2024. Its increase over April was a mere 0.007%. Comparing it to April, the rise was only 0.007%. Despite the little rise, this month's income from online casinos was the second-best in the state's history, only surpassed by March's $20.68 million.

Hollywood Charles Town, which owns DraftKings Casino WV, was the top licensee in West Virginia. Just that license brought in $7.4 million. Greenbrier, which houses BetMGM and FanDuel, is just behind them at $6.4 million.

Four Licenses Boost Virginia’s Overall State Revenue

Online casinos are doing well in West Virginia, where four licensees account for a sizable portion of the state's income. Hollywood Charles Town had the most money ($7.4 million), closely followed by Greenbrier ($6.4 million), Mardi Gras ($3.4 million), and Mountaineer ($0.7 million). The precise profits for every location are kept secret in accordance with West Virginia's reporting regulations.

Interestingly, online casino gaming has outpaced online sports betting in tax contributions. Despite online sportsbooks handling nearly $33 million, they yielded only $3.7 million in revenue, resulting in $370,762 in taxes.

Beating the $20.68 Million Mark

In contrast, online casinos generated $2.7 million in taxes, reflecting their substantial economic impact. Looking ahead to June 2024, West Virginia aims to surpass its previous revenue peak of $20.68 million, set in March, highlighting the growing influence of digital gaming in the state's fiscal landscape.

Online Casinos Surpass Sportsbook State Revenue

The significance of online casino revenue extends beyond mere financial metrics. It has notably surpassed online sports betting in tax contributions, despite sportsbooks handling nearly $33 million in wagers. The sports betting sector yielded $3.7 million in revenue, translating to $370,762 in taxes, whereas online casinos contributed significantly more with $2.7 million in tax revenue. This disparity underscores the growing economic influence of digital gaming platforms within West Virginia's fiscal framework.

Looking ahead, West Virginia anticipates challenging its previous revenue peak in the coming months. March's record remains a benchmark as the state aims to capitalize on the ongoing popularity and profitability of online casino gaming. The industry's status as a crucial contributor to the state's financial stability is further cemented by its consistent capacity to earn large tax income.

The regulatory landscape governing online gaming in West Virginia continues to evolve, with policies aimed at fostering growth while ensuring responsible gambling practices. The state's lottery authorities closely monitor revenue streams, albeit with some specifics of individual casino earnings undisclosed under current reporting guidelines.

June 20, 2024 – SweepX is a social sweepstakes casino platform solution that Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has introduced for the US market.

The US land-based sweepstakes operator Primero will be powered by the Malta-based gaming solutions business for its maiden foray into the online social sweepstakes casino sector.

According to the Chief Business Officer at GiG Platform & Sportsbook, Andrew Cochrane highlighted GiG's commitment to innovation with SweepX, its latest offering in the online sweepstakes market. The platform integrates dual-wallet store management for redemptions and prize rewards, supported by GiG’s AI-driven content management technology.

“As an extremely experienced turnkey solutions provider, the strength inherent in our technology and services has allowed us to develop what we consider to be the leading platform, data and AI driven solutions available within social gaming, and will help power the growth of the market across the US within the next few years,” Cochrane emphasized.

About Primero Games

Primero Games was established in 2009 and creates gaming equipment and software for casinos. In the US, the company operates more than 50,000 sweepstakes machines. Storm Games, a content producer, and a UK retail operator are also owned by it.

A new binding head of terms for a strategic relationship with Primero Games is being released together with the launch. GiG will support the operator's entry into the online social sweepstakes casino sector as part of the agreement.

Nearing the Split

The announcement is made as GiG gets closer to finishing its intended company split. GiG chairman Petter Nylander stated he hoped to finish the split by Q3 in remarks made following the company's release of its Q1 results this month.

GiG declared last year that it will divide its two companies, GiG Media and Platform and Sportsbook. GiG spent most of last year getting ready for the relocation, even if this hasn't happened yet. GiG has chosen to publish Q1 with the entire business in order to facilitate year-over-year comparisons.

Evolution Gaming, the Swedish online gambling giant known especially for its live dealer casino games and renowned particularly in NJ, is poised to deepen its roots in the U.S. market with an ambitious new project in Atlantic City. The company has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art live dealer studio on Fairmount Avenue, with a proposed investment of $75 million.

This strategic expansion reflects Evolution’s ongoing commitment to the U.S. online gambling sector. Currently, Evolution operates studios in several high-profile Atlantic City casinos, including Ocean Casino Resort, Tropicana, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. However, with the new standalone studio, Evolution aims to significantly bolster its presence as well as its operational capacity.

The best use of land and resources for Atlantic City

Evolution has already made its move and has formally tendered a land use petition to the CRDA, or the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. If you weren’t yet aware, the CRDA is responsible for allocating casino gaming taxes to benefit Atlantic City, and it holds land-use authority within the Tourism District where all nine of the city's retail casinos are situated. The proposed site for Evolution's new studio is currently occupied by a parking lot owned by the CRDA, so the plan involves Evolution either purchasing the land from the agency or acquiring it as a donation.

Either way, representing Evolution in this crucial endeavor is Lloyd D. Levenson of the law firm Cooper Levenson. Levenson has emphasized the economic benefits of the project, highlighting that Evolution's workforce in the region currently stands at 850 employees. But with the new facility, the company anticipates potentially doubling its staff, projecting employment to exceed 2,000 by 2029.

As everyone is well aware, Evolution’s expansion represents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic growth in Atlantic City. The new studio will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also contribute to the local economy by creating numerous new jobs, as confirmed by Levenson.

Strike while the iron is hot – NJ poised for unprecedented growth in 2024 onwards

Aside from this, the proposed expansion comes at a time when the online gambling industry in New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented growth – it is now the ideal time to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. For example, the state’s online casino revenue has soared in the post-COVID-19 era. Prior to the pandemic, online gambling revenue in NJ was approximately $483 million. But last year alone, it nearly quadrupled to almost $2 billion – and, what’s more amazing, the first four months of 2024 have already shown a 21% increase compared to the same period last year.

In addition, New Jersey law stipulates that live dealer operations must be conducted within Atlantic City, ensuring that Evolution’s new studio will be ideally situated to comply with regulatory requirements while tapping into the booming market.

The CRDA’s decision on Evolution’s proposal will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and local residents alike. The agency’s mandate to use casino taxes for the benefit of Atlantic City makes it a key player in determining the feasibility of the project. If approved, the new studio would represent a significant milestone for Evolution and the broader Atlantic City community. The facility is expected to feature cutting-edge technology and design, positioning Evolution at the forefront of the live dealer gaming industry. Additionally, the economic impact of the studio could be substantial, providing a steady stream of new jobs and stimulating local businesses.

Advantages of the proposal for the greater good

The potential benefits of Evolution’s expansion extend beyond employment and revenue. The company’s presence in Atlantic City could enhance the city's reputation as a hub for innovation in online gambling. By investing in advanced facilities as well as creating high-quality gaming experiences, Evolution is poised to attract more players and partners to the area.

As the proposal undergoes review by the CRDA, Evolution and its advocates remain optimistic about the project’s approval. The company’s track record of successful operations in existing Atlantic City casinos and its commitment to local economic growth are likely to weigh favorably in the decision-making process.

For now, though, the Atlantic City community and the online gambling industry await the CRDA’s decision with bated breath, as they know that it could pave the way for a new era of growth and innovation in New Jersey's vibrant gambling sector.

Caesars Palace is at it again, this time with even bigger and better prizes to boot. It has just launched another fantastic promotion for players in Michigan. Following the recent Atlantis Bahamas Getaway Package, which attracted major attention from all players to the site (and which was undoubtedly a success!), the online casino now offers an exciting new opportunity. This time, a total of ten fortunate players will get to go on a cruise and enjoy an exclusive Club Balcony Suite for two on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. But it doesn’t end there - in addition, winners will receive a $500 bonus credit that they can use on chosen slot games. What’s more, the promotion isn’t just for Michigan players – it is also available to players in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey. In order to participate, players must have a valid account with Caesars Palace Online Casino and must be at least 21 years old. The promotion started on June 1st and is set to run until June 30th of this year, allowing players to earn tier credits and qualify.

How to participate and get your tier credits

For those with an existing account at Caesars Palace online, participating in this promotion is easy. Whether you use your desktop or the mobile app, you have the unique chance to earn a single tier credit each time you play any of the thrilling casino games. If you go for slots, for instance, you can make a $5 wager to get a single tier credit, while live dealer and table games will give you a tier credit for every $25 wager.

Moreover, the casino has highlighted five slot games from software provider High 5 Games that award three tier credits for every $5 players wager. These slots include 88 Drums, Buffalo Canyon, Bankrush Bonanza, Platinum Goddess Power Bet, and Da Vinci DeluxeWays.

Set your calendars for the draw date!

The drawing for the online casino bonus in Michigan is set to take place on July 5th of this year. But this bonus is somewhat different from other bonuses, because unlike prior bonuses where the prizes varied, this time, each winner will receive a Norwegian Cruise Line Club Balcony Suite Cruise plus $500 in casino credit. The cruise winners can also choose their preferred destinations, which include Alaska, the Caribbean, New England, Bermuda, Canada, or the beautiful Mexican Riviera.

Keep in mind that winners will have from August 20th this year to February 20th of next year to schedule their cruise, so there’s plenty of time to set your preferred dates. But take note: while Caesars Casino will cover the full cost of the trip, winners are fully responsible for any extra charges they incur during the journey. In other words, Caesars will pay for everything except for the booze and extracurricular activities!

Meanwhile, the $500 in casino credit will be credited to the accounts of the players and must be used on the specified High 5 Games slots. Along with this, the credit comes with a 10x wagering requirement, which players must meet within 5 days of receiving the credit. Good luck!

Evoke plc, whom everyone knew as 888 Holdings in the recent past, has just announced a significant expansion of its Poker 8 gaming platform to include WSOP.com players in New Jersey and Nevada. This move marks a new era for online poker enthusiasts in these states, who will now join their counterparts in Michigan in accessing an upgraded and more integrated poker platform. For the first time, players from all three states will be able to battle against each other, broadening the competitive landscape and enhancing the online poker experience for the states of NV, NJ, and MI.

A newer and better platform with newer and better features and capabilities

The new software, according to Evoke plc, promises to deliver exceptional graphics, much smoother gameplay across different devices, faster loading times, and overall improved functionality. In addition to this, the upgrade includes a robust Player Account Management system, seamlessly integrated with advanced CRM capabilities, which all ensure a more personalized and efficient experience for users.

Evoke's expanded product offering in the United States now features over 175 exclusive casino games developed by its in-house studio (no less than Section 8). Among these casino games are numerous progressive jackpot slots, which, as we all know, are already popular at New Jersey online casinos. The inclusion of these games alongside the upgraded poker platform signifies a comprehensive enhancement to Evoke's digital gaming portfolio.

What’s more, through the Poker 8 platform, players can now enjoy a variety of engaging features such as Mystery Bounties and Progressive Knockouts. Additionally, the platform supports simultaneous participation in multiple Omaha and Texas Hold’em cash games and tournament tables via mobile apps, offering unprecedented flexibility and engagement for users.

The Chief Growth Officer at Evoke, Jeffrey Haas, highlighted the impact of the platform upgrade on the player experience in America. “The latest poker platform upgrade in America will deliver superior gameplay experiences for players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. We look forward to working with our partners at the World Series of Poker to leverage this technology to substantially enrich their customers’ online poker experience,” he stated.

More positive changes to watch out for at WSOP 2024

One of the significant advantages of this expansion is the increase in network liquidity, which Evoke claims will enhance table availability on WSOP.com. This increased liquidity is expected to improve the "depth and breadth" of both cash games and tournament games on a daily basis, providing an even more dynamic and engaging experience for players of WSOP.com.

As most everyone knows, Evoke has been powering WSOP.com since 2013, consistently supporting it with the highest-quality, invaluable software and services. This partnership has enabled Caesars to maintain its industry-leading position, with Evoke's technology playing a crucial role in its success. The latest upgrade underscores Evoke's commitment to continually advancing the online poker experience for WSOP.com players.

Executive Director of the World Series of Poker Ty Stewart emphasized the significance of this rollout. Mr Stewart stated that the new product is monumental to the success of the World Series of Poker, adding that it’s just in time for WSOP 2024. He also stated that while they always strive to offer the biggest tournaments in the sector throughout the year, this is the perfect time when players can enjoy exclusive promotions, satellites, as well as online bracelet events.

This strategic expansion and upgrade also comes at a pivotal time as the online poker community gears up for the 2024 World Series of Poker. The enhanced platform is expected to attract a significant influx of players eager to participate in the high-stakes tournaments and exclusive events that WSOP.com is renowned for.

Evoke plc's expansion of the Poker 8 platform to include players from Nevada and New Jersey marks a significant milestone in the evolution of online poker in the United States. With cutting-edge technology, an extensive range of proprietary games, and a commitment to enhancing player experiences, Evoke plc is well-poised to redefine the online poker landscape, setting a new standard for digital gaming excellence in the US.

At the age of 38, Sergio Ramos should already be considering retirement rather than mulling options to play for another team. With his contract slated to expire by June 30th, it seems that the star is slated to move on from the European leagues and is now even in consideration to be offered by different clubs from the Major League Soccer.

While Ramos already said that he has not decided his future yet nor has made agreements with any other club, the former Real Madrid star is rumored to be considering various offers from teams in the MLS. It is already not a new trend for European stars to make their move to join the MLS, where there are more games to play and a lot of different teams to play against.

Ramos wraps up his season with Sevilla after playing a total of 37 games in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals as the team finished 14th overall in the league table. While he stated that money was never an issue with the team, the poor sporting and institutional is said to be some of the reasons why he wants to move on from the team.

A Historic Player on the Move

Ramos began his career with Sevilla in February 2004, joining the ranks of the first-team before finally moving to Real Madrid just a year later, signing a $28.9 million deal with the team that would see him win five La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He would go on to move out of La Liga and join Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1, where he went on to win two league titles.

Aside from his domestic club feats, Ramos has been a legendary icon in Spain, helping them win the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012. However, this is not the first time that a player who has enjoyed success in both La Liga and Ligue 1 is rumored to move to the MLS. It can be remembered that Lionel Messi, arguably the best football player on the planet, has won titles in La Liga, Ligue 1, and the FIFA World Cup before moving on to join Miami FC.

A Future with the MLS

According to sources, Sergio Ramos has already been engaged in talks with MLS club San Diego FC with the hopes of joining the club this summer before their debut campaign in 2025. San Diego is an expansion team for the MLS and will be joining the mix of teams in the league as soon as the 2024 season wraps up.

The MLS presents various opportunities for Ramos, such as setting records for being a veteran player in the mix. It is also rumored that Ramos has been a target of clubs residing in the Saudi Pro League, but no clubs have been reported to have been interested in making an offer for Ramos’ services.

A future link-up with Ramos for San Diego also adds him to the long list of Spanish players. As of the time of writing, there have been a total of 41 players from Spain who have managed to play in the MLS. Names such as Oriol Rosell, Victor Rodriguez, Victor Vasquez, Ilie Sanchez, and David Villa are some of the players from Spain who have managed to win a league title over the years. Who knows, maybe Ramos can add himself to that list?

With the season finally over, the focus now shifts for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offseason after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. OKC has been set with the fifth-best odds for the 2024-25 season in terms of winning the league title and bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Still, the Thunder have enjoyed one of the best seasons that the franchise has seen in years. OKC has won 57 games and went on to secure the no. 1 seed in the tight Western Conference. This goes without saying that head coach Mark Daigneault even won the Coach of the Year Award, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished second in the MVP voting.

Being in the top five for the title odds says a lot about OKC’s potential. They have a squad full of potential and are still young in the game. A promising cap space, a treasure trove of draft picks, and four open spots can be the big difference that can make the Thunder a true contender to look out for in the coming 2024-25 season.

A Season of Experimentation Has Ended

OKC has been one of the hyped teams that was not even expected to make the playoffs. Initially, OKC was expected to tank for yet another top draft pick, only to shock fans and critics alike by securing the first seed by the end of the 2023-24 season, edging the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top seed.

Of course, we have seen issues from the Thunder, such as rebounding, and the dry spell in shooting that has cost them the Playoffs in the semis. Still, this is the first year that the trio of SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have all played together. Now that they know more of one another, it cannot be denied that the expectations are starting to rise up for the Thunder as they now shift their focus into winning a title.

It is the first time that OKC has secured the first seed since the 2012-13 season, and the first time that they have eclipsed 50+ wins since the 2015-16 season. Based on the FanDuel odds to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the 2024-25 season, the Thunder are slated at +1000 odds, tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the top five odds to win.

Setting Expectations for OKC

There are a lot of questions ahead for the Thunder’s offseason. First of all, they are armed with the 12th pick in a rich and promising draft class, which could be pivotal in their chances of winning. There’s also the different unknowns for the free agency market, which should be tempting for OKC to come up with a trade that could bring them a high-value player to boost their chances.

It is also easy to overlook the development of both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, who have been special for the Thunder’s 2023-24 season. Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks on 53% shooting and 37% from deep. Williams, on the other hand, has been phenomenal with season averages of 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals on 54% shooting and 42.7% from three.

All signs are pointing towards the Thunder making a deep playoff run once more. The 2023-24 season is the worst version you’ll see from these squad, and fans can expect them to live up to the hype of the odds set before them. For more context, the Thunder only trail the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Dallas Mavericks on that list.

Two social casino apps run by New York-based High 5 Games have been declared unlawful in the state of Washington by a federal judge. According to the state's Recovery of Money Lost at Gambling Act (RMLGA), the corporation may be liable for millions of dollars in damages following Judge Tiffany Cartwright's June 11 order in Western Washington District Court. “That's not toy money; that's actual money” according to 

Cartwright concurred with former player Rick Larsen, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, who claimed that the games broke both the RMLGA and the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA). If players wish to keep playing after using up all of their virtual bankrolls, they must buy more coins with real money. Court filings show that Larsen played the apps for $7,470.50.

Anyone who bought virtual currency for one of the applications in Washington after April 9, 2014, may be eligible to obtain damages through a class action lawsuit. That's important since gambling is defined by Washington as "risking something of value to receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome in a contest of chance or a future contingent event, not under the person's control or influence."

Washington is not like other jurisdictions where cases pertaining to the "value" of virtual playing chips have been filed. The plaintiffs in the Big Fish lawsuit split a $155 million settlement. Cartwright concluded that the virtual currency of High 5 "functions identically" to that of Big Fish.

There has been a lot of news with New Jersey as of late, starting with an increase in its online casino revenue this year, a substantial growth from last year by as much as 21%. But while that news is welcomed greatly by NJ casino regulators and residents alike, it seems that there is more news coming from the NJ pipeline. As of May 2024, New Jersey has welcomed another online casino operator in its arena, and this online casino is none other than Jackpot City.

The legalization of online casinos in NJ: Jackpot City follows a strong precedent

Since the legalization of online casinos in 2013, New Jersey has been a hotbed for digital gambling, continually attracting new operators to its burgeoning market. The latest entrant is, of course, Jackpot City, and it was launched in March under a partnership with land-based casino Golden Nugget. However, unlike many of its predecessors, the online casino's debut was remarkably low-key.

Jackpot City's soft launch in New Jersey followed its entry into the Pennsylvania market in December. Despite the lack of extensive marketing efforts, the platform's relatively discrete rollout has not gone unnoticed by industry observers. With a modest revenue of $141,255 reported so far - $115,907 in March and the lowest revenue of $25,348 in April - the site's current traction among players appears limited. In short, Jackpot City isn’t doing too well. However, the potential for growth is significant given its extensive background and strategic plans.

A long history that now includes New Jersey, signaling renewed hope for the platform

Established in 1998, Jackpot City has carved out a strong presence in various international markets, including the United Kingdom, Latin America, and Canada. This extensive experience in diverse regulatory environments and player preferences gives it a solid foundation to build upon in the ever-competitive New Jersey landscape.

The Jackpot City website, for one, boasts over 100 slot games from renowned developers like Light & Wonder, Evolution, and IGT. The platform also plans to expand its game library weekly, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for its users. "New Jersey is a core state in our US casino strategy," Chris Canas, a Jackpot City spokesperson, emphasized. "We know players in the state have many online casinos to choose from, and our goal for Jackpot City Casino is to become their casino of choice through a rewarding and entertaining experience."

Jackpot City's entry into the New Jersey market under the Golden Nugget license places it among a prestigious group of online casinos that have collectively generated over $2 billion in revenue since 2013. This group includes other notable names such as FanDuel, BetRivers, Betway, and, of course, Golden Nugget itself.

Jackpot City: paving the way for fresh marketing efforts

Despite its slow start, Jackpot City's potential for success in New Jersey is underscored by its strategic approach and comprehensive gaming offerings. Its partnership with the Golden Nugget brand not only provides a solid regulatory foothold but also aligns Jackpot City with a brand that is synonymous with high-quality gaming experiences.

The initial figures may suggest a lukewarm reception, but they also reflect the minimal marketing efforts undertaken by Jackpot City thus far. The online casino industry is highly competitive, as everyone will readily agree, and in order to sustain one’s success, it often requires robust promotional strategies to capture (and retain) player interest. But Jackpot City is well aware of this, and as it ramps up its marketing initiatives, the platform will likely see a corresponding increase in user engagement and revenue.

Moreover, the steady introduction of new games will be crucial in attracting a diverse player base. With a commitment to weekly updates, Jackpot City aims to keep its offerings dynamic and appealing, ensuring that players always have something new to look forward to. As Jackpot City continues to establish its presence in New Jersey, it faces the dual challenge of distinguishing itself from established competitors while also building a loyal player base. The platform's long-term success will hinge on its ability to deliver a superior gaming experience, foster the trust of players, and effectively communicate its value proposition to the NJ customer base.

While Jackpot City's entrance into the New Jersey online casino market has been understated, its potential should not be underestimated. It is, after all, backed by years of international experience and a clear strategic vision, and Jackpot City is well-positioned to make a significant impact in this competitive space. As New Jersey's online casino market continues to evolve, Jackpot City's journey will be one to watch closely.

It’s already 2024, and yet Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay feels like he’s been transported back into 2017 when he first began coaching for the team. Surrounded by a crop of young talent, the coach seems to be pleased with what lies ahead for his squad and is confident that they are going to find their way to the top of the league soon.

Ever since the Rams began its rebuild in 2022, McVay has only shown promising optimism with his team today. He was already considering retirement to begin that rebuild, and the injuries and tough losses during that initial campaign didn’t really help out well for McVay’s considerations back then.

Still, McVay was pleased to see a new spring of hope for the team. For the first time, the Rams didn’t have massive expectations set before them, and this is what invigorated the coach to continue chasing improvement and growth for the team. The Rams would go on to return to the playoffs as the second-youngest team in the NFL, and now the perspective has changed.

Hunger for Wins Driving the Rams Forward

McVay now enters the 2024 season as a coach who has what it takes to guide a crop of hungry players who want to win on the big stage. The rebuild has surely taken its time, and now the Rams are eager to come up with a deep run in the playoffs. He is focusing his game on the next level, and now is his chance to make big strides for the Rams.

"You know what's cool? Being around this group, and especially even last year, it feels like it's Year 1 again," McVay said of his experience with the revamped Rams. "And I really mean that. I feel like these last couple of years, there's really just been a real renewed purpose and perspective that reminds you what a blessing this is.”

The Rams finished sixth overall in the National Football Conference with a 10-7 record, going 5-3-0 at home and 5-4-0 on the road. They even closed the regular season with a four-game winning streak, which is the second-longest in the league to wrap up the 2023 run behind the Buffalo Bills.

No Pressure for the Rams Amidst Previous Playoff Appearance

Despite being slated for the playoffs once more, it cannot be denied that there is no pressure mounting at the hands of the Rams. There are a lot of discussions as to how the team can improve its chances on the playoff stage, but it does not mean that they are eager to go all in and come up with desperate runs right away. Patience is often rewarded in the NFL, and the Rams are doing good on that end so far with the way their rebuild has now resulted into a promising pace.

Instead of giving in to the pressure, McVay is clearly taking his time, enjoying a young team that has so much potential in winning games. His peak of optimism is clearly showing that his trust with the squad is expected to be even bigger, and now is the time to come up with massive strides for the Rams.

Who knows, maybe they can leave a promising mark in their campaign for the 2024 season and shock critics and fans alike.

When you’ve done a great job to contain one of Edmonton’s lethal scorers in Leon Draisaitl, you have to make sure that you don’t leave his partner-in-crime wide open in various opportunities. That was the story of Game 5 as Connor McDavid shined bright on the big stage as he lifted the Oilers to come up with a 5-3 win and send the series back home for a Game 6.

Just like his heroics in Game 4, McDavid pulled off another four-point performance off two goals and two assists to lead the Oilers in extending their season to one more game in the Stanley Cup Final. Fans at the Amerant Bank Arena were silenced for most of the game as Edmonton jumped to a 3-0 lead before a late comeback attempt was foiled by the Oilers to seal the deal.

Instead of winning the chip at home, the Panthers will now have to deal with the Oilers on the road – who has been a spectacular team to watch whenever they play in front of their fans. Now the series shifts back to Edmonton’s favor as they now aim to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final.

A Legendary Performance from McDavid

Connor McDavid now has logged a total of 42 points off 34 assists and eight goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – which ranks fourth in all-time records. He also joins legendary icons such as Wayne Gretzky (three times) and Mario Lemieux to have at least 40 points in a single playoff run.

The Oilers captain assisted on two of the three other goals scored by the team. Despite only having 24 shots on goal and Draisaitl being cold for most of the game, McDavid embraced the moment as his time to shine bright and deliver a promising win for the Oilers now more than ever.

McDavid has been a special performer on the big stage, and we all know that he is not afraid of the big moments. This is why he was so calm despite being down 3-1 to begin Game 5, and his immense dedication to winning has rewarded Edmonton with massive chances time after time.

Staving Off a Late Comeback

The Oilers jumped to a 3-0 lead behind goals from Connor Brown (1st period, 5:30), Zach Hyman (2nd period, 1:58), and McDavid (2nd period, 5:00). The Panthers would then go on to show signs of life in their games after a promising spark led by Matthew Tkachuk, who scored in the 2nd period at the 6:53 mark to cut it to 3-1.

Corey Perry would then go on to come up with a promising run to score a wrist shot and put Edmonton back up by three, but Evan Rodrigues made sure to come up with his own answer just 14 seconds after the latter scored for the opposing team, making it 4-2 heading into the final frame.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson would then go on to cut the lead to 4-3 following a snap shot with 4:04 on the clock. After 15 minutes of back-and-forth action with no teams scoring, McDavid came up with the final play and went on to drill a clutch wrist shot at 19:41 to call it a game and put the Oilers ahead at 5-3. That sealed the deal and has secured Edmonton’s hopes of a Game 6, where they will have the crowd behind them as they now aim to force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final.