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After two decades of being shut down because it had no license to operate in any state in the US, Betcris is back - and it's armored with a US sports betting license from Arizona. In 2007, it was banned under the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act because it only had a license issued in Malta. Now, twenty years on, it is all set to take over the online sports betting space, in Arizona, at least. Almost two decades after halting operations in the United States, Betcris is making a comeback. On Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of Plannatech Adam Bjorn made an announcement regarding the brand's return on X (formerly Twitter), marking a prime development in the US sports betting landscape. The reentry comes through a partnership with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Gaming Enterprise, with Betcris securing a license from the Arizona Department of Gaming. While initial industry speculation suggested that Plannatech would use its Prime Sportsbook brand in Arizona, the official announcement revealed otherwise. Instead, Betcris will go live in the state this week, reviving a name familiar to experienced bettors. A familiar name returns to the US shores Betcris, which operates under a Maltese gaming license, has long been a prominent player in Latin America. The brand ceased operations in the US following the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2007. This federal legislation restricted banking transactions tied to online gambling sites, forcing many international operators to exit the market. Unlike its Latin American operations, which are managed by TV Global Enterprises, Betcris's US return will be under the umbrella of Plannatech, a UK-based company. Founded in 2015, Plannatech initially focused on business-to-consumer operations but underwent a strategic transformation in 2019 to prioritize business-to-business services as a sportsbook platform provider. Challenges for Prime Sportsbook The other brand of Plannatech, Prime Sportsbook, has faced challenges in the US market. Known for its customer-friendly approach, which includes avoiding bet limits or account restrictions, Prime Sportsbook has struggled financially. In New Jersey, revenue figures remain undisclosed, but its performance in Ohio has been less than stellar. Since launching in the state in September 2023, Prime Sportsbook has recorded losses exceeding $416,000 through November 2024. In contrast, Betcris brings a stronger brand reputation to Arizona. Regarded as a 'sharp' platform catering to professional bettors, Betcris's established name may attract a loyal customer base. Arizona's proximity to Las Vegas could further boost its appeal among seasoned bettors and local residents alike. A shifting Arizona market Betcris's partnership with the San Carlos Apache Tribal Gaming Enterprise replaces WynnBet as the group's sportsbook partner. This move comes amidst a turbulent period for smaller operators in Arizona. Several brands, including Unibet, TwinSpires, Betway, Betfred, and Fubo Sportsbook, have exited the US market altogether after launching in the state. Betcris joins a competitive field that continues to evolve. Another operator, Sporttrade, also recently secured a license in Arizona and is expected to debut later this year. Implications for the sports betting industry Betcris's return signals a noteworthy shift in the US sports betting industry. Its established reputation, particularly among professional bettors, positions it as a potential disruptor in Arizona's competitive market. The brand's return also showcases the strategic importance of partnerships with tribal gaming enterprises, which have become pivotal players in the US gambling sector. For Plannatech, the launch of Betcris in Arizona represents an opportunity to solidify its presence in the US market. While the challenges faced by Prime Sportsbook illustrate the difficulties of competing in an increasingly saturated industry, the revival of the Betcris brand could mark a turning point for the company.

Ever since that shot by Damian Lillard that sent the Thunder home at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers back in 2019, nothing has been the same for the two teams as the Thunder now clinched its 15th win in a row against Portland in a 118-108 victory at the Moda Center. OKC is now 18-4 since Lillard waved the Thunder “goodbye” in the Playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a casual 33 points to lead the way for the Thunder, who now have seized a full-game lead over the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA at 37-8. OKC has won seven of its last 10 games, and leads the Western Conference by a margin of 6.5 games next to the second and third seeds. Portland put up a fight for most of the game, staying close to OKC and even starting the first quarter strong with a promising set of performances from three, which says a lot about how their rebuild progress has been so far. But eventually, playing against the first seed and the best team in the NBA has its ups and downs, and the Thunder made it look easy to overcome a tight game. Still Not Growing Deni Avdija was looking like a star for the Trail Blazers as he led the team in scoring, finishing with a near triple-double of 28 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. He drilled four threes in the losing effort and led much of the Blazers’ offense. Scoot Henderson scored 25 points but was a -15 in the game as he bricked too many threes late in the game that cost the Blazers a close game. Portland was missing some of its key players due to injuries, but rookie center Donovan Clingan made his return in hopes of making an impact for the team. However, he was limited to just four points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Backup center Robert Williams III had 10 rebounds but scored only one point and shot 0-4 in the game, as with Clingan. Toumani Camara was making things interesting for the Blazers, who drilled all of his five shots from three. After OKC had a huge lead coming off a 39-26 rally in the second quarter, the Blazers cut the lead to just 93-88 in the fourth. However, the Thunder countered with a three from Jalen Williams to make it 96-88, and another three from Alex Caruso in the corner made it 105-90 to keep the game away. An OKC Game All-Around OKC started slow and was down 14-4 to begin the game, but as usual, the Thunder came alive and ended the first quarter in a 27-27 tie before going off for the rest of the game, showing how well they settled down and got comfortable. Isaiah Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe made their returns after missing a few sets of games with injuries. The Thunder controlled the game, outscoring the Blazers 52-22 and 28-13 on second-chance points while leading by as many as 19 points. OKC had 24 assists and forced a total of 15 turnovers against the Blazers. The Thunder also made 18 threes en route to the win. Jalen Williams also built an impressive All-Star game for himself, finishing with 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the win. Isaiah Joe scored 16 points in his return, while Hartenstein notched another double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists on 5-6 shooting from the field.

Favorites take the win for this year’s NFL Conference Championships as both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles emerge victorious in their respective campaigns, showing that they are indeed the top picks to win for a reason, and it now sets the motion for a huge showdown that many fans are delighted to see now more than ever. The Philadelphia Eagles made short work of the upstart Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels after they hammered the rookie’s squad for a 55-23 rout in the NFC Championship, with Jalen Hurts making it look easy and not allowing the Commanders to establish their game that took out the Buccaneers and the Lions in the earlier stages. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs continue their quest for a three-peat after narrowly beating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship. It was quite a storied battle as it was the fourth meeting between the two teams in the last five years, with the Chiefs taking the win once more as Josh Allen failed to convert in their key possession in the fourth, leading to a 32-29 win for the Chiefs again. Winning the NFC and AFC Philadelphia made it look easy as they delivered a complete game in the best time possible, claiming a decisive 55-23 win against the Commanders to punch its ticket to the Super Bowl. There was a lot of concern about the matchup as Jalen Hurts’ health was a primary concern after the QB injured his left knee in their Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. He did, however, look fresh as he delivered a total of four touchdowns with three on the ground. Up 20-12 with just two minutes left, the Eagles forced a strong turnover on the kickoff thanks to Will Shipley’s play on Jeremy McNichols. Seven plays later, Hurts would go on to find receiver AJ Brown on a promising run as they scored a four-yard touchdown to put the lead up by 15 before the half. What a dream season for the Commanders ended in a nightmare campaign for the young squad. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have toppled the Bills in the clutch with Mahomes throwing all sorts of impressive plays. The blitz from Kansas City with two minutes in the fourth proved to be the deciding play as Allen just threw a wild pass, ending in an incomplete to tight end Dalton Kincaid, which cost them the game. Fans at the Arrowhead Stadium started celebrating as the Chiefs kept on putting the game away with impressive pushes in the final moments of the game, and a long pass from Mahomes sealed the game for good as the clock ran out, signalling the impressive win finish for the Chiefs for the third straight AFC Championship around. Looking Ahead The Super Bowl LIX is slated to be the biggest sporting event this year, and New Orleans will play host to these two warring teams on February 9th. The Chiefs were the betting underdogs for the last two editions of the event, and yet managed to pull off a win. For next month’s Super Bowl, however, the Chiefs now enter as the -1.5 favorite to win against the Philadelphia Eagles, with the over/under totals opening at 49.5. It can be remembered that the Chiefs once beat the San Francisco 49ers in the previous Super Bowl, while also rallying from behind in their clash with the Eagles in the 2023 Super Bowl. Now a rematch seems to be at hand as the Chiefs are now a win away from becoming the first team in history to win three straight Super Bowls in a row.

Jannik Sinner is starting to make sure that his 2024 campaign wasn’t a lucky one as he now adds another Grand Slam title to his name, clinching the 2025 Australian Open after completing a defense of his title against Alexander Zverev in the final, beating the German star in straight sets. Through two hours and 42 minutes of action, Sinner did not let up and made sure that he would be able to bring his game to the next level after sinking Zverev, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 to keep hold of his Melbourne Major crown. With the win, Sinner now becomes the first Italian star to lift three Grand Slam trophies in the history of the ATP Tour. Since his sweep in the 2024 Australian Open and the US Open, Sinner now extends his match win streak at the hard-court majors to 21 games in a row. It has been a remarkable stretch for Sinner, and it cannot be denied that the reigning world no. 1 is showing his mettle, and he is not slowing down at the age of 23. Grinding for a Repeat Zverev did come up with a strong groove in the second set to force a total of four deuces, but Sinner was relentless in his his attack as he maintained a smooth rhythm throughout the game and has mounted massive pressure on Zverev for most of the second set, allowing him to power for a 7-6 (4) win in that regard. "We worked a lot to be in this position and it is an amazing feeling to share this moment with all of you," Sinner said to his team. "I know a part of the team is at home and my family, but it is amazing to share these feelings with you. I know Darren [Cahill] it is probably your last Australian Open as a coach and I am very, very happy to share this trophy with you. Everything started a little bit when I changed my combination of coaches and physio, I am very happy to have you all here." Sinner made sure to limit Zverev’s baseline counter and proved his expertise on the serve in the first set. He managed to win 85% of points behind his first delivery, and it forced the German to struggle in mounting a sound serve, even falling behind the sixth break point that he faced. The Chase for Big Titles Jannik Sinner began 2024 with just a single big title in his career. Now, he has a total of eight – combining Grand Slam, trophies at the ATP Finals, and Masters 1000 tournament wins. Sinner just became the first man to retain his major title since Rafael Nadal managed to do so in 2006 when he successfully defended his crown at Roland Garros. Alcaraz was on the fiery chase for championships over the years and has been climbing the ladder so far, leading with nine big titles – as he fell for his bid in this year’s Australian Open in the quarterfinals after losing to Novak Djokovic. Still, both men are succeeding at coming up with a promising rate in big title wins, with Alcaraz winning one for five, while Sinner going one for seven. At this point, both stars are chasing a bigger glory in the game, and it seems that we will likely see them battle each other as well as they try to write history now more than ever. Who knows, maybe it is the making of a new promising rivalry that fans would not want to miss.

A class action suit that was brought to the US District Court in Nevada against MGM Resorts International has been granted a $45 million settlement for the cyber attack in September of 2023. The plaintiffs argued that MGM Resorts was negligent when it came to its cybersecurity protocols, which put the guests' personal information at risk and their personal data compromised. The US District Court for the District of Nevada has granted approval for a $45 million settlement in a lawsuit filed against MGM Resorts International following a series of cyberattacks that exposed sensitive customer data. The settlement addresses claims stemming from two major cyber incidents: the September 2023 ransomware attack and a prior July 2019 breach that compromised millions of customers' personal information. Cybersecurity failures and plaintiffs' claims Plaintiffs in the class action alleged that MGM Resorts failed to implement adequate cybersecurity protocols, leaving customers’ personally identifiable information vulnerable to exploitation. Counsel for the plaintiffs emphasized that these lapses exposed sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, military IDs, passport numbers, and driver's license details. The plaintiffs' attorneys, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, asserted that MGM's insufficient cyber defenses contributed to both breaches. Notably, cybersecurity ratings firm BitSight had previously given MGM a cybersecurity grade of 'F' before the September 2023 attack, highlighting vulnerabilities in the company's defenses. Financial relief for victims Under the settlement terms, significant financial relief and support measures have been offered to those affected by the breaches. Cash payments: Class members whose military identification numbers or Social Security numbers were exposed are eligible for $75 payments in cash, while those whose passport or driver's license numbers were compromised can claim $50. Identity theft protection: All affected individuals are entitled to opt for credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, providing an additional layer of support for victims concerned about long-term impacts on their personal and financial security. Tiered compensation for documented losses: In cases of severe harm, victims can claim up to $15,000 to cover documented losses, including legal fees, identity theft, and the costs of credit repair. To qualify, victims must provide reasonable documentation of losses directly linked to the breaches and attest to these under penalty of perjury. MGM's cybersecurity challenges The September of 2023 cyberattack, executed by a hacker group known as 'Scattered Spider,' temporarily disrupted MGM's casino and hotel operations, resulting in estimated losses of $100 million and an additional $10 million in one-off costs. The incident added to MGM's history of cybersecurity struggles, including a 2019 breach that exposed the data of 10.6 million customers and a BetMGM data breach disclosed in December 2022. Douglas McNamara, the co-lead counsel and a partner at Cohen Milstein, noted that the entertainment and hotel sectors are particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive data they handle. McNamara is also involved in a class action suit against Caesars Entertainment, which suffered a ransomware attack in 2023 from the same hacker group. Caesars reportedly paid as much as $30 million to the hackers to prevent further disruption, a strategy MGM did not pursue. Fallout and industry implications The fallout from the attacks emphasizes the growing threat of cybercrime in the hospitality industry. MGM's decision to follow FBI protocols by refusing to pay the ransom resulted in operational losses but also highlighted the challenges companies face when navigating ransomware attacks. The class action settlement serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, particularly for organizations handling sensitive customer data. It also sets a precedent for financial accountability in cases where companies fail to safeguard such information effectively. As cyber threats evolve, businesses in the hospitality and gaming industries face increasing pressure to strengthen their defenses. The resolution of the MGM class action provides a measure of closure for victims but also raises questions about the adequacy of cybersecurity practices across the sector. With the preliminary approval of this $45 million settlement, affected customers are now one step closer to receiving compensation for their losses. The settlement not only provides financial relief but also emphasizes the necessity of adopting stringent cybersecurity protocols to prevent future breaches.

A bill proposed for legislative approval in New Jersey seeks to ban advertisements on sports betting platforms. New Jersey Assemblyman Brian Bergen has initiated Bill A5207, which has the goal of banning the distribution, posting, disseminating, and broadcasting of any online advertisement on sports betting. A strategic move to curb the influence of sports betting advertising in New Jersey is underway as Assemblyman Brian Bergen introduces Bill A5207, which seeks to ban online sports betting advertisements. The proposed legislation targets the "posting, distributing, broadcasting, or disseminating" of any sports betting ads online, including those shared through mobile web-based platforms. The details of the proposed bill Assemblyman Bergen expressed his concerns about the overwhelming volume of sports betting advertisements, calling for immediate action. "I just think it's become totally ridiculous," said Bergen to New Jersey 101.5 early last week. He continued, "The advertising has been like a runaway train and it needs to be reeled in." If enacted, the bill would place responsibility for enforcing the ban on the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The legislation reflects growing worries about the potential societal impacts of pervasive gambling advertisements, particularly on younger viewers. "Our children don't need to see these things in a glorified way that entices them to become lifelong gambling addicts," Bergen emphasized, demonstrating the need to protect impressionable demographics from the potentially harmful allure of gambling marketing. A rising concern amid booming marketing budgets Bill A5207 comes as the gambling industry's marketing efforts continue to surge. According to a recent report by AppsFlyer, global user acquisition and spending for ads in 2024 has reached a staggering $65 billion, much of which is funneled toward promoting online casino platforms and sports betting. The Assemblyman's proposal aims to disrupt the normalization of sports betting culture, which critics say is exacerbated by the ubiquitous nature of advertisements across digital platforms. Bergen is also preparing to introduce a related measure that would extend the advertising ban to television, further intensifying the regulatory scrutiny on gambling promotions. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee for further deliberation. If passed, New Jersey would join a growing list of jurisdictions around the world that are taking action to limit or ban gambling advertisements to address public health concerns. Sweeping regulatory measures for sweepstakes casinos In a parallel development, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese has introduced Bill A5196, which seeks to impose stricter regulations on sweepstakes gaming sites and casinos. The measure would classify these platforms as regulated gaming entities, requiring them to obtain a casino service industry enterprise license. Under the proposed legislation, sweepstakes platforms would also be mandated to conduct third-party audits to verify their financial stability and submit reports to the DGE twice a year. These measures aim to enhance transparency and ensure that such platforms adhere to the same regulatory standards as traditional gambling entities. Similar to Bergen's proposal, Bill A5196 has also been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee. Growing push for gambling regulation The introduction of these bills emphasizes the increasing scrutiny of the gambling industry in New Jersey, a state that has been at the forefront of legalized sports betting since the US Supreme Court lifted the federal ban in 2018. While the legalization of sports betting has brought significant economic benefits, it has also raised concerns about the societal and personal costs associated with problem gambling. Proponents of stricter regulations argue that gambling advertisements glamorize betting and can lead to addiction, particularly among younger audiences who are more susceptible to advertising's influence. Critics of the proposed measures, however, may contend that advertising bans could stifle the industry's growth and lead to unintended economic consequences.

Paul Sewald has reportedly agreed to join the Cleveland Guardians once more after the team has opted to bring him in as their 40th man after designating Pedro Avila for assignment to free a roster spot. So far, this is a promising look as Sewald also looks to re-establish his value in the season following a limited 2024 run. The winter has been quite a productive look for the Guardians so far, and bringing in Sewald addresses the need for the team to have a much more competitive squad that may well have a shot at leading them to the World Series now more than ever. After a dismal 2024 campaign that ended in shambles, Cleveland is hopeful to bring its championship aspirations to fruition. Sewald is expected to become a weapon straight off the bullpen, sliding into various roles at any given game this season. Still, Sewald also brings in a promising experience for the team Sewald has played for the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and the Arizona Diamondbacks in eight seasons, which says a lot about his strong potential in the game and a sense of leadership that the team needs to have. A Boost for the Guardians’ Bullpen Cleveland boasted the top bullpen in MLB last year, and while most of their key arms are returning in 2025, they’ve parted ways with some important contributors, including Eli Morgan, Nick Sandlin, and now Avila—each of whom played a crucial role in providing bullpen depth last season. Sewald is expected to help fill that gap. From 2021 to 2023, Sewald was a reliable option out of the bullpen, maintaining an ERA under 3.15 each season while racking up double-digit saves. However, his 2024 campaign wasn’t as sharp, as his ERA rose to 4.31 and his strikeout rate declined. He dealt with neck and oblique injuries that led to two separate stints on the injured list. Still, since 2021, Sewald has been one of the best in limiting opponent batting average, ranking seventh-lowest among MLB relievers at .187, just ahead of teammate Emmanuel Clase, who is eighth at .191. At the age of 34, Sewald may well just bring the team to a year of dominance. Thanks to his reliable arm, he’s able to put up some impressive numbers, but those have shrunk into 4.31 ERA, 39.2 IP, and 9.8 K/9 due to his injuries last season, which has played a huge role in limiting his games played as well. A Hope for Sewald Sewald has agreed to a one-year contract worth $7 million with the Guardians, which includes a $1 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary for the upcoming season. Additionally, he has the opportunity to earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses based on relief appearances, with $100,000 awarded for reaching 40 appearances, and another $100,000 for each additional five appearances up to 60. The deal also features a mutual option for 2026, valued at $10 million, with a $1 million buyout. Over the course of his career, Sewald has posted a 20-25 record with a 4.09 ERA across stints with the New York Mets (2017-2020), Seattle Mariners (2021-2023), and Arizona Diamondbacks (2023-2024). Last season, he played under a one-year, $7.35 million contract with the Diamondbacks. For now, it remains to be seen if Sewald can actually come back strong from his injuries last season, but the Guardians are expected to be patient in playing the long game, which will see him have some time to adjust and adapt to the play of the team.

At this point, the argument has subsided as Jayden Daniels now has the best rookie season in the history of the NFL. The Commanders quarterback has been named the PFWA 2024 Rookie of the Year for an outstanding campaign with Washington, but now he is setting his eyes on a bigger prize as he seeks to lead his squad to the Super Bowl LVII. Daniels has played a huge role in bringing the Washington Commanders back to the playoff stage for the first time since the 2020 season. It has been quite a different campaign for the Commanders as Daniels didn’t even play like a rookie at all, coming up with massive performances night in and night out, proving himself to be the new chapter that the team has long waited for. Now more than ever, Daniels faces his biggest challenge yet – the Philadelphia Eagles who are blocking their path to what could be a historic feat not just for the Commanders, but for the rookie QB as well. As a matter of fact, no rookie QB has ever started in the Super Bowl, let alone win one, and Daniels may well be the one to change it all. A Massive Rookie Season Daniels played all 17 games for the Commanders this season, and he has even managed to amass a total of 3,500 yards in doing so. He even tallied 891 rushing yards on the ground to go with six touchdowns, which says a lot about how the rookie QB has impressed and turned a lot of heads in his ascension to the NFL stage. Sure, there were many doubts about Washington trading its star QB in Sam Howell and even passing up the likes of Drake Maye or Xavier Worthy, who were expected to be big help for the Commanders. And yet here’s Jayden Daniels, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl, and the Pro Football Writers of America's (PFWA) Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards – all in a season’s work. The only Commanders rookie to win the PFWA ROTY award? RB Mike Thomas back in 1975, although Quarterback Robert Griffin III was the 2012 PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year. At this point, it cannot be denied that Jayden Daniels is starting a new rookie revolution in the NFL, and he’s on the right stage to give it his all. The Big Moment Coming In Daniels has managed to outplay and outwit both Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff when he led Washington to defeat both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions – both of which were expected to handle the Commanders with ease, and instead, Daniels and the gang gave them a run for their money. This has been a majestic season for the Washington Commanders so far, and it does seem that they are now on the biggest climb of the season so far. For the first time in 33 years, Washington now reaches the NFC Championship stage, and Daniels will be on the bigger spotlight as he now needs to beat Jalen Hurts and the Eagles if he wants to write history further. For a season where the Commanders are on the rebuilding phase and are seeking to retool its squad, this is quite unprecedented, and we all know how the hype of the NFC Championships is going to be with the stakes at hand for both teams.

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip is scheduled to have an upgrade starting this year, and MGM Resorts International has just released the details of the revamp. The hotel renovation will include new rooms and suites as well as resort experiences such as 'Netflix Bites' and a debut in the summer of the Palm Tree Beach Club. MGM Resorts International has announced an ambitious $300 million renovation project for its iconic MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the Vegas Strip. This massive upgrade will encompass all 4,212 rooms as well as suites in the property's main tower. The planned enhancements are set to be completed in phases, with rooms available for booking as early as March 2025. The overall renovation, which includes the addition of new resort experiences and luxury accommodations, is expected to be finalized by December 2025. A refresh for an icon of the Strip Opened in December 1993 at a cost of $1.1 billion, MGM Grand has long been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip. Its distinctive green-lit exterior and reputation for hosting world-class entertainment have made it a landmark destination. The resort is home to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a venue that has hosted legendary pop music performances and historic boxing events over the years. Notably, MGM Grand houses the largest casino in Las Vegas. Two years ago, the World Record Academy recognized the property as the largest individual hotel building globally. While it does not hold the title for the largest number of rooms - an honor that belongs to Malaysia’s First World Hotel with 7,351 rooms - MGM Grand's planned upgrades will boost its offerings. The $300 million investment will include the addition of 111 new suites, bringing the total number of suites in the main tower to 753. These new accommodations will complement the diverse range of remodeled rooms already available, including the Studio Tower with 700 rooms and which was completed in 2022. Luxury redefined in the main tower The newly-designed suites will have a contemporary aesthetic, blending dark ebony and walnut finishes with lighter tones and sheer shades to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can look forward to entertainment areas furnished with comfy sectional seating and lenticular artwork, which transforms based on the viewer's perspective, adding a unique artistic touch to the spaces. According to a statement from MGM Resorts, "These newly designed suites will feature a refined blend of dark ebony and walnut wood finishes, accentuated by lighter tones and sheer roller shades that create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere." The renovation will also introduce exciting new amenities to the MGM Grand, including the debut of Netflix Bites, a restaurant inspired by the food featured in popular Netflix shows. Additionally, guests can enjoy the Palm Tree Beach Club, set to open in the summer, offering a refreshing retreat for visitors seeking an upscale poolside experience. Ownership and lease details MGM Grand's ownership structure has undergone significant changes in recent years. In January 2020, MGM Resorts sold the property, along with Mandalay Bay, to a joint venture controlled by MGM Growth Properties and Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust. The breakdown at the time gave MGP a 50.1% stake and BREIT the remainder. In 2022, VICI Properties acquired MGP, gaining its interest in MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. Later that year, VICI paid $4.27 billion to BREIT for the remaining stake in the two resorts, consolidating its ownership. Despite these ownership changes, MGM Resorts continues to operate the property under a triple-net lease agreement, making the company responsible for all maintenance and upgrade costs. A commitment to excellence The $300 million refresh is a testament to MGM Resorts' commitment to maintaining MGM Grand as a premier destination on the Las Vegas Strip. By blending luxurious accommodations with innovative dining and entertainment experiences, MGM Grand will further attract a diverse range of visitors while staying at the forefront of the competitive Las Vegas hospitality industry.

There has been a renewed outpouring of gambling bills for a number of states, and the latest states to join the bandwagon are Indiana and Wyoming. Additionally, Maryland is asking for a tax increase for gambling, and New Jersey has proposed a legalization of sweepstakes gaming - all within the week. This week marked the unveiling of several key gambling-related legislative initiatives across the United States as states seek to regulate and expand their gaming sectors. Indiana and Wyoming introduced bills to legalize online casino gaming, while Maryland proposed a significant tax hike on gambling revenue. Meanwhile, New Jersey rolled out a bill to regulate sweepstakes gaming. Wyoming's iGaming push Wyoming took a significant step toward becoming the first state west of the Mississippi to legalize full-scale online casino gaming. A bill introduced on Tuesday proposes licensing fees of $100,000 for the beginning five years, with a stated preference for operators already active in at least three of the seven states with legalized online casinos. According to a recent Spectrum Gaming Group report commissioned by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, legalizing iGaming in Wyoming could generate gross revenues between $96 million and $142 million by 2025, provided the bill is swiftly enacted. Unlike other states, Wyoming's lack of commercial casinos eliminates concerns about online gaming cannibalizing brick-and-mortar revenue. However, the state's cautious history with gaming expansion suggests a potentially slow legislative process. If approved, Wyoming would make history as the first western state to embrace full-scale iGaming, apart from Nevada's limited online poker offering. Indiana renews efforts for iGaming In Indiana, Representative Ethan Manning revived efforts to legalize and regulate online casino gaming and online lottery systems. The proposed bill would allow each casino as well as racetrack in the state to partner with a maximum of three iGaming operators. Licenses would cost $500,000, and a tiered tax structure ranging from 22% to 30% would apply based on annual gross revenue. The bill also includes provisions for a 'responsible gaming and problem gambling services program,' which could win over lawmakers concerned about gambling addiction. Indiana has been proactive in pursuing gambling initiatives, but past scandals may complicate this latest push. In 2023, former state legislator Sean Eberhart was sentenced to a year in federal prison for accepting a job in exchange for supporting new gaming options. The scandal may make some lawmakers hesitant about further gaming expansions. Maryland eyes gambling tax hikes In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore's proposed budget includes a sharp increase in gambling tax rates. Under the proposal, taxes on sports betting revenue would rise from 15% to 30%, while table game taxes would increase from 20% to 25%. The move follows trends in other states such as Illinois and Ohio, which raised sports betting taxes last year. New York's staggering $1 billion tax revenue from its 51% sports betting tax rate has undoubtedly influenced Maryland's ambitions. However, while Maryland's proposed 30% rate exceeds the national average, it falls short of New York's benchmark. Maryland is also expected to reintroduce legislation to legalize iGaming, signaling its intent to further expand the state's gambling industry. New Jersey takes aim at sweepstakes gaming New Jersey, a trailblazer in the US gambling sector, introduced a bill to regulate sweepstakes gaming. Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese proposed legislation that would classify sweepstakes casinos under the state's internet gaming framework, requiring licensure, oversight, and taxation. Sweepstakes gaming has faced legal challenges in several states due to its exemption from gambling taxes and lack of oversight. The potential undercutting of online casino tax revenue could pose challenges to its regulation in a state like New Jersey, where iGaming is a significant source of income. The Social and Promotional Games Association, representing sweepstakes and social operators, welcomed the legislation. "The SPGA and its members are advocates for clear regulations that enable transparent, innovative, and responsible social and promotional gaming experiences," said spokesperson Randi Brown. As the four-month legislative season ramps up across the US, the push to expand and regulate gambling reflects a growing appetite for gaming revenue. From Wyoming's iGaming aspirations to Maryland's proposed tax hikes and New Jersey's focus on sweepstakes gaming, states are exploring diverse paths to capitalize on the growing gambling industry.

Senator Joseph Addabbo from New York has once again introduced a bill seeking to regulate and license online casinos as well as online lottery sales and games in the state. This year's bill is almost the same as last year's bill, where four casinos downstate, soon-to-be-built casinos upstate, tribal casinos, online sports betting operators, and even VLT parlors will be eligible for obtaining an online casino license. Senator Joseph Addabbo is reigniting his campaign to legalize and regulate online casinos in New York. With the reintroduction of his bill in the New York Senate, Addabbo aims to transform the gaming landscape in the Empire State by legalizing online casinos and online lottery sales, while also addressing the rising popularity of sweepstakes gaming. A familiar approach with expanded opportunities The language of the new bill closely mirrors last year's effort to legalize iGaming in New York. It proposes that the state's four casinos located downstate, the soon-to-open upstate casinos, tribal casinos, video lottery terminal (VLT) parlors, and existing online sports betting operators be eligible to apply for online casino licenses. Additionally, the bill allocates three more licenses to be awarded through a bidding process. In a bid to strengthen the casino industry and create employment opportunities, the bill sets aside $25 million annually for employee training and development programs in casinos. Furthermore, it stipulates that online casino operators must house their servers within state-licensed casinos to ensure regulatory oversight and compliance. The proposal also targets unregulated entities, particularly offshore operators and sweepstakes gaming sites. A provision includes a three-year "timeout" period for any unauthorized operators offering contests or games in the state, effectively barring them from the market during this time. Addressing sweepstakes gaming sites One of the key issues Senator Addabbo seeks to address this legislative session is the prevalence of sweepstakes gaming sites, which often operate in a legal gray area. These platforms lure customers with free-play advertisements and the opportunity to win prizes through the purchase of virtual gold coins. Addabbo's bill aims to either ban these sites outright or incorporate them into the regulated market, similar to laws enacted in states like Michigan, Washington, and Idaho. "To close this loophole, I will work to ban or incorporate Sweepstakes Casinos in the state, akin to current laws in Michigan, Idaho, and Washington, and I will push for iGaming as a safe, effective alternative for online casino enthusiasts," said Addabbo in a press release. "By addressing the Sweepstakes Casinos issue and allowing a regulated iGaming casino option, we are demonstrating our commitment to protecting New Yorkers, dealing with gaming addiction, while adding tax revenue beneficial to all state residents." Challenges ahead for iGaming expansion Despite Addabbo's efforts, last year's push for legalizing online casinos saw little traction. Public sentiment also appears lukewarm, with surveys indicating less than half of New Yorkers support iGaming initiatives. Opposition largely stems from concerns about problem gambling and the potential social consequences of making casino games more accessible. However, Addabbo argues that regulating online casinos could mitigate many of these issues. By providing a safe and legal alternative to unregulated platforms, the state could better monitor and address gambling addiction. Additionally, legalizing online casinos could generate significant tax revenue for New York, benefiting various state programs. "Without an option for safe, regulated online gaming, many individuals will fall victim to sweepstakes casinos that entice customers through free play advertising with the potential for prizes through the purchase of gold coins," Addabbo emphasized. "I encourage my colleagues and the Governor to take action against unregulated sweepstakes casinos while reconsidering the benefits of allowing legal iGaming operators to provide sanctioned services in a popular and ever-growing industry." The success of Addabbo's bill will depend on garnering broader support from lawmakers and addressing public concerns about gambling expansion. If passed, the bill would position New York as a major player in the iGaming industry, joining states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania that have already seen substantial revenue from legalized online casinos.