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The Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut has issued a suspension of license for High5Games, which it says also illegally operated another online casino. High5Games is a legal licensed service provider in the state of Connecticut - but in a recent investigation conducted by the DCP, it was found that High5Games also illegally operates High5Casino, which is unlicensed. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (Gaming Division) has submitted a suspension of the Online Gaming Service Provider license held by High5Games following an investigation that revealed the company was illegally operating another online casino which remains without a license, High5Casino. High5Games, a licensed developer and provider of slot content for legal gaming platforms, was found to be running High5Casino without proper authorization. The platform was falsely marketed as a legally licensed casino and was also accepting wagers from Connecticut residents, including persons who had voluntarily signed up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List in the state. Violation of Connecticut gaming laws Connecticut law permits only two platforms to offer iCasino wagering within the state: DraftKings and FanDuel, which operate under agreements with Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively. The DCP Gaming Division's investigation stated that High5Casino had accepted deposits from 1,100 players in Connecticut, with 911 individuals collectively losing $937,938. Alarmingly, 108 of these individuals were on the state's Voluntary Self-Exclusion List, and they lost nearly $300,000 on the illegal platform. As a result of these violations, High5Games is now facing 1,065 criminal counts of illegal gaming activities. Each count is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under Connecticut law, carrying a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail as well as a fine of up to $2,000 per violation. DCP pledges consumer restitution and enforcement DCP has stated that it will seek compensation for eligible consumers who suffered financial losses due to the misleading marketing of High5Casino as a legitimate platform. "Thank you to our Gaming Division team for their hard work to hold this licensee accountable," said Bryan T. Cafferelli, DCP Commissioner. He went on to say that holding a gaming license is a privilege, and they expect their credential holders to take that responsibility seriously. But High5Games took advantage of their credential to mislead consumers into believing they were engaging in legal gaming when, in reality, they were breaking the law. Furthermore, he stated: "We remind consumers that there are only two licensed online casinos in Connecticut - DraftKings/Foxwoods and FanDuel/Mohegan Sun. If you choose to participate in online gaming, ensure you use only these licensed platforms." Kris Gilman, the DCP Gaming Division Director, echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment that a licensed service provider exploited Connecticut consumers. "It is difficult to recover funds from illegal platforms," Gilman said. "Gambling on licensed platforms is the only way to guarantee recovered funds in the event of an issue with a game or platform." Immediate suspension and removal of High5Games content The suspension of High5Games' Online Gaming Service Provider license is effective immediately. Additionally, all games provided by High5Games to DraftKings and FanDuel will be removed from their platforms. A copy of the official summary suspension order has been made available to the public. The DCP encourages consumers to report any gaming-related issues or concerns by contacting DCP.Gaming@ct.gov. For individuals experiencing gambling-related issues, confidential support is available through the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming's 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or by visiting ccpg.org. Additional information about self-exclusion programs and resources for those struggling with gambling addiction can be found at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming or ct.gov/selfexclusion. As regulatory authorities continue to uphold gaming laws in Connecticut, consumers are reminded to exercise caution and only engage with legally licensed online gaming platforms.

Japan may be ready to resume bidding for casino licenses next year in response to a gaming law that was issued in 2018. Seven years on, only a single casino license has been awarded to MGM Resorts International and construction is only just beginning. Meanwhile, there are still two licenses on offer, and millions of Japanese are reportedly gambling illegally online. Japan is reportedly thinking seriously about reopening its casino bidding process in 2025 to fulfill its 2018 gaming law, which allows for the development of up to three integrated resorts (IRs). With only one casino license awarded to date and millions of Japanese residents engaging in illegal online gambling, the government may be looking to accelerate the industry's expansion. Slow progress in Japan's casino industry In 2018, the National Diet approved legislation permitting large-scale casino resorts as part of a strategy to boost tourism and economic growth. However, seven years later, only a single casino license has been granted, and construction is just beginning. The slow progress can be attributed to the country's deliberate rulemaking procedures, the global pandemic, and economic challenges that deterred major casino operators. Initially, several high-profile firms, including Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Melco Resorts, Genting Group, Hard Rock International, and Galaxy Entertainment, expressed interest. However, by 2020, most of them had withdrawn due to uncertainties and rising costs. MGM Resorts International remained committed and was ultimately granted a license for an $8 billion development in Osaka, in partnership with Japan's Orix Corporation. Meanwhile, a proposal from Casinos Austria for a Nagasaki casino was rejected. Potential reopening of bidding According to experts, Japan could relaunch the bidding process for two additional IR licenses next year. However, the Japanese government has yet to make an official announcement. Industry analysts are questioning whether previously interested casino operators would be willing to revisit their investment plans in Japan. A major challenge lies in the increasing competition from Thailand, which is in the process of legalizing casino resorts in key locations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Companies such as Genting, Sands, Wynn, and MGM have all stated their interest in Thailand's market, which could divert investment away from Japan. "There are only a few quality bidders that have the financial strength to participate in more than one project," said a gaming sector executive. "Based on the terms as we know today, the Thai license will have priority." Illegal online gambling in Japan While Japan's land-based casino industry remains in its infancy, millions of residents are already engaging in online gambling through unregulated offshore websites. A recent report from the National Police Agency of Japan estimated that approximately 3.4 million individuals in the country gambled online in 2024, with many unaware that their activity was illegal. Authorities reported that around ¥1.24 trillion or US$8.4 billion was wagered online last year. The study found that roughly 40% of online gamblers did not realize their actions violated Japanese law. Furthermore, three-quarters of online players started on free social casino sites and apps before transitioning to real-money gaming. To mitigate the potential social harms associated with legal gambling, Japan has implemented strict regulations for its upcoming casino industry. Residents will be required to pay an entrance fee of ¥6,000 or US$40 and will be subject to limits on the number of times they can visit a casino each month. The future of Japan's casino market As Japan contemplates reopening the bidding process, the government must weigh several factors, including industry interest, competition from Thailand, and concerns over illegal online gambling. While MGM Resorts is pushing ahead with its Osaka project, the fate of additional casino developments remains uncertain. If Japan proceeds with a second round of bidding, it will need to demonstrate clear regulatory guidelines and financial incentives to attract top-tier operators. With billions of dollars potentially at stake, the coming year will be crucial in shaping the future of Japan's casino industry.

Patrick Kane can retire today and he’ll be hailed as one fof the best players to ever play the game at this point in time. He has three Stanley Cup trophies to his name, a handful of MVPs, and a lot of records set in his glorious run in the NHL that seems to be quite the promising resume for an Hall of Famer at this point in time. So when Kane returned to action coming off an injury for the Detroit Red Wings, one can say that he is actually showing a lot of hope in his games with the way he has played – 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in his past 13 games for the team. That’s just absurd considering that he’s already 36, not that we’re discounting how impressive Alex Ovechkin has been in his chase for the NHL’s record in most goals scored. Detroit remains a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, and Kane is definitely living up to his “Showtime” nickname with the way he has impressed night in and night out for the team, which says a lot about what should fans expect from him as he moves towards a deeper push in his career. Pushing His Limits One can easily forget that Kane also had a hip resurfacing surgery back in 2023 – that is just one among so many injuries he suffered in his career. The star had hip impingement, grinding bone on bone – which saw the femoral head trimmed and capped with metal, and no player has ever managed to excel in their return after that kind of surgery – save for Kane. For head coach Todd McLellan, this is just another display of elite hockey play from Kane, who aspires to be one of the legends of the game, despite having a strong case for that end. “I just think that he loves playing hockey still,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “He comes and he wants to play, and he wants the puck and he wants it to make plays. Does it always go perfect? No. But he can’t wait to get back on the ice again, and that excitement to play remains there in a player that could just say, ‘I’m full. I’ve got my Cups. I’m going to the Hall of Fame.’ He knows that. We all know that. He could say ‘I’m secure in my life.’ But the hunger’s still there.” Last season, Kane finished with 47 points in just 50 games, coming off 20 goals and 27 assists. This season? Kane has similar numbers at 46 points on 17 goals and 29 assists in 56 games as of the time of writing. He did sit out two games – but both correlated to his upper-body injury and not the hip issue. Adding to a Legendary Career For those who don’t know, Kane already has 1,330 points on 488 goals and 842 assists in 1,287 games. He already has the chance to become the highest scoring American player in the history of the league as he also trails two Detroit legends in Brett Hull, who had 1,391 points, and Mike Modano, who had 1,374 points. Considering the pace that Kane is riding on, one can expect that he will be coming in for those numbers, and he can certainly keep on going considering how well he has performed in every single game for the Red Wings, who are pacing on the 11th spot with a 32-29-6 record so far.

Nikola Jokic closed out the ordeal against the Washington Wizards in a 126-123 loss, and it proved to be quite a disappointing game as he had a historic night, only to be upset and be overshadowed by Jordan Poole’s game-winning three in the dying seconds of the game. What’s worse is that it also has some serious implications on the Serbian’s odds for the MVP. It can be remembered that the Nuggets have split its back-to-back clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder just a few days back, and which means that the MVP race is just as it is considering how the Nuggets have been disappointing as of late. Jokic, for his own sake, has been impressive, but MVPs are related to winning, which just says a lot about how Jokic’s own case is quite shaky. With the Nuggets losing to the Wizards not just in the recent game, but the whole season series, it does seem that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may well be indeed on his way to win that MVP award that he should have won earlier. After all, the odds follow the same trend, and it is expected that it would even end up as a unanimous win. Losing to the Wizards The Wizards won its 15th game of the season in that thriller against the Nuggets. Jordan Poole took a shot from almost half court and drilled it with just a few ticks of a second left. Of course, one can argue that no one can do almost nothing on a game winner, but then, the Nuggets aren’t a losing team themselves. They are, in fact, one of the contenders in the Western Conference with a chance to vie for the second seed at best. So how did they find themselves on that spot? Alexandre Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, didn’t really have a consistent season at all. The big man was averaging a meager 12.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 39.2% shooting from the field. For a big man, his shooting percentages are low, and being one of the lead scoring options for the Wizards isn’t being capitalized much. Sarr would go on to drop a career-high 34 points, six rebounds, and five assists – including 5-9 from three in that win against the Nuggets. It’s normal for a player to have a breakout game, but who was guarding him? Nikola Jokic. Defense wins games, and that isn’t exactly Jokic’s brand to begin with – but hey, Joker dropped 40 points on 16-30 shooting, including 13 rebounds and nine assists. It is a historic feat on top of so many massive stat lines that the Nuggets star has dropped for this season. But if it’s costing them winnable games – let alone against the worst team in the NBA right now? That’s not MVP-caliber. For comparison, OKC has defeated the Wizards twice, and dropped 27 and 41 points in those games, respectively. But what matters here is the win, against a tanking team that is being criticized for its lack of competitiveness. The MVP Odds As of the time of writing, it is no surprise that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still leads the MVP race with odds of -450 to Jokic’s +320. They are already way ahead of almost every single MVP candidate this season, and it just means that it is going down between the two stars as it did in the previous campaign – where Jokic won his third MVP. Jokic continues to be impressive on the season – he’s averaging a triple-double of 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists as of the time of writing. He’s also setting and shattering records that have been untouched for some time now, but so is SGA, which may be pivotal in what the race will look like in the final weeks.

It seems that the youngster galore continues in the ATP Tour now more than ever. Jack Draper proved that he has what it takes to shine on the big stage of the ATP Tour when he made short work of Holger Rune in the final of the Indian Wells Masters, coming up with elite plays and massive serves before closing out his opponent in two straight sets at 6-2, 6-2. It was the biggest game of Draper’s career, and he did not fail to impress at all. After having a flurry of tough opponents in the earlier rounds, facing a big server like Rune did not bother Draper’s game at all. In fact, he was so confident that he dictated the pace for the whole match and kept Rune on his back foot for most of it. From every single baseline stroke to a precise serving game of his own, Draper showed why he deserved this success. This win has been an unprecedented push for Draper, who now appears to be the next iteration of the great Andy Murray as the next best British star who is on the rise with the way he is playing right now and ascending in the ATP Rankings now more than ever. Performance for the Ages Draper finished with the highest rating for any performer in the Indian Wells Masters this year with a 9.15 rating. The British star finished with a 43% steal score, 67% conversion score, and 33% in attack. That says a lot about how he has improved his level of play and proved that he can be quite the star considering how he’s a mere 23-year-old who is still learning to grasp his game even better. "It's incredible. I wasn't expecting this," Draper said moments after his one-hour, nine-minute victory. "I've put in a lot of work over time and I'm just so grateful and so happy to be out here to be able to play, my body being healthy, to feel great in my mind. All the work I've done over the last few years feels like it's coming together on the big stage and I can't put that into words." Winning Groove With the win, Draper now enters the top 10 scene and is now slated as the world no. 7 in the ATP Rankings. It can be remembered that this has been one of the best storied climbs in the season so far, as Draper had to beat two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Americans Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz in the previous rounds before capping off his game at the final. "I feel like I deserve it, in all honestly," Draper said of the milestone. "The amount of adversity I've been through, the amount of sacrifices, the amount of time that all the people around me have put into me and the hard work. It's an emotional feeling to know how much you've gone through and put in, and to be here now to say that I'm going be No. 7 in the world tomorrow, I can't tell you how much that means to me." The final of the Indian Wells was also the first time that an ATP Masters 1000 finale was fought between two players born in the 2000s, and first between players who are outside the top 10 since World No. 26 Cameron Norrie beat No. 36 Nikoloz Basilashvili in the 2021 Indian Wells final.

After a miserable season in 2024, it seems that the Cincinnati Bengals are still keen to come up with the best possible run while keeping all of their stars together as the team has now signed both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to multi-year deals with the hope of finally reaching the Super Bowl once more and establishing their dominance in the NFL. Both stars have agreed to sign four-year deals with the Bengals, which means that they will get to keep their high-powered offensive line that many teams in the league have envied for quite some time now. This double mega-deal by the Bengals is also a sign that the team is still keen on keeping its commitment to their star quarterback in Joe Burrow, who has returned to action last season but didn’t have much of a landmark impact than in his prior years. It can be remembered that Burrow wanted to keep the band together, and so Cincinnati honored their word and dropped massive deals to both Chase and Higgins. Now it is up to the star trio to finally work together for the years to come and ensure that they will have a bigger chance at proving that they are worth the money. Big Deals Come in Good Supply It has been a long time coming for Chase and this new deal. For starters, the WR has been named to the Pro Bowl in all of his first four seasons and was named All-Pro in the 2024 campaign after a drastic improvement that saw him get a triple crown with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. That kind of prolific and set of explosive performances has been quite impressive, and the Bengals definitely felt the need to match his value with more money too. Chase and the Bengals have already begun extension talks last preseason, and his massive game in the 2024 campaign already cemented what was claimed – that the WR is a huge talent to keep for the team. The Bengals waited long to put pen to paper, and they got a solid proof on that note. On the other hand, Higgins was an essential talent who has seen a similar long road before cashing in his best deal. The star just came off his fourth season with 900-plus receiving yards, a career-high 10 touchdown catches to cap off, increasing his Bengals totals of 4,595 yards and 34 TDs on 330 receptions. While his health has been a primary concern – especially when he missed five key games on the 2024 season – the Bengals have already seen enough from him back in 2020, and now they have added a franchise tag on him to keep him on the team for the years to come. Keeping Burrow Happy Of course, the goal of these big signings aside from staying competitive is to actually satisfy the requests of their star QB, Joe Burrow. The team had internal discussions with their star back then, and it seems that he wants another run with all of them at full strength. "We have to find a way to play better in September," Burrow said. "We didn't have Ja'Marr for training camp, we didn't have Tee for training camp for most of it. That's not an excuse. We've got to play better early on.” Since losing in the Super Bowl in 2021, nothing has been easy for the Bengals, but they are making sure that they have what it takes to prove their worth on the big stage, and these massive signings are just the start.

MGM Resorts International is reportedly cutting costs and boosting its earnings through different means. One strategy is by raising its ATM charges and fees and another is by moving and reusing furniture in the various resort properties instead of purchasing new desks and couches. MGM Resorts International is implementing a series of fee hikes and cost-saving measures to maximize earnings, mirroring strategies used in the airline industry. The hospitality and gaming company recently announced initiatives such as increased ATM fees and repurposing furniture across its properties, moves that follow earlier increases in parking and resort fees. Higher fees and operational adjustments At the JP Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant and Leisure Management Access Forum held the other week, MGM executives outlined their strategies to enhance profitability. Chief Executive Officer Bill Hornbuckle acknowledged that increasing ATM withdrawal fees is one of the company's latest revenue-generating moves. "If you've bellied up to an ATM machine lately, it wouldn't surprise you to know that those fees have gone up," Hornbuckle stated during the conference. He continued, "Some of it is fee-based on general volumes, and we were under-market in a couple of instances. We've positioned ourselves well and we're already seeing a return." The adjustments follow MGM's December announcement of increased resort and parking fees at all 12 of its Las Vegas Strip properties. Under the revised pricing structure, self-parking now costs $20 per day from Monday to Thursday, rising to $24 on weekends. The decision aligns with a wider industry trend of monetizing auxiliary services, a strategy long employed by airlines that charge for checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight meals. Potential revenue growth vs. customer backlash MGM's management expects the new fees and cost-cutting efforts to add approximately $200 million to the company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, with $150 million potentially being realized in 2025 alone. While these moves could strengthen MGM's financial performance, customer sentiment remains divided. On the popular Las Vegas Reddit forum, some users criticized the resort giant for prioritizing high-spending visitors while making its properties less accessible to budget-conscious travelers. Others voiced concerns that the increased fees could deter both tourists and local residents from choosing MGM properties. The rise in ATM fees is also sparking discontent among visitors. Previously, MGM's ATM fees were lower than those of rival Caesars Entertainment, the second-largest operator on the Las Vegas Strip. However, with MGM now aligning its fees more closely with competitors, customers may find themselves paying between $10 and $20 per transaction before additional charges from their banks. Furniture recycling: a cost-saving initiative In addition to raising fees, MGM is cutting costs through operational efficiencies, including furniture recycling across its properties. Instead of purchasing new furnishings, the company is reallocating furniture from renovated rooms at one resort to another. For instance, as part of the $300 million renovation of MGM Grand, furniture and fixtures from the resort are being relocated to Excalibur. Similarly, some high-end pieces from Bellagio have been moved to the Luxor in previous cost-saving efforts. "We're going to reduce the age of our rooms from nine years a few years ago to four years now, and that will allow us to sustain growth in average daily room rates and retention of high-value group business," said MGM Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard at the conference. While the move enhances the overall quality of MGM's properties, frequent guests may notice familiar furniture appearing in multiple locations. Whether this cost-cutting measure affects customer perceptions of MGM's luxury brand remains to be seen. The future of MGM's strategy MGM's approach to increasing revenue and trimming expenses reflects an industry shift toward optimizing non-gaming income. As Las Vegas casinos continue to rely on entertainment, dining, and hospitality for a significant portion of their earnings, strategies like fee hikes and resource reallocation are likely to persist. However, customer pushback could prompt adjustments to these policies in the future. While high-end clientele may be less sensitive to rising fees, casual tourists and locals could reconsider their loyalty to MGM properties. The long-term impact of these initiatives will depend on how well the company balances profitability with guest satisfaction.

Bet365 has finally launched sports betting in Illinois and Tennessee after months of speculation. The gaming giant made its debut in Tennessee just last week, while it also launched in Illinois a few days prior after securing a license in February and December, respectively. After months of anticipation, bet365 has officially launched online sports betting in Tennessee last week, mere days after making its debut in Illinois. This expansion marks a great milestone for the renowned sports betting operator as it strengthens its footprint in the highly competitive US market. bet365 was granted an online sports betting license by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council last February of 2025, paving the way for last week's official launch. Meanwhile, the company secured its Illinois management service provider license from the Illinois Gaming Control Board in December of 2024, allowing it to operate both online and retail sports betting in the Prairie State. With these two new markets, bet365 is now live in a total of 13 states, further marking its position as a major player in the sports betting sector. bet365's expansion plans months in the making Speculation about bet365's US expansion intensified in December of 2024 when the Illinois Gaming Control Board approved the operator for a management service provider license. Through a strategic collaboration with Walker's Bluff Casino Resort, bet365 can now offer retail and online sports betting in Illinois, joining an already competitive market. Walker's Bluff Casino Resort, which was granted a master sports betting license, provides bet365 with a strong retail presence in Illinois, where the sports betting industry continues to thrive. Illinois currently has nine online sports betting operators, making it one of the most active betting markets in the country. In 2024 alone, Illinois online sports betting generated over $13.5 billion. By entering the state, bet365 positions itself to tap into a well-established and highly profitable sports betting ecosystem. Tennessee's online-only betting market welcomes bet365 While Illinois offers both online and retail betting, Tennessee is unique in that it only allows online sports betting. Since launching its sports betting market in November of 2020, Tennessee has consistently posted strong wagering figures. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Council approved bet365’s sports betting license on February 11, 2025, making it one of 13 approved operators in the state. The timing of bet365's Tennessee launch is strategic, as the state has seen record-breaking betting numbers in early 2025. In the first two months of this year alone, Tennessee sports bettors have bet almost $1 billion. The state has also collected more than $17.6 million in tax revenues during this period. With bet365 now in the mix, these numbers are expected to rise even further. Launch is ideal for March Madness' influx of bets One of the key factors influencing bet365's launch timeline in both Illinois and Tennessee is the NCAA March Madness tournament. The annual college basketball tournament, set to begin on March 18, is one of the biggest sports betting events in the US, drawing millions of wagers from sports fans across the country. While bet365 kept its launch plans relatively private, industry insiders speculated that the operator was aiming to be operational in both states before the tournament tipped off. This speculation was confirmed by the director of engagement for the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, David Smith, who stated that a bet365 representative had expressed a desire to launch before the start of March Madness. With the upcoming tournament, bet365's new customers in Illinois and Tennessee can now place wagers on their favorite teams and claim exclusive bonus offers. A growing US presence for bet365 bet365's latest expansion demonstrates the company's commitment to growing its presence in the US sports betting market. With operations now in 13 states and a strong reputation as a global sports betting leader, bet365 is well-poised to compete with other major sportsbooks in the industry. As the company continues its expansion, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how bet365 performs in these new markets. With Illinois and Tennessee offering promising opportunities, the operator's next move could further mark its status as a dominant force in American sports betting.

This Spring Training has shown so much potential from the Chicago Cubs roster, and it cannot be denied that the club is so happy to see that there are a lot of impressive talents who are capable of putting up huge numbers on the field. Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of those efficient players who are showing great performances so far. If Spring Training wasn’t enough to see how Crow-Armstrong has elevated his game, then perhaps the season will be the next best thing to gauge his possible performances now more than ever. With a lot of prospects, veterans, and new signings trying to leave their mark at this point, and it is safe to say that Crow-Armstrong’s development has been really phenomenal. This high level of play from Crow-Armstrong is just really impressive. His potential exceeds expectations, and he is shattering the standards set before him as he now seeks to prove that he is indeed one of the valuable stars in the team that they can rely on heading into the season. Who knows, maybe Crow-Armstrong is an MVP in the making for the Cubs, and may well be the missing piece they need to allocate in order to get back into the postseason. Lights Never Too Bright Pete Crow-Armstrong is turning heads this Spring Training, showcasing his remarkable talent and making a strong case for a spot on the Chicago Cubs’ roster. The 21-year-old outfielder is having an outstanding start, posting an eye-popping .520/.500/1.040 slash line with 10 RBIs, nine runs, three home runs, and only seven strikeouts through nine games. Crow-Armstrong has been nothing short of dominant at the plate, with a staggering 1.540 OPS, demonstrating his power and discipline against some of the best pitchers in the game. His performance has not only impressed the Cubs’ coaching staff but also added to the growing excitement surrounding his potential future with the team. “My place here is a little more meaningful,” the 22-year-old said this spring. “And I’m so glad to be out of the prospect status. This offseason was a full focus on finding something that's consistent, just a consistent move. Because I know the pitching is not gonna be any easier.” With the Cubs looking to rebuild and compete for the postseason, Crow-Armstrong's fast rise could be a key piece in their future success. Fans are eager to see whether his breakout performance in camp will earn him a call-up sooner rather than later. If this Spring Training is any indication, the Cubs may have another rising star on their hands. Giving Credit for Himself Crow-Armstrong has certainly evolved into a phenomenal performer this Spring Training, and the numbers say a lot about his activity. Sure, his hitting has really been quite the charm, but then his value in wearing the gloves and wheels is also something that he needs to work out on if he wants to be a big star. “I didn't think I played all that good defense last year,” said Crow-Armstrong. “I felt like I lost it for a while last year and then got it back. I just don't think I gave myself enough credit. I don't think I was able to remind myself that I'm the same defender. If anything, that's the one thing that is the most similar to what happens in the minor leagues.” The Cubs are gearing up for their season-opening series against the Dodgers in Tokyo, marking an exciting start to what could be a memorable season on the North Side. However, for Crow-Armstrong, who dreamed of playing in front of a packed Wrigley Field long before it became a reality, Chicago's home opener on April 4 can't arrive soon enough.

For the 12th time since 2010, the Oklahoma City Thunder have captured its spot in the playoff stage, setting them as the team with the second-most playoff appearances in that span – trailing behind the Boston Celtics, which is the team they defeated last Wednesday to clinch the postseason. However, this just shadows what the Thunder has been able to achieve this season so far. It is shaping to be the best in franchise history and may well be on the pace for a whopping total of 70 wins, and it says a lot about how successful it has been for them now more than ever. That all came to fruition even in a season full of injuries to the team, and that’s just a massive thing to see. Sure, the Cleveland Cavaliers are breaking records too, but the Thunder have become really a dominant force in the Western Conference, and stand at 22-1 against the Eastern Conference – losing only once to the Cavs. Now more than ever, this is a landmark campaign for the Thunder, and one can expect to see more from the team as they try to run it back and finally win it all. A Massive Win Versus Boston The Thunder came into Boston coming off a 140-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets in their second night of a doubleheader. OKC rode into the road trip without one of its All-Stars Jalen Williams and a defensive stalwart in Alex Caruso. The Celtics, on the other hand, were missing the services of Kristaps Porzingis, but were riding on a five-game winning streak nevertheless. OKC and Boston battled it out for most of the game, and neither team was giving up a significant lead – at least until the second half when the Thunder turned up the ante and went on to shut down Boston’s three-point shooting, which helped them close out a massive victory on the road. That win allowed OKC to become the only Western Conference team to beat the Celtics twice, and the only team to sweep the season series against the defending champions. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an efficient MVP night of 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 11-20 shooting, but it cannot be denied that Chet Holmgren’s 23-point, 15-rebound night proved to be a pivotal factor in helping OKC set up a fantastic victory against a great team. What’s Next For OKC? OKC now continues its final road trip in the Eastern Conference, with showdowns against the red-hot Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks in the next two games before returning home. The Thunder is on the pace to break the 60-22 record set by the 2012-13 iteration of the team, and they still even have 16 games left to play in the season, which means they can also go for 70 wins. The Thunder have waited for quite some time to see yet another iteration of the team that can compete at this level, which says a lot about the consistency of the team. Now all the hope for the team is to keep up this level of play, and finally secure an NBA Finals appearance for the first time since 2012. Who knows, maybe the Oklahoma City Thunder will also get to score an NBA Finals win for the first time ever since moving to OKC. They do share the same history with the now defunct Seattle Supersonics, but one can say that since moving into Oklahoma since 2008, the Thunder has seen a better history than its predecessor so far.

The highly-anticipated March Madness is all set to start next week, and according to the American Gaming Association, the college basketball tournaments are predicted to draw an expected $3.1 billion in legal and regulated bets. However, the AGA also stated that more money will be wagered illegally in unlicensed sports betting sites. The highly anticipated 2025 March Madness men's and women's college basketball tournaments tip off next week, with an expected surge in betting activity. According to projections from the American Gaming Association, legal wagers on this year's tournament are set to reach an estimated $3.1 billion, reflecting a significant increase in the popularity of regulated sports betting. While the departure of superstar Caitlin Clark means the women's tournament may not see the same heightened interest as last year, the AGA has predicted that legal sportsbooks will take in approximately $400 million more than in 2024. The projected total for March Madness betting is also more than double the estimated $1.4 billion wagered on the Super Bowl last month. Despite the surge in legal sports betting, the number of states permitting it remains unchanged from last year. As of March of 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 states plus Washington, DC. And although Missouri voters approved sports wagering in November, the state has yet to launch its regulated sports betting market. The AGA attributes the continued rise in legal wagering to the public's growing confidence in regulated sportsbooks. "March Madness is one of the most exciting times in American sports, with fans fired up for both the men's and women's NCAA tournaments," stated AGA's senior vice president of strategic communications, Jay Maloney. "As legal wagering expands across the US, more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly." Unregulated betting to surpass legal wagers While legal betting is projected to hit record levels, local bookies and offshore sportsbooks are expected to handle billions more in unregulated wagers. The AGA no longer releases exact estimates on illegal betting, but in 2023, it projected that unlawful bets exceeded $12 billion. Additionally, millions of dollars will be staked in office pools and friendly bracket challenges, reinforcing March Madness as a peak event for sports betting, both legally and illegally. Duke leads the pack as tournament favorite With Selection Sunday set for 6pm EST, anticipation is building over which teams will make deep tournament runs. Currently, top-ranked Duke remains the betting favorite to claim the men's national championship, with BetMGM giving the Blue Devils +320 odds (an implied 23.8% probability) to win their sixth title - and their first in a decade. Auburn follows closely behind at +350, while Florida (+600), and Houston (+800) as well as Alabama (+1200) round out the top five contenders. Defending champion UConn is listed as a long shot at +6000. On the women's portion, South Carolina is the frontrunner to defend its title, with odds set at +260. Connecticut, bolstered by the return of two-time All-American Paige Bueckers and the addition of top recruit Sarah Strong, follows at +280. Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC each have +550 odds, making them strong contenders as well. AGA urges responsible betting With betting activity set to reach unprecedented levels, the AGA reminds gamblers to engage in responsible sports betting. The organization's 'Have A Game Plan' initiative encourages players to set and adhere to a budget, approach wagering as entertainment, understand the odds and risks, and use only licensed and regulated sportsbooks. A key principle added to the program in December - 'Keep Your Cool' - emphasizes the responsibility of bettors to refrain from harassing players, referees, coaches, or others involved in the games. "The result of a bet - win or lose - is not an invitation to criticize... online or in person," the AGA stated in its latest advisory. As March Madness unfolds, millions of fans will be placing their bets and filling out their brackets. Whether through legal channels or underground means, the tournament is set to be one of the biggest betting events of the year.