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Someone has hit the jackpot: a Michigan player (who will remain anonymous, and for good reason), just secured a substantial win at DraftKings – an amazing $1.2 million from the slot game Cash Eruption. But it seems that the player isn’t the only one who has won big in the Great Lakes state – he follows in the heels of another player who also took home the big prize in Blackjack 4, and other lucky winners in slot games like Cleopatra II and 777 Surge. A fortunate player from Michigan has struck it big in DraftKings Casino, winning a colossal $1.2 million jackpot. The announcement came through a post on the casino's X social media platform, and while the identity of the lucky winner remains anonymous, it was revealed that they won the massive prize while playing the popular slot game Cash Eruption. Cash Eruption, a slot with a fruit theme developed by IGT, is well-loved in the online gaming community. According to monthly reports by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, which analyze data from 30 online casinos across six US markets (including Michigan), Cash Eruption is one of the top-performing slot games. The game features a 5x3 layout along with 20 paylines, high volatility, and a 96% RTP. Aside from this, players can enjoy a variety of bonus features, including Scatters, free spins, Wilds, bonus respins, and a total four different Jackpots. Celebrating a year of big wins for MI players This year has been truly exceptional for MI players – and it’s only the middle of 2024! Michigan players have had a remarkable year on DraftKings Casino, with numerous big wins. While the million-dollar mark isn't reached every month, they have consistently secured significant jackpots. In May, for instance, a MI player won almost $800K on Cleopatra, while another lucky player landed a $576,163 jackpot on Ultra Blazing Fire Link. But it's not just in slot games where Michigan players have found success. In May, an anonymous player won almost $500K on Blackjack 4, and other substantial wins include $711,852 on DraftKings Multihand Blackjack and $482,453 on another blackjack game, Hockey Blackjack. But it doesn’t end there: the recent $1.2 million jackpot win at June’s end adds to a prolonged series of impressive victories for Michigan players in 2024. Earlier in the year, two players won $1,598,396 on 777 Surge and $1,653,849 on Cleopatra II, both in January. Except for April, when the largest jackpot was $100,000, virtually every month has seen significant wins by Michigan players across various games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. DraftKings: a leading operator in Michigan DraftKings has firmly established itself as a top online casino in Michigan (as in other states, for that matter). According to data on revenue, it ranks as the third-best operator in the state, with $34.9 million reported for May 2024, just in revenue alone - even in what was considered a weaker month. DraftKings maintains a larger share of the market compared to BetRivers (in 4th place) and Caesars Palace Online (in 5th place). Since launching in Michigan in 2021, DraftKings has already offered a vast array of gaming options, including thousands of slot games, progressive jackpots, and exclusive RNG games and live table games. The operator is also known for its competitive promotions and highly rated casino apps. The recent $1.2 million jackpot win is a testament to the excitement and potential rewards available to players on DraftKings Casino. As Michigan's online gambling market continues to grow, players can look forward to even more thrilling opportunities to win big. Whether it's spinning the reels of popular slots like Cash Eruption or trying their luck at live dealer and table games, Michigan gamblers have plenty of reasons to stay engaged and optimistic about their chances on any casino game at DraftKings.

There are a lot of NBA insiders for many teams, and it is easy to spot various trades, moves and different signings in just a snap. However, when it comes to Oklahoma City, even the likes of Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania are having a tough time to deliver the breaking news, and the Thunder has made moves even before the two insiders announced it. Oklahoma City has brought in New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein on a three-year deal, while guards Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were extended to a new deal that would see them stay for more years with the Thunder but on a cheaper budget which allows the team to be flexible in its moves heading into the rest of the offseason. The Thunder have had $35 million in its salary cap to use in the free agency market, and it does seem that the team have done a great job to make the necessary moves – all without losing a 1st round pick. That just shows you how much of a genius Thunder GM Sam Presti really is when it comes to building his roster for the coming season. Hartenstein Brings Flexibility for the Thunder’s Rotation After a promising playoff campaign with the New York Knicks, Hartenstein brings his talents to Oklahoma City with a three-year, $87 million deal. The German-American big man earned starting minutes after Mitchell Robinson was lost due to ankle injuries in the playoffs. In 75 games last season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. Hartenstein addresses Oklahoma City’s issues on the boards, where they were ranked 27th in rebounds per game and 28th in rebound percentage. Despite those issues, the Thunder have finished with the best record in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record, eventually losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games. With Hartenstein added, OKC hopes to finally remove the weakness of rebounding in their game. At the age of 26, Hartenstein seems to be one of the best bigs in the game. He can go off as a playmaker, rebound the ball, and defend well with his length. Let’s not forget that Hartenstein also shot 64% from the field, including 33.3% from three, which makes him a perfect fit for Oklahoma City’s system. Joe and Wiggins Return as Role Players for OKC Fans were definitely pleased with the Hartenstein signing (although some others claim that he was overpaid). However, what thrilled Thunder fans most was the renewals of both Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who were impressive role players for the Thunder in the crucial 2023-24 run. At the age of 25, Wiggins averaged 6.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the previous season while shooting 56.2% from the field and 49.2% from three. The guard was a spark plug off the bench and has blended well with his two-way performances with the team. The Thunder declined his $2 million player option and has agreed to a long-term deal for five years, worth $47 million. On the other hand, Isaiah Joe, averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 45.8% shooting from the field, including 41.6% from three. OKC has offered him instead a four-year, $48 million deal that will see him embrace a promising shooter role for the team moving forward.

After a successful knee surgery in early June, it does seem that Djokovic is up and running at 100% after he nailed an easy win in his first round against Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva to take his game to the second round of Wimbledon, which will see him play against Jacob Fearnley. Djokovic is yet to win a tournament in the 2024 ATP Tour, and he is definitely chasing bigger glory with Wimbledon now in play. At the age of 37, Djokovic showed a lot of poise – as if he didn’t even encounter any discomfort after that surgery as he outlasted Kopriva in a one-hour, 58-minute showdown under the Centre Court roof. It was a promising performance from Djokovic, who has improved to a 19-0 record in his first-round matches at SW19. Djokovic has been one of the fiercest stars to ever grace the grass courts of Wimbledon, and he continued to dominate on the big stage like nothing has changed. The last time Djokovic played at Wimbledon, the Serbian star lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Grand Slam. Djokovic’s Impressive Start Novak Djokovic has maintained a perfect record in the first round with his win over Kopriva. It was an easy game for him as he took control of the match right from the start, breaking his opponent’s serve at least twice in each set to tally the big win. The Serbian star wrapped up the match after winning 90% of the points behind his first serve, going 35/39 in that stretch. “It was very good. I was very pleased with the way I moved on the court today,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “Obviously coming into Wimbledon this year, it was a little bit of a different circumstance for me because of the knee. I didn’t know how everything was going to unfold on the court really. Practice sessions are quite different to official match play, so I’m just extremely glad about the way I played and the way I felt today.” Djokovic is slated to take on Jacob Fearnley in the second round, who is a wild card winner. The Serbian star has also improved to a 19-6 record for the year, and his campaign for his eighth total Wimbledon title remains very much alive, which would tie Roger Federer’s record should he win big. Focusing on the Game As said before, Djokovic had a knee surgery prior to the tournament back in June. The Serbian star still moved well as if it wasn’t there. He did wear a sleeve on his right knee to protect it just in case that he would make some unwanted dives to save the ball. He is indeed playing with a carefree style and a controlled one, but one can say that his focus on the game remains unparalleled even with the surgery still fresh. “I tried to really focus on the game and not really think too much about the knee,” said Djokovic. “Everything I could possibly do, I have done, along with my team, in the past three and a half weeks in order to give myself a chance to be able to play. I think if it was for any other tournament, I probably wouldn’t risk it or rush it as much, but I just love Wimbledon.” Wimbledon is a chance for Djokovic to make another daring leap in the ATP Rankings. As of the time of writing, the Serbian star has already seen some points deduction as he hasn’t won any tournaments this Tour yet. He currently sits at the 2nd spot with 8,360 points behind Jannik Sinner (9,890), but still ahead of Carlos Alcaraz (8,130).

July 2, 2024 – The much anticipated World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) is here with the initial release date for the poker community to look forward to. The 20th circuit season begins on July 17th at Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. This event is simultaneous to the last day of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) which is set to make a comeback in the same venue come October. Main Circuit Schedule The WSOPC calendar for 2024 includes 18 stops, 13 of which are in the US and 5 of which are abroad. That covers eight US states as well as five distinct nations. A few of the most well-liked locations for Circuit players have returned, including Harrah's Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina, which is hosting events in November and August. The only other casino with numerous stops during the 2024 phase is Choctaw. Initial Kick Off Dates Casino Location Jul 17-28 Choctaw Casino Resort Durant, Oklahoma Aug 1-12 Harrah's Cherokee Cherokee, North Carolina Aug 15-26 Graton Resort & Casino Rohnert Park, California Sept 5-16 Horseshoe Council Bluffs Council Bluffs, Iowa Sept 19-30 Horseshoe Hammond Hammond, Indiana Sept 26-Oct 7 Thunder Valley Casino Resort Lincoln, California Oct 10-21 Isle of Capri Pompano Beach, Florida Oct 17-28  Caesars Southern Indiana Elizabeth, Indiana Oct 24-Nov 4 Harveys Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe, Nevada Oct 30-Nov 11 Choctaw Casino Resort Durant, Oklahoma Nov 7-18 Grand Victoria Casino Chicago, Illinois Nov 14-25 Commerce Casino Los Angeles, California Nov 28-Dec 9 Harrah's Cherokee Cherokee, North Carolina One of the more notable poker events was when Dong Meng won the $1 million freeroll Tournament of Champions. This victory gave him the first gold bracelet of the 2024 World Series of Poker, for a whopping $200,000. It was a fantastic finale to the 2023–2024 WSOPC season at Commerce. Although complete schedules for every stop are unavailable, they will be in the upcoming weeks. However, there will be a minimum of twelve gold ring events at each stop, including a $1,700 Main Event (the buy-in for the Main Event at an overseas Circuit stop will differ). WSOP Online will provide monthly Circuit tournaments in addition to the live Circuit events. WSOP Circuit International Schedule Here is the schedule for the upcoming WSOP Circuit international events, featuring venues in Europe and North America.  Dates Casino Location Jul 19-28 Olympic Park Casino Tallinn, Estonia Aug 7-19 Deerfoot Inn and Casino Calgary, Canada Aug 19-Sept 3 Playground Poker Club Quebec, Canada Oct 16-29 King's Resort Rozvadov, Czech Republic Nov 1-11 Casino Sanremo Sanremo, Italy The full schedule is yet to be announced, stay tuned at GambleSpot to get more updates on this ongoing story.

July 2, 2024 – The annual Triple Crown is a season for horse bettors and horse racing enthusiasts to come together and place wagers on the best of the best horses in the country. This year, the Triple Crown season saw a record handle of the new customers in the thousands. FanDuel reported significant growth in all areas of its product line between the Belmont Stakes, Preakness, and Kentucky Derby. More than 800,000 customers have wagered on the Triple Crown through its online sportsbook, FanDuel Racing app, and TVG horse betting app, executives informed LSR on Tuesday. A 10% handle increase via the three FanDuel platforms was driven by a 15% increase in total players over the previous year's Triple Crown. However, FanDuel did not give a precise amount of money. Andrew Moore, GM of FanDuel Racing did share that “It was a great Triple Crown driven by having horse racing in (the sportsbook app.)” In terms of expanding operations, Moore said “What we will be tracking going forward is whether horse racing would be something we make prominent in the sportsbook on an evergreen basis or only at select moments through the year.” Direct Access to Site Sky Rockets Through the FanDuel Sportsbook, more than 550,000 bettors directly on the Triple Crown, an increase of 20% from the previous year. FanDuel numbers increased when legal sports betting in Kentucky became available for the first time during a Kentucky Derby. Sign-ups also saw a spike from broadcast deals between New York Racing Association (NYRA) and FOX Sports. While NYRA did not give any numbers on the Belmont Stakes sign up, they did mention that registration shot up by 159% to since 2022, which was the year FOX began airing the race. Regular Programming FOX Sports will be the network that NYRA continues to air during the summer. As they have done since 2016, the duo will host Saratoga Live, a program centered around betting, every race day. The major races around the country, including this year's DraftKings-sponsored Travers Stakes on August 24, will be televised on Saturdays on FOX.

A Michigan woman is taking legal action against the MGM Grand Detroit casino after it refused to pay out a $127,000 jackpot she won playing progressive blackjack, accusing her instead of trespassing. The plaintiff, Denise Ezell, 65, has been a regular at the casino for over two decades, predominantly experiencing losses during her visits. On October 30 of 2023, Ezell visited the casino with a friend to enjoy a session at the progressive blackjack tables. If you weren't aware yet, this version of blackjack allows players to place side bets, hoping their two cards will combine with the dealer’s to prompt a jackpot. Ezell's winning hand featured the king and jack of spades, while the dealer revealed the queen and ace of spades, resulting in a four-card straight flush that qualified her for the substantial payout. Ezell felt exhilarated and she recounted to The Detroit Free Press that they were high-fiving, and even the dealer was excited. In fact, everyone around them was excited because no one had ever seen anyone win such a large jackpot. A jackpot prize that went awry However, when Ezell submitted her driver's license as identification, the casino management informed her that she would not receive the payout because she was trespassing. She was then asked to leave the premises. The controversy stems from an incident in 2015 when Ezell was banned from the casino after being reproached for panhandling. But Ezell insists the situation was a misunderstanding - she explains that she had had an argument with her cousin, who had refused to lend her money after she started losing, despite their prearranged agreement to support each other financially when gambling together. According to Ezell, casino security misinterpreted this argument as her soliciting money from a stranger. Upon being escorted out in 2015, Ezell claims she asked the security guard about the duration of the ban and was told it might last "maybe 24 or 48 hours." The lawsuit asserts that Ezell received no formal notification from the casino - via phone call, email, text message, or even letter - that she was banned from the property. In the interim, Ezell continued to visit the casino hundreds of times, with the establishment consistently accepting her money. A communication error - and a complete disappointment In the days following her big win, Ezell contacted the casino and spoke with a staff member who assured her not to worry about the trespassing claim and that her jackpot would be processed. However, the same staff member later informed her that the issue had escalated beyond his authority. Ezell expressed her disappointment, saying, "I just thought when you won, they would pay you. When you lose, they take your damn money." As of Thursday, the MGM Grand stated that it had not yet been formally served with the lawsuit and therefore could not comment on the matter. Ezell described the casino's justification for withholding her winnings as "bull***t." The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate about the rights of gamblers and the responsibilities of casinos, especially in cases where longstanding patrons face ambiguous or poorly communicated bans. Ezell's case will likely draw attention to how casinos enforce such bans and manage disputes involving large payouts. As the legal proceedings unfold, Ezell hopes for a resolution that will see her rewarded for her luck at the blackjack table - and for casinos to handle similar situations with greater transparency and fairness in the future.

Last June 27, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board brought stakeholders up-to-date on the issuing of three casino concessions located downstate. This announcement has significant implications for the future of gaming in New York City and its surrounding areas. A brief history of the concession: in 2013, New York residents voted to amend the state constitution in order to permit the operation of commercial casinos. This vote then authorized a total of four casinos upstate and three casinos located downstate. However, the downstate casino concessions were 10 years delayed to allow the upstate casino properties to create their customer bases. But with the suspension on the downstate casino licenses now over, a bevy of interested casino developers have prepared their bids amounting to billions of dollars. Many lawmakers in the state have pleaded with Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Gaming Facility Location Board to accelerate the process. It turns out that the licenses were meant to be awarded this year, but in March, the state agency said that the process would more than likely be delayed once again and start as late as 2025. This week, the Board gave guidance on when the much-awaited downstate licenses will be granted, which may not be welcomed by those wishing to get the resorts operating as soon as possible. Timeline released for downstate casino concessions The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has released a comprehensive timeline for the much-anticipated downstate casino licenses. Applications for these licenses are due by the 27th of June, 2025, setting the stage for a competitive and transformative period for New York's gaming industry. Every qualified bid will be assigned a six-person Community Advisory Committee comprising Governor Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and it will also include the relevant borough president, assemblyperson, state senator, and lastly, the city councilor. These committees play a crucial role, as every casino proposal must secure the endorsement of its respective CAC by the 30th of September, 2025. Vicki Been, Chair of the Gaming Facility Location Board, emphasized the importance of this timeline, stating, "This timeline encompasses all legal requirements that potential bidders must meet before we may evaluate applications. This roadmap also gives communities ample opportunity to have their voices heard, establishes a level playing field among multiple competitors, and affords serious applicants the opportunity to participate in a lucrative and transformational process." Following the submission of bids with CAC backing, the Board will spend the months of October and November reviewing the proposals. The winners will be announced by December 1, and the victorious casino bids must pay their $500 million license fees to the state by December 31, 2025. In addition to CAC endorsement, casino applicants must complete various entitlement processes, including getting zoning signatures and land-use permits. The Board notes that extending the application deadline to June 27 of next year helps level the playing field for some bids still navigating local approvals for their projects. The difficulties faced by several applicants The Board states that there are at least four publicly known potential applicants "not currently able to avail themselves of the zoning change due to specific requirements not covered by the amendment, including mapping changes, grading, or revocable consent to construct over streets." In addition, the Board was recently advised by the New York City Department of City Planning that the four impacted firms expect to emerge from the zoning process by the end of June next year. The Board also highlighted the importance of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. The SEQR is designed to identify any prospective harmful environmental effects of the actions, evaluate their significance, and propose different measures to mitigate their impacts. Applicants must substantially complete their respective environmental reviews by the end of June, 2025. Leading players revealed Among the frontrunners for these licenses are Genting and MGM Resorts, whose video lottery racinos - Resorts World in Queens and Empire City in Yonkers, respectively - are all set to become full-blown casinos featuring live dealer table games, sportsbooks, and slots, reminiscent of Las Vegas. But other notable companies vying for downstate licenses include big names such as Wynn Resorts, Hard Rock International, Bally's, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Mohegan. The extended timeline grants these potential bidders the opportunity to address the complex requirements involved in obtaining the necessary approvals and completing environmental reviews. Needless to say, the competition for these downstate licenses is intense, with each bidder eager to secure a position in one of the most lucrative gaming markets in the country. As the process progresses, stakeholders will have ample opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns, ensuring that the development of these casinos will align with the interests of local communities and the state. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board’s updated timeline provides a clear path forward for this transformational process, setting the stage for significant developments in the downstate gaming industry in the coming years.

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The Nashville Predators have grabbed one of the biggest fish in the free agency market when they signed former Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos after the forward agreed to sign a four-year deal that would bring his talents to the different side. It is hard to imagine the 34-year-old in a different uniform given how he’s become the face of the Lightning, and yet here we are. The Tampa Bay Lightning were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the hands of the Florida Panthers in five games. After that, it did seem that Tampa Bay was hoping to see a promising change in their squad, but the cap space limits prevented them from offering another deal to Stamkos that would have seen him stay with the team fro at least four more years. This was quite expected after the Lightning went on to acquire the rights to forward star Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Tampa Bay went on to sign their new acquisition to a seven-year, $63 million deal, which meant that the budget would be tight to sign Stamkos further. A New Dawn for Stamkos As soon as the news broke out that Guentzel was signed by the Lightning, the Predators made an aggressive push to upgrade their roster by signing for Stamkos. The team also added the likes of Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and Scott Wedgewood to make it clear that they are gunning for the Stanley Cup Final. Stamkos inked a four-year deal worth $32 million with the Predators. He had a total of 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) in 79 games last season and six points (five goals, one assist) in five playoff games. “This was a unique experience for me for sure,” Stamkos said. “Something I hadn’t really done in my career. When you’re trying to navigate where you’re going to play, there’s certainly a lot of factors that go into that. One, being a competitive team. Two, going to an organization that’s committed to winning. Three, probably the most important part, is it a fit for you and your family? When you have young kids like I do, being in the right city has to make sense for them as well.” A Legacy Left By Stamkos At the age of 34, Stamkos was the face of the franchise – the captain, the team’s leading scorer, and two-time Stanley Cup champion. However, all of that faded away in a blink of an eye after the Lightning did not approach him to sign an extension last July 1st before the 2023-24 season began. It was a season where Stamkos finished with 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) in 81 games and won the Mark Messier Leadership Award. “After the season, I knew both sides were going to want to try to get something done and do something that was mutually beneficial for both sides,” Stamkos said. “It just felt like I was the one that was making a lot of the concessions. That certainly came into play.” Fans were left disappointed by the decision made by the management, but it was quite the choice to either supplant their roster with a promising star or hold on to nostalgia. They’ve had a great run with Stamkos in that back-to-back Stanley Cup Final finish, which certainly defined his success in the game with the Lightning. Now it is time to move on.

Five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson has moved on to the next chapter of his career after the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors, which marks the end of an era of the Dubs Dynasty. Thompson now has a chance to enjoy a fresh start with the Mavs, who recently reached the NBA Finals. Thompson has been in the free agency rumors ever since the Warriors got eliminated in the Play-In Tournament at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. It can be remembered that Thompson went 0/10 from the field in that elimination game. Now with the Mavericks, the four-time NBA champion arrives with the team with the hopes of fixing their shooting woes in the game. For the Warriors, this opens up a cap space that will allow them to sign a new player – at a star level to pair with Stephen Curry. The Warriors were expecting to bring Thompson to agree with a deducted salary, but the latter was hoping to stay but with a max contract. A Renewed Chance with Dallas The Dallas Mavericks made an outstanding run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and while they have been really efficient from three, their 36% overall in the playoffs dipped to 31% with the likes of PJ Washington, Derrick Jones Jr, and Maxi Kleber missing massive shots in the NBA Finals. Even both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic hitting some strides against the Boston Celtics, it wasn’t enough to see them through as they got eliminated in five games. Thompson isn’t the same player as he was compared to the previous years, especially after that injury in 2018. In 2023-24, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game while shooting 43.2% overall and 38.7% on 3-pointers, which makes him a promising addition to the Mavs at this point, and it cannot be denied that they bring in a guard who can score from three and also make some runs at the rim and even defend when needed. In 77 games last season, Thompson was ranked fourth in total 3-pointers made. It cannot be denied that he will be having a reduced role with Dallas at this point, but maybe he can make the most of his second chance in the game with a much better squad at his disposal. End of an Era for Golden State Last season saw massive changes to the Warriors’ rotation. Thompson was sent to the bench for the first time since 2012, and it seems that was capitalized as the Warriors made no known moves to extend his stay after his five-year deal with the team worth $190 million expired by the end of the 2023-24 season. Thompson is a winner with the Warriors. He is famously known for being Stephen Curry’s duo in the Splash Brothers, which played a huge role in their dynasty that resulted in four championships in seven trips to the NBA Finals. His 2,481 made 3-pointers in the regular season are the sixth-most in NBA history and the 501 threes he has made in the playoffs are more than anyone other than Curry. Moving on to the Dallas Mavericks marks the end of the Dubs Dynasty. Thompson’s new chapter may be his last chance to get a ring now more than ever, and no one can deny that this run will define his career than any other year in his run.

July 1, 2024 – A woman from the state of Georgia by the name of Destiny Kennedy alleges that game developer Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) violates local gambling laws. Georgia continues to hold stringent laws on gambling in any form. Real-money online casinos like Chumba Casino, Luckyland Casino, and Global Poker are still considered illegal by state law. VGW is one of the biggest sweepstakes casino companies in the US where thousands of iGamers enjoy multiple slot games and table games online. Kennedy’s allegation claims that the dual-currency sweepstakes format is a front to keep users from realizing VGW’s illegal casino operation. “VGW proactively defrauds Georgia citizens because VGW advertises that its operations are legitimate and legal when, in reality, VGW knowingly and willfully operates what constitutes an illegal gambling enterprise,” Kennedy states. While playing on one of VGW’s online platforms, Kennedy is looking to recover around $1,150. Although there is free-to-play money, she contends that the main objective is to purchase and accumulate Sweeps Coins in order to swap them for real money. Kennedy's case also cites a 2012 Georgia senate bill that forbade "internet cafes" from providing casino-style gaming within the state. The legislation expressly forbids the use of computers for games of chance within the state, but it clearly specifies that this ban only applies to businesses and not to private residences or electronic devices. Moreover, she mentioned in the lawsuit that she did not want the litigation to go to arbitration because she opted out of it via email when she created her account. She sued VGW on the 17th of May in Georgia’s Superior Court which the Georgia Northern District Court received without VGW’s official response to Kennedy’s filing. About VGW VGW was one of three online gambling companies that received cease-and-desist letters this year for operating in Michigan without authorization. VGW is an Australian iGaming company that runs social casino games through online platforms like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. However, there have been legal problems with their operations. They have been compelled to stop operations by a number of states, including Michigan, which views them as unlicensed gambling. There are also ongoing lawsuits contesting the legitimacy of their games. This is an ongoing story.