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Florida Wins Stanley Cup Final Beats Edmonton in Game 7 Showdown 2-1
June 25th, 20244 mins

Florida Wins Stanley Cup Final Beats Edmonton in Game 7 Showdown 2-1

THE DROUGHT IS FINALLY OVER. The Florida Panthers have finally etched themselves in the annals of NHL history after a promising performance in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final – a series that should have been over a few weeks ago if the team didn’t choke a 3-0 lead to start the battle against the Edmonton Oilers. After losing three straight games, the Panthers seemed to gather their wits as they narrowly defeated the Oilers in a 2-1 battle in Game 7. It was a story of massive performances from both teams, and it proved to be a classic battle that many fans remembered, especially when the Panthers found their way to the top when the odds already counted them out after those three straight losses. Instead of blowing that 3-0 lead for good, the Panthers now have won their first Stanley Cup championship. The crisis has been averted, and what could have been one of the biggest laughs in NHL and even in sports history ended up being a fantastic story of achieving big stories, which says a lot about how the Panthers have really turned up their game in the right place and the right time. Hero Performances All Around for Florida Game 7 never fell short of expectations for the NHL fans who have waited a long time to see a massive seven-game series like this. Carter Verhaeghe – who has not scored a goal since Game 1, was the one who drilled the first goal of the game to give Florida a 1-0 lead in the first period. Of course, the Oilers didn’t let this one go without a fight, and Mattias Janmark suddenly found himself open in the first period as he clapped back with a wrist shot with 6:44 on the clock. Tied at 1-1, the deadlock was seemingly expected to last all the way to the third period. That was until Sam Reinhart played the hero game – the biggest of his career, when he drilled a wrist shot of his own 15 minutes into the second period to give Florida a 2-1 lead, which would actually end up as the game-winner that would bring the Panthers up top. All while Edmonton tried to come up with massive comebacks, it was Sergei Bobrovsky’s huge performance on the defensive end that allowed the Panthers to relax and ease on the final frame. The goalie ended up with a total of 23 saves – he had five in the first, nine in the second, and nine more in the third, showing his superb performance on the big stage. The Silver Lining for the Edmonton Oilers Despite the loss, Oilers’ Connor McDavid was voted the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Final. It is rare for players on the losing teams to be named for the said award, but it does seem that McDavid has made a strong case for the said award. He is now the first player from the Oilers to be named MVP since Bill Ranford won the same award in 1990. McDavid showed up for the whole playoffs, and led the league with 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) in 25 games, the fourth-most in a single postseason. The legendary Wayne Gretzky still holds the record of 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 18 games for Edmonton in 1985. The loss to the Panthers was a tough ending for the Oilers, but it cannot be denied that they have learned a lot about each other this time. Learning who has what it takes to step up on the big stage, and who can they rely on to pull off the impossible at times.


Yuri Dzivielevski Claims His Fifth World Series of Poker Bracelet
June 24th, 20242 mins

Yuri Dzivielevski Claims His Fifth World Series of Poker Bracelet

June 24, 2024 - In 2019, Yuri Dzivielevski won his first bracelet from the World Series of Poker Last June 24, at the $50,000 Poker Players Championship Event #58, the 2024 WSOP made a comeback with the same nine-game lineup, featuring many of the same big names competing. With 379 entries, there was a $1,011,930 final prize fund for this event. The 57 players who cashed included many well-known names: 57 players cashed, including: Phil Hellmuth, 17-time bracelet winner Shaun Deeb, 6-time bracelet winner Robert Mizrachi, 5-time bracelet winner Brian Rast, 6-time bracelet winner Koray Aldemir, 2021 WSOP Main Event champion Phil Hui, 14-time bracelet winner Ben Yu, 13-time bracelet winner Adam Friedman, 5-time bracelet winner (12th place) Since then, the 32-year-old Brazilian poker player from Florianópolis has amassed five bracelets in his WSOP hardware collection. His most recent victory came in this year's series $3,000 buy-in nine-game mixed event. As the winner, Dzivielevski took home $215,982. The Brazilian poker pro now has almost a quarter of Brazil's 26 bracelets to his credit. He is the only multi-bracelet winner in the country. In poker history, he is only the 40th player to have won five or more bracelets. This was Dzivielevski's third bracelet in a multi-game tournament. He had previously won the $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. and the $2,500 mixed Omaha eight-or-better and stud eight-or-better in 2019 and 2018. His two prior bracelet wins came from pot-limit Omaha, where he won the 2020 WSOP Online $400 "PLOssus" and the WSOPO $10,000 PLO championship.


GGPoker's microFestival Makes a Comeback with $10M Guaranteed
June 24th, 20241 mins

GGPoker's microFestival Makes a Comeback with $10M Guaranteed

June 24, 2024 – The microFestival online poker series from GGPoker is back which is set to start on Sunday, July 7th. This online poker event was designed with budget-friendly poker players in mind. The 2024 GGPoker microFestival takes place over 15 days, which ends on Sunday, July 7, starting on Sunday, June 23. When the series launched on June 4, 2023, players who played for smaller stakes overwhelmingly praised it. Like last year's launch, this year's version will be aggressively supported by freerolls and other promotions. Every day, GGPoker will provide multiple $5,000 freerolls with a minimum prize pool of $250,000 throughout the series. There are hundreds of activities available over the 15-day microFestival, with entry prices ranging from $1.10 to $25. Additionally, a $10 million prize pool is assured to be given out. The $10.80 Mystery Bounty Big Event, which has a $1 million guaranteed prize pool and a $100,000 top bounty payout, is the festival's main attraction. Featured Games GGPoker's microFestival returns with hold'em and Omaha tourneys, offering bounty, turbo, and short-handed events. A daily $10.80 event is also featured. Sarne Lightman, GGPoker's Managing Director, highlights the series' accessibility with events starting at $1. The festival includes 50 daily $5,000 freerolls as 'Second Chance' events for players who didn't cash the previous day, ensuring multiple opportunities to win big.


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First Trade of the Offseason Thunder Send Giddey to Bulls for Caruso
June 24th, 20244 mins

First Trade of the Offseason Thunder Send Giddey to Bulls for Caruso

No one can deny the fact that it was a surprising note that OKC has gone to send one of their young and impressive guards in Josh Giddey, who has been on a tough note with the Thunder after the team got eliminated in the second round of the 2024 Playoffs. Oklahoma City received Alex Caruso in exchange for Giddey in the said deal. The deal was such a surprise on both ends. For OKC, Giddey’s brilliance on the court in the past few years has him intended to be one of the best staples in the squad who could really help the Thunder come up with massive strides in the game, so trading him away seemed to be a huge surprise, especially when his so-called “liability season” saw him average impressive numbers even as a fourth scoring option in the team so far. For the Bulls, however, it seems that it is going to be one of the biggest stories that will see them either regret it or celebrate it. Many fans even thought that they could’ve gotten more from Caruso as a valued player in the Bulls’ roster so far. A New Future for Giddey Giddey is one of the biggest assets in Oklahoma City. Selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, the promising guard finishes his tenure with the Thunder with averages of 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 31.0 percent from three. Giddey was essentially a candidate for the Rookie of the Year back then and was also the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. What proceeded with OKC’s decision to trade Giddey was that the team sought to see him come off the bench in the 2024-25 season. However, discussions with the third-year guard led to him seeking options where he can serve viable minutes while being a starter. That came for Chicago later on, in which sends a promising groove for Giddey in the long run. Giddey was quite said to be a liability in his games, especially against the Dallas Mavericks. However, Giddey’s playstyle was quite hampered with him going more off-ball than what he was used to. For context, Giddey used to average 25.1 minutes per game in the regular season, but was on the court for just 18.1 minutes each night in the playoffs. A 3&D Boost for the Thunder At the age of 30, it is actually quite baffling how fans should expect Caruso to fill in the playmaking that Josh Giddey brings to the table for OKC. But with both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Wiliams transitioning into elite playmakers, it seems that OKC is seeing a formula work for them, much like how Jrue Holiday, a 3&D player, did the trick for the Boston Celtics’ championship run. Caruso averaged a career-high 10.1 points this past season and was named to the All-Defensive First Team for 2022-23, the All-Defensive Second Team for 2023-24, and he won the NBA Hustle Award for 2023-24. To add to that impressive trade, Caruso used to play for the Oklahoma City Blue, under the Thunder’s current head coach Mark Daigneault back then. OKC can either see him come off the bench, or as a starter for the team should he ever be considered to be a good fit on each unit. His defensive brilliance makes him a good choice for the Thunder considering that they are on the pace to become one of the best defensive teams in the league.


Three Gamblers Suffer Massive Losses at Vegas Casino
June 22nd, 20245 mins

Three Gamblers Suffer Massive Losses at Vegas Casino

Everyday, gamblers in Sin City are set to lose massive amounts of money, no surprise there. But $24 million is a lot to take, even if you are a high-roller. This was certainly the case with three men who lost $24 million in Las Vegas’ Resorts World in a span of several years. What’s more interesting to note is that all three men are currently being investigated, as confirmed by the Nevada Current. The big losers? Damien LeForbes is one of the gamblers at the top of the list, having lost approximately $12.3 million in almost 50 visits to the casino. LeForbes, who is also under scrutiny for presenting a bad check worth $2.5 million to the same Resorts World, appears to have been the most frequent and significant loser among the trio. But it doesn’t end there. Ryan Boyajian, known for his appearances on the reality TV show “Real Housewives of Orange County,” lost around $3.7 million over 21 visits. His association with the casino adds a layer of celebrity intrigue to the unfolding financial drama. Lastly, Matt Bowyer, a bookmaker from California, reportedly lost $7.9 million in 32 visits in 2022 to 2023. But Bowyer's involvement extends beyond mere gambling losses, as he is also allegedly linked to the theft of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s money by former translator Ippei Mizuhara, according to ESPN. The Ohtani connection Bowyer's connection to the Ohtani scandal further complicates the situation. Mizuhara allegedly embezzled almost $17 million from Ohtani, channeling some of this money to Bowyer, hence the connection. It is allegedly reported that portions of these funds ended up in Boyajian's account at Resorts World as well, and they were later converted to gambling chips and subsequently cashed out, with the money going to Bowyer or his accomplice. Mizuhara, as most of you may already know, is deeply indebted with gambling losses totaling $40.7 million. He agreed to a plea bargain after facing charges of bank fraud and submitting a false tax return, and he could face up to 33 years in prison if convicted. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Ohtani remains free of any wrongdoing, seen only as a victim of Mizuhara's fraudulent activities. Legal and regulatory scrutiny Currently, neither LeForbes, Boyajian, nor Bowyer have been charged with any crimes related to their gambling losses or associated activities. Resorts World itself hasn't faced any charges, though it is cooperating with ongoing investigations. A spokesperson for Resorts World declined commenting on the situation when approached by Casino.org, highlighting the casino's stance of full cooperation with investigators. Needless to say, the investigations into these activities form part of a broader scrutiny of Las Vegas casinos. For instance, multiple properties associated with iGaming are under review for potential money laundering and other illicit activities, with oversight by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and other federal investigators. The fallout has even extended to the former president of Resorts World Las Vegas, Scott Sibella, who is under fire for activities dating back to his tenure at MGM Grand. Sibella reportedly allowed illegal bookies to gamble at the casino without probing the sources of their funding. The case even involves Wayne Nix, a known gambler and high-roller, whose sentencing is pending as well. Sibella's involvement led to his dismissal from Resorts World in September for policy violations. In fact, he pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations and was sentenced to a year’s probation, alongside having to settle a fine of $9,500 and a special assessment of $100. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts faces a $7.5 million penalty for violations at both The Cosmopolitan and MGM Grand. The broader implications of these goings-on It’s obvious that this high-profile investigation underscores the increasing scrutiny on Las Vegas casinos, revealing vulnerabilities in the financial operations of some of the city's most iconic establishments. As federal and state regulatory bodies continue their investigations, the industry faces pressure to tighten controls and enhance transparency to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the spotlight remains on LeForbes, Boyajian, and Bowyer, the broader implications for the Las Vegas casino sector could lead to significant changes in regulatory practices and operational oversight. These ongoing investigations serve as a reminder of the risks inherent in high-stakes gambling - and the necessity of stringent regulatory frameworks to safeguard against financial misconduct.


Memorial Day Weekend Off to a Great Start at Atlantic City
June 22nd, 20245 mins

Memorial Day Weekend Off to a Great Start at Atlantic City

Atlantic City casinos experienced a promising start to the summer season, defined from Memorial Day through Labor Day in the US. The nine brick-and-mortar casinos in the Garden State reported a significant increase in GGR or gross gaming revenue in May of 2024, totaling $239.1 million - a 5.2% improvement year-over-year. But this isn’t the only significant earner to come out of Atlantic City. The revenue from slot machines in retail shops saw a notable increase of 4.8%, reaching $181.2 million. Meanwhile, table games also showed impressive growth, jumping 6.4% to as much as $57.9 million. These positive trends indicate a strong start for the casinos as they head into the lucrative summer months. iGaming platforms continue impressive growth trajectory In addition to the strong performance of physical casinos, Atlantic City’s partnered iGaming platforms continued to grow their businesses. Online slots, table games, and poker collectively amounted to $192 million in revenue, marking a 19% improvement compared to May 2023. However, not all sectors of the gaming industry saw growth. Sports betting, for one, experienced a decline, with revenue falling 4.2% to $78.7 million. Despite this, the overall performance of New Jersey's gaming industry was robust, generating a total GGR of nearly $510 million last month - a notable 8.3% increase from the previous year. Stability and optimism combined James Plousis, chair of the NJCCC or the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, highlighted the stability and positive results across all components of Atlantic City’s gaming revenue, including winning via casinos, winnings via internet gaming, and the revenue earned from sports wagering. “Casino win recorded its best May result in eleven years, aided by the best slot machine win since 2012,” Plousis said. As a matter of fact, the $192 million won by online casinos stood for iGaming’s second-best month earnings in the Garden State. This momentum, combined with the onset of the summer vacation season, provides optimism for Atlantic City’s economic outlook. Momentum in the market Plousis also expressed confidence in the continued growth of the industry, noting that statewide GGR from January to May came up to $2.567 billion, reflecting a 13.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This year marked the quickest ascent in surpassing $2.2 billion GGR in over a decade. “May provided a promising start for the summer season and positive momentum has been building,” Plousis stated. He attributed this growth to strong consumer interest driven by recent investments in casino hotels. “(The diversified casinos are) providing abundant reasons for summer tourists to visit and stay,” he added. Challenges amid growth: will they be surmountable? Despite the positive revenue trends, gaming analysts caution that Atlantic City’s casinos still face challenging operating conditions. Director Jane Bokunewicz, from the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism at Stockton University, noted that rising expenses might offset the gains in revenue. “Inflation impacts both operators, in the form of costs of goods and wages, and consumers, in the form of prices,” Bokunewicz explained. Despite these pressures, it is notable that consumers continue to spend their money on New Jersey’s casino offerings. Borgata leads the market with earnings of over $110 million Borgata Casino, an MGM Resorts affiliate located in the city’s Marina District, continues to dominate the Atlantic City market. In May, Borgata generated $61.4 million from its physical casino floor, $43.9 million from its partners in iGaming, and $5.6 million exclusively from its sportsbooks, totaling to around $110.9 million. Resorts Casino Hotel wasn’t far behind – it followed with a combined GGR of $84.9 million, primarily driven by its online gaming and sports betting operations, which contributed $71.4 million. Among the brick-and-mortar casinos, Borgata’s $61.4 million was trailed by Hard Rock ($49.9 million) and Ocean with $32 million. Tropicana, Harrah’s, Caesars, Resorts, Golden Nugget, and Bally’s also contributed to the overall positive performance, though with varying degrees of success. As Atlantic City casinos continue to navigate the summer season, the industry remains cautiously optimistic. The combination of strong interest from consumers, strategic investments, and diversified offerings provides a solid foundation for continued growth. However, the ongoing challenge of managing rising operational costs in the middle of inflationary pressures will be crucial in determining the profitability and sustainability of these record gains. But with a strong start in May, it’s obvious that Atlantic City is set for a potentially record-breaking summer season, attracting tourists and gaming enthusiasts to its ever-vibrant casino scene.


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The Debut of WarHorse Omaha is Right On Track
June 22nd, 20244 mins

The Debut of WarHorse Omaha is Right On Track

WarHorse Casino Omaha, a permanent casino at Horsemen’s Park, is on track to open its doors this August, as it awaits regulatory sign offs by the NRGC (the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission). Officials from WarHorse Gaming, which is a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the business branch of the Winnebago Tribe, have announced that the casino is scheduled for a grand opening on August 6. The $250 million WarHorse Omaha will feature over 20 table games, 800 slots, a sportsbook, and enhanced simulcast parimutuel wagering. The premier facility, located at 6303 Q Street, will also include a bar, restaurant, and a parking garage. But there are also future expansion plans for the casino, which involve additional floor space exclusively for gaming, a gaming patio located outdoors (where smoking will be permitted), and, last but definitely not least, a boutique hotel with 200 rooms. The establishment of WarHorse Omaha follows the 2020 statewide ballot referendum that Nebraskans passed which authorized the state’s racetracks to run table games, slot machines, and sportsbooks. With this permanent casino establishment, the legislation also applied the Clean Indoor Act, which doesn’t allow tobacco smoking indoors in most businesses and public places and businesses, including casino venues. WarHorse’s two casino projects in the state After the 2020 vote, which was a resounding success, the NHBPA (Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) joined with WarHorse Gaming to transform its racetracks into - you guessed it - casinos. Because of this, besides Horsemen’s Park, WarHorse is also developing a casino at the Lincoln Race Course. The WarHorse Casino in Lincoln is another significant project, mirroring the investment and scale of the Omaha facility. Set to open this fall, the Lincoln casino will feature 430 slots, parimutuel wagering, and sports betting. But it differs slightly from its Omaha counterpart because the casino property in Lincoln will debut with a hotel featuring 220 rooms, along with a special center dedicated to events. Additionally, it will be home to a gourmet steakhouse. It’s worth noting that another stipulation of the 2020 referendum mandates that gaming facilities be located next to an active racetrack. To comply, Horsemen’s Park has set September 29 as its single day of live racing in 2024. The Lincoln Race Course, rebranded to Legacy Downs at WarHorse Casino Lincoln, will conduct four racing days in total on September 20-28. The NHBPA also oversees the dormant Atokad Downs (located in South Sioux City). Plans are in motion to redevelop that track into a casino, along with live racing, in the coming years. Post-construction, the NHBPA aims to increase live racing dates, targeting 15 race days at Legacy Downs and five at Horsemen’s Park per year. The increase of gaming in the state of Nebraska Since September 24, 2022, WarHorse has operated a temporary gaming center in Lincoln, located within the grandstand of Legacy Downs, featuring 400 slots and the Winner’s Circle Grill. Last year, WarHorse Lincoln generated a GGR (gross gaming revenue) of $51.5 million, outperforming the state’s three interim casinos in 2023. Meanwhile, Grand Island’s temporary facility followed with $30 million in GGR, while Harrah’s Columbus’ temporary setup at Ag Park, which opened a year ago this month, earned $7 million through the year of 2023. WarHorse Omaha also launched a temporary sportsbook in November last year, generating $224,000 in GGR throughout December. And last month, Caesars Entertainment marked a milestone in Nebraska by opening the state’s first permanent casino. Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino (an investment of $100 million), opened on May 17 along with a Caesars Race & Sportsbook, 11 live dealer games, and 400 slot machines. In addition, two adjacent Marriott hotels are expected to open soon, offering accommodations for overnight guests. As the August opening approaches, WarHorse Casino Omaha is poised to become a major player in Nebraska’s blossoming gaming industry, promising an array of exciting entertainment and beautiful amenities for NE residents and visitors alike.


Do Las Vegas Celebrity Chefs Cook in Their Restaurants
June 22nd, 20246 mins

Do Las Vegas Celebrity Chefs Cook in Their Restaurants

In recent weeks, our friends at Casino.org, specifically Corey Levityan, debunked a prevalent myth involving Gordon Ramsay, who was rumored to have ejected Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce from his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant for being too inebriated (i.e., drunk). It’s totally untrue - and this unraveling leads us to another enduring myth about celebrity chefs: the belief that they are regularly present and actively cooking in their own restaurants. There may be a ton of myths in Las Vegas, including having your picture taken at the famous Las Vegas sign (then again, it just might be a popular superstition), but one thing’s for sure: we’ve all heard the myth about celebrity chefs and actually slaving in the heat of their restaurant’s kitchens. Take, for example, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace. It is indeed a must-see when you’re in Las Vegas, and it is a place where Ramsay is often photographed - but has never actually cooked. But this misconception about celebrity chefs' involvement in their restaurants is widespread and not without reason. The origins of the myth It's relatively easy to see how this myth took hold. A vintage menu from Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace tantalizingly suggests, “If you think the guy sitting at the end of the bar looks a lot like Gordon, well, it just might be.” This statement feeds into the fantasy that diners might casually encounter Ramsay cooking up a storm or enjoying a drink nearby. However, the reality is quite different. While Ramsay does make appearances, these are strategically scheduled and heavily promoted events designed to maintain the illusion of his regular presence. After all, we’re in Las Vegas, where magic happens every day! Booking busy celebrity chefs Caesars Entertainment, the entity that operates six Las Vegas restaurants under Ramsay's name, leverages this myth to attract diners. In fact, Caesars Entertainment mandates Ramsay to visit each restaurant annually and stay for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours. During these visits, Ramsay participates in photo sessions, creating the perception that his presence is a regular occurrence rather than a contractual obligation. This annual visit is part of Ramsay’s lucrative deal with Caesars. To be perfectly honest, he receives $340,000 per restaurant annually for licensing his name, along with a cut of 5% - 6% of the gross profits of Caesars. This arrangement underscores a broader truth about celebrity chefs: once they attain substantial wealth through television shows and licensing deals, they are less inclined to engage in the day-to-day grind of running a restaurant kitchen. Why would they, when they quite literally don’t need to? The reality of celebrity chef restaurants While celebrity chefs like Ramsay might (and this is a big “might”) occasionally contribute to menu design, their hands-on involvement in the kitchen is virtually nonexistent. Furthermore, cooking in these restaurants could be legally challenging without the appropriate Nevada health card! Instead, these establishments rely on the expertise of their hotel partners’ food and beverage departments to manage daily operations. As you may realize, Ramsay’s cooking appearances are limited to his television shows, such as "Hell’s Kitchen," which are filmed on soundstages. For example, the current filming of seasons 23 and 24 at the Foxwoods in Connecticut is taking place on a soundstage within the casino resort, not in an actual restaurant kitchen. The details of Ramsay’s arrangement with Caesars were brought to light during the company’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2016, thanks to an exposé by the Wall Street Journal. While we do not have similar financial disclosures for other celebrity chefs, it is reasonable to assume that other celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Savoy, José Andrés, David Chang, and Michael Mina have comparable agreements. The illusion of accessibility in Las Vegas celebrity restaurants The illusion that diners might encounter these culinary stars in their “natural habitat” is perpetuated by the rare but highly publicized grand openings of new restaurants. These events are often attended by the chefs themselves, but unfortunately, they are exclusive, invite-only affairs for celebrities and VIPs, not the general public. The myth that celebrity chefs actively work in their restaurants is just that - a myth. The presence of chefs like Gordon Ramsay at their establishments is a carefully managed and marketed illusion, much like the ones performed by David Copperfield and David Blaine, designed to enhance the dining experience and draw in the crowds. While the chefs willingly lend their names (and occasionally their creative input, like Ramsay with his famous Beef Wellington), the day-to-day culinary operations of these celebrity restos are left to a dedicated team of professionals behind the scenes. So, the next time you dine at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, go right ahead and enjoy the ambiance and the expertly crafted dishes - but don’t expect to see the chef sweating it out over a hot stove on your account.


HoopsHype Ranks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Top 3 Player for the 2023-24 Season
June 21st, 20245 mins

HoopsHype Ranks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Top 3 Player for the 2023-24 Season

After a promising season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it cannot be denied that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves a lot of praise with the way he has played this season, leading them to greater heights that no one ever expected them to pull off after a long rebuild that put OKC as the black eye of the league. When the season began, OKC was slated to be another team that would rest in the depths of the highly competitive Western Conference, tanking for yet another high draft pick. Instead, OKC turned up its engines led by Gilgeous-Alexander, leading the Thunder to a massive climb to the top with a promising string of performances, earning the runner-up spot in the MVP race. Oklahoma City, despite losing a golden chance to secure a deeper playoff run, is still way ahead of its schedule, where they have thrived as one of the best teams in the league in such a wild Western Conference. SGA’s growth and development have played a huge role in OKC’s success, and this has definitely accelerated what could’ve been a long rebuild for many other teams in the league. Does Gilgeous-Alexander deserve to be placed as the top-3 best player of the 2023-24 season? It’s an understatement. A Breakout Season for SGA Oklahoma City has enjoyed a massive boost thanks to SGA’s antics this season. He has been named to the All-Star squad for the second straight year, first as a starter. Many have wondered what his ceiling has been with the Thunder at this point, but with averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, he has become a two-way star who has what it takes to win big. The Canadian superstar finished second in the MVP voting, earning 15 first-place votes at most. His record of 51 games (a new Thunder record) with at least 30+ points has lifted OKC to a 57-25 record – the best in the West. He also has a string of game-winners this season, and it cannot be denied that his massive performances this season has helped accelerate OKC’s road to the playoff stage. The Thunder, for the first time since the 2012-13 season, finished as the first seed in the West, and the first time they have won more than 50+ games since the 2015-16 season – which happens to be the last campaign of the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era of the Thunder. A Thunderous Campaign Brewing OKC is slated to have an enjoyable offseason now more than ever, and it cannot be denied that the team will have a lot of work to do to supplant Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise. After all, that series against the Mavericks left a poor taste in the Thunder star’s mouth, especially when it was his foul on the three-point attempt by PJ Washington that sealed their fate. Still, OKC has a long way to go. There’s the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, some crazy signings rumored to be made in the free agency market. However, the ultimate development for OKC’s hopes would be resting on Gilgeous-Alexander’s further growth in the offseason, where he can stay on his consistent work ethic and keep the same pace he has had in the previous campaign. A Chance to Shine on the International Stage Speaking of the offseason, the Olympics is slated to take place in just less a month, and Team Canada has officially released its updated roster, with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm of the team. He is also slated to play with teammate Luguentz Dort, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, as well as his cousin, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. SGA has been a menace on the international stage. In the 2023 World Cup, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 26.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. That comes along with his efficient brand of shooting with 55.6% from the field and 47.4% from three. If fans are expecting to see a masterclass from Gilgeous-Alexander, they won’t have to wait long considering that the Olympics will have him carry the load for Team Canada as much as he did with Oklahoma City.


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Rhamondre Stevenson Inks 4 Year $36 Million Extension with Patriots
June 21st, 20244 mins

Rhamondre Stevenson Inks 4 Year $36 Million Extension with Patriots

After what turned out to be a promising campaign in the 2023 season, it seemed that Bailey Zappe isn’t the only player who deserved a lot of praise in the New England Patriots roster. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has just extended his stay with the team after agreeing to a new deal with the team that would see him stay for four more years. Stevenson has accepted a promising offer from the Patriots to extend his stay with the team for four years, inking a $36 million deal that already has $17 million guaranteed. The running back was already in the final year of his rookie deal with the team, and with the new deal, it does seem that there are more to expect from his game with the way he is playing right now. This means that Stevenson will be slated to stay with the Pats through 2028. This new $9 million average sets Stevenson as seventh among running backs, just between Joe Mixon, who is slated to receive $9.9 million, and both Derrick Henry and D’Andre Swift, who are set at $8 million. As the top back for the team, keeping him with the team for the coming runs would be a much-needed boost to keep the squad on top shape with the way they are rebuilding through the past few years. A Bright Future for Stevenson and the Pats Despite finishing with a 4-13 record in the 2023 season, where the Pats finished dead last in the American Football Conference, it does seem that there is a bright future brewing for the Patriots with Stevenson kept in the squad. It has been quite some time since the Patriots ended its dominance in the playoffs, and it cannot be denied that the expectations are high for the new generation of the squad to come up with bigger leaps. As the top-rated back in the squad, it does seem that Stevenson will be getting more minutes and touches on the field if he is lucky enough to stay healthy. His ability as a runner and a receiver has been developed well in the past few years with the Pats, which makes him a promising three-down weapon for the squad. Just imagine him being the main guy whom Bailey Zappe will work with for the coming years, developing a strong chemistry together as a squad that will soon channel into being a contender now more than ever. The Details of the Deal What makes Stevenson’s deal with the Patriots unique is that it comes with an $8 million signing bonus and an attached possibility of incentives of at least $12 million starting in 2025. This can come in either reaching at least 1,400 yards, becoming a Pro-Bowler, or an All-Pro by the end of the season. On top of that, Stevenson’s bonus can go up as high as $600,000 if he reaches at least 1,400, 1,500, and 1,600 scrimmage yards starting in 2025 to 2028. The deal would even max out at $48 million should he reach Pro Bowl plus first- or second-team All-Pro honors in the same timeline. At the age of 26, nothing is impossible for Stevenson’s game considering that he generated a total of 1,040 rushing yards and 421 receiving yards in 2022. Assuming that Stevenson can stay healthy after that injury-riddled 2023 season limited him to just 12 games and a total of 857 scrimmage yards, fans should expect him to come up with bigger strides in the 2024 campaign for the Patriots, with a new contract giving him some inspiration.


New Sportzino Welcome Bonus June 21 2024
June 21st, 20242 mins

New Sportzino Welcome Bonus June 21 2024

June 21, 2024 – Popular online gaming site Sportzino has improved its welcome bonus package for new users, presenting a good mix of Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) to improve gameplay. By offering more value at signup and more chances to win awards, the enhanced incentive hopes to draw in more players. New Welcome Bonus Details: Initial Sign-Up Bonus: New players will receive 220,000 GC and 10 FREE SC upon registration. Additional Offers: Players can accumulate even more GC and SC through subsequent offers, contributing to a more rewarding gaming experience. Total Welcome Package: The complete welcome offer now totals up to 1,570,000 GC and 45 FREE SC. Beyond the generous bonuses, Sportzino features a diverse game library with over 600 games, ensuring a wide range of options for players to enjoy. For avid iGamers eager to explore new gaming opportunities and take advantage of the enhanced welcome package, signing up with Sportzino presents a promising start. About Sportzino Social Casino Sportzino is a social casino that functions primarily on a free-to-play method, allowing users to enjoy several casino-style games using virtual cash like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Although players can buy extra virtual money to play the games, real-money gambling is not offered; instead, the games are just for fun. Sportzino uses a social casino strategy that enables players to experience the excitement of casino games without the hazards associated with real-money betting while promoting ethical gaming behaviors.


WPT Introduces Weekly Online Qualifiers for New WPT Global Passport Dollars Campaign
June 21st, 20243 mins

WPT Introduces Weekly Online Qualifiers for New WPT Global Passport Dollars Campaign

June 21, 2024 – Prominent online poker operator WPT Global has improved the current promos and expanded the possibilities available to players worldwide to participate in the brand's main live and online tournaments. The new money can be utilized to pay for various tournaments as well as to allow friends and family to attend the events. There are two varieties of WPT Global Passports: the $1,500 WPT Prime Passport for the well-liked worldwide mid-stakes series, and the $12,400 WPT Passport, which is perfect for the year-ending WPT World Championship in Wynn Las Vegas. Convertible Winnings Players may now convert their online satellite winnings on WPT Global into WPT Passport Dollars, which they can then use whenever they choose at any World Poker Tour stop worldwide, thanks to the recently redesigned WPT Passport system. When selecting your chosen stop, please give yourself at least 25 days' notice to ensure that all arrangements can be made. After a successful satellite performance, the WPT Passport Dollars can be redeemed for a variety of things, including tournament entries, travel fees, and other associated charges, greatly increasing flexibility and versatility. The corresponding Passport Dollars won by the weekly finalist players will be added to their balance and can be utilized to create a tournament schedule that works for them. For instance, with a huge guaranteed prize pool of $40 million at Wynn Las Vegas in December, the $12,400 WPT Passport may be quite tempting to deploy for one large shot. On the other hand, these Passport Dollars can also be divided up and used for other purposes at one of the several WPT Prime locations worldwide. They can also be used to pay for your lodging and travel. You may deposit up to $2,000 in cash expenditures for each WPT Festival into your WPT Global account using your personal Passport Dollars balance. Players who have enough Passport Dollars at each tournament stop can claim up to $2,000. However, they must also use their Passport Dollars to purchase a ticket to an event with a minimum $1,100 buy-in. A player may submit a single expenditure request for each WPT festival they play, regardless of the number of tournaments they plan to enter. About WPT Global WPT Global, which debuted in 2022, provides a safe and equitable online poker environment, focusing mainly on recreational players with little competition from professionals. It features a game integrity engine, a rewarding loyalty program, and data-driven AI for safety. It’s also available in more than 60 countries, excluding the US.


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