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June 18, 2024 – Jackpot.com declared on Wednesday that it has joined the ranks of the Associated Press, an independent worldwide news agency that was established in 1846, as its official lottery courier. Jackpot.com is still reaching out and aiming for potential new clientele. In the US, where Jackpot.com mainly operates, the media outlet's website will host lottery results thanks to its AP relationship. Through the company's courier service, Jackpot.com makes lottery tickets available for purchase online to residents of six states. In Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Texas, the platform and mobile app are fully operational, however, lotteries in each of those states don’t permit online sales of lottery tickets. Jackpot.com’s CEO and co-founder Akshay Khanna shared in a statement that the collaboration with AP isn’t just about “Selling tickets- we’re transforming the landscape of lottery gaming.” Responsible Gaming Protocols With the ability to set spending limits and default limits on daily deposits, as well as offering self-exclusion, self-suspension, and automated notifications that offer assistance should problematic behavior be detected, Jackpot.com has made a significant investment in responsible gaming protocols. Plus, Jackpot.com is the only lottery courier service that has received the National Council on Problem Gambling's iCap certification since its establishment. The management group of Jackpot.com has a track record of success in the gaming, technology, and licensing sectors. The group is led by co-founder and CEO of Jackpot.com Akshay K. Khanna, a seasoned sports and licensing executive who previously oversaw the strategy group at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and StubHub's North American business; other co-founders include Roi More, who founded Gett; and Yariv Ron, a seasoned veteran of the real money gaming industry. Expansion and Future Prospects The partnership with the Associated Press marks a significant milestone in Jackpot.com's efforts to expand its footprint and enhance its visibility in the competitive lottery market. By leveraging AP's extensive network and reputation for reliable news dissemination, Jackpot.com aims to attract a broader audience and foster trust among potential customers. Jackpot.com has indicated interest in extending its services to additional states when regulations change, in addition to current activities in the six states above. The organization is assiduously tracking alterations in legislation and interacting with state authorities to investigate prospects for expansion. As more states investigate legalizing online lottery sales, Jackpot.com is anticipated to be positioned as a leader in the online lottery courier market because of this proactive approach. Technological Innovations Jackpot.com is investing in cutting-edge technologies to improve customer experience and support its aggressive expansion objectives. In order to provide a smooth and safe transaction process, the company's platform and mobile app are made to let users buy lottery tickets with trust and convenience. To safeguard user information and stop fraud, sophisticated encryption, and security procedures are in place. Moreover, the lottery site is investigating how to combine machine learning and artificial intelligence to customize the user experience. By analyzing user behavior and preferences, these technologies may provide personalized promotions and recommendations, which boosts user engagement and retention. Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility Jackpot.com is dedicated to giving back to the community despite its business goals. In the areas where it operates, the firm has started several initiatives to promote neighborhood nonprofits and community projects. Jackpot.com seeks to improve the lives of those it serves and create a positive effect by collaborating with non-profit organizations. Jackpot.com also prioritizes honesty and openness in its business practices. Reports about the company's financial performance attempts to promote ethical gaming, and community contributions are frequently posted on its website. Customers and stakeholders are more likely to trust and believe in you when you are transparent. The collaboration between Jackpot.com and the Associated Press is poised to bring significant benefits to both parties. As Jackpot.com continues to innovate and expand its services, it is well-positioned to become a dominant player in the online lottery market.

For the first time since 2008, the Boston Celtics have clinched a title in the biggest stage of NBA basketball as they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in a show of attrition after a promising campaign that showed why the Celtics deserved to win the NBA title right from the start of the season. Jayson Tatum dropped 31 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds to lead the Celtics in the massive victory, while Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Derrick White added 14 points and 8 rebounds. The Celtics were firing from all cylinders, drilling 13 threes early in the game. But the defense was the biggest story of the game. Dallas was held to just 29.7% from three, and had 13 turnovers for the whole game. Kyrie Irving only had 15 points, and Luka Doncic was held under 30 points for the fourth straight game – even making 0-6 from deep in the first half. A Story of Back-and-Forth Runs Dallas was well within the game despite their poor shooting, making runs to stay on the prowl and keep their hopes alive. However, a sudden burst from Boston that spanned just a minute helped the Celtics take the wheel to end the first quarter with a 28-18 lead. The Celtics would go on to pour more offensive barrages in the second as they scored 39 points to build a 67-46 lead at halftime. On that note, Luka Doncic was held to just 9 points at the half, and no other Mavericks player had scored double-digits aside from Josh Green, who drilled three threes in the first half and ended the game with 14 points total. Boston has been deadly almost everywhere on the court, and even that halfcourt buzzer-beater three from Payton Pritchard set the cherry on top of a winning cake that sealed the deal right from the start. A Story of Firsts in Boston Al Horford, at the age of 38, has finally won the NBA Finals for the first time. It was also the first time that a player from the Dominican Republic has won the NBA title. There are a lot of firsts in the storied ending by the Boston Celtics. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis all won their first NBA titles. It is also the first title for head coach Joe Mazzulla as the man at the helm, and the first for Brad Stevens as the president of basketball operations. Also, for the first time since the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, who had a 67-15 record, the team with the best record in the season has won the NBA Finals, with the Boston Celtics finishing the 2023-24 season with a 64-18 record and NBA Champions. Lucky Date Continues to be Lucky The last time the Boston Celtics won their NBA title was in the 2008 NBA Finals, where they defeated the Kobe-led Lakers in a 131-92 victory. If you are looking at the date, it was on June 17, 2008. Now 16 years later, on the same day, the Celtics would go on to blow out the Mavericks in stunning fashion, with a lot of promising plays as they wrapped up the 106-88 win that defined their story for seasons. Now they are champions – the winningest in NBA history.

After completing the sweep over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics now shifts its focus to the next task at hand – the NBA Finals, which has eluded them for years with a lot of tough losses, but now they are finally back with vengeance. And that doesn’t come so easy as many critics claim it to be. Sure, the Celtics faced teams that have had injured stars, but they also missed the services of their big man in Kristaps Porzingis, who has been one of the consistent performers in the squad for most of their 64-win season. Since the Game 4 of their First-Round win against the Miami Heat, Porzingis has missed action on the court due to a calf strain, which left Boston handicapped in their campaigns against the Cleveland Cavaliers (second round) and the Indiana Pacers (Conference Finals). But according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, it seems that the star is closer to a return and may likely come into the lineup in the NBA Finals, which begins this June 6th. A Key Addition Coming Back into the Mix Porzingis was traded to the Boston Celtics in the offseason from the Washington Wizards. The Latvian big man was hailed as a promising star in his own right, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 57 games with the Celtics. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the team in the season, shooting a career-high 51.6% from the field and dropping 37.5% from three. After losing in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Celtics addressed their need for a big man who could rival the Heat’s Bam Adebayo and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo in the paint, which was clearly Boston’s weakness in their previous playoff run. When Porzingis was inserted into Boston’s lineup, the team went on to finish the campaign with the best record in the season with a 64-18 campaign. Prior to his injury, Boston has seen him perform well with 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in four games. He would have been a valuable addition for the team had he stayed healthy over the course of the next two rounds after beating Miami. But the Celtics still managed to hold the fort, as they’ve gone to a 9-1 record this postseason without the big man. Boston Needing Porzingis Now More Than Ever Regardless of the result in the Western Conference Finals, where the Dallas Mavericks hold a 3-1 series lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves as of the time of writing, it does seem that Boston will need Porzingis to come back stronger than ever. Either team presents a strong front on the paint, with Dallas parading with Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, and Derek Lively II (currently out with injury). Minnesota, on the other hand, almost has the same power on the paint with Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid. It does seem that the Celtics will need more of Porzingis to actually strengthen its presence in the paint. We all know how the team has been relying heavily on Al Horford to enforce its strength in the paint, and there has been minutes to the likes of Luke Kornet and even Xavier Tillman in some games. No doubt, a healthy Boston squad with Porzingis in the middle will provide a much better advantage for the team in the NBA Finals. Stay tuned for the latest NBA and sports updates! With GambleSpot, you can be sure to see the latest and hottest news in the sports world with our top-notch blogs and other sports-related content.

In their sweep against the White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah is once again close to being declared out for a set of games in the 2024 season after he was removed from the 3-1 win at Guaranteed Rate Field. It was an excellent show from Manoah, had it not been for his tough injury that has definitely left a sour note in the win. The same discomfort was already felt in Manoah’s last outing against the Detroit Tigers, but he had a quick treatment and was confident in the next game. The pitcher described it as a “pinchy feeling” at the time, and said that he could feel like he would fully extend his elbow in a single pitch. “I just mentally told myself, ‘Stop thinking about it,’” Manoah said. “It’s just a little achy. It’s fine. It mostly bothered me when I extend, so I think that mentally, when I told myself not to think about it, I didn’t guard it and I got more extension than I was on the previous pitches.” So when he threw a 91.4 mph sinker over to Dominic Fletcher in the second inning for ball one, he definitely felt something was wrong as he bounced off the mount with catcher Alejandro Kirk heading for the same spot. The Blue Jays would later take out Manoah out of the game for good through the dugout tunnel. Confident Recovery Ahead of the MRI from Manoah Since making his MLB debut in 2021, Manoah has been one of the most efficient players for the Toronto Blue Jays, amassing a total of 409 strikeouts as of the time of writing and an ERA of 3.36 for his whole career. The pitcher expressed his worry about how the injury might keep him out of games, but remains confident that he can get back into the game soon as well. “I feel … it sucks,” Manoah said of his injury. “I have my faith in god. I’ve dealt with a lot of stuff this past year to get back to this point. This game is tough.” Manoah is slated to meet with doctors in Toronto and will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of his injury, which should clarify whether or not he will be out for a lengthy period of time. Manoah’s health has always been one of the biggest concerns in the game for the Blue Jays. That is the first priority for the team considering the fact that this isn’t the first time that he has faced adversity in injuries. It can be remembered that Manoah was sent to the Triple A first with the hopes of getting him back into his groove with some promising starts with their affiliate team. What’s Next for the Blue Jays with Manoah Out? It is expected to see the likes of Bowden Francis to take over the starting role in the meantime. He can be a traditional starter or even a tandem pitcher with whoever is available on the 40-man roster, with Yariel Rodriguez being the most likely option for the team at this point as the Cuban right-hander just finished with a promising game last week in the Triple-A. This is a position that is quite hard to fill in, with top prospect Ricky Tiedemann currently out with an ulnar nerve inflammation in his left elbow. The Blue Jays can hope to try tapping into veteran pitcher Paolo Espino as well. There’s also Adam Macko – who has been on a great groove this season but is still working on his comeback with the Double-A. As of the time of writing, the Toronto Blue Jays are currently ranked 11th in the American League. The team has seen some tough struggles over the past few months with the way they have waded the waters of injuries, and it seems that there is more to expect from the team in the coming months should Manoah get healthy soon. Stay tuned for the latest MLB and sports updates! With GambleSpot, you can be sure to see the latest and hottest news in the sports world with our top-notch blogs and other sports-related content.

After coming up strong in his three-set affair against JJ Wolf in the First Round, Carlos Alcaraz has survived yet another challenge after beating Jesper De Jong in a four-set showdown with a 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, and 6-2 victory to advance to the Third Round. The Spanish star is now slated to play against Sebastian Korda or Soonwoo Kwon. The World no. 3 blitzed his way past JJ Wolf in the First Round. He has shown significant poise in his game, especially after missing Rome due to an arm injury. This is the first time that he has competed in a tournament since the Madrid Open, and it is expected that he has some rust to shake off in his game so far. Beating De Jong in a Battle of Attrition In his first head-to-head showdown with the Dutch qualifier, Alcaraz proved to be a star to beat, winning the first two sets at 6-3 and 6-4. Fans were easily invested in the fact that this was going to be a clean sweep – until he suddenly dropped his first set of the French Open after De Jong responded with a 2-6 rally in the third set to make this a promising showdown. The 20-year-old even trailed by a break in ther fourth before he actually managed to regain his composure and closed out the match with another promising 6-2 win to move on to the third round. Alcaraz has been really a promising player to watch, and he even nailed a total of 35 winners in the showdown alone. However, there are still a few tough patches that he still needs to work on, as he committed 47 unforced errors in that clash as well. This says a lot about how Alcaraz has managed to come up with a promising groove to get back into the game, and how De Jong failed to capitalize on that lack of decisiveness by Alcaraz in the third set. According to the 20-year-old star, being placed in that kind of situation humbles him a bit and reminds him to go back into the basics that have helped him win – one game at a time. "As I have said many times, any player can put you in trouble," Alcaraz said. "You have to be very focused every match and every point and every round. It does not matter if I am at the top of the rankings and playing someone outside the Top 100. You have to think you have to play at your best if you want to get through. The ranking doesn't matter, it matters the level to keep going and I am sure he will break the Top 100." Chasing Numbers in the ATP Tour This season has been a tough race for Alcaraz with a lot of short rallies in some of the biggest tournaments in the ATP Tour. He lost in the Australian Open (vs Zverev, Quarterfinals), Miami Open (vs Dimitrov, Quarterfinals), and the Madrid Open (vs Rublev, Quarterfinals) this season so far. While he has seen a massive victory in the Indian Wells Masters to defend his title, this pace by Alcaraz is still a promising climb to look out for. We have seen Alcaraz pull off some promising finishes in the game in the past few years since he rose to prominence. He has already won his first Major in the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Wimbledon. This road to his third major is coming up as a promising groove that he looks to capitalize on, especially after he fell short in the previous edition of the clay-court slam last year when he lost to his rival Novak Djokovic in the semis. Of course, there are big expectations that Alcaraz will win big in this tournament, and it cannot be denied that he will be expected to bring his game to the next level and improve on his tough losses in the second round against De Jong. Who knows, this maybe his big break to get back into his winning pace in the ATP Tour – and get back to the world no. 1 spot once more. Stay tuned for the latest ATP Tour and sports updates! With GambleSpot, you can be sure to see the latest and hottest news in the sports world with our top-notch blogs and other sports-related content.

May 29, 2024 - PokerStars recently launched the mobile version of Vegas Infinite, the virtual reality social casino for iGaming enthusiasts. It first launched in 2018 and in 2023, the PC version which doesn’t require the use of headsets became a popular option among gamers. This May, Vegas Infinite launched its free-to-download mobile app. Available on the Google Play Store, players who are of legal age, 18 years old and above can now take their social casino gaming on the go. This big update is part of PokerStars’ commitment to expanding and innovating the social casino experience for gamers alike. Aside from bringing the virtual experience to PC, with the help of a unique user interface designed with mobile devices in mind, players may play at tables, interact with props, peek at cards, handle chips, and explore places while conversing in real time with other players. “We’ve rebuilt Vegas Infinite so that it's easy and intuitive to play on an Android device, without losing any of the richness and variety of experience our players expect.” shares James O’Reilly, Director of VR and Innovation at Poker Stars who was excited to share the new Vegas Infinite mobile app this Spring. Welcome Bonus: 30,000 Chips Worth Another feature players will find exciting is the welcome bonus for first-time players who sign up for an account via the Android app. A 30,000 Chip Welcome Bonus will be given to players who signed up for a Vegas Infinite account. Every 8 hours, players get free chips and other gameplay creds. One of the upgrades to the mobile version of Vegas Infinite is the new avatar system which allows players to customize their characters and personality in every virtual table game. They have the option to select custom-designed characters with 30 different design templates to choose from. PokerStars aims to work on expanding and evolving the avatar system at Vegas Infinite over the year to provide iGamers and loyal players with more immersive and personalized gaming experiences. AutoSave Using the Vegas Infinite Player Account Another neat feature mobile players will appreciate is how they can save their game progress through Meta Quest and Steam VR and PC without any fuss, all through their Vegas Infinite account. This seamless integration ensures that no matter where or how users are playing, their gameplay progress is always up to date. Whether they're diving into a quick game on their phone during a break or settling in for an extended session on their VR headset at home, Vegas Infinite keeps everything synchronized. Plus, with cloud-based saves, they never have to worry about losing their hard-earned achievements or customizations. Responsible Gambling To help its committed moderating crew, Vegas Infinite leverages Tox Mod, an AI live chat monitoring platform. A variety of in-game safety features are also available to players, such as the ability to impose spending caps, take breaks from games, report other players, and adjust the degree of in-game interaction.

May 30, 2024 – BetMGM and software developer IGT recently launched their latest slot game, Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin. The iGaming and eSports operator backed this new casino endeavor to give avid slot game players and BetMGM subscribers 720 ways to win the slots, coupled with new bonus features to look out for. With 41 seasons of the titled show Wheel of Fortune, this slot game is the first MGM brand-led online casino of the game show to surface in the North American iGaming market. While the Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin launched in the Michigan online casino app, BetMGM has prioritized the game’s accessibility in other parts of North America and through sister platforms like Borgata Casino and Wheel of Fortune Casino. Players can enjoy the nostalgic feel of the classic game show while experiencing the excitement of modern slot gaming. BetMGM's commitment to innovation ensures that more unique and engaging games are on the horizon for its users. GameCode and IGT Partnership Oliver Bartlett, the vice president of gaming at BetMGM shared in an official press release that this new addition to its array of slot games will offer players an exclusive slot game that both caters to BetMGM’s user base while building on its continued partnership with the brand Wheel of Fortune and software developer IGT. IGT PlayDigital President, Gil Rotem comments that they continue to welcome its fruitful partnership with the iGaming juggernaut enhancing customized user experiences for BetMGM players through meaningful brand-led Wheel of Fortune Casino. Moreover, the new slot game’s launch follows the company’s partnership with North American iGaming provider GameCode which brings Michigan and New Jersey players more variety in game options including but not limited to titles like Boom Boom Boom and HammerCash. Continued Brand Success for Wheel of Fortune IGT and Sony Pictures Television tied a 10-year licensing deal enabling exclusive use of the Wheel of Fortune brand. The new slot game boasts 5-reels and offers a vibrant, engaging experience with stunning graphics and sound effects. Novice and seasoned players alike will find multiple bonus rounds and modern elements of the classic fruit machines adding to the excitement and increasing the chances of big wins. Other features of the game players can expect are colorfully illustrated symbols, with luxury objects like yachts, sports vehicles, and necklaces representing the higher value symbols. Conversely, a variety of fruits represent low-value symbols. Ten thousand times the bet is the maximum reward. Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin has numerous bonus features, including the Mini Wheel Bonus and the Triple Extreme Spin Bonus, in addition to the two bonus symbols. Responsible Gaming and Gaming Variety in Michigan Since 2021, BetMGM has been active in Michigan casinos online and continues to offer more than 1,500 competitive games on the platform. Its no-deposit bonuses in Michigan along with its exclusive jackpot network makes it some of the most anticipated features of online gaming in Michigan casinos. Aside from GameCode, BetMGM also moved towards recruiting game developers like Boldplay to further improve its game catalog. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation licensed the GameSense initiative to MGM Resorts, and BetMGM's platform offers tools like this one to encourage responsible gaming. To learn more about the Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin and its new gaming features, visit Wheel of Fortune review.

May 30, 2024– Sportsbook and iGaming company DraftKings is capping the month of May with an acquisition of the Jackpocket Lottery app. The $750 million cash-and-stock acquisition leaves the company confident in tapping into the US lottery vertical in 2024. According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, DraftKings issued more than 7.5 million shares of its Class A common stock (par value $0.0001 per share) on Wednesday as part of the procedure to complete the deal. The initiative to expand and increase its cross-selling potential through online casinos and sports betting remains steadfast. CEO and Co-founder of DraftKings issued a statement saying “We look forward to continuing to deliver enhanced value to our customers and shareholders as we integrate Jackpocket into the DraftKings ecosystem.” He further highlights the improved effort of the iGaming company’s customer acquisition and customized product innovation while broadening its footprint in the sportsbook and iGaming market. One of the key steps to follow after this completed acquisition is the integration of Jackpocket into DraftKings operations. The company is focused on staying consistent when it comes to delivering unprecedented gaming experiences to its existing and new customer base. Of course, it isn’t lost on DraftKings to push for more responsible gaming initiatives while providing safe, innovative, and interactive real-money gaming options. Long-term Implications of the Deal While the DraftKing acquisition is well received by Jackpocket, prominent stock analysts disagree over the deal's long-term effects. The reputable sportsbook company unlocked an incremental cross-selling vertical" through Jackpocket, with possibilities for single-wallet integrations, according to a February analysis by Jordan Bender of JMP Securities. DraftKings anticipates that the Proposed Transaction will result in an extra $260 million to $340 million in revenue and $60 million to $100 million in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal year 2026, assuming conservatively that there are no further OSB and iGaming legalizations in the US. About DraftKings Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, DraftKings Inc. is a well-known provider of digital sports entertainment and gambling. They provide digital media, regulated gaming, and daily fantasy. DraftKings is a major player in iGaming and sports betting, operating in 26 states as well as Ontario, Canada. They stress responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility and have partnerships with major sports leagues. About Jackpocket Jackpocket is an online lottery app that aims to provide a lottery participation method that is more responsible, enjoyable, and convenient for savvy digital players. Ordering official state lottery tickets is made simple and secure with Jackpocket, the first lottery app in the US to be licensed by a third party. Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia are the current states where Jackpocket is accessible.

In the latest bid to perhaps save its ailing reputation, Star Entertainment, the once-famous (and now infamous) Australian casino company behind three casinos in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane, has recently garnered renewed attention as it announced that it had received some interest in a takeover from Hard Rock International. The renowned company, however, denies this, and Hard Rock International has been quick to say that it has never expressed any interest whatsoever in acquiring Star Entertainment. These are somewhat serious allegations, and it seems that Hard Rock International is even upset at being associated with the embattled Star Entertainment. It is notable that soon after Star Entertainment announced this, its shares went up by 20%. Earlier this week, Hard Rock International released a statement about the whole affair through its public relations arm, stating that “…Hard Rock International is not involved in, nor has it authorized, any discussions, activities, or negotiations on its behalf, (particularly) in connection with a proposed bid for Star.” The statement reiterates the fact that Hard Rock International has distinctly not authorized the use of its brand when it comes to any dealings or connections with Star Entertainment, whether it’s by the Hard Rock brand itself or any purported third party. Hard Rock International continues, “Our brand is built on a legacy of integrity, excellence, and a commitment to our guests, partners, and team members worldwide. Any misuse of the Hard Rock name in unauthorized business dealings is taken very seriously. We are currently investigating this matter and will pursue all necessary legal actions to protect our brand and reputation.” This comes after Star Entertainment said that it had received attention from an investor group that called itself Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts (Pacific). Several news outlets had also spread the report, including the Australian Financial Review, which reported on Monday that Hard Rock had expressed interest in taking over Star Entertainment and putting in the renewed capital needed to help Star Entertainment gain back its momentum. However, there is some confusion as to the group’s identity, especially since Hard Rock International’s statement denying its bid for a takeover of the said company. After Hard Rock International’s denial, Star Entertainment’s shares went down by 10%. On the other hand, when Star Entertainment had announced that Hard Rock had expressed some interest in taking over its operations, its shares went up by 20%. The beleaguered company has had the wind knocked out of its sails, observed Tim Waterer, chief analyst for KCM Trade, and Star Entertainment continues to seek out possible investors as it struggles to stay afloat. Earlier, when Star Entertainment announced that it had received significant interest from Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts (Pacific), it also said this was a local partner of Hard Rock International. But later on, it changed its statement, saying that it had not heard from Hard Rock International directly. Star Entertainment’s toughest year yet It must be noted that the past year was one of the most difficult for the company, as Star Entertainment faced a series of challenges and setbacks. Over the last 18 months, Star Entertainment has battled allegations of inviting well-known evaders of the law to play at its three casinos, and it has also been accused of offering insufficient safeguards against money laundering. As if these accusations weren’t enough, Star Entertainment also had to deal with the fall from grace and resignation of David Foster, its chairman, in the early part of 2024. Mr. Foster is additionally facing penalties and fines. It has been a tough year for Star Entertainment, despite having all three of its casinos open to the public. Meanwhile, it is not a secret that Hard Rock International is merging with other casino companies, starting with its much-publicized purchase of 888 Holdings plc. The takeover will be finalized later on in the year, so Hard Rock is buying companies – just not Star Entertainment. And there are additional reports that Hard Rock International is set to solidify its hold on the gambling space in the US, which would explain its acquisition of 888 Holdings. It’s also not denying this, as it has said that it’s looking to add to its casino portfolio. As for Star Entertainment, it doesn’t look like it will be acquired by Hard Rock International anytime soon. Amidst the allegations that Star Entertainment is facing, it remains hopeful that it will overcome its many challenges and will find probable suitors in the near future.

Everyone has a general idea of what 888 Holdings plc represents, especially the residents of New Jersey. 888 Holdings plc, a major player in the online gaming sector, has just announced that it will begin shutting down its 888poker and 888casino platforms in the United States, starting June 3. This decision, which 888 Holdings made public this week, marks a significant shift in the ever-changing online gambling landscape, particularly since it affects players in New Jersey, where it first started. But despite this closure, there’s still some good news: the Tri-State agreement which facilitates live poker rooms for World Series of Poker (WSOP) participants in Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey will remain unaffected. Needless to say, the cooperative agreement has been crucial for maintaining a robust live poker environment for players in these states. The announcement of 888 Holdings' withdrawal from the U.S. market is not entirely unexpected. As far back as February, the company began divesting its assets in the US to Hard Rock Digital. As most everyone is aware, Hard Rock Digital is the online arm operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Tribe will likely use the platform to expand its brand and operations outside Florida. In the meantime, this move followed the termination of 888 Holdings’ partnership with SI Sportsbook, a collaboration that had initially supported its sports betting platform and was promising at first. But perhaps these strategic shifts were indeed a sign that called for a broader restructuring of 888 Holdings' U.S. operations. Either way, there is no official statement from 888 Holdings regarding the closure as of this time, and the only indication of the exit is an email sent to consumers. But it is highly likely that an official announcement will be issued in the coming days – though the June 3 closure is already in the cards. An underwhelming performance coupled with meager revenues Suffice it to say that the performance of 888poker in New Jersey has lately been underwhelming, to say the least. In March, the platform accounted for less than 1% of the state's online poker market, a clear indication of its struggles. And the recent decision by New Jersey regulators to release revenue figures for individual online casino operators, rather than just license holders, further highlighted 888poker's poor performance. Case in point: in January, the platform generated only $48,000 in revenue, representing a meager .006% share of the market. In stark contrast, PartyPoker, its nearest competitor, recorded revenues exceeding $530,000 in the same month alone. It’s worth noting, however, that this closure marks a crucial moment in New Jersey's online poker history. In fact, it will be the first time in nearly a decade that an online poker platform has exited the state's market. Incidentally, players currently using 888poker and 888casino are advised to withdraw their funds by June 3. However, for those who do not manage to do so, 888 Holdings has assured that checks will be mailed over the coming months to ensure all players receive their remaining balances. While the World Series of Poker’s operations seem to be stable and ongoing, it appears that Hard Rock Digital has no plans to revive 888’s poker platform. This decision leaves a gap in the New Jersey online poker market, which, as we all know, is one of the six states in the U.S. where online poker is legal. New Jersey, along with Nevada and Michigan, remains an integral part of the WSOP's Tri-State agreement, which continues to provide a vibrant live poker scene for players in these three states. 888 Holdings’ overall impact The impact of 888 Holdings' withdrawal will likely be felt by the broader online gaming community in New Jersey. As the state continues to evolve through its regulatory frameworks, gaming operators and companies will need to adapt to the increasingly transparent and competitive market environment. The closure of 888poker and 888casino by 888 Holdings represents a significant change in the U.S. landscape for online casino gaming. Moreover, players in New Jersey and other states who are affected by this decision will need to transition to other platforms. Meanwhile, it’s fortunate that the WSOP's Tri-State agreement continues to be a cornerstone in live poker, ensuring that different players in Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey can still enjoy competitive poker experiences. For now, the casino industry will be closely watching how these changes unfold and what they mean for the future of online gaming in the U.S.

There’s some great news coming out of both Pennsylvania and Michigan this year, and it seems to be an ongoing and continuous trend: the casino sector is raking in the big bucks, with record revenues coming in for the two states, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Michigan Gaming Control Board, respectively. In Pennsylvania, the revenue reached a whopping total of $212.2 million last April, and although this is still lower than the $233 million raked in last March, it is still a substantial amount, and from all indications, it looks like Pennsylvania can confidently set the benchmark at $200 million. In fact, it has proven to be a solid benchmark, because it hasn’t gone below $200 million in revenue since February, 2024. Meanwhile, the stage has been set for Michigan as well, with initial reports showing that the state has reached an amazing growth trajectory of $192.2 million this April. Even though the numbers have declined somewhat compared to March, the casino gaming market is still showing consistent growth in the Wolverine State since April of last year, when it reached a revenue of almost $160 million – this signals a year-over-year increase of 21%. Pennsylvania: a remarkable growth in April, particularly for online casino games The online gambling sector in Pennsylvania continues to flourish, with the latest figures revealing a significant surge in revenue. In April 2024, online casino games generated a gross revenue of almost $174 million, marking a substantial 26.39% increase compared to the $137.2 million earned in April 2023. The impressive growth highlights the state's strong position in the online gambling market today. Aside from this, the total tax revenue collected from internet gaming in April 2024 reached approximately $76 million, providing a considerable boost to Pennsylvania's coffers. This trend indicates that the state is well-positioned to benefit from the expanding online gaming industry for the foreseeable future. Not surprisingly, slot games continued to be a major source of revenue for online casinos in April, contributing around $126 million to total earnings. Although this figure is slightly lower than the almost $135.6 million generated in March, slots remain the most popular and profitable segment of online gambling in Pennsylvania. The slight dip in revenue does not overshadow the overall robust performance of the sector at all. It is also worth noting that table games, while generating significantly less revenue than slots, still brought in a notable $45 million in April, representing a decrease from the previous month's total of just over $53 million - yet it remains a vital part of the PA gaming ecosystem. Online poker, however, continues to lag behind other casino offerings, with revenues of a little over $2.4 million in April. But the potential for growth in this segment remains high, particularly if the multi-state poker online agreement materializes. As you may know, the agreement could allow players from different states to participate in games together, potentially boosting player engagement and revenue. Despite the fluctuations in specific game categories, the overall revenue of $173,425,559 from online casinos in April is a testament to Pennsylvania's thriving online gambling sector. An encouraging sign: Michigan’s ascent next only to Pennsylvania The iGaming market in Michigan has experienced significant growth over the past year as well. Although industry analysts had anticipated a new monthly record in April, the actual figures remain impressive. April 2024 stands as the second-best month in the history of Michigan’s iGaming market (which spans 40 months). This continued growth reflects a robust, thriving market, with positive implications not only for operators but also for the state’s financial health. Even the state treasury and municipalities collectively garnered $35.8 million in taxes from iGaming activities in April alone. What’s interesting is that FanDuel Casino has maintained its dominant position in Michigan’s online casino market. After overtaking BetMGM Casino in March as the top-performing online casino by revenue, FanDuel continued its strong performance into April. As a matter of fact, the company reported $50.7 million in bets, slightly surpassing BetMGM’s $49.8 million. As of April, FanDuel’s overall revenue in Michigan reached an impressive $1.05 billion since its launch in January 2021. But BetMGM Casino is the only other operator to surpass the billion-dollar threshold, and it holds an impressive lead with a lifetime revenue of $1.80 billion. On the national stage, Michigan’s iGaming sector secured the second position in April 2024. Leading the pack is Pennsylvania, with $212.2 million in revenue, while New Jersey’s market, generating $187.9 million, ranks third. But analysts predict that Michigan has the potential to challenge Pennsylvania for the top spot by the end of 2024. The possibility of Michigan emerging as the US’s leading iGaming market is reinforced by its performance metrics. In March, Michigan operators recorded more bets than Pennsylvania did in April, for instance. Moreover, the market's appeal is further enhanced by the preference of most software developers and operators to debut a number of their games in Michigan, further strengthening its status as a key player in the iGaming industry. There is no doubt that the past year has been transformative for Michigan’s iGaming market, characterized by robust growth and significant milestones. For all intents and purposes, Michigan is poised to become a dominant force in the US iGaming landscape, second only to the leader, Pennsylvania. But as the market continues to expand and the shifting tide may once again change, the economic benefits are undeniable, marking a prosperous future for both the Great Lakes State and the Keystone State in the online gaming arena.