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The San Jose Sharks are quite on the fence to begin the 2024-25 NHL season after a poor start and not even coming up with a single win in their first six games. With Macklin Celebrini out for two more weeks, it does seem that the team will have less chances of winning in their games now more than ever. This is the second season that the Sharks have already been struggling out of the gate to begin a campaign, with the previous season going 0-10-1 to this year’s 0-4-2 record as of the time of writing. So far, it has been a challenging campaign for the team, Celebrini’s absence is expected to bring more problems for the team at this point in time. The Sharks are coming into the season with a lot of new. They have a new rookie in Celebrini, a new first-year head coach in Ryan Warsofsky, and yet the only thing that isn’t different so far is the way they started out the season – on a losing stride. And it seems that they are still struggling to figure things out. An Unfortunate Rookie Injury Selected first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini was expected to be the real deal for the Sharks this season as he was hyped to be one of the impressive performers in the class. However, due to a lower-body injury, the Sharks are now relegating Celebrini to the injured reserve list, which means that he’ll be out for action in the next two weeks. “He's week to week, but I would say we'll [probably] give you another update in two weeks," general manager Mike Grier said of Celebrini’s status. "He's going to miss some games here to start, but I think he's getting his skill work done off the ice. He's doing his gym work. I don't think it's going to hinder any of his development.” It can be remembered that Celebrini was injured right off the bat in his debut back in October 10. He finished his game with a goal and an assist in their 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues, showing impressive performances despite playing only a few minutes. “It's definitely been helpful for him to spend some more time in the gym, to keep building up his body to get used to the rigors of the League,” Grier added. “When he gets back, he's going to be going against teams' top pair D most nights." A Season Start of Disappointments According to head coach Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks have also a host of injured players, such as forward Thomas Bordeleau (lower body) and defensemen Marc-Edouard Vlasic (upper body) and Shakir Mukhamadullin (lower body). These players did not join the first game of their three-game road trip against the Anaheim Ducks. For Grier, the Sharks are still in the process of development – a work in progress as he calls it. The Sharks needed to play their last six games without Celebrini, and that certainly did not help with the way their season has unfolded so far. "The last two years definitely have been tough, but there's a lot of new guys in the room,” Grier said. “There's a new coaching staff, so to expect guys to come out and gel right away, chemistry-wise, learn the system, what the coaches want, the expectations, and everything, it's going to take some time." So far, it does seem that the Sharks are still in need of a massive improvement, and it cannot be denied that the team is really far from their expected rise to dominance this season. All that would rest on how Celebrini can return to action as fast as he can to help the team win.

On the eve of the 2024-25 NBA season, the sports betting world was met with a piece of flash news, claiming that a huge score of major US sportsbooks has now opted to close out the market for unders betting in the prop bets in response to the viral Jontay Porter betting scandal, which was found out last January and March 2024. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Caesars Sportsbook are among the major betting platforms in the United States to declare that they will now restrict prop betting for unders in combating manipulation for sports betting moving forward. This also aligns with the NBA’s move to ban players who are involved with sports betting – especially those who are constantly putting bets on themselves. Sure, the NBA has already been building bridges with a lot of sports betting platforms over the years, and it cannot be denied that many fans were actually expecting to see some bigger and closer strides in the betting world and the NBA itself, like sponsorships. However, it does seem that there will be a lot of paths that it could lead to before a promising partnership can happen with the Jontay Porter betting incident at hand. Major US Sportsbook Leading the Charge The NBA has had a lot of discussions with major sportsbooks in the United States this summer, and the restriction was the big result of that talk. So far, the sportsbooks have really opted to come up with some interesting feedback on that matter, showing that they are backing the NBA in hopes of providing a promising experience for bettors. "We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games," an NBA spokesperson told ESPN. FanDuel also claimed that they are keen to work with their partners to ensure that all markets adhere to the league’s standards. DraftKings also claimed that they are in alignment with the NBA and hopes to engage more on the matter. Sportsbooks have confirmed that the new ruling is effective immediately, with bettors no longer allowed to place wagers on those who are on two-way or 10-day contracts to ensure that there will be manipulation in betting. Players who are on two-way contracts are for those who play in both the G League and the NBA, shifting as needed by teams. 10-day contracts, on the other hand, are for those who are vying for a bigger contract with a team. Aftermath of the Porter Scandal It can be remembered that Jontay Porter was a player for the Toronto Raptors in the 2023-24 NBA season and was betting on himself to finish under a certain set of points. That’s when sportsbooks would go on to flag suspicious betting patterns on Porter’s stats in games between January and March. At the time, Porter was signed with the Toronto Raptors. One big incident that can be remembered was when he exited their game back on January 26 against the Los Angeles Clippers after playing just a few minutes. In that season, Porter played a total of 25 games, averaging 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, shooting 38.5% from the field, including 33.3% from three and played 14.4 minutes per game. So far, Porter has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is set to be sentenced this December 18th in New York.

Austrian superstar Dominic Thiem’s retirement run has finally begun as he was given a farewell Sunday ceremony in his game in Vienna at the Erste Bank Open, with the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic paying tribute to the star for his impressive performances over the years. Dominic Thiem announced his intention of retiring from the game by the end of the Vienna Open this October. So far, Thiem’s campaign this year has been quite special, and it cannot be denied that the star has become a prominent icon who’s been on the rise over the years. Thiem’s success in the ATP Tour was celebrated in his final run this year, and he definitely felt at home. Ranking as high as the world no. 3, Dominic Thiem started pro in 2011, putting up impressive performances, climbing all the way to the top of the tennis world. It cannot be denied that Thiem’s retirement from the tennis action also says a lot about how Austrian tennis will quite die down after he steps out of the action. A Talented Star On the Exit Dominic Thiem won a total of 17 ATP Tour singles titles, which also includes a win in the 2020 US Open, where he needed to come back from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev. He is the first player from the 1990s to claim a Major singles title, and the only Austrian to ever win in the hard courts of the US Open. So far, Thiem finished with a 348–213 (62.3% win rate) and finished as high as the world no. 3, challenging the likes of Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal for dominance over the years. Thiem was also runner-up at the 2019 and 2020 ATP Finals, where he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev, respectively. He has reached the finals in the Australian Open, French Open, and the US Open – only winning in the latter. Thiem won the 2020 Austrian Sportsman of the Year award, the fourth time a tennis player has won the award since its creation in 1949. Final Sunday in Vienna At the age of 31, Thiem has spent a promising day in celebrating the final run of his career. The Austrian star said that it hurts seeing that his journey was coming to an end, but claims that he’s had a wonderful time in making the most out of his career in the ATP Tour. “It was an incredible journey. You were the most important ones, opponents and friends and it was always a pleasure to be with you,” said Thiem after walking through a guard of honour that included his ATP Tour rivals Frances Tiafoe, Matteo Berrettini and Jack Draper, as well as his former coach Nicolas Massu and Germans Boris Becker, Tommy Haas and Matthias Bachinger. “It means so much to me that you were there today.” Thiem is known for being a massive star in Austria and has had a high-fan presence in his games. His career was disrupted by a tough injury in 2021 but managed to return to action in his games in 2022. The Austrian star, however, would not come out to get his impressive groove back and fall down the ATP Tour rankings as time went by. With that said, Thiem would go on to decide to retire and call it a career at the end of the Vienna Open.

The 2024 NFL Week 7 games have become quite a promising look for many fans as teams wrapped up their respective games – coming up with surprising and shocking results that may well be a point of reference for the league’s shift in power so far this season. This just says a lot about how the Week 7 games are crucial to look out for and how it can really affect the league standings. For starters, the Minnesota Vikings took a massive hit in the game with the Detroit Lions escaping with a 31-29 win after surviving a late comeback. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to stay perfect following a massive 28-18 win over the 49ers. This week is definitely on the fence with teams seeking a chance to improve in their games. At this point, it is hard to argue that these two contenders are still at the top of their respective games, but fans can expect to see more from them as they try to keep that as it is and hope to make the best out of their respective games on schedule now more than ever as they put Week 7 behind and put the next set of matches into perspective. Vikings Fall Short in Comeback vs Lions The Minnesota Vikings were one of the biggest surprises in the league right now, and it cannot be denied that the team was expected to win in their clash. The Vikings held a 10-0 lead by the end of the first but collapsed big time on defense when they were outscored by the Lions at 21-0 in the second frame thanks to the impressive plays by Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Vikings did try to make a comeback, pulling 19 points in the second half while holding the Lions to just 10 points. However, it did seem to be a futile finish with the team coming up short in the final play after leading 29-28 with Jake Bates scoring a three-point, 44-yard field goal that allowed the Lions to escape with a 31-29 victory to wrap up the day. By the end of the game, the Lions finished with 391 yards, and the Vikings finished with 383 yards. It does seem fair to say that the Vikings were quite unlucky this time – yet still flashing competitive spirit in their respective games to deliver a promising note that they aren’t still faltering. Chiefs Remain on the Prowl On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs now improve to a 6-0 record in the 2024 NFL season after beating the San Francisco 49ers in a massive Super Bowl rematch. It proved to be pivotal as the Chiefs now remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL right now, and it seems that there are a lot of talks as to how the team is really on the attack for a repeat. The Chiefs were scoreless to begin the game, but they did come up with massive bursts in the second and fourth quarters to wrap up the game while holding the Niners to just three, three, six, and six points per quarter, respectively. Still, it is worth noting that it has been Patrick Mahomes’ game once more, and he definitely delivered to help both Kareem Hunt and Mecole Hardman wrap up the day with impressive performances to continue their winning streak and extend it to six games in a row.

The broader MGM brand and Marriott International have just revealed that they have teamed up to rebrand the Delano Las Vegas and transform it to the W Hotel. The property's transition is expected to happen later on in the year, and there are more plans for the property in the near future. Delano isn't a gaming hotel, so insiders speculate it may become a gaming hotel at the end of its rebranding. In a major move for Las Vegas hospitality, MGM Resorts International and Marriott International announced their plan to transform the Delano Las Vegas to Marriott's upscale W brand. The transition is predicted to take place later this year, marking another development in the growing relationship between the two industry giants. The rebranding of Delano, a non-gaming property located on the Mandalay Bay campus, strengthens the collaboration between the renowned hotel operator and MGM Resorts. This rebranding comes as Marriott Bonvoy, part of the broader MGM Collection, was launched earlier this year. Under this arrangement, Marriott Bonvoy members can now book any MGM property through the Marriott website and mobile app, while MGM Rewards members earn Marriott Bonvoy points. As a result, the collaboration extends lucrative benefits to guests across both companies. Delano to join Marriott's W Hotels portfolio Delano Las Vegas, a property previously under the Accor Hotel Group, will officially join the W Hotels portfolio later this year, according to a joint statement issued by MGM and Marriott. The W brand, known for its modern luxury and trendsetting design, is part of Marriott's prestigious Bonvoy portfolio. While specific details of the transition remain under wraps, more announcements are expected in the future. The transformation of Delano Las Vegas into a W hotel represents the latest milestone in the flourishing partnership between MGM Resorts and Marriott International. In July 2023, the companies announced their licensing agreement, allowing 17 MGM properties - including those on the Vegas Strip and various regional casino hotels - to be included in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This collaboration aims to bring enhanced value to the companies' guests by merging MGM's gaming expertise with Marriott's vast global network of luxury accommodations. The transformation of the Delano Las Vegas The new W hotel is expected to join the MGM Collection, a selection of properties curated by the two companies for Marriott Bonvoy members. Since the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy officially launched in March 2024, it has exceeded expectations, with MGM Chief Executive Officer Bill Hornbuckle touting its early success. Hornbuckle noted that room bookings have surpassed initial projections, with hundreds of thousands of room nights already reserved. He added that the collaboration has become a key growth driver for MGM this year, benefiting both companies in terms of increased guest engagement and expanded loyalty program offerings. The partnership allows Marriott Bonvoy's 200 million members to redeem points and enjoy unique perks at MGM properties, while MGM Rewards members benefit from status matching and member advantages across Marriott's portfolio of around 9,000 hotels worldwide. Impact on Accor and the global hospitality landscape While the Marriott-MGM partnership is a win for both companies, it represents a setback for Accor Hotel Group, which previously controlled the Delano Las Vegas. With the upcoming loss of the Las Vegas property, Accor will no longer have a presence for the Delano brand in the United States. The remaining Delano-branded hotels are now located in Paris and Dubai, reducing Accor's reach in the North American luxury market. The conversion of Delano to W Hotels will make it the 12th Strip property under MGM's collection with Marriott. This rebranding adds yet another layer of luxury to MGM's already extensive portfolio. In another important development for MGM, the company is in the process of rebranding the NoMad. NoMad, a boutique hotel within Park MGM, had been operated by Sydell Group, which was acquired by Hilton earlier this year. Hilton's decision to end its relationship with the NoMad brand in Las Vegas prompted MGM to consider new options for the property. While MGM hasn't yet revealed its plans for the NoMad space, industry insiders expect that the company will continue to prioritize innovation and unique experiences in its offerings. A bright future for Vegas hospitality The rebranding of Delano Las Vegas to W Hotels further cements Marriott and MGM's shared commitment to enhancing guest experiences on the Vegas Strip. With the combination of Marriott's world-class hospitality and MGM's dominance in gaming, the partnership between these two industry leaders is all set to drive continued growth and innovation in one of the world's most vibrant markets.

A woman who downed a total of 17 alcoholic drinks in one night was found dead by her husband the next day. He then sues the casino where they drank, Caesars Southern Indiana, for the alleged overserving of alcohol which was the main cause of her death. Her blood alcohol level was .222, three times the allowed limit. A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that Caesars Southern Indiana Casino is responsible for the death of a 43-year-old Ohio woman, Michelle Kelley, after she was allegedly served a minimum of 17 alcoholic drinks in one night, leading to her death. The complaint, filed by Kelley's estate and her husband, Jason Kelley, accuses the casino of negligence for overserving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual, in violation of state law. The Kelleys, from Westerville, Ohio, visited the casino from March 26 to 28, 2024. On the last day of their stay, casino staff allegedly served Michelle Kelley "at least 17 alcoholic drinks," according to the lawsuit. Later that day, Kelley was found dead, and her toxicology report revealed a blood alcohol content of .222 - almost three times the legal limit to drive. Additionally, fentanyl, a dangerous opioid linked to the ongoing opioid epidemic, was detected in her system. The lawsuit, filed in Southern Indiana's federal court, seeks financial compensation for legal fees, funeral expenses, and damages for the immense emotional and psychological harm suffered by Kelley's husband and two-year-old daughter. The complaint accuses Caesars Southern Indiana, its operator EBCI Holdings, its real estate owner VICI Properties, and "unknown servers" of gross negligence, wrongful death, and violating Indiana's Dram Shop Act, which prohibits the serving of alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. Allegations of negligence The lawsuit alleges that the casino's continued service of alcohol to Kelley, despite her apparent intoxication, directly led to her death. It also argues that the defendants' failure to stop serving alcohol and intervene when Kelley was visibly impaired put her in significant danger. The complaint states, "The Defendants' actions in continuing to serve Michelle Kelley alcohol after she was visibly intoxicated caused Kelley to be a risk of danger and harm to herself and others." The Dram Shop Act in Indiana holds liquor establishments legally responsible if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual whose intoxication later causes injury or death. The plaintiffs claim that Kelley's death was the direct result of the casino's actions and failures to act appropriately. Kelley's estate and husband are seeking financial compensation for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship that has profoundly affected her family. "The wrongful death of Kelley has devastated Kelley's estate and beneficiaries, caused her husband and child to suffer immense emotional harm, and the loss of love and affection of Kelley," the complaint further elaborates. Fentanyl discovery complicates case The lawsuit also acknowledges that Kelley's toxicology report showed the presence of fentanyl in her system, along with alcohol. Fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive opioid, has been a leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States. Although Kelley's death was classified as "acute multi-drug intoxication," the plaintiffs argue that the casino remains liable because the alcohol served to her was a contributing factor in her death. Greg Simms, the plaintiff's lawyer, emphasized that under Indiana law, a business can still be held accountable if alcohol consumption is a contributing factor to an individual's injury or death, even if it's not the sole cause. Simms noted that while fentanyl was present in Kelley's system, the primary focus remains on the casino's responsibility to monitor patrons' alcohol intake, especially when they are visibly intoxicated. The specific details of how Kelley died have not been disclosed in the lawsuit. However, local media reports suggest that she choked on her vomit, a common danger for individuals with extreme alcohol intoxication. The casino and other defendants have not yet responded to the allegations in court. Background on Caesars Southern Indiana Caesars Southern Indiana Casino is operated by EBCI Holdings, a subsidiary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, under a licensing agreement with Caesars Entertainment. EBCI acquired the rights to manage the casino for $250 million in 2021. The casino features 70 table games, 1,100 slot machines, and a Caesars Sportsbook. EBCI continues to maintain the Caesars name for the casino, which is part of the broader Caesars Rewards network. The tribal entity also operates two casino resorts in North Carolina - Harrah's Cherokee Valley River and Harrah's Cherokee - under a long-standing partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant consequences for how casinos and other liquor-serving establishments in Indiana and beyond manage their alcohol policies. As the case develops, it will likely determine the delicate balance between entertainment, customer service, and legal obligations regarding alcohol consumption and the duty of care casinos owe to their patrons.

An anonymous attacker was fatally wounded by police at the Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on Saturday. Police responded to reports that the man had threatened and chased a woman while armed with a knife, and the man also had a gun, which he refused to put down despite warnings from the police officers. A man was shot and killed by police early Saturday morning following a dramatic gunfire exchange at Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. According to authorities, the incident occurred after the man, armed with both a handgun and a knife, posed a serious threat to several individuals at the hotel. The confrontation unfolded on the fourth floor of the hotel after police officers responded to reports of an armed man chasing a woman around the premises. The suspect reportedly threatened her with a knife, and before the officers arrived, he had also allegedly threatened another man in the hotel. According to police, there was no known connection between the two men. Violent standoff with police At approximately 1 am, Lawrenceburg police officers were called to the scene and confronted the suspect in a hotel hallway. Authorities said the suspect refused repeated commands to drop his weapon. Despite multiple warnings, he opened fire on the officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was shot at least once by the police officers. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident. Indiana State Police spokesperson Sgt. Stephen Wheeles confirmed in a statement, "The suspect shot first, and the officers returned fire. The suspect was fatally shot during the exchange." Investigation underway As per standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the three Lawrenceburg officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation into the incident is conducted. ISP is leading the investigation to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified. "The investigation is ongoing," Wheeles said in a statement. "At the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be presented to the Dearborn County Prosecutor's Office for review." The identity of the officers involved has not yet been released, and their names will remain withheld until the investigation is complete. Suspect's identity to be confirmed Authorities have not disclosed the suspect's name pending official identification from the Dearborn County Coroner's Office and his next of kin being notified first. An autopsy is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Police also have yet to reveal what prompted the man to chase and threaten the woman, or whether there was any prior relationship between them. In addition to threatening individuals with a knife, police believe the suspect had fired shots in the hotel before officers arrived. These initial reports suggest that the situation had escalated to a dangerous level even before law enforcement engaged with the suspect. Despite the high tension during the incident, no other hotel guests were injured. Following the shooting, police and hotel staff worked to relocate guests staying in the immediate area of the confrontation to ensure their safety. Officers also checked on other guests to confirm that no additional threats remained. Community reaction and the next steps The shooting has left the local community in shock, as this type of violence is rare in Lawrenceburg, a small city located about 30 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. In the coming days, the community will await the results of the investigation to learn more about the circumstances that led to the tragic events. The Hollywood Casino & Hotel management has not released a statement on the incident at this time, and it remains unclear how long the affected part of the hotel will remain closed as authorities continue their investigation.

The PCGB has recently announced that its iGaming revenue for the month of September has risen while its land-based casino revenue has slowed down slightly in the same month. Its GGR for online gaming came up to over $174 million, a 11% increase from last year, while its in-person revenue experienced a decline of 1.7% amounting to $270.4 million. Still, growth in the overall sector remained positive, thanks to online gaming revenue. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has just released its September 2024 report, revealing a year-over-year decline in brick-and-mortar casino revenue. The report shows that while traditional in-person gambling at the state's casinos slowed down, both mobile sports betting and online gaming soared, helping offset the losses. Decline in retail casino revenue Gross gaming revenue produced by retail slots in Pennsylvania reached just under $197 million in September of 2024, reflecting a 1.5% decrease compared to the same month in 2023. Similarly, table games saw a 2.3% drop, bringing in $73.4 million. In total, the in-person revenue from Pennsylvania's 17 land-based casinos amounted to $270.4 million, marking a 1.7% year-over-year decline. This represents a loss of approximately $4.7 million compared to the figures from September 2023. The PGCB's report comes shortly after New Jersey's gaming authority revealed similar trends, with a drop in revenue from Atlantic City's nine casinos. Industry experts note that September 2023 had an extra Friday and Saturday - traditionally the busiest days for casinos - which made September 2024 a difficult comparable month for casinos. Online gaming and sports betting make up for losses While Pennsylvania's brick-and-mortar casinos experienced a dip, the state's iGaming and mobile sports wagering markets surged, easily offsetting the losses from in-person gambling. Gross gaming revenue from table games - which excluded poker - and online slots and soared to $174.5 million in September, an 11% increase from the same period last year. The rise of internet slots was the primary driver of this growth, contributing significantly to the $17.4 million increase. Meanwhile, sports betting, primarily conducted online through websites and mobile wagering apps, experienced even more substantial growth. Revenue from sports betting reached $53.5 million, a staggering 46% year-over-year surge. The start of the NFL season played a key role in this increase, with odds favoring sportsbooks, which bolstered income during the month. Other sources of gaming revenue also contributed positively to the state's overall gaming picture. Slot-like video gaming terminals located at truck stops generated around $3.4 million in revenue, marking a 3.6% increase compared to September 2023. However, not all areas of gaming saw growth. Online poker rake brought in $2.2 million, a sharp drop of 7% from last year, and fantasy sports fell by nearly 5%, totaling $1.9 million. Overall, Pennsylvania's gaming industry still reported strong growth, with total revenue reaching $505.87 million in September of 2024, a 6.2% year-over-year increase. Parx Casino maintains leadership Parx Casino just outside Philadelphia in Bensalem continues to dominate Pennsylvania's brick-and-mortar gaming sector. As one of only two smoke-free casinos in the state - along with Parx Casino Shippensburg, its satellite property - Parx has maintained its leadership position, benefiting from its tobacco-free environment, which has attracted health-conscious players. In September of 2024, Parx led the state's 17 retail properties in slot revenue, pulling in $30.2 million. Wind Creek Bethlehem, the next highest-performing casino, brought in $24.2 million. In table game revenue, Wind Creek ranked first, with nearly $18 million, followed by Parx, which earned $15.5 million. Penn Entertainment and FanDuel lead the online market Pennsylvania's iGaming market is led by Penn Entertainment online, which brought in $47.2 million in gross gaming revenue. Penn's success is largely attributed to its Hollywood Casino brand, which operates iGaming and is integrated with the ESPN Bet online sportsbook. FanDuel, which partners with Valley Forge Casino Resort, ranked second in the iGaming space, generating $33.7 million in gross gaming revenue. In the sports betting arena, FanDuel Sportsbook took the top spot, generating $27.3 million in revenue, with more than $26.6 million of that coming from its online operations. Hollywood and ESPN Bet followed, with combined mobile sports betting and retail revenue of $18.8 million.

A grad student turned mere cents into the proverbial pot of gold as he won more than $500K on a BetMGM online slot game. Jonathan Hamrick played Bison Fury while sitting idly in class, and before he knew it, he had struck gold. The winnings will go towards his student loans, and he was also treated to a complimentary stay in ARIA in Las Vegas. A West Virginia graduate student has found an extraordinary stroke of luck this week by turning just 40 cents into an astonishing $532,969, thanks to a spin on an online slot at BetMGM. The remarkable win has multiplied Jonathan Hamrick's original bet by over 1.3 million times, making Hamrick one of the latest big winners in the growing world of online gaming. A life-changing slot game The game that changed Hamrick's life was Bison Fury, an online slot game featuring the American wilderness. The win came at a critical time for the grad student, who plans to use the windfall to pay off his student loans for tuition and living expenses. "I was in disbelief for a while, but once it hit my account, it started getting real," Hamrick shared after the jackpot was credited to him. "I don't have to be in debt anymore... Grad school is expensive, and I had to take out loans. Now, I don't have that burden." Hamrick's big win was so significant that BetMGM invited him to Las Vegas for an all-expenses-paid trip, where he stayed at ARIA Resort and Casino. During his stay, Hamrick was presented with the customary gigantic fake check by the Director of VIP Casino at BetMGM, Michael Vricella. "I was sitting in class and I figured I had a couple of extra minutes to get on and play," Hamrick recounted in a statement provided by BetMGM. "So I logged on, hit spin a couple of times... clicked the button, and it said, 'Congratulations.'" BetMGM's rise in online gaming The growing popularity of online gaming platforms like BetMGM has continued to captivate players across the country. BetMGM is the online sportsbook and iGaming platform offered by MGM Resorts International, providing players with a diverse range of gaming options, from slot games like Bison Fury to live casino games and sports betting. Bison Fury, the game that brought Hamrick his jackpot, was developed by Entain, a UK-based gaming company that holds a 50% stake in the US operations of BetMGM. The game is themed around the beauty and power of the American wilderness, with its five reels providing players with multiple ways to win, including the possibility of hitting progressive jackpots, which have been a major attraction for online slot enthusiasts. Hamrick's massive jackpot is just the latest in a series of life-changing wins for players on the platform. In June, another BetMGM player from Michigan won an even larger jackpot playing the same game, Bison Fury, walking away with $1 million after wagering just 40 cents. That player, who chose to remain anonymous, also experienced the excitement of turning a small bet into a significant fortune. A growing market for BetMGM The online casino platforms by BetMGM are currently available in several states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Hamrick's home state of West Virginia. Additionally, BetMGM's online sportsbook operates in 22 states, making it one of the largest platforms in the rapidly expanding US online gaming market. With more players discovering the potential for big wins from small bets, BetMGM continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading online gaming destination. The platform offers a wide variety of slot games, table games, and sportsbook options. A debt-free future for Hamrick For Jonathan Hamrick, this unexpected jackpot means much more than just a big win. It represents the end of years of financial stress and uncertainty about how he would manage the cost of his education. As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, Hamrick's story is a unique testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of games like Bison Fury. For now, Hamrick is enjoying his newfound financial freedom, thanks to a few spins on a slot machine that turned into the opportunity of a lifetime.

While there have been a lot of ups and downs, it does seem that the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers – the two best teams in the 2024 MLB season – are really destined to come up and face each other on the biggest stage of baseball. Now it is going down for real with these two big clubs gnawing at each other in the final. What has been predicted has come to pass. The baseball gods have gifted MLB fans with a lot of promise at this point, and it seems that a Dodgers vs Yankees clash in the World Series will be the biggest we have seen in years – and fans can only hope that it will live up to expectations. The last time these two teams met? The Dodgers went on to win the 1981 World Series in six games. There has been a total of 11 times that these two clubs have gone head-to-head in the World Series, with the Yankees winning eight of those clashes. This coming showdown is 43 years in the making, and it will be the first Yankees-Dodgers clash in the World Series for the 2000s. A Rivalry Reignited For those who aren’t really much of a regular fan of the MLB, it is worth noting that no other pair of teams in the MLB has met in October as often as the Yankees and the Dodgers – with this matchup dating all the way back to the 1940s. The 1981 Fall Classic proved to be the latest we’ve seen these two clubs in action, where the Dodgers won the series in six games. At this point, it also cannot be denied that their frequent runs to the World Series have also resulted in having these clubs as the most prominent teams in the baseball world. They are the most successful clubs in their respective tiers, and a battle between the two first seeds in the MLB is going to be as hyped as it can be. This showdown with the league’s two best clubs with the top seeds and the best records are expected to make the World Series a much bigger run now more than ever, and this is definitely a story to remember. This is going to be a blast, and one can say that this World Series is going to be a story to look out for in the coming weeks. Big Time Showdown with Big Time Players The Yankees-Dodgers showdown is not prestige than what most people think if not for the presence of two MVPs in the American and National Leagues – Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. The game’s best are going to perform on the biggest stage, and this is going to be a historic clash for the ages as these elite stars take on the challenge. So far, an MVP vs MVP faceoff irregularly happens – with it happening only once in the last 35 years. The most recent MVP winner to clinch the World Series in the same season? Mookie Betts – who now happens to be Ohtani’s teammate in the Dodgers’ squad. That says a lot about how this clash will go down with MVPs involved. Of course, there’s still the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Soto, and it seems that this World Series is going to be full of strong hits and a lot of homers that fans would love to see on the big stage now more than ever.

After an impressive run in the postseason, it seems that the Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to make a run in the 2024-25 season with bigger expectations in their games. However, some hampering issues on their key players will prove to be crucial as they seek to begin the campaign with a massive bang in their games now more than ever. The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the expected teams to lead the Western Conference. It can be remembered that the team saw a massive breakout season last year after finishing as the first seed in the West with a 57-25 record, making a massive leap from their 9th seed finish in the 2022-23 season with a 40-42 record. It seems that the team is really seeking to come up with a massive run to the top of the game. OKC has come up with some interesting acquisitions in the offseason, bringing in the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso to the squad. However, with the way some key players have suffered some minor injuries, it does seem that Oklahoma City’s chances to start the season strong will be hampered at this point. Hartenstein Out for a Month Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to miss at least a month of basketball action after he sustained a non-displaced fracture in his left hand when the Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets in their preseason game. The Thunder has already released a statement regarding his status, saying that the big man is set to be re-evaluated in at least five to six weeks. The Thunder added Hartenstein in the offseason as a free agent after the 7-foot, 250-pound big man proved to be a massive defensive impact player in his run with the New York Knicks last season, where he averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The Thunder hoped to address their rebounding and bulk issues, which proved to be pivotal in their semis exit last season. So far, Hartenstein is expected to share plenty of minutes with Chet Holmgren on the center spot and is even slated to take on the power forward slot that was filled previously by Jaylin Williams – who is also out with injury along with Kenrich Williams. Jalen Williams Set for Day-to-Day Another Williams who has been added to the injury list for the Oklahoma City Thunder is Jalen Williams, who limped out of their preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks. The third-year guard landed awkwardly after finishing at the rim, which later revealed to be a sprained ankle. After a recent evaluation, Williams’ ankle sprain was not as severe as many fans expected, and he would go on to return to the team’s latest practice. Oklahoma City coach and 2024 Coach of the Year winner Mark Daigneault claimed that Williams is now listed as day-to-day, meaning that the guard can suit up for the game if needed. At this point, it is expected that Williams will be back to action sooner rather than later, which looks good for OKC’s chances of improving in their games this season now more than ever. OKC is expected to bring its game to begin the 2024-25 season with a game against the Denver Nuggets this October 24th, which will be broadcast nationally on TNT. However, it seems that the team will be entering the game shorthanded with key injuries to their players.