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Leading online gaming developer Wazdan has gone into partnership with bet365, bringing its all-new slot content to players in New Jersey. Wazdan is all set to offer its entire suite of slot games, which includes its newly-released title, 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition. Aside from this, Wazdan is promising bet365 players in NJ access to various features - including an array of jackpots. Global online gaming developer Wazdan has further strengthened its US footprint by launching its full portfolio of slot games on bet365's online casino platform in New Jersey. Partnership brings popular iGaming content, including 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition, to Garden State players. The rollout marks another strategic milestone for the company as it continues to expand across regulated markets in North America. Through this latest agreement, bet365 users in New Jersey can now enjoy Wazdan's entire suite of online slot titles, including the newly released slot title, 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition. The launch also includes access to in-game jackpot features and Wazdan's signature gameplay mechanics, all designed to enhance engagement with players. Expanding strategic alliance with bet365 The debut in New Jersey is part of a broader global collaboration between Wazdan and bet365. The two gaming powerhouses have previously partnered for content rollouts in the United Kingdom, Ontario, Greece, and Bulgaria. Their growing partnership reflects a shared vision of delivering high-quality, innovative content to regulated iGaming markets around the world. "Our launch in New Jersey marks another major milestone in a state that shows rich demand for captivating iGaming content," said Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel, Head of Account Management for North and Latin America at Wazdan. "We're excited about the road ahead and look forward to strengthening our global collaboration with bet365 in both existing and emerging jurisdictions, as we continue to offer premium gaming experiences." A robust New Jersey portfolio Wazdan first entered the US market through New Jersey and has since made the state a focal point of its American expansion. Since 2023, the company has forged several key partnerships with top-tier operators in the area. These include agreements with Hard Rock Digital, BetMGM, and PlayStar, enabling Wazdan to provide its diverse gaming content to a broader base of online casino players. Furthermore, in October of 2024, Wazdan signed a landmark deal with Caesars Entertainment, giving the company access to Caesars Palace Online Casino as well as Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in New Jersey. That partnership significantly increased Wazdan's exposure in the Garden State and paved the way for additional growth. Multi-state momentum across the US Aside from New Jersey, Wazdan has expanded its reach into other regulated US markets for iGaming, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. In September of 2024, the developer entered Michigan through a collaboration with Caesars, marking its first venture into the Midwest. Earlier in 2025, Wazdan partnered with Fanatics Casino to launch its slot content in three licensed jurisdictions. The company has also inked deals with North American operators like SkillOnNet and Rush Street Interactive, boosting its brand presence and content availability across multiple platforms. Looking towards the future The launch on bet365 in New Jersey represents yet another important step for Wazdan in its quest to become a top-tier provider in the North American iGaming space. By leveraging its growing network of operator partnerships and continuing to develop high-performing, innovative slot games, the company is well-positioned to capture further market share as more US states embrace regulated online gambling. With its strong momentum and a growing list of strategic alliances, Wazdan's presence in the US is set to grow, promising more exciting content for players and more value for partners like bet365.

Polymarket, arguably the largest prediction platform in the world, has announced that it has acquired QCEX, a CFTC-licensed clearinghouse and derivatives exchange. With the acquisition, Polymarket can now legally expand its operations in the US market. In a landmark deal that could reshape the future of prediction markets in the United States, Polymarket, arguably the world's leading platform for forecasting real-world events, has acquired the holding company of QCX, LLC and QC Clearing LLC - collectively known as QCEX - for $112 million. QCEX holds both a Designated Contract Market license and a Derivatives Clearing Organization license from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which gives Polymarket a powerful regulatory pathway to re-establish operations in the US. The acquisition signals Polymarket's first formal move toward becoming a fully regulated entity in the United States, aiming to bring its prediction contracts to millions of American users with the full backing of federal oversight and compliance. A vision four years in the making For QCEX, the transaction marks the realization of a long-term goal. "When we began the process to obtain our DCM and DCO licenses over four years ago, the prediction market was in its infancy," said the founder of QCEX, Sergei Dobrovolskii. "But we have long believed in its potential to change the way people access and understand information and express their views on that information," he added. Dobrovolskii additionally praised Polymarket's rapid rise as a cultural and financial force, saying, "Shayne (Coplan) has built a cultural phenomenon in Polymarket. I am excited to bring our companies together and leverage our licenses, technology, and expertise in the retail trading sector to help Polymarket reach its full potential." Building a regulated future for prediction markets Polymarket has become a central hub for real-time speculation on everything from politics and economics to pop culture. During the first half of 2025, the platform saw nearly $6 billion in trading volume, demonstrating its growing influence among individuals and institutions seeking to measure and understand public sentiment. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Shayne Coplan said the deal with QCEX represents more than just expansion. "Polymarket is the largest prediction market globally and has become synonymous with understanding the probability of current events," he stated. "Now, with the acquisition of QCEX, we are laying the foundation to bring Polymarket home - re-entering the US as a fully regulated and compliant platform that will allow Americans to trade their opinions." A cultural phenomenon with mainstream reach In recent months, Polymarket has only strengthened its grip on the public imagination. A newly announced partnership with X has further integrated Polymarket into the daily conversations of global users, blurring the lines between market sentiment, real-time news, and social media engagement. As prediction markets gain traction in both finance and media, Polymarket continues to set the standard for clarity, accuracy, and relevance. With the acquisition of QCEX, the company is now positioned to expand access in the United States - offering a legal and regulated channel for US-based traders to participate in its growing ecosystem. Polymarket is arguably the world's largest and most active prediction market platform. Traders on Polymarket wager on the outcome of future events, with market prices reflecting the collective belief in how likely those outcomes are to occur. As users respond to breaking news and political shifts in real time, Polymarket offers a dynamic and data-driven view into public sentiment across every sector - from politics and finance to entertainment and culture. In 2025 alone, billions of dollars in forecasts have been traded on the platform.

In a dominant run, Team Spirit just showed that they are still owning the Dota 2 world, winning the Esports World Cup 2025 's Dota 2 segment with a sweep in the final against Team Falcons, proving that they can still be the top dog in the competition when it matters most, and it says a lot about their dominance in the game. It cannot be denied that Team Spirit was a huge favorite to begin the Esports World Cup. They managed to finish with just one game lost in the Group Stage's first match. Since then, they went on to win 11 games in a row, and keeping their foot on the gas from start to finish, earning them a fantastic victory in the World Cup. Perhaps the best thing about this is the fact that the EWC is the last major tournament of the Dota 2 scene before TI 2025 will make its mark in September. Team Spirit's win in this tournament means a lot as it now means that they will be top picks to win the incoming major campaign now more than ever. A Campaign for the Ages After falling short in the PGL Wallachia Season 5, Team Spirit definitely made their presence felt and came up with a win in one of the year's biggest tournaments. This clearly proved to be quite the statement as they hoped to show that they can be a contender to watch. So far, it has been a great thing for the Russian squad, which is definitely timely for their case in the upcoming The International. With the win, Team Spirit claimed a whopping $1 million out of the $3 million prize pool. This now marks the second time that the squad has won a massive event outside of The International. Team Spirit and Team Falcons had eerily different paths en route to the final of the Dota 2 EWC. Spirit owned the standings of Group A with sweeps over Talon Esports, Natus Vincere, and a lone 1-1 draw with Xtreme Gaming. On the other hand, Falcons were just lucky enough to stumble into the upper rounds as they managed just a 2-4 record overall. As both teams met in the final, Team Spirit was already on pace to make their presence known on the big stage. That didn't take long as they hammered the Falcons, and made it clear that they are not losing this one as the series ended in a sweep at 3-0, with the Falcons not standing a chance to redeem themselves at any point. Setting the Tone for The International Watching Spirit at EWC, one sees more than crisp mechanics and perfect team fights. There's an unmistakable rhythm to their play: Miposhka and rue delivering textbook support rotations, Larl controlling the midlane tempo, Yatoro's Carries playing with surgical precision, and Collapse earning MVP honors thanks to his unrelenting offlane presence. Fuelled by momentum, synergy, and swagger, Spirit now enters Hamburg not just as participants, but as prime contenders for a historic three-peat — something no previous team has ever achieved. Their rivals have struggled with consistency, but Spirit's trajectory suggests they're hitting form at the perfect time. Beyond the million-dollar prize and the critical ESL Pro Tour points, this dominant showing injects a powerful surge of confidence just as The International 2025 draws near.

Tarik Skubal's excellence this season is starting to ramp up once more, and this time, the Detroit Tigers are reaping the benefits of his explosive game as the squad has now returned to the win column – while clinching its 60th win of the season. They are the first club to reach that mark for the 2025 campaign. In terms of Triple Crown territory, Skubal is closing in on that feat as he is moving fast in his games. He is already at 2.185 ERA, which is leading the American League, and also 1/100 runs better than Boston's Garrett Crochet (2.195), but the latter remains in the lead with 11 wins and strikeouts at 11 and 165, respectively, this just means that there's a lot to expect from Skubal's next set of games. At this point, being at 60 wins that there are a lot of expectations for Detroit – possibly finishing the season as the top club in AL, and the best record in MLB by the end of the season. That also means that there's going to be a lot of pressure on Skubal and the rest of the squad as they seek to also make their way to the championship in the World Series now more than ever. The First to 60 Wins Not since the glory days of 1984 has Detroit buzzed like this in July. The 2025 Detroit Tigers just became the first team in Major League Baseball to reach 60 wins, and they're doing it with a mix of old-school grit and new-age dominance. With a 2–1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Sunday, July 20, the Tigers punched win number 60 into the books and sent a loud message to the rest of the league: This team is for real. The offense was quiet for most of the afternoon, but when it mattered, it came alive. Matt Vierling stepped up in the 8th with a go-ahead RBI single that proved to be the difference. Will Vest shut the door for his 16th save of the season. Let's not forget, this team wasn't expected to hit its stride until 2026 or later. But Detroit's front office moved quickly, building around a young core while adding savvy veterans. The payoff? A 60-40 record and an 11.5-game lead in the AL Central. “That's what matters - we're the first to 60,” Skubal said. “That matters more than anything that I'm doing individually. I expect every time I go out there to put our team in a position to win, and we were able to do that tonight.” The Skubal Chase and the Tigers' Glory Run The Tigers head into a stretch of favorable matchups and look poised to be the first team to hit 70 wins as well. If they keep up this pace, home-field advantage in the postseason is in play – and maybe even a shot at matching the 1984 team's 104-win mark. For now, though, fans in Detroit can simply enjoy this moment: It's late July, and the Tigers are on top of the baseball world. Skubal's chase for a second Triple Crown in a row is definitely fueling this run by Detroit. Roger Clemens was the last player to achieve the same feat in 1997-98 with the Toronto Blue Jays. But then again, it does seem that team wins matter even more, which says a lot about how Skubal is making a promising progress in his games now more than ever.

Let’s face it, Bronny James did not really have a lot of expectations to meet in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, as many fans didn’t really hope to see a lot more from his game with the way his stock was shaky since the start of the previous draft. But alas, his Summer League outing has been really making quite the impression that he may have a bright future in the league as well. Still, it should never be a common thing to shun one player’s potential just because he had an underwhelming rookie season – or even in Bronny’s case, was said to be not NBA-ready at this point. But we all know that Bronny was there for development, albeit at an accelerated pace. Now more than ever, it seems that the guard is going to make some good progress in his games with the Lakers. James couldn’t catch a break in the regular season as there wasn’t any good game for him in the previous season – especially with the fact that he didn’t play heavy minutes at the very least. Sure, there were flashes of high potential, but it is not enough to justify a lot of improvement on the way – at least until the California Classic and the Summer League came into play. A Bronny Resurgence? Bronny had a strong campaign in the California Classic with his impressive performances coming off an increased level of confidence, a better perception of the game, and his comfortable feeling in getting his game more acclimated into the NBA. That was seen for most of the California Classic and the Summer League, and James has surely made it look easy so far. In fact, Bronny is among the top performers in the Summer League, and a leading name among sophomores coming up with resurgent games in the July league. He has been really quite a performer, and his superior confidence in shooting the three really stands out now more than ever. In a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last July 14th, James proved to be one of the bright spots in the Lakers – as he dropped 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three 3-pointers. That is a complete game, and the mere fact that he averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game says a lot about the huge difference that he’s had in his game. Being able to involve his teammates, spark runs, initiate offenses, and create opportunities for himself sounds more like LeBron, which is definitely ideal if Bronny is going to have more value in the Lakers squad this season. Can Bronny Surge in the 2025-26 Season? Bronny is one of the project players for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are still hauling some talent into their squad, with Marcus Smart being the latest addition to the team. So far, the rumors of LeBron James playing nearly in his final season in LA do not bode well for Bronny, but with his budding game potentially coming up, perhaps there’s bigger hope for the team’s hopes of actually giving him more minutes. For now, all that Bronny needs to do is come up with a bigger game that would elevate him in the rotation. Considering the fact that there’s multiple instances where Bronny is given some playing time in the coming games, that is the prime chance for him to show that he has what it takes to win and be a consistent performer as well.

There's a new victor on the poker felt: Michael Mizrachi brings home the title for the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event, but he has also won the Poker Players Championship - both in the same year. For his achievements, he is being inducted into the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame. In a career-defining performance that will be etched into the annals of poker history, Michael 'The Grinder' Mizrachi has captured the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event title, earning $10 million and achieving the rare feat of winning both the Main Event as well as the Poker Players Championship in the same summer. The triumph not only adds another WSOP bracelet to his collection but also cements his legacy with induction into the prestigious Poker Hall of Fame. A commanding victory right from the start The final table showdown at the Horseshoe Las Vegas Event Center saw Mizrachi enter Day One with a commanding chip lead, having dominated the previous rounds. The tone for the evening was set early when Mizrachi landed an ace on the river to crack second-place finisher Robert Wasnock's pocket kings. The pivotal hand handed Mizrachi the momentum he would carry to the title. By the start of the final day, Mizrachi held over 75% of the chips in play and wasted no time dispatching his remaining opponents. In just the first two hands, he eliminated Kenny Hallaert and Braxton Dunaway, both in 4th and 3rd place, respectively. Hallaert moved all-in with ace-queen offsuit but fell behind when Mizrachi's king-jack suited paired on the turn. Dunaway's ten-six suited was no match for Mizrachi's ace-ten, which held to set up the final duel. Heads-up and Hall of Fame bound The heads-up battle with Robert Wasnock started cautiously, with both players trading small pots. However, the decisive hand unfolded when Wasnock flopped two pair with ace-nine, only to be undone by Mizrachi's turned flush with ten-three suited. All chips went in on the turn, and the river failed to rescue Wasnock. Mizrachi, with the winning hand, raised his arms in triumph, securing the coveted Main Event bracelet - valued at $500,000 - and his place among the game's greats. Moments after his victory, Mizrachi was surprised at the table by an entourage of poker legends. Hall of Fame inductees and members Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, John Hennigan, and Brian Rast gathered to announce Mizrachi's unanimous induction as the 65th member of the Poker Hall of Fame. "Mizrachi has completed what might be the most impressive feat in poker history by winning the two most difficult tournaments to win in the same year," said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the WSOP. "Welcome to the Gallery of Champions and welcome to the Poker Hall of Fame." A legacy of greatness With this Main Event win, Mizrachi now holds nine WSOP bracelets, including four Poker Players Championship titles - which is a prestigious record in itself. This summer's performance stands as one of the most dominant in WSOP lore, and his dual triumph in 2025 adds a new chapter to an already decorated career. The World Series of Poker is the most prestigious and longest-running poker tournament in the world. Since its founding in 1970, the WSOP has awarded over $4 billion in prize cash. The series attracts hundreds of thousands of participants across various formats and continues to expand globally through WSOP Circuit Events, WSOP Europe, and even the WSOP Online festival. In 2024, the WSOP in Las Vegas shattered records with 229,553 participants and over $438 million in payouts.

Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world, has officially partnered with the American Gaming Association, becoming the first-ever cruise line to sign up with the casino advocacy group. Carnival focuses on limited-time, adult-only cruises, and its 'All-Casino Exclusive Sailings' are a big hit with numerous passengers. Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise operator globally, has officially joined the American Gaming Association, becoming the first cruise line to partner with the nation's foremost trade group representing tribal casino and commercial interests. The move is seen as a groundbreaking step in bridging the maritime leisure sector with the land-based gaming industry. Headquartered in Miami, Carnival Corporation operates a global fleet of cruise lines that include brands such as Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. The company offers onboard casino experiences featuring slot machines and table games as well as dedicated gambling spaces, including both smoking and non-smoking areas. A strategic partnership for growth and responsibility The AGA, based in Washington, DC, is known for its advocacy in promoting a strong, well-regulated, and responsible gaming industry. Carnival's membership reflects a shared commitment to those values. "Joining the American Gaming Association is an important step in advancing our industry leadership and ensuring we remain at the forefront of responsible gaming and regulatory best practices," said senior vice president of global gaming for Carnival Corporation Marty Goldman. "This partnership opens new avenues for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will directly benefit our guests, team members, and the broader Carnival Corporation organization." AGA's senior vice president of membership and events, Maureen Beddis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We're thrilled to welcome our first cruise line member," she said. "Carnival's commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences at sea complements our efforts to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible gaming across the industry." A new chapter for onboard gaming Carnival's move comes amid a growing focus on enhancing the onboard casino experience. In May, Carnival launched a series of special sailings branded as 'ACES' - short for All-Casino Exclusive Sailings. These limited-time, adults-only voyages feature enhanced casino promotions and gaming-focused events. According to internal sources, the ACES initiative was developed to capitalize on fleet availability after dry dock schedules for ships like Carnival Conquest and Magic were delayed. Through AGA membership, Carnival gains access to a host of exclusive industry tools - including regulatory guidance, professional development programming, research insights, and access to policy committees. The affiliation allows Carnival's leadership to contribute to national gaming conversations while leveraging data and resources to fine-tune its own gaming offerings. "This partnership allows corporate leaders and team members to stay at the forefront of industry trends, access cutting-edge data, and participate in events and committees that shape the future of gaming," the AGA stated. Cruise casinos: legal and regulated While cruise casinos cannot operate until ships reach international waters - where they are beyond the jurisdiction of their departure port - they are still subject to rigorous regulation. Carnival and its peers, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Virgin Voyages, are all members of the Cruise Lines International Association. As part of CLIA, cruise lines are required to meet gaming standards akin to those enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, widely considered the benchmark in casino regulation. Each onboard casino is independently audited on an annual basis for compliance. Cruise casinos typically maintain a minimum payback percentage of 75% on slot machines, though many opt for higher payout levels - generally between 80% and 85% - to remain competitive. This compares to land-based casinos in Nevada, where slot paybacks often exceed 90%. Carnival's membership in the AGA not only signals its growing influence within the regulated gaming sector but also reflects a trend of alliances between traditional and non-traditional gaming environments. As onboard entertainment continues to evolve, this partnership demonstrates the increasing importance of regulatory alignment, guest safety, and industry-wide collaboration.

After what has been quite an impressive yet short-lived run by the Winnipeg Jets last season, one of the priorities for the team has been to keep its most reliable stars in the fray and make sure they can boost the squad's chances of winning in the league. One of these talented players is Gabriel Vilardi, who is now slated to stay for six more years. The Jets were definitely pegged to be a Stanley Cup contender after last season's exploits. Vilardi was one of the standout performers for the team, cruising for career-highs and being one of the team's most consistent players in the rotation for most of the season. Now he's getting paid with impressive bearing for the team's chances of winning. At the age of 25, Vilardi would have become a free agent if not for this deal. With a possible arbitration hearing averted, the focus now shifts for the forward to put a focus on his works towards the season, which arguably has been really fun to watch as he improves his level of play now more than ever. A Shining Performer for the Jets Vilardi has been quite the star for Winnipeg, and it cannot be denied that he's been a phenomenal star on the rise. The forward posted 61 points last season with 27 goals and 34 assists – all career-highs in just 71 games. His massive performances say a lot about the drastic improvement that was expected from him in his time with the Los Angeles Kings. For what it's worth, Vilardi knows how to play at a high level, and his consistent performances have often outshined many elite players from the Jets roster. The forward has played in many clutch moments, and he has certainly proved that he can be a competent performer in the rotation, which says a lot about why the signing made perfect sense. Selected by the Kings back in the 2017 NHL Draft, Vilardi spent years with the Los Angeles squad and played 270 regular season games and 21 playoff games. So far, Vilardi has a tally of 175 points off 90 goals and 85 assists in 270 regular-season games for both the Kings and Jets combined. Staying with the Jets Perhaps one of the biggest factors that has made Vilardi a key player for the Jets aside from his impressive upsides is the fact that he's an Ontario native. Sure, he did miss out on the final 11 games of the regular season and the first four playoff games for Winnipeg last season, but he remains an elite performer in his own right. Acquired back in June 2023 in a trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Kings, Vilardi has turned out for the best for the Jets so far, and his level of play has certainly turned out for the best as he continues to thrive in the Winnipeg system. Still, the expectations are high for Vilardi to make the most of his new contract. He is indeed one of the most explosive performers on the big stage, and one can say that he will be grinding his way to the top of the pecking order in Winnipeg in the coming season. The mere fact that he posted a lot of career-highs last season says a lot about how he is able to make an impact in the game and show that he deserves the new extension. So far, Vilardi is even pegged to become an All-Star next season, but that’s only feasible if he continues the offensive tear he was on last season.

With its offensive unit arguably locked up and secure for the rest of the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs now focus on bringing its defensive squad on the forefront with George Karlaftis now expected to ink a four-year, $93 million deal with the team to stay up to the 2029 season. Now it seems that one of the defensive standouts of the league will reside in Kansas City. Spending his first three years with the Chiefs, Karlaftis was a consistent producer for the team and has been an elite defender in his own right. Most of the time, Karlaftis has been tasked against the opposing quarterback, and he's been great in one-on-one matchups, even lining up against All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. With the makings of being a solid defender for the team, it seems that Karlaftis will now have his big chance on the team to prove his worth on the big stage. This comes as a good hope for the defensive lineman, who will be eager to approach his next few years with a contender team that is likely to make a Super Bowl appearance in one of those years at the very least. A Defender Secured An elite sack artist in his own right, Karlaftis definitely deserves his flowers as he's steadily improved one year after another, proving that he deserves his praise and the money as well. It has been one heck of an amazing run for the defensive lineman, and now his exploits have been rewarded well. "He's a heck of a player and he's done a great job here and he's profiting from that," coach Andy Reid said. "Our team is also profiting from him being around. It's a win-win. He's a relentless player. You can trust him and he's reliable. You know he's going to do the right things and go 100 miles an hour doing it." Tenacious and relentless on the defensive end, Karlaftis has often found himself an efficient performer in his own right, and that says a lot about his value with the team on the defensive end. It can be remembered that he wrapped up the 2024 run with eight sacks, a career-high 28 quarterback hits, and 35 tackles. Playoff Karlaftis has also been great to watch, finishing with four sacks and eight quarterback hits. His eagerness to sacrifice his body at every turn is a great sight for fans, and getting him locked up for the next four years is a huge steal for the Chiefs at this point. What Led to the Deal Under his new contract, Karlaftis will now become the 10th highest-paid defender among pass rushers, despite earning just an average salary of $23.25 million, including incentives. This also means that Karlaftis will stay in the branching guidance of longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and may even have a bigger role in the long run. Karlaftis is one of the prominent players to emerge from the Chiefs’ highly praised 2022 Draft Class, which has seen impressive performers such as Isiah Pacheco, Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson. At this point, it is safe to say that the Chiefs are definitely reaping the benefits of having these players in the rotation. With Karlaftis now kept for four more years – two years before his original contract expires, it is expected that he will find ways to win it all, and contribute even more on the defensive side as the Chiefs eagerly seek to run it back multiple times on the Super Bowl stage.

The latest survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling has revealed that there is less risk for problem gambling today than before the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still a long way to go when it comes to challenges, including that nearly 20 million adults in the US have reported behaviors related to problem gambling. The latest national survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling reveals a promising decline in the number of Americans experiencing problem gambling behaviors since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with almost 20 million adults still reporting troubling gambling activity, the organization warns that continued federal and state-level support is vital to prevent a backslide. Released today, the NGAGE 3.0 survey (National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences) presents a mixed picture: while progress has been made in public awareness and access to support services, high-risk behaviors remain concentrated in vulnerable demographics, such as younger adults, frequent sports bettors, and online gamblers. "This new research shows that the nationwide efforts in responsible gambling and public awareness are making a positive impact, but the work is far from over," said the President of NCPG's Board of Directors, Derek Longmeier. Encouraging trends since the pandemic The survey found that approximately 20 million US adults reported experiencing at least one problematic gambling behavior "many times" in the past year - a decrease from 2021's 27.5 million. This reversal suggests that expanded outreach, increased use of helplines like 1-800-GAMBLER, and broader public education campaigns are beginning to move the needle in a positive direction. Nonetheless, the figure remains higher than in 2018, indicating that gambling-related harm is still more prevalent than before the pandemic. "We must build on this momentum by embedding problem gambling into the broader public health infrastructure and investing in what we know works," Longmeier emphasized. Risk concentrated among specific groups The NGAGE 3.0 data highlight that the most vulnerable gambling demographics continue to bear the brunt of gambling harm: 28% of those gambling on ten or more activities showed signs of problem behavior. 35% of people who gambled on three or more types of activities weekly or more often meet concern thresholds. Fantasy sports bettors (24%) and traditional sports bettors (17%) reported notably high rates of gambling issues. Young adults (ages 18 - 34) showed a higher incidence (15%) of gambling-related problems, compared to just 2% among those 55 and older. Men (10%) were almost twice as likely as women (5%) to report gambling-related challenges. Additionally, the surge in online gambling - now reported by 22% of Americans, up from 15% in 2018 - correlates with an increase in high-risk behavior. Parlay betting, in particular, nearly doubled in popularity since 2018, raising red flags about potential loss-chasing and compulsive tendencies. Gaps in public understanding and treatment confidence Despite these concerning statistics, merely 39% of Americans view gambling addiction as a "very serious" health issue, trailing behind perceptions of drug addiction (62%) and alcoholism (55%). Alarmingly, 37% of people exhibiting risky gambling behavior said they believe recovery is unlikely - more than double the rate of the general population. These findings demonstrate the need for continued public education and stigma reduction. NCPG leaders say that while awareness is improving, skepticism about treatment efficacy and misunderstandings about gambling's severity remain significant barriers to progress. Federal action urged to sustain progress While the NCPG survey signals hopeful trends, it also sends a clear message: stabilization does not mean resolution. NCPG is calling for the federal government to allocate a portion of the sports betting excise tax directly to gambling addiction services, establishing a sustainable and dedicated funding stream for prevention, research, and proper treatment. "All who profit from gambling, including the government, have an ethical imperative to use some of that money to mitigate gambling's harms," Longmeier said. "Gambling addiction deserves to be treated by the states as the serious health crisis that it is." The organization also continues to work with state affiliates to ensure that gambling tax revenues are directed specifically toward gambling addiction support - an area that is too often overshadowed by broader substance abuse programs.

In a letter addressed to the Senate, gambling groups, such as The American Gaming Association, The National Council on Problem Gambling, and The Indian Gaming Association, among others, expressed their concerns amid the rise of event prediction platforms like Kalshi. Specifically, these groups were concerned about the appointment of Brian Quintenz as the head of the CFTC, and about how he would deal with sports betting in line with prediction markets moving forward. A powerful coalition of gambling industry stakeholders - including tribal governments, commercial casino operators, and responsible gaming advocates - is calling on the Senate to press Commodity Futures Trading Commission nominee Brian Quintenz for answers about his stance on sports betting via prediction markets. In a letter, the group urges members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to delay advancing Quintenz's nomination until he commits to reviewing controversial sports contracts currently being offered on CFTC-regulated prediction platforms like Kalshi. Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner and current Kalshi board member, appeared before the committee for a confirmation hearing on June 10 but has not yet been confirmed. Gambling interests seek clarity on sports contracts At the heart of the controversy is Kalshi's expansion into sports-related contracts, which many industry and tribal leaders argue constitute unregulated sports betting. Kalshi recently announced more than $2 billion in trading volume on sports markets - areas traditionally regulated by state-level gaming commissions. The letter addressed to Committee Chair Senator John Boozman and Ranking Member Senator Amy Klobuchar does not outright oppose Quintenz's confirmation. Instead, it implores the committee to demand clarity: "We respectfully request that the Committee require the nominee to fully address the concerns raised at the hearing and commit to upholding and enforcing applicable CFTC regulations before moving forward with his nomination." The signees want Quintenz to pledge that, if confirmed, he will launch a formal CFTC review into whether such sports contracts violate existing federal regulations or state gaming laws. Broad coalition opposes sports event contracts The letter represents one of the most comprehensive pushbacks to date against prediction markets entering the sports betting space. Signatories include the American Gaming Association, the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Indian Gaming Association, and dozens of tribal and state gaming organizations. Seventeen tribes also signed the letter. Some of these organizations have been vocal critics of Kalshi and similar platforms, noting that the CFTC's own rules prohibit event contracts relating to "gaming, terrorism, war, or activities unlawful under state or federal law." From the letter: "The vast majority believe sports event contracts are tantamount to sports wagering and, therefore, constitute gaming... The CFTC has not executed a review of these contracts or taken any action despite existing regulations requiring the agency to prohibit any contracts that fall under the enumerated categories." Legal and regulatory tensions escalate Adding urgency to the matter, 34 state attorneys general, along with counterparts from the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands, recently filed a brief in the Federal Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Their message: the Commodity Exchange Act does not override state authority to regulate gambling. Supporting briefs were also filed by major gaming associations and tribal groups. Notably, many of the states represented in the legal filing are also home to members of the Senate Agriculture Committee currently weighing Quintenz's nomination. Despite these developments, Quintenz has offered little assurance that he would crack down on prediction markets. During his confirmation hearing, he sidestepped questions about the CFTC's regulatory obligations, implying that he would rely on his own interpretation of the CEA. "It should be deeply troubling to this Committee that he offered no assurances that the CFTC under his leadership would enforce its own regulations," the letter states. As the CFTC faces leadership vacancies and Quintenz could soon become its only commissioner, concerns about unchecked regulatory authority are escalating. The coalition insists the Senate must extract a commitment from him to initiate a formal review of these contracts. "The lack of action by the CFTC means prediction platforms will continue to offer these sports contracts without the important regulatory guardrails provided by state and tribal regulated sports betting."