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A University of Florida researcher named Nasim Binesh, Ph.D., M.B.A., and an assistant professor at the College of Health & Human Performance, has published a study on the ethics and risks of the use of Artificial Intelligence in gambling. She said, for example, that AI systems could potentially be used to target problem gamblers who are vulnerable to addiction. The study calls for AI guidelines that would help rather than harm the gambling industry as a whole. With the 2025 World Series of Poker kicking off in Las Vegas this past May 27, excitement is mounting among players and fans. But alongside the anticipation, a deeper and more urgent conversation is taking place - one that examines the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in gambling and the ethical concerns it raises. According to forecasts, the global gambling industry is expected to top $876 billion by the year 2026. This growth is fueled in part by technological innovation, including AI, which is now widely used in online gambling, sports betting, and even traditional casinos. Yet while AI offers powerful tools for enhancing user experiences and optimizing operations, it also poses serious ethical risks - particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable gamblers. UF researcher raises the alarm Nasim Binesh, Ph.D., M.B.A., an assistant professor in the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance, is at the forefront of this issue. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, Binesh and co-author Kasra Ghaharian, Ph.D., of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, examine how AI is being used in the gambling sector - and why greater oversight is urgently needed. “AI systems, which are designed to optimize profit, could identify and target players susceptible to addiction, pushing them deeper into harmful behaviors,” Binesh warned. This concern is heightened by the fact that few regulations currently exist that specifically govern AI use in gambling. Though frameworks like the US Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and the European Union’s AI Act offer general AI guidelines, they are not tailored to the unique dynamics of the gambling industry. Industry begins to respond Some steps are being taken. In March, the International Gaming Standards Association’s Ethical AI Standards Committee announced plans to develop a framework for best practices to help regulators better understand AI’s role in gambling. This initiative signals growing recognition within the industry that unchecked AI use could backfire - both ethically and commercially. “The potential for AI to exacerbate gambling harms and exploit vulnerable individuals is a stark reality that demands immediate and informed action,” emphasized Binesh. In their study, Binesh and Ghaharian outline a roadmap for ethically responsible AI in gambling. Key recommendations include: Independent audits of AI systems to assess compliance with ethical standards Training for AI developers focused on at-risk populations Ensuring AI-generated decisions are transparent and understandable to users Full disclosure of how user data is collected and used. The researchers also note that AI has the potential to serve as a protective force. It can be used to detect early signs of gambling addiction, flag potential fraud, and even recognize cheating. However, the dual-use nature of AI makes regulation essential. “AI’s potential to enhance consumer protection by identifying at-risk behaviors and intervening appropriately is well acknowledged,” said Binesh. “Yet, without regulation, these technologies could be underused or misapplied, missing critical interventions and failing to mitigate harms.” Balancing innovation and responsibility Looking ahead, Binesh plans to continue her research into how AI can detect early markers of gambling harm, including behavioral cues from social media and other data sources. She cautions, however, that a lack of regulatory clarity could ultimately inhibit progress. “Ironically, the lack of AI regulation could stifle the very innovation it seeks to foster,” she said. “Ethical controversies and backlash against these unregulated practices might lead to more restrictive policies and hinder AI advancement.” As AI continues to reshape the world of gambling, Binesh’s work highlights a critical need: balancing technological innovation with robust ethical oversight. For the industry to thrive sustainably, protecting players must be as much a priority as profit.

OG, the iconic esports organization renowned for its Dota 2 legacy, has announced a significant overhaul of its European roster. This strategic move is spearheaded by Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, the organization's co-founder and two-time The International champion, who returns to the fold as the head coach. N0tail's appointment marks a pivotal moment in OG's quest to reclaim its former glory in the competitive Dota 2 scene. The past two years have been challenging for OG's Dota 2 division. After a series of roster changes and underwhelming performances, the team failed to qualify for TI in both 2023 and 2024. Recognizing the need for a fresh direction, OG's management decided to rebuild the team from the ground up. This rebuilding process culminated in the formation of a new roster, blending seasoned veterans with promising talents. A Whole New World The new revamp for OG was unprecedented, but it went faster than most people expected it to happen as well. Now it seems that they are keen to see a repeat of their dominant stretch in Dota 2 back then. On loan from Natus Vincere, Indji “Shad” Lub brings experience from the Tier 2 scene and is expected to bolster OG's offensive strategies. Another key addition would be Daniel “Stormstormer” Schoetzau, a German midlaner with a history in international tournaments, Stormstormer has been trialing with OG since April and is now officially part of the team. The support spots are filled by Tamir “daze” Tokpanov and Ivan “Kidaro” Bondarev. Daze is a young Kazakhstani player who previously played for the Natus Vincere academy, while Kidaro is an Ukrainian support player with experience in various Eastern European teams. So far, this diverse lineup reflects N0tail's vision of blending experience with youthful energy, aiming to create a cohesive and dynamic team. Nothing is easy in Dota 2, and everything has to be earned. N0tail, for one, knows how to win it all, and he is definitely going to need to teach all his tricks if the team will even have a chance at winning. “N0tail is going to be taking charge of the team. He's going to be coaching the team, managing the team, and building it in the way he wants it to be built,” team CEO Daniel Sanders said of N0tail’s experience and coaching. “And that means picking up young talent, and really going back to his philosophy of running a team in his image.” On to the Next Challenge N0tail himself expressed his commitment to fostering a team that not only excels in gameplay but also understands the intricacies of Dota 2. He aims to cultivate a squad where communication and strategic thinking are paramount, allowing players to engage in meaningful discussions about the game. With the new roster in place, OG is setting its sights on upcoming qualifiers for major tournaments, including The International 2025 and the Esports World Cup 2025. The team's performance in these events will be a testament to the effectiveness of N0tail's coaching philosophy and the synergy of the newly assembled roster. As OG embarks on this new journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent will impact the team's trajectory in the competitive Dota 2 landscape. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether this new chapter marks the resurgence of OG's dominance in the esports arena.

The season hasn’t been kind to the Pittsburgh Steelers so far, but then they are still capable of showing signs of life at this point even at the bottom of the National League. Paul Skenes rallies this gritty team as they pulled off a stunning 10-1 smash on the Arizona Diamondbacks to get into 21 wins. Now headed to San Diego for the next three games, Skenes and the Pirates are carrying a promising pace after that offensive burst as the team looks to keep on winning once more. It seems that this season will be something to look forward to as they seek to salvage it as well. Skenes was on the fiery side – and yet he hasn’t been able to come up with impressive scoring bursts, but has found his groove when it mattered most. Dominating at Chase Field has been his strong suit, and he made sure that he would be able to keep his pace going as they now hope to keep on winning in the next set of games. A Massive Win for the Pirates Pittsburgh stands with a 21-36 record as of the time of writing and is dead second to the last in the National League. It has been a tough season with the team having a lot of injuries, but then they are trying to find ways to win. One of those ways is to have Skenes ride on a winning groove. This May hasn’t been quite his big game though, as he entered this final stretch at 0-3, only to claim his spot on the win column late. Skenes took out seven batters in over six and ⅔ innings, which marked the fifth time in a row that he has at least struck out half dozen players on the batting side. On top of that, he was pitching at a 2.32 ERA during that stretch, and yet was still able to close out the month of May with a promising finish, thanks to a flurry of runs. Majority of the damage came from the sixth inning, which saw them generate a total of five runs. The Pirates chased Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen and kept their foot on the gas as they rallied all the way to the finish and kept the D-backs from scoring once more. A Chance at a Climb with Skenes? Paul Skenes has emerged as the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff, and his continued excellence is pivotal for the team's resurgence in the 2025 season. Following a stellar rookie year where he posted a 1.96 ERA and set a franchise record with 170 strikeouts, Skenes has maintained his dominance into the new season. This performance marked his 10th quality start in 12 appearances, underscoring his consistency and reliability on the mound. Beyond his on-field achievements, Skenes has taken on a leadership role within the Pirates' clubhouse. Drawing from his experiences and insights gained from veterans, he has been instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration among his teammates. His calm demeanor and work ethic serve as a model for others, and his influence is evident in the team's improved performance and morale. As the Pirates aim to end a decade-long playoff drought, Skenes' ability to lead both on and off the field will be crucial in guiding the team back to contention.

Amidst a promising victory in Game 4 and now on the prowl for the Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers are having a big season to remember. However, Zach Hyman missing out the rest of the playoff campaign will definitely be a huge change in their pace heading into the next set of games for Edmonton. After the Oilers walked off with a 4-1 victory at Rogers Place, fans were definitely roaring loud with just a win away. The news of Hyman missing out the rest of the season, however, is definitely not something that they have expected, especially after the winger has seen elite performances in the playoffs so far – supplanting both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the attack. Nothing has been easy for Edmonton this season. The team struggled with injuries to their main stars, and they even had to claw their way back late in the season after a very poor start to the 2024-25 campaign. Now that there’s another injury on the sides, it seems that the Oilers will have to figure out a way to win without him moving forward. An Unfortunate Injury Hyman is slated to have surgery today and will be out for the remainder of the playoffs. The Oilers have not released an official report regarding the gravity of his injury, leaving it as an “upper-body” injury instead. Now the team needs to come alive and have its next man step up as they head to the gritty finish in the playoffs. "He's put everything out there. You look at everything he's done the last two years. Last year, he scored about 70 goals and numerous big important goals in the playoffs,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said of Hyman’s status. “This year, he's scored key goals but the physical department, how many hits he had, his two-way play was tremendous.” Playing 3:11 of ice time in Game 4, Hyman left the rink and was later examined by the Oilers staff after he took a tough hit from Stars forward Mason Marchment on the right shoulder. He went up to brace for impact when he was making a move on the puck, only to drop his stick after the impact and started favoring the arm. Hyman did not return to the game after being checked by the Oilers’ staff and was later deemed out for the rest of the season. Missing a Big Impact Player While the Oilers have the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, Hyman is at another level this season. He ranks first in the playoffs with 111 hits and fifth on the Edmonton squad with 11 points coming off five goals and six assists. In just 15 games, he has been making a huge impact and has been stepping up at a high level than expected. "It's massive," Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner said. "You're missing a key player and also you go down a guy for lines, too, so extra ice time for other guys, which puts some miles on guys. The way that we responded was fantastic. You saw a lot of guys step up, skate hard, hitting guys the way that Hyman has been hitting. It's really important to respond like that when something like that happens. Hyman has been a promising performer in the playoffs, but now the Oilers have to find ways to win without him as he will be watching from the sidelines.

The Texas Senate has decided to make some sweeping regulatory changes to the Texas Lottery. It would effectively discard the Texas Lottery Commission but it will transfer the control to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as well as make several changes to how the lottery is managed in the state. In a sweeping move aimed at overhauling the administration of Texas’ lottery system, the Texas Senate unanimously approved legislation that would abolish the Texas Lottery Commission and transfer oversight responsibilities to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill, Senate Bill 3070, sponsored by Senator Bob Hall, passed 31 - 0 late last week. While the measure retains the existence of the lottery itself for now, it marks a significant shift in governance and opens the door for the possible elimination of lottery gaming in the state within two years. The Texas House has already begun fast-tracking the bill for committee discussion ahead of the legislative session’s end on June 2. Sweeping changes to how the lottery is operated Under SB 3070, the TDLR would not only assume administrative control but also implement a series of new restrictions aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. For instance, the bill would criminalize online lottery play, prohibit consumers from purchasing over 100 tickets at once, and ban the use of courier services to buy tickets on behalf of others. Additionally, it would cap the number of ticket-printing terminals available to licensed retailers. These changes come in response to a high-profile incident in 2023 in which a lottery syndicate won a $95 million jackpot after reportedly spending $25 million to secure 99% of all possible number combinations. The episode triggered widespread media coverage and legislative scrutiny, with many lawmakers pointing to it as a sign that the lottery system was vulnerable to manipulation. Temporary lifeline: two-year trial before sunset review Though SB 3070 preserves the lottery for now, its long-term fate remains uncertain. The legislation includes a provision for a limited “sunset review” by August 31, 2027, which could lead to the complete shutdown of the lottery if lawmakers are not satisfied with how the new oversight regime performs. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, a vocal proponent of the reform, framed the legislation as a probationary period for the state’s gaming operations. “We’re going to give the extension to the game to the TDLR,” Patrick said in a video statement. “They will oversee it with a brand-new leadership team and new guardrails … We can ban it in two years if the TDLR does not operate it as we instruct them to.” The potential stakes are high. The Texas Lottery contributes approximately $2 billion annually to the state’s coffers, primarily benefiting education and veterans' services. Top state officials granted inspection authority One of the more unusual features of SB 3070 is a provision allowing top Texas officials - including the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general - to conduct in-person inspections of licensed lottery retailers. This clause appears to have been influenced by Lt. Gov. Patrick’s own efforts earlier this year to investigate Winner’s Corner, a retail outlet owned by lottery courier Jackpocket. Patrick had claimed he was denied full access when attempting to scrutinize the store following the sale of an $83.5 million winning ticket. “Now, I’ll be a lottery inspector, and I can drop in and go anywhere I want to make sure everything is on the up and up,” declared Patrick in a video. He further alleged that his experience with Winner’s Corner led to broader revelations about what he called “alleged corruption” within the Lottery Commission. Path forward hinges on House and Governor The Texas House must now act quickly to move the bill forward before the legislative session concludes. If the legislation is not approved and sent to Governor Greg Abbott before June 2, it cannot be taken up again until the legislature reconvenes in 2027. Sen. Hall’s initial bill, SB 1988, had called for the complete abolition of the lottery but failed to gain traction. SB 3070 represents a compromise that leaves room for reform while keeping the game alive - for now. The coming weeks will determine whether the bill becomes law and whether the Texas Lottery’s future remains a gamble or becomes a more tightly controlled enterprise.

Well-known operators of social games have gathered together and formed a gaming alliance in response to the ongoing scrutiny into sweepstakes gaming operations. The group, called the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, is set to push for more friendly rules and regulations in the social gaming industry. It is led by former congressman Jeff Duncan, and he is joined by major players like VGW (Virtual Gaming Worlds), Yellow Social Interactive, B-Two Operations, ARB Interactive, and PLAYSTUDIOS. A collective of prominent social gaming operators has come together to form the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, a newly established advocacy group aimed at addressing mounting regulatory challenges and shaping a sustainable future for the industry. The coalition will be led by former US Congressman Jeff Duncan, and its founding members include Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), Yellow Social Interactive, PLAYSTUDIOS, B-Two Operations, and ARB Interactive, along with payment provider Nuvei. The SGLA marks a significant step for the social gaming industry as it seeks to better educate lawmakers, regulators, and the public about the nature of its platforms and practices. Promoting standards and clarifying misconceptions Laurence Escalante, Chief Executive Officer of VGW, emphasized the importance of unifying under one voice to promote transparency and industry best practices. “Online social gaming is a well-established, popular form of entertainment in North America, where we’ve operated for more than a decade,” said Escalante. “As a pioneer and market leader, we recognize the rising interest in our sector and our responsibility to both ensure the facts about our games, operations, and standards are understood and advocate for what we believe the appropriate industry frameworks should look like,” continued Escalante. The coalition aims to develop and promote clear, consistent industry standards to help lawmakers and regulators differentiate social gaming from other forms of online gambling. Core principles guide the SGLA's mission The SGLA will be grounded in four core principles: Free-to-play options - Ensuring players can enjoy games without spending money. Responsible Gaming - Promoting player well-being and sustainable gameplay practices. Player and platform protection - Upholding data privacy and ensuring secure, fair gameplay environments. Age Restrictions - Enforcing strict age verification processes to keep minors from accessing gaming content. By aligning on these values, the alliance hopes to present a united front when advocating for balanced regulations and preserving innovation in the sector. Response to mounting legal pressure The creation of the SGLA comes at a pivotal time for the social gaming industry, which has increasingly come under scrutiny from state regulators. VGW and several other sweepstakes operators have recently faced cease and desist orders in states such as Connecticut, Michigan, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Nevada. In one high-profile development, VGW made the decision earlier this year to shut down its Global Poker brand in Nevada, citing increased regulatory pressure. Gold Coin sales were discontinued in January, and customer accounts were fully closed by mid-April. This climate of uncertainty has spurred leading operators to organize and present a coordinated effort to protect the viability of their businesses and the enjoyment of their users. Competing visions within the industry The SGLA’s formation also highlights a growing divergence within the social gaming sector. Another industry group, the Social and Promotional Gaming Association, was launched in September 2024 with a focus on opposing legislative efforts that seek to curtail sweepstakes and other social gaming models. While both groups aim to defend the social gaming space, their approaches and priorities appear to differ. The emergence of multiple advocacy organizations suggests an evolving and increasingly complex regulatory environment, as operators navigate differing interpretations of how social gaming should be governed. The SGLA plans to begin an outreach campaign targeting lawmakers, regulatory agencies, the media, and the general public, advocating for informed and balanced policy decisions that allow the industry to flourish while protecting consumers. With seasoned leadership and backing from influential stakeholders, the alliance hopes to shape the narrative around social gaming and prevent overly restrictive laws that could stifle innovation.

When Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti said that he wanted an arrival and not just an appearance, many fans did not take it seriously. But after a short rebuild and a sudden playoff contention, the Thunder now finds itself back on the big stage of the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up an MVP performance of 34 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. Chet Holmgren had 22 points, and Jalen Williams finished with 19. Everything fell in favor of the Thunder, and they made it look easy as fans at the Paycom Center roared out loud as the game went down to the final minute with the Thunder up by as many as 39 points. Oklahoma City would not be denied this time. On the same day that the Thunder felt that legendary Game 6 from Klay Thompson in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, today’s OKC squad toppled that history with a positive one – a demolition of the Minnesota Timberwolves as the latter could not answer any of the avalanches that the Thunder have thrown at them. A Win Right From the Start Minnesota started with a 3-0 lead in the game coming off a Julius Randle three, but then the Thunder turned on its engines and activated what they do best – the pesky defense that launched a tidal wave of runs for OKC, capped off by a buzzer-beating three by Cason Wallace to make it a 26-9 start in the first quarter. By halftime, Minnesota had more turnovers than field goals made, and that just says a lot about how dominant the OKC defense has been this season and in the playoffs. Disrupting the passing lanes, rotating well on defense and putting the pressure on the Timberwolves on any part of the floor, it was just their big game. “We just struggled to find a rhythm," Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. "Everyone was kind of trying to do it all by themselves. We lost our connectivity. But all credit to the Thunder. They certainly deserve this. They played outstanding. And we came up short in a lot of ways.” It can be remembered that OKC reeled from losing Kevin Durant back in 2016 when he signed with the Golden State Warriors. The next few years were uneasy, but OKC managed to rebuild swiftly. However, all of those were put in the back as they rallied to beat Minnesota to clinch their first Finals appearance since 2012, even after coming short in their 2016 run. The Timberwolves tried to generate some runs. But a Holmgren block on Randle leading to a dagger three by Luguentz Dort forced Finch to call timeout and wave the white flag as OKC went up 106-72 with 6:34 left to play. “Welcome Home, Chet” Back in February, Anthony Edwards dunked over Chet Holmgren in an Oklahoma City loss. That video was later posted by Minnesota, with Edwards saying “Shout out to Chet. Welcome home, baby.” Holmgren finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks on 61.5% shooting. He drilled a total of two threes and was all over the floor in the win for the Thunder. Edwards, on the other hand, struggled to score early and ended up with 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting and went 1-of-7 from three. The Thunder later posted the same video of Edwards on his social media account, even quoting Edwards on welcoming him home to his native state of Minnesota. Eventually, Holmgren had the last laugh.

The blazing NFL offseason has seen a lot of big signings and extensions from key players on different teams, and it cannot be denied that there is indeed a lot of hope that Aaron Rodgers will be finding his new home after the New York Jets moved on from him and elected not to bring him back for another season. Heading into the final days of May, Rodgers remains undecided about where to play, and it has been reported that multiple teams have extended offers to the four-time Most Valuable Player. So far, Rodgers has been hinting that the Steelers may well be his best destination moving forward as the NFL season closes in. Nothing has been easy for Rodgers. He has battled through injury in the past few months and gave it his all only to be left out by the Jets. New York has opted to move on from him after two years of zero impressive results and not even a single playoff run after all that hype when they signed him for the first time. Future for Rodgers One team is confirmed to be out of the Rodgers sweepstakes – the Chicago Bears, who happen to be the bitter rivals of Rodgers' longtime team, the Green Bay Packers. It is as laughable as it could be, but then the QB provided some key hints that actually says a lot about which team would he be bringing his talents for the next season. "No, but I believe there's a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip," Rodgers said after he was asked about playing for the Chicago Bears next season. "I don't know, not sure. Got to check it out. I love Chicago, though. Way more than they love me. It's been a great relationship. All one way." Notably, the Pittsburgh Steelers are slated to visit the Bears on Week 12 this November 23rd. However, it is worth noting that there are also a total of seven other teams who will be visiting Soldier Field. That includes the previous suitors that he has on the list, such as the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings. Rodgers, however, did shut down the talks of him playing for the Saints, and with the Vikings making some key signings so far, it does seem that they are out of the equation for acquiring Rodgers moving forward. A Chance for Pittsburgh? It has been a tough stretch for the Steelers. Time is ticking for Rodgers, and the team isn't going anywhere without any upgrades at all. Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer known for his precision passing, veteran leadership, and clutch performances, would immediately elevate the Steelers' offense, potentially transforming them into a serious playoff contender. His experience and football IQ could help accelerate the development of younger players, particularly in a system that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. Additionally, his presence could attract free agents and boost team morale. However, his arrival would also bring heightened expectations and media scrutiny, and the team would need to adjust its offensive scheme to align with Rodgers' strengths. Overall, his addition could mark a new era of competitiveness in Pittsburgh. Who knows? Maybe this can be the last dance for Rodgers heading into the closing years of his historic NFL career – one last chance to win.

Nothing is ever given in the tough clay courts of the Roland Garros, and being a youngster like Joao Fonseca taking on the challenging task means a lot. However, the Brazilian rising star is making waves in the French Open as he pulled off a massive upset, this time beating Hubert Hurkacz en route to a straight-set win in his debut. At the age of 18, Fonseca has just become the second-youngest match winner at the clay-court major in the last 10 years. The first and youngest player to do so? Carlos Alcaraz in 2021 – at the age of 18 as well. It does seem that youngsters and the Roland Garros seem to be syncing up well now more than ever. Fonseca looks forward to establishing his name in the ATP Tour, and this small breakthrough in the French Open is a great sign that he is indeed making the best headways in his games and is definitely racking up the most impressive wins that he needs to continue a promising pace in the competition. Breakout Season Continues for Fonseca Beating Hubert Hurkacz in a 6-2, 6-4, and 6-2 affair in his first match in the French Open is a promising note considering that his debut was expected to be an early exit. After all, Hurkacz is an experienced star in his own right, so being able to pull off the win against him is a big break for Fonseca, and the task does not stop there as well. “I played really well, focusing a lot on the returns and serves,” said Fonseca, last year's champion at the Next Gen ATP Finals. “I knew a lot of great serves were going to come and I was just focusing on putting the first return in, the plus one, the return plus-one, put it in the middle and try to be as aggressive as I can. Try to focus on opportunities, go to the net, and try to be aggressive when I can." Fonseca proved his worth well in a packed Court 7 and fed off the energy from the crowd. The Brazilian star overpowered Hurkacz on all sides and matched his heavy-hitting plays with elite consistency. After ending up as a finalist in the ATP 250 event in Geneva, playing against Novak Djokovic in the final has certainly helped him set his pace in the clay major. Coming in Hot Fonseca now stands at 11-7 in the tour record this season. Ranked no. 57 overall, it is expected that the Brazilian will make deeper climbs in his games as he seeks to launch his stardom to the big stage as well. Fonseca will next face French veteran Pierre-Hugues Herbert, 16 years his senior. This has been a night for Brazil. Fonseca is one of the few tennis pros to make their name on the big stage, and the youngster is still learning a lot of things and is yet to enter his prime years. To be able to win one game in the Roland Garros is already a huge achievement. With the pace he's going for right now? One can expect that he is definitely coming for a bigger chance to win in his games now more than ever. Who knows, maybe a new upset champion is waiting on the sidelies to make his presence felt on the upper echelon of the ATP Tour.

Underdog Fantasy is back in the Big Apple. Two months after the DFS games provider pulled out its daily fantasy sports games in New York, it has once again launched its draft-style games, and the DFS games are now included in the new terms of the company's license in the state. Underdog Fantasy has officially relaunched its draft-style daily fantasy sports (DFS) games in New York, just two months after a regulatory dispute forced the company to pull out of the state. The company announced the return of its draft contests, confirming that these games are now operating under the terms of its temporary DFS license. While the return is a significant development for New York fantasy sports enthusiasts, it comes with limitations. Notably, Underdog's popular pick'em contests - both the peer-to-peer (P2P) and against-the-house formats - remain unavailable in the state for now. Regulatory setback and exit Underdog Fantasy's brief exit from New York in mid-March was prompted by a ruling from the NYSGC, or New York State Gaming Commission. The commission determined that the DFS products Underdog had been offering were not explicitly covered under its temporary license, which the company had inherited from Synkt Games following its acquisition of the business in 2022. In response to the NYSGC's decision, Underdog withdrew all DFS contests from the state and agreed to a settlement that included an $18 million payment. The NYSGC maintained that the contests offered by Underdog significantly differed from those Synkt had originally applied to operate under its 2016 licensure agreement. Push for a permanent license New York has long relied on temporary DFS licenses, but the state is finally moving toward establishing a permanent licensing framework for fantasy sports operators. Underdog has confirmed that it has applied for a permanent DFS license, signaling its intent to solidify its long-term presence in one of the country's largest markets. Underdog Fantasy's return to New York coincides with a major financial milestone for the company. The operator recently closed the first round of its Series C funding, raising $70 million and bringing its pre-money valuation to over $1.2 billion. The funding round, led by Spark Capital, is expected to eventually surpass $100 million. The substantial increase in valuation marks a nearly threefold rise from the company's Series B valuation of $485 million in 2022. Jeremy Levine, Chief Executive Officer and founder, described the investment as “a real accelerator” for the company's product development and expansion plans. This funding will help us continue building the best sports gaming products for fans in the US, Levine said. It also gives us the ability to bring top-tier talent into our team to support that mission, he added. Expansion and strategic moves Begun in 2020, Underdog Fantasy has grown rapidly, boasting nearly four million users across the US. The company claims to be the fourth most downloaded sports gaming app nationwide, operating at the intersection of fantasy sports and sports betting. Following its exit from New York in March, Underdog launched its Champions Pick'em peer-to-peer product in neighboring Delaware and New Jersey. The company also offers sports betting in select markets and is eyeing further expansion. Notably, Levine has expressed interest in entering Missouri when its sports betting market launches on December 1. The return of Underdog's draft games in New York marks a key step in the company's efforts to reestablish itself in a critical DFS market. As the regulatory environment evolves and the state works toward a permanent licensing system, Underdog is positioning itself to be a long-term player in New York and beyond. For now, New York sports fans can once again engage with Underdog's unique draft-style contests, while the company continues to push for broader access and regulatory approval for its full suite of fantasy products.

Ohio gaming is all set to launch at the end of March in 2026 – but it brings with it some serious limitations. For one, only operators with existing racinos and brick-and-mortar casinos would be eligible for a license online. Also, each operator would only be permitted to use one gambling platform even if they have several ones in the state. In addition, the taxes for the online casinos would be at 28%, and licensees would have to pay $50 million for five years and $10 million for every additional year. A newly introduced online casino bill in the Ohio House could reshape the future of digital gambling in the state - while simultaneously drawing a hard line on who gets to participate. Filed by Representative Brian Stewart on May 20, House Bill 298 proposes to legalize online casino gambling in Ohio, with a launch date on the 31st of March, 2026. However, the legislation would tightly control entry into the market and impose several restrictions aimed at favoring the state's existing brick-and-mortar gambling operations. Online gambling for existing operators only A standout feature of Stewart's proposal is that it restricts online casino licenses exclusively to operators that currently run physical casinos or racinos within Ohio. This means national operators without a retail footprint in the state would be locked out entirely. Even among those eligible, the bill limits each operator to only a single online gambling platform, regardless of how many properties they manage in Ohio. For example, industry giants like PENN Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment, which operate multiple venues and brands, would need to choose just one platform to deploy. This limitation appears to be designed to protect the market share and brand equity of Ohio's land-based casinos by preventing the entry of purely digital competitors. Promotion restrictions and hospitality incentives Another measure intended to bolster the physical casino industry is a ban on online-specific promotional gaming credits. While such offers have been a common marketing tactic in other states, House Bill 298 would allow promotional incentives only if they relate to hospitality experiences or on-site casino play, not for direct online gambling. This shift could give land-based operators a unique advantage by encouraging customer visits to physical locations through their online platforms. Financial framework: licensing and taxes License fees and taxation are also major elements of the bill. An initial five-year license would cost operators $50 million, with an annual renewal fee set at $10 million. Online casinos would be taxed at 28%, mirroring Michigan's rate and notably higher than Ohio's current 20% tax on sports betting. According to Stewart, this taxation structure could bring in between $400 million and $800 million per year. Of that, 99% would go directly to Ohio's general fund, with the remaining 1% earmarked for problem gambling services. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which currently regulates sports betting, would also oversee online casino operations under the new bill. Clear ban on sweepstakes gambling The bill makes a definitive move against online sweepstakes gambling, which has operated in a legal gray area in many states. House Bill 298 specifically targets platforms that use dual-currency systems to simulate gambling. Under the proposal, such sweepstakes would be explicitly illegal unless expressly authorized, and operating one would constitute a criminal offense. This clarity sets Stewart's proposal apart from other legislative efforts that often leave room for interpretation. Competing senate bill offers broader access Stewart's House proposal follows the recent introduction of Senate Bill 197 by Senator Nathan Manning, which envisions a more inclusive online gambling market. That bill would allow out-of-state operators to participate, though at a cost: untethered operators using third-party platforms would face a 40% tax rate and a $100 million license fee. In contrast, brick-and-mortar casino operators who use platforms they own at least half of would be taxed at 36%, with a five-year license fee of $50 million and a $5 million renewal cost. Senate Bill 197 has already been referred to committee and is scheduled for discussion this week. With two distinct visions for online casino gambling now in play, Ohio lawmakers face critical decisions about the state's digital gambling future. Stewart's House bill offers a conservative, casino-protectionist approach, while Manning's Senate bill leans more open but imposes steep costs on newcomers.