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  • Premier League Tips: 6/1 Bet Builder for Man City v Newcastle

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    Manchester City can close the gap at the top of the table on Saturday night when they host Newcastle United, and we have picked out a four-leg bet builder for the crucial contest.

    Manchester City play host to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late Premier League fixture at 8pm and we have picked out a four-leg bet builder for this match.

    Pep Guardiola’s men have a chance to reduce the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table to just two points with a win at the Etihad this weekend.

    Newcastle have bounced back lately after a disappointing few weeks, reeling off three successive wins in all competitions, all of which were on the road.

    Can the Magpies continue their rich vein of form, or will City claim their third win on the spin over Newcastle this season and pile the pressure on the Gunners? Here are our Premier League betting selections.

    Selections

    • Manchester City to win @ 19/40
    • Antoine Semenyo to score any time @ 1/1
    • Anthony Gordon to have 1+ shots on target @ 10/11
    • Both teams to score @ 11/20

      Pays @

      6/1

    Citizens hitting top form

    City are on a four-game winning run, which began with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, while they are unbeaten in seven, drawing only once.

    Another win on Saturday will see Guardiola’s side close the gap to Arsenal and this is surely plenty of incentive for the team as they bid to reclaim the title they lost to Liverpool last term, while they have the confidence of beating Newcastle in both legs of their last-four tie in the EFL Cup.

    The Magpies could find solace in the fact they won the reverse Premier League tie between the clubs in November, but this game is City’s to lose.

    Leg 1: Manchester City to win @ 19/40

    Semenyo maintain excellent City start

    Guardiola secured the services of Semenyo for a fee of £65m in the January transfer window and that is turning out to be good business.

    The Ghanian has scored five goals already for City across just nine games, including one in the 2-0 win over Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

    With three goals in his five league games for the club, expect Semenyo’s excellent form to continue this weekend.

    Leg 2: Antoine Semenyo to score any time @ 1/1

    Confident Gordon can be a threat

    Anthony Gordon shone for Newcastle in midweek, scoring four goals against Qarabag in the first half of their Champions League knockout play-off first-leg tie.

    The England forward now ranks second in the Champions League for goals and assists this term with 12, but he needs to translate that form into the Premier League.

    He might have registered just 0.6 shots on target per game so far, but Gordon will be full of confidence and could pose a big threat to City, particularly as a potential penalty taker.

    Leg 3: Anthony Gordon to have 1+ shots on target @ 10/11

    Magpies can trouble City backline

    Both teams have scored in two of the three games between these two this season and four of the last seven fixtures would have seen this bet land.

    In Newcastle’s last seven games, both teams have found the back of the net, while the Magpies themselves have banged in 11 goals in their current three-game road winning streak.

    Given the form of both clubs, expect both keepers to be beaten this Saturday night.

    Leg 4: Both teams to score @ 11/20

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  • California Cardrooms Warn Of Job Losses Under Blackjack Ban

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    Posted on: February 18, 2026, 08:47h. 

    Last updated on: February 19, 2026, 03:28h.

    • Cardrooms warn rules could cut business activity by half
    • Cities fear lost tax revenue funding police and fire
    • Industry vows legal pushback over blackjack-style game changes

    Advocates for California cardrooms say looming restrictions on blackjack-style games will impact thousands of employees, municipal budgets, and the financial stability of dozens of small and mid-sized gambling halls across the state.

    California cardrooms, blackjack restrictions, California Gaming Association, tribal casino dispute, municipal tax revenue
    Hawaiian Gardens Casino, above, is one of the primary economic engines of the small Los Angeles County city. (Image: Scott Varley/Getty)

    On February 6, state regulators approved a new framework of regulation that effectively bans cardrooms from offering the games in their current form.

    Under the revised regulations, players will no longer “bust” if they exceed a set total. Instead, each hand must be settled by comparing the player’s cards with those of the player-dealer. An ace paired with a 10-value card will also no longer count as an automatic win.

    The rules further ban cardrooms from marketing or naming any game with the number “21” or the word “blackjack.”

    Economic Fallout

    Kyle Kirkland, president of the California Gaming Association, told CBS Sacramento that this was a $6 billion industry that supports 20,000 working families and generates roughly $500 million annually in state and local tax revenue.  He warned that the regulatory shift could result in at least a “50% reduction” in business activity.

    “It’s just a dramatic, hard, 180-degree pivot in how the law is being interpreted, and that’s what we have the problem with … without any real reason, any visible harm to the public, we’re having a 180-degree change in how these games are being interpreted, and it’s devastating,” he told CBS.

    Unlike tribal casinos, which operate under separate state compacts, California’s cardrooms are licensed commercial establishments that contribute directly to municipal general funds.

    In cities such as San Jose, Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce, and Gardena, gambling revenue supports police and fire departments, road maintenance, and general fund services. San Jose alone receives about $30 million a year tied to cardroom operations, per city officials.

    Industry advocates like Kirkland argue that if table counts drop or popular games are reconfigured into less familiar formats, customer traffic could decline sharply, which will squeeze revenues, reduce employee hours, and strain the local tax streams that many cities rely on to fund essential services.

    Tribes’ Spat with Cardrooms

    For years, California’s influential tribal casino operators have pushed back against cardrooms’ so-called “California games” — modified versions of table staples such as blackjack and pai gow poker — arguing that they infringe on tribes’ exclusive rights to operate house-banked casino games.

    Tribal operators are finally getting their way, but the economic fallout will be borne by cardroom workers and the cities that depend on them, according to Kirkland.

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    Philip Conneller

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  • Poker Pro Has Advice for Punished Content Creators: Consider Legal Action

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    YouTube and other social media platforms have taken a harsh stance against some poker content creators over the past year, leading to some suspensions and even permanent bans. But one online poker legend and content creator says legal action is the proper response, although it’s unclear if the proposed strategy applies to Americans.

    Benjamin “bencb” Rolle gave some advice to the content creators among his X audience. He said that “talking to support” is a waste of time, but “working with law firms has done the job for us” in a lengthy tweet.

    Many poker YouTubers, as part of an age restriction content crackdown on the video platform, have been temporarily suspended or banned in recent months. Brad Owen, the most popular poker vlogger in the U.S., even had his account briefly banned before quickly getting it reinstated. He isn’t the only one to run into issues, but Rolle might have a way to help.

    Online Poker Player Takes on YouTube in Court

    Benjamin Rolle Online Poker
    Benjamin “bencb” Rolle

    Had Owen been unable to get his ban lifted, it would have costed him a significant amount of revenue, given that he has nearly 800,000 YouTube subscribers and his videos often get hundreds of thousands of views. But other content creators haven’t been as fortunate and are still dealing with bans and content being removed on various social media platforms.

    Rolle wrote that he’s had “several problems” with his Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts. Contacting customer support hasn’t been helpful during those situations. So, he took legal action.

    “There are law firms that are specialised in dealing with this matter. And until these Social Media companies don’t have a letter from a lawyer on their table, they won’t care,” Rolle wrote.

    Rolle, who won the WSOP Online Main Event for $3.9 million on GGPoker in September, aren’t expensive and only charge between €500 and €2,000 per case.

    The poker pro called the legal expense an “unavoidable cost” in today’s gambling content creation environment.


    Is This the End of Poker Content on YouTube? | PokerNews Podcast #919

    Who Does it Apply To?

    Rolle, who made it clear he isn’t giving legal advice and is only sharing his own personal experience, said his threats have been successful against IG and Facebook, as both platforms, within a couple months, lifted restrictions on his accounts. YouTube, on the other hand, is a different story.

    “We have not taken any action with YouTube so far since the strikes expired, but at this point, it is getting too much,” Rolle shared. “There are certain EU laws that require YouTube to give you a specific reason for restrictions/strikes, which they mostly refuse to provide (their usual ‘Regulated Goods’ bullshit with random timestamps is definitely not sufficient according to my lawyer’s opinion).”

    The British poker player recommends those in his situation consider finding a lawyer who specializes in dealing with the major social media platforms. He then said, based on his experience, to first have a consultation call with an attorney and ask for a quote.

    The laws Rolle referred to, however, appear to mostly apply to European countries. Todd Witteles of PokerFraudAlert responded to Rolle’s tweet with a take from an American’s perspective.

    I searched for US lawyers specializing in this a few years ago, and came up blank. Keep in mind that the US law is very immature regarding YouTube and other social media platforms, so your tactics, while successful in the EU, may not succeed in the US.

    However, it is true that these platforms take communication from an attorney far more seriously than a user support request.

    Oh… and nepotism always helps, if you have any contacts who know employees of these platforms. – Todd Witteles

    YouTube and other social media platforms have restricted some gambling content the past year, and the poker community is fighting back.

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  • Cadence Crossing Casino Prepares for Opening • This Week in Gambling

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    Boyd Gaming Corporation has announced that its newest Southern Nevada property, Cadence Crossing, is scheduled to open in Henderson by late March 2026. The announcement came during an earnings call where executives expressed optimism for the coming year following a record performance in 2025.

    The new 50,000-square-foot facility is located along Boulder Highway and is designed to replace the aging Jokers Wild Casino. This project represents the first new casino development for the company in the Las Vegas Valley in more than two decades. The initial phase of Cadence Crossing will feature a 10,000-square-foot gaming floor equipped with 450 slot machines and video poker options. The site will also include a central bar and several new dining outlets.

    Chief Executive Officer Keith Smith noted that the timing of the opening aligns with significant residential growth in the east Henderson area. The Cadence master-planned community, which sits adjacent to the site, was identified as one of the fastest-growing residential developments in the United States last year. This local growth is expected to provide a consistent customer base for the new venue.

    The project is part of a broader capital investment strategy. Boyd Gaming reported total revenues of 4.09 billion dollars for 2025. While the company saw record annual revenue, management is focusing on modernizing its portfolio to maintain momentum. Beyond the Henderson project, the company is completing renovations at the Suncoast in Summerlin and planning future upgrades for The Orleans.

    Cadence Crossing is being developed with future expansion in mind. While the March opening focuses on the casino and dining components, the company has outlined potential secondary phases. These future plans include the demolition of the existing Jokers Wild structure to make room for additional gaming space and a four-story hotel featuring 114 guestrooms.

    Company officials stated that employees currently working at Jokers Wild will transition to the new property upon its completion. The development is seen as a strategic move to capture the increasing demand in the suburban Henderson market, which has remained resilient even as destination tourism in the downtown corridor experienced fluctuations.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • Revised Partnerships Policy Halts Paid Gambling Promotion on X

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    X, the social media giant formerly known as Twitter, has quietly snuck in a major new change to its Paid Partnerships policy. The Elon Musk-owned platform just excluded gambling from its list of industries permitted to promote their product via organic collaborations, causing turmoil among operators.

    A Sudden Change in Policy

    Under the new changes to X’s paid advertising policy, gambling companies will no longer be allowed to participate in organic commercial deals, sending shockwaves across the gaming industry. This means that gambling operators will no longer be able to promote their products via arrangements with third-parties, such as brand ambassadors and affiliates, or via incentives, such as gifts and discounts.

    People familiar with the matter understood that betting brands would either need to shift into formal advertising routes that meet the social media platform’s standards or leave. Under X’s rules, violations could lead to content removal and other restrictions.

    The updated policy treats gambling-like products, such as sports betting and sweepstakes, as products in the same category as gambling. As a result, all companies within this sector will have to rethink how they approach marketing on X.

    Some Say the Regulation of Gaming Ads Is Insufficient

    The changes to X’s Paid Partnerships policy come a week after the publication of a study from the University of Sheffield, which suggested that existing regulations on gambling advertising may be inadequate. The report cited new findings, which suggest that TV ads substantially affected betting behavior during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    With the new World Cup steadily approaching, researchers encouraged regulators to rethink their approach to regulation.

    At the same time, the British Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) published the results of a new study into the country’s gambling sector, asserting that the UK’s gambling marketing is on the decline due to regulatory difficulties.  

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Premier League Darts: Night 3 Tips

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    Source: Alamy Stock Photo

    The 2026 Premier League Darts heads to Glasgow for Night 3 on Thursday, and here we pick out our four best bets.

    The 2026 Premier League heads to Scotland for the first time this year, with Michael van Gerwen top of the table, as the eight-man field decamps at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro for the night.

    Van Gerwen beat 4/5 Premier League favourite Luke Littler en route to glory in Antwerp seven days ago on Night 2 – and they meet again in Scotland, this time in round one.

    It’s the third of 16 nights of the best in darting drama with the top four at the end of the league phase heading for the finals at London’s O2 on May 28.

    Here are our best darts betting tips for Thursday night.

    Premier League Darts Night 3 tips

    • Stephen Bunting to beat Gian van Veen @ 7/4
    • Luke Humphries win & most 180s vs Josh Rock @ 7/4
    • Michael van Gerwen Over 98 average vs Luke Littler @ 5/6
    • Jonny Clayton vs Gerwyn Price – Over 9.5 Legs @ 10/11

    Stephen Bunting vs Gian van Veen

    Stephen Bunting’s latest act of Premier League self-destruction was blowing a 4-0 lead against Jonny Clayton last Thursday to lose 6-4.

    That’s two defeats in two for last season’s serial loser – The Bullet failed to win a single game for the first eight nights in 2025 – but he insists he still has self-belief.

    And if he does – and his averages are respectable enough – then he can follow up a good two days on the Pro Tour by beating Gian van Veen, a player he bested twice in three meetings in 2025.

    Tip: Stephen Bunting to beat Gian van Veen @ 7/4

    Luke Humphries vs Josh Rock

    Josh Rock, like Bunting, is pointless after two rounds and sounded bemused after last week’s 6-2 drubbing by Van Gerwen, insisting he had felt superb but could not deal with grip issues.

    A sub-80 average was certainly disappointing and doesn’t augur well for a tussle with Luke Humphries, who is fresh off a Players Championship victory on Tuesday.

    Humphries is averaging 12 points more than Rock after two nights, and hitting far more 180s per leg, so chuck an arrow at the Match Specials market, specifically the Humphries win and most 180s double.

    Tip: Luke Humphries win & most 180s vs Josh Rock @ 7/4

    Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Littler

    Finishing masterclasses from MvG have earned him five wins in six matches, including a 6-4 success over Littler last week in the semis.

    The two world champions meet again in Glasgow, this time a round sooner, and The Nuke, with a pro-Van Gerwen crowd on his back, will be feeling the heat.

    Common sense says the teenager flexes his muscles at last and wins well. The stats, however, say the Dutchman runs him close.

    Van Gerwen averaged 100 against Littler last week thanks to clinical finishing and brisk legs. All Littler’s legs are brisk which inflate the numbers so take the seven-time champion to average over 98 again.

    Tip: Michael van Gerwen Over 98 average vs Luke Littler @ 5/6

    Jonny Clayton vs Gerwyn Price

    Best friends and compatriots, but any closeness off the oche isn’t mirrored on it.

    Price has beaten Clayton in their last 10 meetings and after Gezzy bolted up in Antwerp – beating Clayton in the last four – he is hard to oppose.

    It was close – The Iceman took it 6-5 last week – and expect Clayton to give as good as he gets in a game that should at least go to 10 legs.

    Tip: Jonny Clayton vs Gerwyn Price – Over 9.5 Legs @     10/11

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  • Wyoming Senate Advances Bills to Tighten Gambling Rules

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    Lawmakers in Wyoming, US, took another step Friday toward tightening gambling regulations, advancing two bills aimed at closing loopholes and limiting gambling machines in everyday places like grocery stores.

    Closing the “Social Relationship” Loophole

    Senate File 44 focuses on what some call the “social relationship” loophole. Under current law, gambling is mostly illegal, but friends can play certain games privately without breaking the rules. 

    Lawmakers and law enforcement, however, have said some operators have exploited that exception, running what are essentially professional poker rooms under the guise of social clubs.

    “The goal was to improve the definition of what friends are,” said Sen. John Kolb, the Rock Springs Republican who led the interim committee on gaming. “Frankly, you can’t be friends for the sole purpose of wanting to gamble.”

    The bill clarifies that legal social games must involve only natural persons playing privately, without anyone being paid to host or organize the event. Supporters argue this would make it easier to take action against businesses disguising professional operations as friendly gatherings.

    Some raised concerns that the changes could unintentionally affect nonprofits or fraternal organizations. 

    Nick Larramendy, executive director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, reassured lawmakers that traditional charitable games like raffles, bingo, and pull-tabs would largely be unaffected, pointing out that certain “raffles” have been used to front illegal gambling. He cited the Queen of Hearts game as an example. 

    Mike Moser of the Wyoming State Liquor Association said he supported the bill overall but worried about overly strict enforcement that could penalize innocent clubs renting a room for a card game.

    Removing Skill Games from Grocery Stores

    The second measure, Senate File 46, targets skill-based gambling machines in grocery stores and other everyday locations. 

    Under the bill, these machines would be limited to licensed liquor establishments, truck stops, and smoke shops. 

    Any machines already in grocery stores may continue operating until their current permits expire, after which they would no longer be permitted. Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding minors accessing these machines and the rapid growth of gambling in non-adult spaces.

    Both bills passed the Senate Revenue Committee, with SF 44 approved 4-0 and SF 46 passing 3-1, the lone no vote coming from Sen. Troy McKeown, who has a conflict of interest as a liquor license holder. 

    SF 44 would take effect July 1, 2026, while SF 46 could become law immediately if it passes the full legislative process.

    Both bills now head to the full Senate, where lawmakers will debate and vote on them before they move to the House.

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    Melanie Porter

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  • Political Prediction Market ETFs Gain Momentum With Two New Filings

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    Posted on: February 17, 2026, 08:42h. 

    Last updated on: February 18, 2026, 05:50h.

    • Bitwise, GraniteShares throw hats into prediction markets ETF ring
    • Funds appear similar to previously pitched products
    • SEC hasn’t approved these ETFs

    The prediction markets industry is fiercely competitive and the same is true of the race to launch exchange funds (ETFs) tied to political event contracts.

    American Gaming Association prediction markets
    A photograph shows a computer displaying Kalshi odds for the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election on Oct. 13, 2024. Two more ETF issuers filed plans for political prediction market funds. (Image: Getty)

    Just days after Roundhill Investments filed plans with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for ETFs that would hold event contracts based on the 2026 midterm and 2028 presidential elections, rivals Bitwise Investments and GraniteShares followed suit with filings for competing products.

    Under the PredictionShares brand, Bitwise filed for ETFs based on either potential outcome of the 2028 presidential election — Democrat or Republican — as well as four funds based on which party will control the two houses of Congress following the November midterms. The filing for the PredictionShares presidential derivatives ETFs implies the funds won’t be rolled forward after the 2028 election.

    Following the conclusion of the 2028 Presidential Election and the settlement of the Democratic President Contracts pursuant to their terms, the Fund will liquidate its positions, settle any outstanding liabilities and will distribute all remaining assets to holders of Fund Shares,” according to the regulatory document. “To the extent that a member of the Democratic Party is not the winner of the 2028 Presidential Election, the Fund will lose substantially all of its value and such distribution should be expected to be de minimis. Following this distribution, the Fund will wind up its affairs and terminate.”

    It’s possible Bitwise will later alter the structure of the PredictionShares ETFs, assuming they’re approved, to efficiently transition to the next election cycles as Roundhill indicated it would do in its filing with the SEC. The commission hasn’t approved any of the political prediction market ETFs.

    Examining the GraniteShares Filing

    GraniteShares also has its eyes on election-based yes/no event contracts, which are likely to experience surges in volumes as this year’s primary and general election seasons evolve.

    That asset manager wants to bring Democrat and Republican presidential and congressional election ETFs to market. Its filing with the SEC indicates that if its ETFs are approved, they won’t terminate after Election Days 2026 and 2028. Rather, the 2026 House and Senate funds will be reconfigured for the 2028 elections and the presidential ETFs will be altered to hold derivatives based on the 2032 election.

    Regardless of issuer, all of the proposed political prediction markets ETFs tap into the zero sum nature of politics. Translation: The ETFs tied to the losing party will basically be worthless after Election Day. As just one example…

    “The GraniteShares Democratic Senate ETF’s investment objective is to provide capital appreciation to investors in the event that the Democratic Party has won control of the U.S. Senate following the conclusion of the U.S. Senate Elections taking place on November 3, 2026,” according to that issuer’s filing. “IN THE EVENT THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS NOT WON CONTROL OF THE U.S. SENATE FOLLOWING THE ELECTIONS TAKING PLACE ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, the Fund will lose substantially all of its value.”

    No Indications About Contract Sources

    As was the case with the Roundhill filing, neither Bitwise nor GraniteShares provided clues as to which exchanges they’ll work with to source political event contracts, though the issuers noted they’ll work with Designated Contract Markets (DCMs).

    Kalshi and Polymarket are the dominant prediction market operators, but by way of owning ForecastEx, Interactive Brokers (NASDAQ: IBKR) is a major player in the political derivatives niche.

    If the ETFs are approved, it’s possible issuers will partner with multiple yes/no exchanges. More details are likely to emerge as the regulatory process moves forward.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • RunGood Poker Series Heads to St. Louis as Stamps, Rings and Big Cash Prizes Await

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    The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Passport Season continues its nationwide tour with a stop at Hollywood Casino St. Louis, where tournament action is scheduled to run from March 3-March 8.

    The series is expected to draw a mix of regional grinders and traveling RGPS regulars, with 10 ring events on the schedule and a week of tournament action in the Midwest as players chase rings, cash, and Player of the Year points.

    Main Event Headlines the Schedule

    Highlighting the festival is the RGPS Passport St. Louis Main Event, an event that gives players multiple chances to capture a coveted RunGood ring.

    The tournament features an $800 buy-in and a $200,000 guaranteed prize pool, with four starting flights. The first flight kicks off on Thursday, March 5 at 5 p.m. local time, followed by another flight at the same time on Friday. The final two flights will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

    The top 12.5% of finishers from each flight will advance into the money, after which the remaining field will combine for Day 2 on Sunday, playing down to a champion.

    Last time RGPS stopped in St. Louis, the Main Event saw a near record setting field with 640 entries, and it was Justin Done who turned an entry via satellite into $62,000.

    $800 Main Event Final Table Results

    Place Player Country Prize
    1 Justin Done United States $62,000*
    2 Hunter Cichy United States $59,618*
    3 Tyler Breeding United States $55,603*
    4 Gilbert Shadowens United States $30,052
    5 Michael Johns United States $22,646
    6 Josh Hawkins United States $17,266
    7 John Roberts United States $13,319
    8 Corey Nazaruk United States $10,397
    9 Nick Syrigos United States $8,215

    *Denotes three-way ICM deal

    PokerNews PowerStack Returns

    Also on the schedule is the new PokerNews PowerStack, which has become a regular and prominent feature of RGPS Passport Season festivals.

    The $400 NLH event will have three starting flights, and comes with a $50,000 GTD, and if early Powerstack numbers are sign, that guarantee is expected to be smashed.

    The PowerStack format offers deep starting stacks and value-driven structures and contributes points toward season-long standings, adding extra incentive for players chasing leaderboard honors throughout the year. The top ten players on the leaderboard will earn a $1,100 Main Event seat at the RGPS Thunder Valley Main Event, with hotel accommodations included.

    A Key Stop on the Passport Season

    The St. Louis stop continues the RunGood Poker Series’ Passport Season, which features events across the United States throughout 2026. The tour schedule includes stops in markets across the country as the brand continues to expand its reach and bring mid-stakes tournament series to regional poker rooms.

    With ring events, marquee tournaments, and a full week of action, the Hollywood Casino St. Louis stop is expected to be another strong turnout for the tour.

    Full Schedule

    Date Time Event GTD
    Feb 27, 2026 6:00 PM $100 Step to the Ultimate Package Satellite (1 in 5) —
    Feb 28, 2026 6:00 PM $100 Step to the Ultimate Package Satellite (1 in 5) —
    Mar 2, 2026 6:00 PM $400 Ultimate Package Satellite (1 in 5) —
    Mar 3, 2026 10:00 AM $250 Seniors Ring Event (50+) $10,000
    Mar 3, 2026 2:00 PM $300 Series Opener NLH Ring Event —
    Mar 3, 2026 6:00 PM $400 PokerNews PowerStack Flight A $50,000
    Mar 4, 2026 9:00 AM $100 Turbo Satellite to PokerNews PowerStack (1 in 5) —
    Mar 4, 2026 12:00 PM $400 PokerNews PowerStack Flight B $50,000
    Mar 4, 2026 3:00 PM $100 Turbo Satellite to PokerNews PowerStack (1 in 5) —
    Mar 4, 2026 6:00 PM $400 PokerNews PowerStack Flight C $50,000
    Mar 5, 2026 9:00 AM $100 Satellite to Main Event (1 in 10) —
    Mar 5, 2026 12:00 PM $400 PokerNews PowerStack Day 2 Final $50,000
    Mar 5, 2026 1:00 PM $300 One Day NLH Ring Event —
    Mar 5, 2026 5:00 PM $800 Main Event Flight A $200,000
    Mar 5, 2026 9:00 PM $185 Satellite to Main Event (1 in 5) —
    Mar 6, 2026 9:00 AM $100 Satellite to Main Event (1 in 10) —
    Mar 6, 2026 12:00 PM $500 PLO Ring Event —
    Mar 6, 2026 1:00 PM $185 Satellite to Main Event (1 in 5) —
    Mar 6, 2026 5:00 PM $800 Main Event Flight B $200,000
    Mar 6, 2026 9:00 PM $200 Turbo NLH Ring Event —
    Mar 7, 2026 9:00 AM $185 Turbo Satellite to Main Event (1 in 5) —
    Mar 7, 2026 11:00 AM $800 Main Event Flight C $200,000
    Mar 7, 2026 3:00 PM $185 Satellite to Main Event (1 in 5) —
    Mar 7, 2026 5:00 PM $800 Main Event Flight D $200,000
    Mar 7, 2026 9:00 PM $200 Turbo NLH Ring Event —
    Mar 8, 2026 12:00 PM Main Event Finals —
    Mar 8, 2026 1:00 PM $400 Black Chip Bounty Ring Event —
    Mar 8, 2026 5:00 PM $250 Closer Ring Event —

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  • Holographic Las Vegas Shows & Attractions • This Week in Gambling

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    Could holograms remake Las Vegas Shows and entertainment? Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston have performed in Las Vegas posthumously. And someday the biggest stars in Sin City might not even be real.  So This Week in Gambling, we’re looking at past, present, and future holographic shows and projects headed to Sin City!

    What people define as entertainment is changing. These days, artists who no longer perform live or are no longer with us can still fill concert halls. But let’s be clear, these shows are not actually real holograms created with split laser beams, even though that is how they’re being promoted. Instead, they are ghost images, movies projected onto sheer fabric or holographic bands.

     

    Before anyone considered the technology for Las Vegas Shows, this form of entertainment debuted at the 2012 Coachella Music Festival when Tupac appeared on stage 15 years after his death. That same technology called a pepper ghost illusion was much improved by October of 2021 when Harrah’s opened An Evening with Whitney, which used a base hologram method called direct projection with powerful lasers beaming images onto transparent mesh.

    The results were good but not perfect. Some described the show as off while others loved it saying that it made the hair on their arms stand on in. But if you’ve ever seen the Cirque show Michael Jackson ONE, then you know that today the hologram image of Michael Jackson looks much better due to updated CGI and high-powered projections making images sharper and more realistic.

    Aside from these current and past hologram shows, there are plans to bring other performers back to Las Vegas soon, like ABBA and even Elvis. More on those shows in just a moment because holographic images are being used across Las Vegas in other ways right now, specifically at the Sphere where the Wizard of Oz is playing. After the show, holographic bands are used to create a giant interactive floating Wizard head in the atrium.

    At the Rio, another of the Las Vegas Shows using holograms is the the Wow Vegas Spectacular, which uses curtains of falling water and high-powered 3D projections to create holographic effects of mermaids floating in midair. And a new attraction just opened in Las Vegas, the hologram experience, displaying what they call the art of holography, offering a hologram zoo and a hologram room as part of the experience.

    Finally, this week, Elvis may have left the building, but there are plans to bring him back with the Elvis Evolution holographic show, but you might want to temper your excitement. This show opened in London in July of last year to less than enthusiastic reviews. People in the audience were not impressed as the show was more of a documentary than a concert. Some demanded their money back and even the BBC described it as atrocious and misleading, especially when costing over $400 a ticket.

    However, ABBA Voyage received rave reviews for its custom arena and for employing industrial light and magic who worked on Star Wars to create what they call Avatars using motion capture with actual members of the group. While no opening date is set just yet, there are plans to bring ABBA Voyage to Las Vegas hopefully before the end of this year or perhaps in early 2027. With Resorts World being floated as a likely venue.

    So, Elvis Evolution is being planned for one of the new hologram Las Vegas Shows… for what that’s worth. The Abba Show will hopefully arrive this year or early next year. And the MJ1 show that’s still playing at Mandalay Bay. Will holograms take over Las Vegas Entertainment? While impressive, they still have a long way to go. Perhaps in another five, maybe 10 years. But for now, I don’t think real live performers have anything to worry about. And hey, if you enjoyed this show, be sure to drop us a like and subscribe if you want updates whenever we publish new videos.

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  • Boyd Sets Implosion Date for Las Vegas’ Eastside Cannery – Casino.org

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    Posted on: February 17, 2026, 10:28h. 

    Last updated on: February 17, 2026, 10:28h.

    • Boyd Gaming scheduled the 16-story hotel tower’s implosion for March 5, 2026
    • No public viewing areas will be designated
    • Due to low demand, Boyd never reopened the property following the 2020 pandemic shutdown

    Las Vegas’ long line of casino resort implosions will get longer on March 5, 2026. That’s when the Eastside Cannery’s hotel tower gets dynamited to dust at 2 a.m.

    When the $250 million Eastside Cannery opened in August 2008, it was the first new hotel-casino on Boulder Highway since Boulder Station opened in 1994. (Image: Shutterstock)

    Construction workers have demolished sections of the Boulder Strip property since October 2025, but its hotel tower, gutted and stripped of windows, is too tall (16 stories) to come down any other way. The Eastside Cannery has remained closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.

    The implosion will not be a public event, however, and no public viewing areas will be designated.

    Cannery Opener

    The Eastside Cannery opened on August 28, 2008 on Las Vegas’ Boulder Strip, a less desirable tourism corridor patronized almost entirely by locals. It was a replacement for the aging Nevada Palace.

    The casino hotel included 64,876 square feet of gaming space occupied by over 2,000 slots, 26 table games, a poker room, keno, and a race and sports book. It also had an 18-story hotel tower with 307 rooms, 20,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space, a private club on the 16th floor, three restaurants, and a lounge.

    In December 2016, Boyd paid Cannery Casino Resorts, co-founded by Bill Wortman and Bill Paulos, $230 million for the operating rights to the Eastside Cannery and the original Cannery Casino and Hotel in North Las Vegas.

    However, Cannery Casino Resorts retained ownership of the land on which the Eastside Cannery sat.

    In February 2025, Boyd purchased those 30 acres for $45 million from Cannery Casino Resorts, to whom Boyd had been already been paying millions in rent every year.

    When then-Gov. Steve Sisolak allowed Nevada’s casinos to reopen following the COVID-19 shutdown in June 2020, Boyd reopened the Cannery but not the Eastside Cannery, instead directing customers to visit its nearby other property, Sam’s Town.

    Boyd is basically following the lead of its most direct rival, Red Rock Resorts, with whom it is locked in a turf war over Las Vegas’ neighborhood gamblers.

    In July 2022, Red Rock announced the permanent closures of Fiesta Rancho and Texas Station in North Las Vegas, and Fiesta Henderson in Henderson. Those venues were ultimately demolished and Red Rock sold the real estate to nongaming entities. (The North Las Vegas properties are becoming a mixed-use retail and residential development called Hylo Park. The Fiesta Henderson was supposed to become an indoor sports complex, but those plans fell through and now the city of Henderson is soliciting new proposals.)

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    Corey Levitan

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  • Mark Gallagher: Warning signs point to tough season for Aston Martin

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    In our exclusive interview, the Formula 1 analyst previews the upcoming F1 season and discusses Lando Norris’ chances of winning back-to-back World Drivers’ Championship.

    F1 analyst Mark Gallagher believes Fernando Alonso’s comments about Aston Martin being on the “back foot” to start the season suggest the team led by Adrian Newey are in for a difficult year under the new regulations.

    In our exclusive interview, Gallagher also previews the season ahead, discussing which teams are the front-runners and whether Lando Norris can win his second consecutive world title.

    With Max Verstappen currently behind only George Russell in the F1 betting, Gallagher says he has also been impressed by Red Bull’s performance in pre-season testing despite the departures of Newey and former team principal Christian Horner.

    What have you made of pre-season testing so far?

    I think pre-season testing is always difficult to decipher, but there are a few standout points. First of all, I think everyone was shocked to find how reliable the teams and cars were, even with the new powertrains, although that probably shouldn’t be a surprise.

    Formula 1 has changed enormously over the last 10 to 15 years, and the teams are now so sophisticated with the engineering tools available to them.

    One of the things a lot of people were predicting was that Red Bull Powertrains would really struggle. Of course, they haven’t. If you take a step back, you’d have to say that everybody in Formula 1 is doing an incredible job.

    Red Bull Powertrains, although often linked with Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, is a huge company with an enormous amount of money spent on it, employing really top people. The result is that the Red Bull power unit looks a lot better than many people expected.

    I would say that a lot of Formula 1 media expected Red Bull to be in trouble, but they haven’t been. The engine is producing decent power, and they’ve had some very good straight-line speed. The point I’m making is that really everybody has done a good job getting all the cars out reliably.

    When you look at the number of laps the top teams are doing, they’re racking up really strong mileage. So, it doesn’t look like anybody is in bad shape.

    There’s nobody who looks completely off the pace at this stage. In terms of outright performance, the top teams look pretty impressive. We won’t really know the true picture until Melbourne. 

    Perhaps stereotypically, Red Bull seems able to pull together very quick laps, albeit slightly less so over longer runs. Overall, the competitive order looks similar to what it was last year — McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes likely to be the teams fighting over the top places on the grid and in the races.

    Can Lando Norris win successive world titles?

    I think winning the World Championship has a huge impact on people from so many different perspectives. It takes a weight off his shoulders. He’s now in a different phase of his career.

    The question is whether he suffers the fate of someone like Jenson Button — winning a single championship and not repeating it — or whether he finds a way to secure back-to-back championship titles.

    He has all the tools, if we’re honest. One of the remaining unanswered questions about last year was the extent of Oscar Piastri’s slump at a critical point in the season. We’ve heard the stories and interviews about certain car developments, perhaps suiting Lando a bit more than Oscar.

    I’m also of the opinion that McLaren, as a team, ultimately leaned towards Lando in their championship push. By the final part of the season, the focus was clearly on him.

    Lando was performing extremely well, delivering some incredible qualifying laps. So, was it Oscar’s slump combined with Lando’s step up in performance that ultimately defined the order within the team?

    The big question this year is what happens with the order inside McLaren. Does Lando’s status as reigning champion protect his position, or does he find himself under threat from Oscar, who will be desperate to prove himself? Starting the season with the Australian Grand Prix must be hugely motivating for Piastri.

    It will be really interesting to see how that dynamic develops now that Lando is the reigning champion and Oscar has a point to prove. I would imagine we may see a little bit of strain if the so-called ‘papaya rules’ are tested.

    Adrian Newey is now at the helm as Aston Martin team principal. Fernando Alonso has said they may be on the back foot for the first half of the season. How do you see things unfolding?

    If you admit you’re on the back foot at the start of the season, the risk is that by the time you catch up, everybody else has moved on again. Development in Formula 1 is relentless, and if you’re not there from the beginning, it can take years to recover, not months.

    There are several warning signs from the past. Aston Martin, in previous guises, have sometimes taken a conservative approach to regulation changes.

    If they take a conservative approach again, while teams like Mercedes and Red Bull extract the absolute maximum — even taking calculated risks — then they could fall behind.

    There’s also the cultural aspect. When Newey was at Red Bull, he was given the freedom to produce complex, innovative designs. Now, with Aston Martin, there’s enormous expectation because arguably the greatest technical brain in Formula 1 history is effectively leading the team. That brings huge pressure.

    If the car isn’t quick, the question will be whether that’s down to the design, the power unit, or a combination of both. And if Alonso is already suggesting they may not be fully ready until mid-season, there must be some concern internally.

    Leadership structure is also important. Having a technical genius in a principal role changes the dynamic of a team. You need strong relationships and clarity in responsibility. If there’s tension or uncertainty, that can filter through the organisation.

    When you put all of those factors together — structural changes, high expectations, technical questions and early-season concerns — it could prove to be quite a difficult year for Aston Martin.

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  • Cali Judge Sentences Men Who Robbed Illegal Gambling Den to Decades, Centuries in Prison

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    The robbery of an illegal gambling house in Sacramento should not have been the type of crime that elicits the most serious ramifications from the courts, but in the case of repeat offenders John Edward Blount and Eddie Lee White, the act has become their undoing.

    Illegal Gambling Dine Robbery Ends up with Centuries of Prison Sentences

    In a judgment rendered by Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Sweet, White will have to serve 40 years and eight months behind bars, with Blount to spend 301 years (to life) away.

    The violent home invasion targeted a south Sacramento residence on the 3700 block of 42nd Avenue that was operating as an illegal gambling den. According to prosecutors, the incident unfolded around 1:20 am on January 22, 2018, when at least four individuals stormed into the garage of the property.

    Judge Sweet is following the law rather than misinterpreting it, as both men have previous convictions and have broken the Three Strikes law that is applied indiscriminately in the state.

    Blount faced particularly severe sentencing exposure due to prior convictions that qualified as “strikes” under California law, significantly enhancing his punishment. White also had a criminal history that contributed to the length of his sentence. Judge Sweet cited the violence of the robbery, the defendants’ records, and multiple sentencing enhancements when imposing the lengthy terms.

    The pair was sentenced on Tuesday, February 10, after Blount and White were found guilty of six and three counts of robbery and attempted robbery, respectively, back in November.

    A jury on November 21, 2025, convicted both men, with Blount additionally found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office press release.

    Three Strikes and You Go Away for Good

    The original crime dates back to January 2018, but it has taken until now to resolve. Interestingly, when the robbery was underway, a woman responsible for the CCTV at the venue did phone in 911, reporting the crime, and thus giving away the whereabouts of the illegal gambling den as well.

    During the break-in, prosecutors said the men were armed, and multiple victims were held at gunpoint, forced to the ground, physically assaulted, and even had furniture thrown at them. Investigators later recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the robbery and found two suspects carrying many of the victims’ belongings, while other assailants fled as deputies arrived.

    The case spanned nearly eight years, from the 2018 attack to last fall’s trial, concluding this week with the heavy sentences handed down by the court.

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    Jerome García

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  • Daniel Negreanu Reveals His 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Schedule

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    Daniel Negreanu won’t play in all 100 bracelet events listed on the newly released 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) schedule. But there are only a few poker players out there who will enter more tournaments this summer than the GGPoker ambassador.

    The seven-time bracelet winner will have plenty of opportunities — 40 to be exact — at the WSOP in Las Vegas to win his eighth bracelet. Negreanu revealed his tentative 2026 WSOP schedule, which includes a wide-range of poker variants and buy-ins.

    Bracelet-chasing action starts May 26 inside the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, home to the World Series of Poker since 2022. For the second straight year, the schedule includes 100 gold bracelet events, and Negreanu plans to play 40% of them.

    Negreanu’s 2026 WSOP Schedule

    Daniel Negreanu 2026 WSOP Schedule
    Daniel Negreanu

    Negreanu, who said he will offer a staking package to his fans via PokerStake, shared a list on X with all the events he plans to play this summer. His schedule includes 17 no-limit hold’em tournaments, 15 mixed events, and eight pot-limit Omaha events. He’ll start his summer off by entering Event #5: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (8-Handed).

    The Poker Hall of Famer isn’t changing his schedule up much this year compared to recent years. He plans to enter most of the largest buy-in events such as the $250,000 Super High Roller, but also some low-stakes tournaments, including the $300 Gladiators No-Limit Hold’em, an event he took 73rd out of 23,088 entrants in 2023.

    Some other key events Negreanu is slated to enter includes the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship (June 18), $25,000 High Roller PLO/NLH Mixed (June 23), and $100,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (June 30). He won’t be making the 30-minute drive from his Lake Las Vegas home to the Las Vegas Strip early very often this summer, as he intends to enter events that start at noon or later 85% of the time.

    Negreanu, who won his seventh bracelet in 2024 after an 11-year drought, has produced mixed results at the WSOP the past four years. He finished the 2025 WSOP up with a $181,000 profile, his first winning WSOP since 2021. The top ambassador for GGPoker is one of just a few WSOP grinders who publicly release full series profits and losses.

    Negreanu is one of just two two-time WSOP Player of the Year winners. Shaun Deeb joined that exclusive club last summer when he took down the award, beating out Main Event and Poker Players Championship winner Michael Mizrachi, and Benny Glaser, who won three bracelets.

    This year’s Player of the Year race will likely have some of the familiar faces battling for the award, including Deeb and Negreanu.

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  • Vegas Super Bowl Betting Hits 10 Year Low • This Week in Gambling

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    Las Vegas Super Bowl betting experienced the lowest level of betting activity for the NFL championship game in a decade, according to data released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The total amount wagered on the title game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots reached 133.8 million dollars, representing a significant drop from the figures recorded in recent years.

    The current handle for Vegas Super Bowl betting is the lowest reported since 2016, when 132.5 million dollars was wagered on the matchup between Denver and Carolina. This year’s total reflects an 11.7 percent decline from the 151.6 million dollars wagered last year. It also sits nearly 30 percent below the record 190 million dollars handled in 2024, when the championship game was hosted locally at Allegiant Stadium.

    Despite the reduction in total volume, the state’s 186 licensed sportsbooks still managed a profitable Sunday. Operators reported a collective win of approximately 9.9 million dollars, which translates to a 7.4 percent hold. While this profit is a sharp decline from the record 22.1 million dollars earned by books last year, it remains a consistent outcome within historical norms for the industry.

    Industry analysts pointed to several factors for the cooling interest in Vegas Super Bowl betting. One primary reason cited was the specific matchup. The game featured two defensive-minded teams and lacked the high-profile offensive star power that typically drives casual wagering and prop bet interest. Furthermore, the game remained low-scoring until the fourth quarter, which reportedly dampened live betting enthusiasm.

    Competition from other markets is also reshaping the landscape. As legal sports wagering continues to expand across dozens of states, many bettors no longer feel the need to travel to Nevada to place their season-ending bets. The rise of federally regulated prediction markets has also been noted as a potential drain on traditional sportsbook handles.

    While Nevada once held a near-monopoly on legal sports gambling, the 2026 figures highlight a shifting environment where the state must compete with a nationwide network of mobile apps and local retail books. Local operators noted that while the spectacle of the weekend remains a major draw for tourism, the betting totals are now being spread across a much larger national pie.

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  • Did China Make Up a Gambling Suicide Story?

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    Posted on: February 16, 2026, 11:30h. 

    Last updated on: February 16, 2026, 11:30h.

    • China is warning its people not to gamble overseas
    • The CPC cited a gambler’s recent suicide in Singapore, though no media or police report has detailed such an incident

    Ahead of the Chinese New Year, China is warning its people that gambling while on holiday poses significant risks, including financial ruin and even suicide.

    China casino gambling New Year holiday
    The New Year Lantern Festival, celebrating the Year of the Horse at Shanghai Yu Garden, is pictured on Feb. 11, 2026. China is warning its people to avoid gambling if traveling cross-border during the holiday period. (Image: Shutterstock)

    China bans casino gambling everywhere on the mainland. The only place under China’s control where casinos are allowed is in Macau, a semi-autonomous Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic.

    By law, Chinese citizens and residents are barred from gambling in foreign countries, though, of course, that doesn’t keep many from doing so while in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Las Vegas.

    The 2026 Chinese New Year is tomorrow, Feb. 17. The Year of the Fire Horse, the Spring Festival holiday period, which began Sunday, runs through Monday, Feb. 23. During the celebration, most workers are afforded paid time off and take their families on vacations, with Singapore, Macau, and other parts of Southeast Asia popular destinations.

    China: Don’t Gamble Overseas

    Chinese President Xi Jinping links cross-border gambling to heightened national security risks. China has always prohibited casinos from marketing their operations to mainlanders.

    In one high-profile case in 2017, China imprisoned 19 employees of Australia-based Crown Resorts for promoting gambling trips Down Under. Jason O’Connor, then the head of Crown’s international VIP program, spent 18 months in a Chinese prison, often described as among the world’s most brutal detention centers.

    With the Chinese New Year in full swing, the CPC, through its embassies, is reminding Chinese people not to gamble internationally. Casino.org obtained and translated the gambling warning issued by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore.

    The Chinese Embassy in Singapore once again solemnly reminds Chinese tourists visiting Singapore and Chinese citizens in Singapore to strengthen their legal awareness and stay away from gambling,” read the notice from the Singaporean Chinese Embassy.

    Singapore is home to two casinos in Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

    Suicide Story Fabricated?

    The Chinese Embassy in Singapore said gambling comes with significant risks to Chinese people. The Embassy cited a recent incident involving a Chinese tourist at Marina Bay Sands who killed himself after gambling.

    Recently, a Chinese citizen jumped to his death after gambling at the Marina Bay Sands. The Embassy is guiding his family through the funeral arrangements,” the notice said.

    However, there have been no local media or police reports of such a recent suicide at Marina Bay Sands. No story has been made public about any suicide within or from the integrated resort in months.

    “In recent years, our Embassy has handled several deaths related to gambling and has previously issued relevant warnings. Gambling is strictly prohibited under Chinese law, and the amendment to the Criminal Law has formally criminalized cross-border gambling. Even if overseas casinos are legally operating, Chinese citizens who gamble across borders are suspected of violating Chinese law, especially those involved in organizing gambling activities, and will be held legally responsible. The Embassy and consulates cannot provide consular protection for illegal activities,” the statement continued.

    “Participating in gambling leads to financial ruin, family breakdown, and even death. Cross-border gambling may also bring risks such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention, human trafficking, and human smuggling,” the Embassy notice concluded.  

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Champions League acca: A 9/1 four-fold for Tuesday

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    Champions League Tuesday tips

    Just three weeks after the conclusion of the group stage, the Champions League returns on Tuesday evening with the first four knockout play-off round matches.

    Only the top eight in the standings progressed into the last 16 automatically, with those finishing ninth to 24th now set to battle it out to secure a berth in the next round.

    There are plenty of interesting ties in this round as teams try to extend their European campaigns and establish a lead ahead of the second-leg ties next week.

    We have put together an accumulator for Tuesday’s matches which pays at 9/1.

    Tuesday Champions League accumulator tips

    • Real Madrid to beat Benfica @ 10/11

    • Borussia Dortmund to beat Atalanta @ 1/1

    • Monaco vs PSG – Both teams to score @ 3/5

    • Galatasaray vs Juventus – Both teams to score @ 13/20

      Acca pays at 9/1

    Real ready for revenge

    Real Madrid suffered a 4-2 defeat against Benfica when the clubs last met just three weeks ago. That game featured a sensational last-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

    That was a shock goal which sent the Portuguese side into the knockout playoff round and consigned Real to the same fate.

    Since then, Real have won their subsequent three domestic fixtures, including a solid 4-1 win against Real Sociedad over the weekend.

    Current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will be determined to seek revenge on his former boss, Jose Mourinho.

    However, it could be an unhappy reunion for the Portuguese maestro, with the Spanish heavyweights expected to seal victory in Lisbon.

    Leg 1: Real Madrid to beat Benfica @ 10/11

    Dortmund can continue fine form

    The German side have been excellent recently, winning three Bundesliga matches in succession. Indeed, BVB currently sit second in the league table, although they trail rivals Bayern Munich by six points.

    Dortmund did finish the group stages with back-to-back defeats, but home advantage in the first leg could be crucial against Atalanta.

    The Serie A outfit are also in fine form. La Dea have conceded just one goal across their previous four matches, which included a 3-0 win over Juventus.

    Even so, expect the home side to win what looks set to be a tight affair.

    Leg 2: Borussia Dortmund to beat Atalanta @ 1/1

    All-French affair set to produce goals

    Monaco and PSG are well known to each other, but this is the first meeting between the French pair in European competition.

    In the Ligue 1 meeting between the two earlier this season, Monaco edged out the defending champions 1-0.

    Across the six matchups prior to that game, PSG had the upper hand, howeve, and both teams scored in four of them.

    With plenty at stake, expect there to be goals at both ends of the pitch on Tuesday evening.

    Leg 3: Monaco vs PSG – Both teams to score @ 3/5

    Tight affair expected in Istanbul

    Galatasaray impressively defeated Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax in the group stage, although they lost three times to finish 20th.

    Juventus finished in 13th place, also wining just three matches, setting up an intriguing tie between the two clubs.

    Both teams scored in three of Galatasaray’s European matches, while both teams found the back of the net in four of their games.

    The result is difficult to predict so instead back both teams to score.

    Leg 4: Galatasaray vs Juventus – Both teams to score @ 13/20

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  • Malaysia Readies New Legislation to Crack Down on Illegal Gaming

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    Malaysia authorities have had enough of illegal gambling and are preparing new legislative measures to crack down on the activity. While nothing is set in stone yet, officials hope to address the issue and shield the local youth from harm.

    Malaysian Lawmakers Consider New Legislation to Stop Illicit Gaming

    Malaysia officials are mulling over a new bill that would increase the country’s efforts in the war on illegal gambling, including illegal online gambling. While no bill has been filed as of the time of this writing, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof teased that lawmakers are currently preparing the legislative measure.

    Fadillah elaborated that the measure, which is currently in the works, should make its way to parliament soon, potentially even at the next parliamentary sitting.

    However, as of the time of this writing, much remains uncertain since officials have yet to decide whether to introduce a standalone bill or simply propose amendments to existing laws and regulations.

    Officials will therefore decide on how to best approach the matter and organize the planned changes.

    Illegal Gambling Exposes the Malaysian Youth to Harm

    The talks about a new bill designed to crack down on illegal gambling come amid concerns about the growth of the illegal offer and the harm it causes to the Malaysian youth. Fadillah emphasized the social aspect of the mulled measures, saying that illegal gambling activities hurt many, especially vulnerable groups, such as younger people.

    Speaking to local news outlets, Fadillah emphasized that failing to prevent illegal gambling could cause significant harm at a social level. Because of that, the Malaysian government is taking things very seriously, which is why it is preparing to devise new legislative measures to counter the activity.

    Fadillah teased that the government is considering changes to the law that would reinforce the country’s ability to stop illegal gambling.  

    Malaysian Police Bust Illegal Gambling Den

    Speaking of illegal gambling in Malaysia, the Selangor police previously busted an illegal online gambling ring in Sungai Buloh. The raid resulted in the arrests of 34 people who were believed to be tied to the operation.

    According to officials, the illegal operation in question generated roughly $532 a day.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Sports Betting News: UFC’s Tom Aspinall Undergoes Eye Surgery

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    Posted on: February 15, 2026, 01:18h. 

    Last updated on: February 15, 2026, 01:24h.

    • Aspinall undergoes eye surgery, return date unknown
    • Holloway has kind words for upcoming lightweight division opponent Oliveira
    • NBA Commissioner: We have a tanking problem

    The news isn’t good for UFC fans looking for a boost to the company’s faltering heavyweight division, hoping for a Tom Aspinall comeback.

    Britain’s Tom Aspinall leaves the ring after being hit in the eye while fighting France’s Ciryl Gane during their UFC heavyweight title bout at UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi last October. (Image: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

    The Manchester native underwent surgery on both eyes earlier this month to try and deal with the aftereffects of the eye gouging he received at the hands of Ciryl Gane in their title fight at UFC 321 in Dubai last October. That fight ended in a no contest, since Aspinall couldn’t see anything.

    Gane poked Aspinall in his eyes several times during the fight, which didn’t get out of the first round. What came out of that fight, as is the case when you’re talking about social media, were legions of faceless naysayers, making accusations that Aspinall was looking for a way out of the Gane fight, that he was losing, and that he should have muscled through.

    Uncertainty About the Heavyweight Division

    What really bothered Aspinall were comments by UFC CEO Dana White post-fight that Aspinall chose not to continue the fight.

    “Slightly disappointing, because he hadn’t spoke to me [when White made his comment after the fight],” Aspinall said on “The Ariel Helwani Show”. “[White] actually started giving updates that there was nothing wrong with my eyes when that isn’t the case right now … I feel I’ve done a lot for the UFC, so yeah, I am disappointment.”

    Surgery on Both Eyes

    More details were shared on Petesy Carroll’s Uncrowned podcast this week where Carroll talked about time he spent recently with Aspinall and his doctor. Aspinall talked about a black spot that’s in his eye, that’s there constantly. He is dealing with a double vision issue that makes him dizzy and nauseous when he tries to train, especially with footwork drills.

    Carroll, reporting on the fighter’s serious “visual field defects”, wrote that Aspinall had to wait until the healing process on his eyes ran its course before any surgical procedure could take place. Aspinall is working to get back to some normalcy back in his life before he even starts to think seriously about a return to the Octagon.

    Aspinall Still Favoured

    As Carroll wrote, Aspinall said he still loves martial arts. But he hates the business side of it. What happens from here on it, and what happens with the UFC’s heavyweight division, is anyone’s guess. The only UFC heavyweight fight of note through the end of March (no fights have been announced beyond that) is No. 7 Serghei Spivac versus No. 9 Ante Delija at next Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center in Houston.

    Still, Aspinall is -180 to be men’s UFC heavyweight champion on Dec. 31 2026, at DraftKings, followed by Gane (+400) and Jon Jones (+500), despite Jones still being retired.

    NBA Commissioner: We Have a Problem

    The NBA has a big problem – teams are tanking their seasons at a number and pace we’ve never seen, all openly trying to score the highest possible draft position for next June.

    The NBA just fined the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz $100,000 and $500,000 respectively for overt tanking around roster management.

    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, speaking at this weekend’s Allstar festivities, said it’s the worst in recent memory, and the league is working with the Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures and “root out this type of conduct.” Taking away draft picks is on the table, with the upcoming draft is expected to be one of the deepest in recent history. The NBA’s competitive integrity is on the line.

    In the short-term, the NBA Allstar Game gets going today at 5 p.m. EST. At BetMGM, current outright winner odds are World at +155 (59.2% of tickets, 74.2% of handle), USA Stripes at +160 (20.5%, 16.6%) and USA Stars at +200 (20.3%, 9.3%).

    Back to UFC

    With Justin Gaethje’s win over Paddy Pimblett in a memorable lightweight interim title bout at UFC 324 still fresh in people’s memory banks, here comes another lightweight division matchup, at UFC 326 March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with No. 3 ranked Charles Oliveira versus No. 4 ranked Max Holloway, defending his BMF title. That’s a rematch of their first bout way back in 2015, at a UFC Fight Night in Saskatoon, Canada, when Holloway won by first round TKO.

    Holloway is currently the betting favourite, at -200, at DraftKings, with Oliveira at +154. At FanDuel it’s Holloway -210, Oliveira +162. And at BetMGM odds are currently Holloway at -222, Oliveira at +165.

    Holloway Betting Favourite

    Oliveira is coming off a win by submission in round 2 over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Fight Night Oct. 11 in Brazil but unfortunately for him more memorable was a devastating first round knockout loss to current lightweight champ Ilia Topuria last June 28 at UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena.

    Still, Holloway was very complimentary of his upcoming opponent this past week on YouTube.

    “Oliveira? He’s just a killer,” he said. “Everyone knows about his jiu jitsu. His striking came a long way. If you see his finishes, a lot of the time it’s not Hail Mary submissions. He’s hurting them on the feet, then getting the submission. He’s a real mixed martial artist. Oliveira is dangerous everywhere.”

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    Mark Keast

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  • Files Reveal Special Treatment for Epstein During 2013 Vegas Trip

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    Released US Justice Department documents shed new light on how Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier, received treatment during a brief stay in Las Vegas in 2013. These records suggest he enjoyed extensive hospitality, despite his earlier conviction for sex offenses.

    Internal Messages Show Caesars Entertainment Hosted Epstein Group as VIP Guests

    Reporters who examined internal communications found that the trip was presented as a belated birthday celebration. Staff at Caesars Entertainment set up several rooms, meal plans, and show access for Epstein’s party, as reported by The Las Vegas Review-Journal. They secured prime seats and top-tier loyalty benefits given to big spenders. Emails also show that they got tickets to a Rod Stewart concert, though the group said no to a backstage meeting due to time constraints.

    Records indicate that Leon Black, a billionaire investor with Apollo Global Management, might have paid for at least some of the trip. Communications between assistants mentioned charges on Black’s account and called the outing an Epstein birthday present. A spokesperson later claimed Black could not recall covering any entertainment costs.

    The records also show that Epstein’s circle sometimes used his connections to get into events in Las Vegas even when he was not there. Messages reveal help in getting tickets for Celine Dion and Penn and Teller shows, plus a Cirque performance at Mandalay Bay.

    Released Files Renew Scrutiny of Epstein’s Network and Travel

    The 2013 trip lasted just over a day. Epstein flew in on his private plane, booked a fancy room, and made plans for dinner and a conference. His team asked the hotel staff to help get passes for the yearly DEF CON event. They wanted to skip the long lines. Records show Epstein wanted to meet tech people at the event.

    Las Vegas police said they did not find any crime reports linked to Epstein in their city. However, the new information shows how easy his travel was years after he was found guilty in Florida. The pile of files came out because of growing political pressure and new laws about being open. Now people are looking harder at who Epstein knew and how he spent his money.

    While the papers do not prove for sure who went on the trip, they show how much access and pull Epstein had with rich friends and hotel bosses. People looking into this and reporters are still going through the millions of files that came out. They want to get a better idea of who Epstein knew and how those connections affected where he went and who he hung out with in the years before he died in 2019.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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