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The N.B.A. Returns to China After Six Years
The N.B.A, returns to China this week, after a hiatus sparked by a controversial 2019 tweet. In Macau, New York Times business reporter Tania Ganguli reveals the behind-the-scenes stakeholders who orchestrated the league’s return.
I’m in Macau, the gambling capital of the world. I’m here for the NBA’s return to China for the last six years, there haven’t been any NBA games here. looking at these big banners that are draped over buildings. Reminds me of being back here in 2019. the players were sitting in their hotel and they could see workers tearing those same types of banners down, peeling their faces off the building. A few days before, the Houston Rockets general manager, Daryl Morey, had sent a tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong. Well, this made the Chinese government very upset. The NBA backed him. We are not apologizing for Daryl exercising his freedom of expression. And then chaos enveloped. That whole week. Sponsors pulled out. And a lot of the players were worried about if they would even be allowed to go home if things got worse. It was it was that surreal. they lost about $400 million. Just from that one situation The Chinese market is huge for the NBA. There are a lot of basketball fans here…. and the league has been working on cultivating them for decades. And so coming here to Macao and playing a game in China again is a very big deal for the league. when you ask anybody with the league how did these games come together? The name that they mentioned is Patrick Dumont. He’s a top executive with the Sands Casino. And owner of the Dallas Mavericks. in 2021, the Chinese government was renegotiating what’s called concessions with the casinos here in Macau. In those concession agreements, the government required that the casinos spend a certain amount on non-gaming activities like entertainment, like sports. And Sands had this arena at the Venetian, so Dumont saw bringing the NBA here as an opportunity to satisfy that requirement. One of the other main players here was Joe Sy, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets. Joe tsai is the chairman of Alibaba Group, which is a Chinese tech giant. he has a lot of deep ties to the Chinese government, the nets, and spent a lot of time over the last few years meeting with Chinese officials, having events that celebrate Chinese culture. they have spoken to Chinese media outlets and said, this market is so important to us. We care about this market more than any other NBA team. They even launched a reality show. That’s a dance team competition to choose dancers for their games here in Macao Sound up: “The brooklyn nets will find the best dancers in china” There’s a tremendous amount at stake for these teams because. The league saw what happened when something went wrong and they lost this market even briefly. there is a feeling that this has to go right, and that this is a big opportunity to get back something that they lost.
The N.B.A, returns to China this week, after a hiatus sparked by a controversial 2019 tweet. In Macau, New York Times business reporter Tania Ganguli reveals the behind-the-scenes stakeholders who orchestrated the league’s return.
By Tania Ganguli, Christina Shaman, Kassie Bracken and Christina Thornell
October 11, 2025
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Tania Ganguli, Christina Shaman, Kassie Bracken and Christina Thornell
Bay Area rapper Sky Nathan Branklyn, known professionally as “Sky Balla,” has been charged with two counts of sexual assault at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, causing substantial bodily harm. According to court records, two other women testified that their encounters with the rapper unexpectedly turned violent when he allegedly sexually assaulted them.
Woman Says She Was Sexually Assaulted in a Las Vegas Hotel by the rapper
The 45-year-old was arrested in Las Vegas in 2021 after a woman reported a violent assault that prosecutors say began following an encounter at the High Limit Lounge at the Aria resort. According to the arrest report, the woman involved in the Aria case told police she met a man who identified himself only as “Sky” at a bar inside the casino. She said they shared several shots of alcohol, after which she lost consciousness.
She told investigators that when she attempted to resist and told him to stop, he struck her in the face, causing her to lose consciousness again. The woman said she later regained consciousness to find the man attempting to engage in further sexual acts. She also said that when she tried to resist and told him to stop, he struck her in the face until she blacked out again.
Eventually, she was able to crawl to the bathroom, where she remained in the dark for about two hours before telling the man she needed to leave. Police said he then ordered her an Uber.
During the investigation, police discovered a significant amount of blood in the hotel room. Housekeeping staff who came to clean the room the following day alerted security about a potential biohazard. One cleaner even confessed to feeling afraid to enter the room.
According to the report, housekeeping was told that hotel security had inspected the room and concluded the stains were from spilled wine, so the room was cleaned. However, several housekeeping employees interviewed by police insisted the stains were blood, not wine. Detectives also found out that bloody towels had been discarded.
Sky Balla’s Case Deepens as Two Other Victims Speak Out
It would seem that the rapper’s criminal history can be traced back to at least 2008, when he allegedly assaulted two other women. One of them said that Sky Balla offered her a ride to her hotel in California. However, he instead drove to an apartment complex. She also testified that she was intoxicated, but not “blacked out” drunk. The rapper then allegedly assaulted her, bit her, smashed her head into the ground, and dragged her by her hair. The woman eventually managed to call for help. Later, when Sky Balla was charged, he took a plea deal so that the woman was unable to testify, she said.
Another woman came up to say that she was sexually assaulted by the rapper in 2008 when she was just 17 years old. According to her, he contacted her and she invited him over while her parents were at work, he threw money on her bed, and began sexually assaulting her.
She said he was persistently putting his arms out like he was going to try to pin her down. She eventually grabbed her phone and ran to her parents’ room to call 911. These accounts will likely come up in Sky Balla’s case, as a jury trial is scheduled for February 9.
Former Financial Advisor with Freedom Finance based in Melbourne, Anthony Del Vecchio has been sentenced to seven and a half years in jail for betting with clients’ money.
The Mazza family, clients of Del Vecchio, has lost a quarter of a million due to his gambling.
Originally, they had been led to believe their money was being invested in high-interest term deposits; however, around Christmas, they discovered that the money was gone.
It was discovered that Del Vecchio had been using money from over 30 clients to gamble.
Several betting companies had been using tactics aimed at Del Vecchio to keep him gambling longer.
Across 52 online bookmakers, the money of Del Vecchio lost by gambling was close to $4.5 million.
Greed Unrestricted
A list showing the amount Del Vecchio had lost with each bookmaker was presented by a forensic accountant.
Judge Cannon commented on how the report showed the ease with which the money had been gambled with:
“[The report] demonstrates the extraordinary sums of money you gambled, money which was not yours for the most part, and also reveals the various betting agencies who were apparently happy to take that money without any qualm or enquiry”
The list showed that over $1 million of the money had gone into MintBet.
Their director and compliance officer, Casey McCutcheon, refused to answer when asked whether due diligence had been done on the origin of the money that Del Vecchio used to gamble.
The Law Doesn’t Protect
Three times has Independent MP Andrew Wilkie tried to pass legislation, forcing agencies to return stolen money, and each time it has been rejected by the federal parliament.
MP Wilkie had this to say about it:
“The fact that at the federal level, three times the government and the opposition have failed to act, proves to me that they continue to run a protection racket for the gambling industry”
So Called “VIP” Clients
Judge Canon has pointed out that several VIP managers from the betting companies had been giving Del Vecchio additional incentives for him to gamble any money he happened to win.
Notifications would be sent out if a client considered VIP hadn’t gambled or deposited money.
Those who have been labeled as “VIP” happen to be normal people who happen to lose larger sums and are considered crucial when it comes to maintaining these agencies.
Four Corners has reported that, according to insiders who used to work in the industry, VIP managers are often instructed to use incentives to entice target customers.
More than 100 people joined a protest aimed at local elected officials Sunday afternoon after a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) unanimously voted in favor of the Metropolitan Park casino proposal last week.
Protesters gathered at Corona Plaza on Sunday, Oct. 5, holding signs such as “sold us out” and “casinos kill communities” to protest against the ambitious $8 billion proposal by Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International.
Photo: Ramy Mahmoud.
The project is one of four developments chasing three downstate gaming licences set to be awarded by the State Gaming Commission this December. If approved, it would transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lot into a sprawling casino complex featuring a 25-acre public park, new shops and restaurants, a Taste of Queens food hall, and a full-scale redevelopment of the Mets-Willets Point subway station, along with improvements to roads and bike paths.
The Metropolitan Park proposal has gone through rigorous public oversight ever since Cohen and Hard Rock launched the proposal in November 2023.
Although the proposed development area is an asphalt parking lot, it was legally designated as city parkland, meaning the city needed to approve zoning text and city map amendments before the project could proceed. The state legislature also needed to approve parkland alienation legislation reclassifying the site as commercial property.
Both houses of the legislature, along with the City Council, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the necessary changes. All six relevant Community Boards also voted in favor of the project as the zoning text and city map amendments made their way through ULURP last year.
All projects vying for a downstate license also required approval from a CAC, with four of the eight projects rejects by their relevant CAC, including all three Manhattan-based proposals.
The Metropolitan Park CAC, however, voted unanimously in favor of the project, with Assembly Member Larinda Hooks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Member Francisco Moya voting in favor. Lin Zeng, appointed on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, George Dixon, appointed by State Sen. Jessica Ramos, and Gov. Kathy Hochul appointee Gregory Anderson also voted in favor of Metropolitan Park.
Vows to ‘keep fighting’
That unanimous vote sparked anger among some members of the local Flushing and Corona community, prompting Sunday’s protest at Corona Plaza.
Photo: Ramy Mahmoud.
The protest, organized by worker advocacy non-profit Flushing Workers Center, heard concerns from community members about the potential impacts that a casino would have on the area.
Protesters also vowed to “keep fighting” to prevent “public land” from being transferred into the hands of Cohen and Hard Rock.
One woman, who did not provide her name to QNS, alleged that the Metropolitan Park CAC “only wanted to hear from Cohen” and further alleged that no CAC members listened to members of the local community.
Photo: Ramy Mahmoud.
Protesters also accused the CAC of shutting down a hearing on Metropolitan Park to prevent opponents to the project from voicing their concerns.
A representative for Flushing Workers Center alleged that the CAC was “stifling” the voices of the local community by greenlighting the Metropolitan Park project.
One man at Sunday’s protest, who also did not provide his name, described the Metropolitan Park proposal as a “design for land without its people.”
He predicted that a casino would lead to the displacement of poor and working-class residents from the neighborhood and said the community “does not need” a casino.
“Steve Cohen and his cronies do not care about Corona or public life, our ways to make culture or the ways that we love and protect each other,” the protester said. “They do not care, and we should not believe their lies. We don’t need any of this, and we need to unite in open resistance and non collaboration with these forces.”
He added that local residents have previously been impacted by other “big flashy displacement projects” in the past.
“Cohen’s project is not an isolated moment,” he added.
Photo: Ramy Mahmoud.
A ‘home run’ for Queens
Metropolitan Park spokesperson Karl Rickett pushed back against the protests, noting that the proposal has received support from six community boards as well as city and state officials.
“With approval by six out of six community boards, the City Council, the State Legislature and unanimous support from the Community Advisory Committee, it’s clear the community stands behind Metropolitan Park,” Rickett said in a statement.
Protesters, however, accused community boards of giving extra speaking time to supporters of the project and alleged that the process was “manipulated.”
Meanwhile, elected officials and community groups have touted the potential benefits of the Metropolitan Park proposal, pointing to 23,000 union jobs and $1 billion in community benefits.
Speaking after last week’s CAC vote, Richards said he had voted in favor of the project partially because of the “outreach and respect” that the Metropolitan Park team had shown the local community. He said such outreach set Metropolitan Park apart from previous failed projects such as Amazon’s shelved HQ2 project in Long Island City.
“They literally went to every corner of this earth to make sure that they spoke to everybody,” Richards said after Tuesday’s CAC vote. “I think what made this plan much different than a lot of larger economic development projects is they listened first. They didn’t come into queens and just shove a plan down our throat.”
Asked if he was concerned if the Metropolitan Park development would attract “problem gambling” to the community, Richards said the project will have a number of safeguards on-site, including addiction services. Still, Richards believes elected officials have a responsibility to continuously monitor concerns if the Metropolitan Park project comes to fruition.
“I think we have an obligation to make sure that we’re keeping our eyes and ears open,” he added.
Richards believes that many of the people who have raised opposition or concerns about the project will be the ones “taking advantage” of the thousands of union jobs that Metropolitan Park brings to Queens.
“This community was hit extremely hard during the pandemic,” Richards said. “We have an opportunity to now put 20,000 people and beyond to work.”
He described the vote as a “home run” for Queens, adding that the borough has “hit the jackpot” with the Metropolitan Park development.
Moya, on the other hand, said Metropolitan Park would be an “added benefit” for the local community and said the ongoing development of a new soccer-specific stadium at Willets Point would make the area a “destination.”
“We’re going to see job creation there,” Moya said. “It’s going to be a destination for people to come to, not just the sports, but also entertainment. And I think this is really great for the borough of Queens. I feel that this is really the step forward.”
Like Richards, Moya said he believed Metropolitan Park has succeeded where other projects have failed because it included grassroots support from members of the local community. He added that the majority of the opposition to Metropolitan Park has come from “outside the district” and insisted that he has an obligation to listen to the views of his constituents first.
Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said the proposal would not only deliver 23,000 jobs to the area but also careers.
“It’s opportunities for people to get out of that notion of not having generational wealth and get into careers, benefits and opportunities for themselves and their family to really grow,” Grech said.
There is “no question” that Metropolitan Park, alongside Citi Field, the USTA and the new soccer stadium, would be a “big boon” for tourism in a part of Queens that is often neglected by international visitors, Grech added.
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UK finance minister Rachel Reeves suggested that a potential hike in gambling taxes could be in the works, providing the necessary funds for the long-delayed revision of child benefits by the Labour government. Notably, the envisioned changes will not affect the horse racing sector, which recently rallied against what they describe as an unsustainable tax burden.
Speaking to ITV News on Monday, Reeves noted that gambling firms should be able to pay more. Her comments came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepared to address the Labour Party’s annual conference. With child poverty remaining one of the party’s most divisive internal debates, a gambling tax hike could help the government introduce the necessary reforms to move on from the current outdated support model.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) recently calculated that raising taxes on certain types of wagering could net the government an additional £3.2 billion ($4.3 billion) every year. The think tank argued that such revenue would be sufficient to eliminate the two-child benefit cap nd lift approximately 500,000 children out of poverty.
“Gambling firms make an important contribution to the economy, but they should pay their fair share of taxes, and we’ll make sure that that happens.”
Rachel Reeves, UK finance minister
The IPPR proposed raising the duty on online casinos from 21% to 50%, boosting the levy on slots and gaming machines from 20% to 50%, and hiking taxes on non-racing sports bets from 15% to 25%. Proponents of the plan argue that the gambling sector has grown significantly in recent years and is now well-positioned to carry an increased tax burden.
Any Tax Increases Must Be Carefully Calculated
While Reeves did not explicitly state that the government was considering IPPR’s figures, she did not rule out a similar approach. In a recent Bloomberg interview, she expressed her commitment to fighting child poverty. However, she tempered expectations by adding that any policy changes would require a stable source of funding. One that gambling taxes could potentially provide.
“I want children from all backgrounds to have a good start in life. Would I like to do more? Yes, but of course, we have always got to explain how policies will be paid for.”
Rachel Reeves, UK finance minister
These ongoing debates coincide with growing unrest in the horse racing sector, which has been reeling under increased levies. On 10 September, for the first time in history, all scheduled racing fixtures were suspended as a form of protest. Industry leaders announced they would launch a major campaign in Westminster, highlighting the financial perils posed by further tax hikes to a sector valued at £4.1 billion ($5.51 billion).
With Reeves’ comments setting the tone for the UK government’s future financial policy, pressure is mounting on the government to balance its promise to ease child poverty with the economic realities of a gambling industry already bracing for change. Any gambling tax hike must carefully account for evolving market trends, ensuring that licensed operators remain competitive with unregulated platforms.
Europe has taken a new step to unify safe gambling practices. National standardization groups have voted to support a draft European framework that aims to identify risky gambling behavior.
CEN Greenlights Framework to Spot Risky Gambling Behaviour Across Europe
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) first suggested this plan in 2022. Now, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has given its approval. This decision opens the door for Europe’s first shared standard on “harm markers” – signs in behavior that might show when a player could be at risk.
The draft, approved on September 25, will now go through a formal completion process within CEN. This involves translating it into several languages and doing administrative checks, with its release planned for early 2026. Once out, the standard will not be mandatory for regulators and operators, though industry executives think many areas will use it as a yardstick.
EGBA says the framework aims to help operators and regulators catch potential red flags. These include quick jumps in play time, odd shifts in betting habits, or attempts to win back big losses. By setting up a common definition of these actions, the group hopes to cut down on the differences that exist now between national markets.
Haijer and Panousi Praise Broad Support Behind Europe’s New Harm Detection Standard
EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer called the vote evidence of what teamwork in the industry can accomplish. He pointed out that the proposal aimed to create a benchmark that helps players across Europe and recognized the wide backing the project got from interested parties.
Senior Manager of EU Affairs, VasilikiPanousi agreed with this view, highlighting that the benchmark stands as the first Europe-wide deal on signs of risky play. She noted that the plan took years to craft and brought together experts from universities, governing bodies, the industry, and groups focused on preventing harm.
Dr. Maris Catania, an expert in responsible gambling, supervised the project. AFNOR, the French standardization organization, served as the coordinator. EGBA also recognized many national committees and experts for their contribution to shaping the result.
EGBA Predicts Widespread Adoption of Europe-Wide Guidelines for Safer Gambling
People who watch the industry view this approval as a possible game-changer. The gambling scene in Europe remains very divided, with some nations enforcing tough rules while others depend more on operators to handle risk. A framework for all of Europe could give regulators a steady benchmark while providing operators with practical ways to step in earlier.
Though operators can choose to adopt it or not, EGBA thinks the perks of a unified approach – better protections for customers and more consistency across borders – will lead many to embrace it. The group also claims that shared rulescan help make regulated markets stronger and lessen the sway of unlicensed companies.
If many operators put it into practice, the new system could signal a change from responding after the fact to keeping an eye on things ahead of time, boosting how players are kept safe as the field keeps changing.
Station Casinos announced on Monday that live poker will be returning to Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. It will soon become the first Las Vegas poker room closed during the pandemic to reopen since 2021.
Stations Casinos Bring Back Poker to Green Valley Ranch
Like other Station Casinos, the interior features a retro design that evokes the nostalgia of poker’s earlier days. At Green Valley Ranch, rich red tones dominate the poker room, highlighted by a burgundy floral carpet that immediately catches the eye. Interestingly, however, the casino, which will reopen in December, will do so with 16 tables, instead of the previous 22.
Open 24/7, the room will offer cash games and tournaments in fixed-limit hold ’em, no-limit hold ’em, pot-limit Omaha, and Omaha hi/lo. Green Valley Ranch’s poker room will be just the 19th remaining in a city that boasted over 60 in the early 2000s. It would have been the 20th, but Poker Palace Casino is set to close on October 1 with its new owner, Truckee Gaming LLC, planning to reopen the venue without poker.
However, back to Station Casinos, the reopening of the Green Valley Ranch property could be seen as part of the company’s broader expansion in 2025. Early this year, Station Casinos also started construction on a Durango expansion, which will see the venue receive over 25,000 square feet of new casino space when it opens in 2026.
How Has the Poker Scene in Las Vegas Changed Over the Years?
Since the decline of the poker boom around 2012, roughly 40 poker rooms in Las Vegas have shut down. After the pandemic, the Green Valley Ranch poker room, located just steps from the sportsbook, was converted into a smoke-free slot area.
Poker rooms rarely return once they’ve been converted into slot machine areas. This is largely because slot machines generate significantly more revenue per square foot for casinos. Unlike slots, poker doesn’t give the house an inherent edge; casinos earn their share through rake (a small percentage taken from each pot in cash games) or through tournament entry fees, rather than profiting directly from player losses.
However, according to a press release from Station Casinos, strong customer demand was the primary driving force behind the decision to reintroduce poker. Ken Janssen, vice president and general manager of Green Valley Ranch, said the decision to bring back poker was a direct response to guest feedback. He noted that the return of poker is part of a broader series of exciting upgrades at the property, which is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation.
A brand new Mercedes E350 was given away at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, near the Texas-Mexico border, but the night of celebration took a tragic turn when a shooting left two people dead.
Shooting at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured
A local NBC News affiliate reported that “at least two to four others” were airlifted in critical condition to hospitals in San Antonio. Located about 150 miles south of San Antonio, the Lucky Eagle Casino sits in Eagle Pass near the Texas-Mexico border and is owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. It is the largest casino in the state, offering more than 3,300 electronic gaming machines, including slot-like machines and bingo-based games, as well as poker.
The Lucky Eagle Casino saw larger-than-usual crowds on the night of Saturday, September 27, as it hosted a special evening of giveaways. Between 9 p.m. and midnight, guests had the chance to win a 2025 Mercedes E350, hourly $1,000 cash prizes, and a $3,500 grand cash prize as part of the “Mercedes September to Remember” promotion. Adding to the festivities, Houston-based Heart tribute band Barracuda TX performed classic hits from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group for the packed audience.
The shooting occurred around 12:15 a.m. on September 28, roughly half an hour after the casino awarded the night’s grand prize. According to law enforcement, two people were killed, and at least seven others were shot. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died while being transported to a nearby hospital.
A person of interest was taken into custody in Wilson County later on the day, located southeast of San Antonio. While a local Eagle Pass publication may have identified the individual, authorities from the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office and the Eagle Pass Police Department have not yet released an official name.
Barracuda TX Lead Singer Talks About the Event
Barracuda TX lead singer Rosalia Jeannette Guerra was on stage when the chaos erupted and later shared her experience with MySA. She recounted that it was about 15 minutes after the band’s performance when they were taking photos and chatting with audience members who had stayed behind to say hello. That’s when they noticed commotion near the casino area, with people running in all directions. Guerra stated that she and the rest of Barracuda TX were placed on lockdown for approximately 45 minutes and weren’t allowed to return to their rooms until around 1 a.m. on Sunday, September 28.
Guerra described the experience of being escorted through the casino as unsettling. She noted how eerie it was to see a normally busy 24-hour venue completely deserted. As they made their way toward the lobby entrance, the gravity of the situation became apparent. According to her, law enforcement officers, many of whom were heavily armed, were stationed throughout the area, and the scene was taped off. She observed numerous people waiting to be picked up or seeking information about their loved ones.
Guerra expressed her sympathy for those affected, saying their hearts go out to the community. She called the situation deeply tragic and acknowledged the pain the families must be experiencing. Reflecting on the incident, she added that it was hard to believe they had been caught in the middle of such a devastating event.
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Evolution Unveils Sneaky Slots
The studio debuts with Nip Tuck, a surreal slot experience that explores the obsession with perfection. Following its launch, the studio plans to release a new title every month for the remainder of the year. Malcolm Mizzi, Head of Commercial Operations of RNG at Evolution, described the launch of Sneaky Slots as a natural next step for the company
He emphasized that, with the support of Evolution’s One Stop Shop and global sales network, Sneaky Slots is launching with a level of momentum that few new studios enjoy. Mizzi expressed confidence that the new brand will attract both players and industry insiders, positioning itself as a standout newcomer to watch.
Mizzi further noted that Sneaky Slots represents a bold and rebellious approach to game design. The studio’s titles, he explained, are daring, eccentric, and rich in personality. Instead of chasing complexity or extremes, the focus is on creating immersive, unforgettable atmospheres that players genuinely enjoy. With Sneaky Slots, the team aims to open the door to something edgier by inviting players to explore the unexpected.
What Does Sneaky Slots Promise to Bring to the Table?
According to its own words, Sneaky Slots is already stirring excitement within the iGaming industry. While little is known about the team behind the brand, many in the industry see it as a spiritual sibling to Nolimit City, with which it shares a strong creative and technical connection.
In its debut announcement, Nolimit City confirmed that Sneaky Slots has been granted access to its trademarked xMechanics, which is a suite of proprietary game features that helped establish Nolimit’s cult status among players and streamers. These include popular mechanics like xNudge, xWays, and xBomb, which have powered some of Nolimit’s most iconic titles, such as San Quentin 2, Fire In The Hole 3, and Brute Force Alien Onslaught.
Sneaky Slots’ initial roadmap points to a bold and unconventional creative vision. Its launch lineup features three provocatively titled games, such as Freak Show Revelation, Nip Tuck, and Gopnik, hinting at edgy themes and unpredictable gameplay designed to stand out in a crowded market.
Light & Wonder, Inc. (L&W) has announced a key addition to its senior leadership team with the appointment of Rohan Gallagher as executive VP and global chief corporate affairs officer. The position will be based in Sydney, where Gallagher will oversee investor relations, ESG, corporate social responsibility, and international communication. This newly created position will help Light & Wonder enhance engagement during a transformative period.
Gallagher Brings a Wealth of Experience
The move comes as Light & Wonder finalizes its transition to a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). CFO Oliver Chow commended that the appointment of Mr. Gallagher was a crucial step to bolster the company’s presence in Australia and abroad. Chow lauded Gallagher’s experience and was confident that the new addition to the company’s leadership would introduce crucial skills and in-depth knowledge.
“I’ve worked with Rohan for many years in different capacities, and his knowledge of the gaming industry and what it takes to succeed is unparalleled.”
Oliver Chow, Light & Wonder CFO
Gallagher’s career extends to gaming giant Aristocrat, where he led investor relations and treasury functions. The new L&W executive VP noted that the timing of his appointment aligned with Light & Wonder’s momentum as the company seeks to extend its global presence. He viewed the position as a unique opportunity, hoping to contribute to its lasting success.
“I look forward to amplifying Light & Wonder’s voice, strengthening connections with its communities, and driving meaningful change that supports L&W’s next level of growth.”
Rohan Gallagher, Light & Wonder executive VP and global chief corporate affairs officer
Gallagher boasts over two decades of experience in the financial sector, previously holding senior positions in equities research, corporate broking, and investor relations. Before joining Light & Wonder, he worked as managing director at Jarden Group’s Institutional Equities division, taking a leading role in sales, research, and corporate advisory.
Light & Wonder Maintains Impressive Momentum
This new appointment coincides with a busy time for the company. Earlier this month, L&W announced it had been accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), paving the way for the launch of its iGaming platform in the Philippines and marking its first entry into an Asian regulated market. Once operational, the Philippines will become Light & Wonder’s 47th regulated market worldwide.
In July, the company secured its place as one of the first B2B suppliers to be licensed in the United Arab Emirates. This move will allow it to provide land-based electronic gaming machines, table games, and digital casino content. A UAE license could be pivotal for reaching new audiences and helping the company reinforce its focus on compliance and responsible gaming practices.
With Gallagher’s appointment, Light & Wonder is positioning itself to communicate its strategy to stakeholders more clearly as it gears up for further expansion in global regulated markets. His appointment underlines the company’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and investor confidence, while building long-term value.
A total of 43 people received harsh sentences by a Vietnamese court in a wide-ranging case of an illegal gambling ring, which was created by four siblings. Each of the kingpins of the illegal operations, which also included cryptocurrency, received between 8 and 13 years in prison.
Over 40 Sentenced for Crypto Gambling Scheme
Between early 2020 and late 2021, the network facilitated transactions amounting to $3.8 billion before being dismantled by law enforcement. Several defendants received prison sentences exceeding ten years, while authorities continue to search for an Indian national believed to have led the operation.
Rather than using licensed or legal casinos, participants gambled via websites that accepted cryptocurrencies, despite crypto being illegal in Vietnam. At its peak, the scheme had around 20,000 customers, who were incentivized to recruit others through social media platforms like Telegram, which has been banned in Vietnam since June.
The group is also allegedly involved in laundering funds abroad, an aspect currently under investigation in a separate, ongoing case. A significant portion of the illicit profits was used to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate.
What’s the Current State of Gambling in Vietnam?
Gambling has been outlawed in Vietnam for centuries, but in recent years, the government has begun exploring legalization through tightly controlled pilot programs and regulated casinos. Currently, eight casinos operate in the country, accessible only to foreign passport holders, though investors are increasingly interested in tapping into the local market. As part of a three-year trial, Vietnamese citizens are allowed to enter casinos if they can prove a monthly income of over 10 million dong (approximately $449) and pay an entry fee of 1 million dong.
Currently, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is reconsidering these parameters for allowing its citizens to enter casinos. While there are eight casinos in the country, only foreigners can enter them freely, while Vietnamese nationals have to meet specific criteria to enter. As of 2017, the largest hotel-casino in Vietnam was The Grand Ho Tram Strip, located in Hồ Tràm.
Opened in 2013 and controlled by Philip Falcone, the $1 billion complex features a 550-room hotel, a golf course designed by Greg Norman, and a second hotel tower that was under construction at the time. To qualify for a casino license in Vietnam, foreign investors must commit a minimum investment of over $2 billion.
Sullivan County has wrapped up a big $585 million bond plan to change the future of Resorts World Catskills. The county’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and its new Sullivan County Resort Facilities Local Development Corporation (SCRFLDC) lead this deal. They plan to buy the casino’s non-gaming operations. County officials say this move aims to steady one of the area’s biggest job providers and tourist spots.
Resorts World Catskills Sheds Debt as County Buys Non-Gaming Assets
The deal involves the hotel, golf course, event spaces, and over 1,500 acres at the Adelaar site in Thompson. As part of the agreement, Resorts World will keep running the facilities while getting rid of its debt. Those who back the plan say that cleaning up the finances will let the company put money back in as it looks to expand its Queens site, which could cost billions.
County officials believe the purchase might open up chances to build more in the future. Bill Rieber, the supervisor, hinted that housing could be one of the first things they think about for the empty land around the casino, reported Spectrum Local News. People who support local businesses pointed out how the resort affects jobs, creating about 1,400 positions when it first opened in 2018.
Even so, the casino is not doing well. Records from the State Gaming Commission show Resorts World Catskills made just under $198 million in gaming money during the 2024–2025 fiscal year — the worst it has done since COVID hit. Money coming in has dropped since 2022, and the place has not made any cash from sports betting in the last few months.
Bond Plan Aims to Shield Residents While Betting on Resort’s Growth
The financing plan has raised questions about whether it can work in the long run. Sullivan County’s proposal to investors predicts that hotel bookings and income from non-gambling sources will grow over the next four years. This growth partly depends on Resorts World getting a full casino license in New York City. However, experts hired by the county are much more careful in their predictions. They expect a drop in business once new casinos open downstate.
Even with these warnings, county leaders emphasize that locals will not have to pay if the project does not do well. Matt McPhillips, who leads the economic development committee, says the bonds are set up to protect residents from risk. He sees the deal as a way to set up the resort for future growth.
Resorts World Catskills remains a key player in Sullivan County’s economy, generating almost 30% of the Town of Thompson’s tax income. However, experts caution that if the casino does not bounce back, the bond deal might damage the county’s credit rating and restrict future loans.
Hackers threw Las Vegas casinos into chaos in 2023, taking down some of the Strip’s biggest names. Two years later, a teenager is accused of orchestrating the attack. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the details.
The discovery of a hidden underground gambling den in Manhattan on Tuesday was entirely accidental. FDNY inspectors were responding to a routine complaint about illegal lithium battery charging in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
This is part of a hallway casino busted up this week in an illegally converted Manhattan cellar. (Image: FDNY)One of five illegal bedrooms in the cellar, which was located not far from New York’s Tenement Museum. (Image: FDNY)
But the uncertified lithium-ion batteries, of the kind known to have sparked multiple fatal fires across New York City in recent years, were only the first of many layers of lawlessness that revealed themselves to the inspectors in the death-trap basement beneath the connected buildings of 118-120 Elizabeth St.
Also revealing themselves were five bedrooms crammed with 10 cots, hot plates and space heaters yet no secondary exits.
“Due to the mazelike nature of the cellar, lack of secondary egress, and heavy clutter, all the sleeping areas were considered severe life risks,” the FDNY report read.
Gambling With Their Lives
Three storage rooms were also piled like garbage with counterfeit Prada bags and other combustible materials, and the front hall was lined with 17 illegal slot machines and a couch.
This was one of three storage room crammed with counterfeit goods. (Image: FDNY)
“What our Fire Prevention members found was a disaster waiting to happen,” FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker said.
The FDNY called for backup from the city’s Department of Buildings, which issued a vacate order for the residents of the cellar, and the NYPD Vice Squad, which confiscated the slot machines and counterfeit bags.
Two FDNY summonses and two criminal summonses were issued, through no arrests were made.
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) — Proposals for two separate casino plans in Manhattan were both rejected by the Community Advisory Committee considering their future on Wednesday morning.
Both the Caesars Palace Times Square and Avenir at Hudson Yards were rejected in separate votes.
Only two members on the six-person committee voted to approve moving either project forward to the state. Four rejected the plan.
“I’m shocked by the result. We’re putting forth a project in a location that could really use this type of complex: jobs, housing, a hotel, restaurants – these are all things we heard from the community,” said Dino Fusco, COO of Silverstein Properties.
That leaves six competitors bidding for three slots.
The remaining proposed casinos include Coney Island (Brooklyn), Aqueduct Racetrack (Queens), Citi Field (Queens), United Nations/East Side (Manhattan,) Ferry Point (Bronx) and Yonkers Raceway.
One of the proposals involves MGM Resorts – the owner of Empire City in Yonkers.
The casino wants to expand gaming to add live tables by obtaining one of the available licenses, and on Tuesday, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano says the city council approved a community benefits package followed by overwhelming community support.
The Times Square proposal had been a hot-button issue, especially among the Broadway community.
The building that’s currently home to the Minskoff Theater and “The Lion King” would keep the show, but everything above it would have been overhauled to make way for the Caesars Palace if the plan had become a reality.
“This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it,” said Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League. “A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here. We are so filled with gratitude for the committee members and the local elected officials-State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Tony Simone, Borough President Mark Levine and Council Member Erik Bottcher – who looked at the facts, listened to the residents, and stood up for this neighborhood and the theater community.”
That includes residents like Dolores Rubin who’s lived near Times Square her whole life.
“For me personally, this was really about recognizing that the casino cannibalizes a lot of what’s already here, and it takes away from Broadway which is the star of this area,” Rubin said.
Jay-Z and his entertainment company Roc Nation was involved in the plan that included a nightclub, almost 1,000 hotel rooms and 150,000 square feet of gaming space.
Developer SL Green had promised the Times Square casino would bring in $7 billion in taxes for the city and state, and hundreds of millions in investments into the neighborhood.
SL Green CEO Marc Holliday blasted the board after the vote.
“What you did here today was a despicable display of cowardice, lack of leadership, lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this proposal,” Holliday said. “You know it, we met the standard and then some, the only one with courage to stand up is the mayor and governor appointees and everyone else runs and hides. Go run and hide because what you did, the benefits you denied this community, and this city and state, you have delivered that history forever.”
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PayNearMe, a California-based fintech specializing in streamlining payments for non-commerce businesses, has completed a $50 million Series E funding round led by Atlantic Vantage Point (AVP) through its Growth Fund I. This fresh capital will help speed up PayNearMe’s entry into other markets as the company leverages its technology to continue transforming the customer payment journey.
A Smooth Payment Journey Remains Critical for All Businesses
PayNearMe has built its reputation on a simple, yet ambitious idea: payments should not be considered merely a back-office necessity to carry out administrative work but become an engine for growth and customer satisfaction. PayNearMe’s single integration platform is the preferred payment solution for thousands of companies in consumer lending, iGaming, online sports betting, property management, and tolling.
Elizabeth de Saint-Aignan, general partner and head of growth fund, North America at AVP, lauded PayNearMe’s blend of vision and execution. She noted that the company’s innovative mindset was instrumental in its efforts to deliver a modern payment experience, solving long-lasting challenges that have plagued the sector and hampered efficiency.
“PayNearMe’s vision and proven execution are changing how non-commerce businesses approach payments, and we’re excited to support them in this next stage of growth.”
Elizabeth de Saint-Aignan, AVP general partner and head of growth fund, North America
At the core of PayNearMe’s strategy is the Payment Experience Management model, a fusion of software and money-movement services that streamlines how businesses collect and process payments. By reducing the total cost of acceptance and enhancing transaction cycles, PayNearMe aims to bolster clients’ cash flow while mitigating friction for customers.
PayNearMe Remains Committed to Innovation
Danny Shader, CEO of PayNearMe, challenged the assumption that payments were merely a cost for doing business. He noted that a cohesive payment strategy could help companies differentiate themselves from the competition, drive customer satisfaction, and improve financial results. Shader hoped that PayNearMe’s reach would continue to expand, providing customers worldwide with first-class solutions.
“AVP’s funding will allow us to deliver the benefits of Payment Experience Management to more clients and in new markets.”
Danny Shader, PayNearMe CEO
PayNearMe has rebranded its core platform as PayXM™, aligning with its expansion efforts. The company noted that this system was the first of its kind in the industry, tailored to improve the entire payment experience from start to finish. The platform supports every high-profile payment type and empowers businesses to process transactions from multiple customer-facing channels with just one integration.
The new funding builds on a year of momentum for PayNearMe. In 2024, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Mohegan Digital to strengthen payment solutions for iGaming operations in Pennsylvania. The Series E rounds signal that investors have faith in PayNearMe’s payment technology as a central pillar of customer engagement strategies.
Anne Arundel County authorities have arrested a 56-year-old Upper Marlboro man after discovering a vehicle packed with firearms, ammunition, and body armor near Arundel Mills. The mall is the most popular retail shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Maryland, hosting the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland with 4,000 slot machines and 200 live tables.
Disturbing Discovery Inside the Suspect’s SUV
Police arrived at Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover at around 8:45 p.m. following a report of a suspicious SUV parked there. The blue 2016 Ford Explorer was unoccupied when officers arrived.
“We observed a semi-automatic rifle in plain view in the open trunk,” an Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson said.
Investigators quickly identified the owner and driver as R.M. and proceeded to do a more thorough search of his vehicle.
The procedure yielded a troubling arsenal that included an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 semi-automatic rifle, two loaded 9mm handguns (Ruger, SCCY Industries CPX-1), both stolen, along with 90 total rounds of 12-gauge and 9 mm ammunition, a plastic bag with Luger 9 mm rounds of ammunition, two sets of body armor, REM .223 rounds of ammunition and four black magazines that were fully loaded with REM .223 rounds of ammunition.
Police confirmed that M. did not have the legal right to possess firearms and, accordingly, placed him under arrest with corresponding charges.
Maryland’s Ghost Guns’ Problem
The arrest is only the latest in a disturbingly long string of gun-related cases in Maryland, reiterating the growing concern over illegal firearms and “ghost guns.” A prominent example dates back from last November, when authorities in St. Mary’s County arrested 39-year-old J.T. for reportedly manufacturing untraceable firearms.
Deputies made the discovery after responding to a reported domestic assault at a home in Lexington Park. The suspect fled before police arrived, but searches of his property and nearby vehicles revealed an extensive collection of weapons and components.
Among others, investigators came across 3D-printed firearms, handguns, shotguns, an AK-47, firearm suppressors, and more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition.
Officials also seized 74 auto sears, which are special devices that can convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons, along with a 3D-printed automatic rifle.
T. faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of ammunition and an assault weapon with intent to sell, and second-degree assault, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Anne Arundel County Police have not officially connected M.’s arrest to their other ongoing investigations.
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Look, the Philadelphia Eagles are already pretty damn good at football. But here’s the thing — they could get even better by stealing some tricks from poker pros.
These card sharks have mastered skills that translate perfectly to the gridiron.
And honestly? The Eagles would be crazy not to pay attention.
Reading People Like a Book
Ever watch a poker pro in action? They’re basically human lie detectors. Poker players spend hours studying every twitch, every betting pattern, every tiny tell their opponents give away. It’s almost scary how good they get at it.
The Eagles already watch game film — every team does. But they could take this way further. Instead of just looking at what plays teams run, they should be studying the subtle stuff. Does the quarterback always tap his helmet before a blitz? Do linemen shift their weight differently on run plays versus pass plays?
It’s like when Daniel Negreanu calls out exactly what cards his opponent is holding. That level of observation doesn’t happen by accident.
Ice-Cold Discipline
PHOTO: Casey Murphy/Unsplash
Here’s where poker gets really interesting for football. Every single hand, poker pros are doing math. They’re calculating odds, managing their bankroll, deciding whether that bluff is worth the risk. And they do it all without showing emotion.
The Eagles need that same ruthless discipline. Sure, football’s an emotional game — passion matters. But the best decisions come from clear heads, not hot tempers.
Think about those crucial fourth-down calls. How many times have we seen teams (not naming names, but we all know) make terrible decisions because they got caught up in the moment?
A poker player would crunch the numbers first. What are the odds? What’s the downside? Can we afford this risk right now?
Rolling with the Punches
Poker players have this saying: “Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” The game changes constantly — your pocket aces get cracked, someone goes all-in when you least expect it. The best players just… adapt.
Football’s the same way. Game plans are great until the other team does something you didn’t see coming. Remember when the Patriots started using that no-huddle offense against everyone? Teams that adapted quickly won games. Teams that didn’t get steamrolled.
The Eagles are actually pretty good at this already, but they could push it further. What if they practiced switching between completely different offensive schemes mid-drive? US poker pros don’t just have Plan B ready — they’ve got Plans C through Z mapped out too.
Bouncing Back from Bad Beats
Any poker player will tell you about bad beats — those brutal hands where you do everything right and still lose. Maybe your full house loses to a straight flush. Maybe someone hits a miracle card on the river.
The key? You can’t let it tilt you. You’ve got to shake it off and play the next hand like nothing happened.
Football’s full of these moments. Fumbles on the goal line. Pick-sixes on perfect throws. Missed field goals in the playoffs. The teams that win championships are the ones that don’t let those moments snowball.
The Eagles could learn from how poker pros build mental toughness. They use specific routines, breathing techniques, and even meditation. Whatever it takes to stay level-headed when everything’s falling apart.
Building Your Network
Here’s something most people don’t know about poker: the best players share information all the time. They’ll text each other about tough hands, discuss strategy, and even stake each other in big tournaments.
It sounds counterintuitive, but helping your competition actually makes everyone better. And when everyone’s better, the whole ecosystem grows.
The Eagles could tap into this mindset more. Yeah, they work with other teams in a transactional sense, but if they opened their minds to sharing insights, training methods, and mistakes, they could build a stronger knowledge base that would advance football for all.
Senate President Francis Escudero has been removed from his position following public outcry over his suspected involvement in the misallocation of funds intended for flood mitigation efforts. The controversy centers on allegations that Escudero aided in awarding contracts to certain contractors, some of whom were accused of substandard work or, in some cases, not completing the projects at all.
High-ranking Filipino Official Cited in Corruption Scandal
The funds in question were allocated to strengthen flood safeguards in areas frequently affected by inundations. Investigations have revealed that some of the contractors involved may have engaged in improper practices, including the use of subpar materials and, in certain instances, the non-execution of the projects.
Additionally, there are allegations that money from these public tenders was laundered through casinos in Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Escudero is reportedly linked to one of the contractors, Centerways Construction and Development, which made substantial donations to his political campaign. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a show-cause order to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways, to explain the donation.
The officials and contractors involved in this scandal have been referred to as the “BGC Boys” by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. Lacson has alleged that these individuals conspired to siphon off funds intended for flood control projects.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gambling regulator, has characterized the manner in which these activities were carried out as “not so covert money-laundering.”
Officials and Everyone Involved to Face Probe, Potential Penalties
In response to the allegations, Lacson stated, “My office has submitted their names and aliases to the Anti-Money Laundering Council since casinos are covered persons under the amended anti-money laundering act,” indicating that those responsible are being targeted.
The Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council has confirmed that it is investigating the allegations to determine how and why the funds were allocated and whether the projects were completed in accordance with the law.
Matthew David, executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, assured that there are corresponding penalties under the rules on administrative cases against covered persons, depending on the possible violation.
