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  • Florida Lottery Lists Its Top Winners for November 2025

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    The Florida Lottery has announced its biggest winners for November 2025, which included three separate players who won $1 million each. The players’ names were released 90 days after they won, in accordance with Florida law.  

    Arcadia Scratch-Off Ticket Fan Secured $1M

    On February 24, the Florida Lottery announced that three players won seven-figure prizes in November, with all opting to receive their winnings as a one-time lump sum.

    The first of the two was Milton Shackleford, 45, of Arcadia. The player in question won the $1 million prize from the Triple Red 777’s scratch-off game. Shackleford purchased his $5 ticket at Arcadia Citgo, located at 335 S. Brevard Avenue in Arcadia.

    Upon his visit to the lottery’s Fort Myers District Office on November 10, Shackleford claimed his winnings, taking $584,000 due to his decision to go with the one-time payment.

    Miami Player Won a Million Dollars

    In the meantime, Pierre Khawly, 49, of Miami, won $1 million from a different game. According to the Florida Lottery’s announcement, the player won the prize on a 500X THE CASH ticket he purchased at the Publix located at 831 Village Boulevard in West Palm Beach.

    When visiting the Lottery’s Miami District Office, Khawly chose the one-time lump sum option and took home $640,000.

    It should be noted that 500X THE CASH is one of the Florida Lottery’s most spectacular games yet, featuring a record-setting $25 million top prize.

    Player Became Tarpon Springs’ Latest Millionaire  

    The final player named in the announcement was Jessica Henri, 35, of Tarpon Springs. She won her prize on a $1,000,000 HOLIDAY CA$H scratch-off ticket she purchased from the Publix located at 40932 U.S. Highway 19 N. in Tarpon Springs.

    Like the rest of the players, she chose the one-time lump sum and thus found herself $606,700 richer. The lottery noted that Henri claimed her prize at the lottery’s Tampa District Office.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Two Mega Millions Fans Win Seven-Figure Prizes

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    The Tuesday Mega Millions drawing was one of the most eventful ones in a while. While the game’s top prize remained unclaimed, Mega Millions awarded two prizes of over a million to two players.

    Mega Millions Mints Two New Millionaires

    Following a temporary lull that went without winners of seven-figure prizes, Mega Millions announced that two players have matched the Tuesday drawing’s five white numbers to win life-changing sums.

    The winners included a player in Illinois who had the 3X multiplier active and will therefore take home $3 million. At the same time, a player in Oklahoma won his prize on a 5X multiplier, resulting in a $5 million payday.

    In addition to that, ten players won the game’s third-tier prize after matching four white numbers and the Mega Ball. These included six players who secured $20,000 each due to their 2X multiplier. In addition to that, two players scooped up $30,000 with a 3X multiplier, while another two won $100.000 each with a 10X multiplier.

    For context, the five winning numbers for that drawing were 12, 39, 43, 49, and 55. The winning Mega Ball was 23. Matching all these numbers would have meant a windfall of $438 million, with a cash option of $203.1 million.

    Since the prize went unclaimed for yet another drawing, it has now increased to $458 million with a cash option of $212.4 million.

    The next drawing is set to take place this Friday.

    Players Across America Win Big

    In the meantime, Powerball just held its most recent drawing, with the jackpot surviving to reach a staggering $218 million, with a cash value that finally surpassed the nine-figure mark to reach $101.6 million.

    The Monday drawing awarded a prize of $1 million to a lucky player in New York, who matched the game’s five white numbers.

    In other news, New Jersey just produced another winner of a sizeable jackpot, with a lucky lottery enthusiast claiming the top prize from the recent Jersey Cash 5 drawing.

    Elsewhere, a Texan won $2 million from a scratch-off ticket. This was notably the first top prize from the Texas Lottery’s Golden Riches game to land.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Powerball Jackpot Survives Monday Drawing, NY Player Wins $1M

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    Powerball has yet again delivered a seven-figure win even if no one won the game’s top prize. The winner this time was a player in New York who matched all five numbers to secure a $1 million prize.

    NY Player Matched All White Numbers to Win $1M

    Yesterday’s Powerball drawing saw players miss the game’s jackpot once again, as the top prize continued to grow in size. As of the time of this writing, the Powerball jackpot stands at a staggering $218 million, with a cash value that finally surpassed the nine-figure mark to reach $101.6 million.

    At the time of the Monday drawing, the jackpot was $203 million with a one-time lump sum option of $94.4 million. The winning numbers for the drawing were 5, 11, 23, 29, and 47, and the Powerball was 6.

    As mentioned, a player in the Empire State managed to nail the five white numbers perfectly to win a prize of $1 million. If the player had the Power Play feature active, they could have won $2 million instead.

    Additionally, the Monday drawing recorded a whopping 18 winners of the game’s third-tier prize. Thirteen of these lucky players will take home $50,000 each, while the rest will take home $100,000 each, instead.

    The next drawing is set to take place on Wednesday, February 25.

    More Players Won Big with Powerball

    The previous Powerball drawing similarly saw a player narrowly miss the jackpot to win $1 million. However, in that drawing, the lucky individual had bought their ticket in California instead.

    In the meantime, a player in Tennessee recently won a $2 million prize from the same game. While that player matched the same number of winning numbers, they had the Power Play feature active, effectively doubling their winnings.

    A few weeks ago, the most recent Powerball winner came forward to collect their money. The player in question won $209.3 million from one of the January drawings and, since they chose the one-time payment, received $68.6 million after taxes.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Wisconsin Lawmakers Advance Tribal-Led Online Sports Betting Plan

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    Momentum is building in Wisconsin around a proposal that could reshape the state’s sports betting landscape. The State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 601, which would allow residents to place bets online or through mobile devices, provided those wagers are processed through servers located on tribal land. While the bill will advance to the Senate, its future remains uncertain.

    The Bill Takes Inspiration from Florida

    Currently, it is illegal to bet on sports at locations outside tribal casinos. Placing a wager anywhere outside a gaming property, even online, could lead to fines. AB 601 attempts to circumvent this issue by drawing a technical distinction: if a bet is routed through infrastructure physically located on sovereign tribal territory and covered under a gaming compact, it would be allowed.

    This solution draws inspiration from other states. Under Florida’s framework, mobile bets are treated as if they occur on tribal land because that is where the servers are located. Any person in the state can thus freely engage with these offerings online, regardless of their location within the state. Courts have so far accepted this solution.

    Supporters of the Wisconsin bill argue that the current legal framework fails to reflect modern market realities. Residents regularly wager online through offshore platforms that operate without proper regulatory control and do not contribute taxes. Legalizing mobile wagering could help protect consumers while opening a new revenue stream for tribal governments and the state.

    Commercial Operators Remain Skeptical

    Native American leaders strongly support this proposal, describing it as a way to support essential services and reduce long-term reliance on traditional casino traffic. Governor Tony Evers has also signaled he would not stand in the way of a proposal that expands tribal gaming rights, a stance that could prove decisive if the Senate passes the bill.

    However, not everyone is convinced. The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents commercial sportsbook operators, has expressed concerns that a tribal-only structure would disadvantage national sportsbook brands. FanDuel and DraftKings have expressed worries that a requirement to partner with tribal operators to enter the market could limit their ability to compete.

    Despite mounting support, Assembly Bill 601 must still overcome significant challenges. Senate approval is far from guaranteed, and any changes to tribal gaming compacts would need to pass federal review by the US Department of the Interior before mobile wagering could launch. Even so, supporters see the bill as a necessary step to keep Wisconsin sports betting aligned with market realities.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Rep. Dina Titus Makes New Push to Restore Full Gambling Loss Deductions

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    Long-running efforts to roll back a controversial section of last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” are at a critical point as Nevada Rep. Dina Titus has taken an unusual procedural route to revive her stalled legislation. She aims to restore full deductions for gambling losses and enjoys broad support from players and industry representatives.

    Titus Argues That Current Deduction Caps Are Unfair

    The Nevada congresswoman recently filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on her FAIR BET Act, which has remained untouched in the House Ways and Means Committee since last summer. The bill would reverse a change included in the sweeping 2025 tax package signed by President Donald Trump that limits gamblers to deducting 90% of their losses against winnings.

    While this adjustment may seem insignificant at first glance, it could have a substantial impact on the industry. Under the current rule, someone who wins $100,000 over the course of a year but also loses $100,000 will end up with $10,000 in taxable income. While such a player broke even in practice, in tax terms, they didn’t.

    High-stakes and hobby gamblers are struggling, and local economies that depend on gaming revenue are hurting.

    Nevada Rep. Dina Titus

    Professional bettors and high-volume players argue that the measure is unfair and ignores economic realities. They point out that the new cap could result in tax bills tied to income that never truly existed. Titus also argues that other high-risk financial activities, such as trading stocks or commodities, are free from comparable limits.

    Success Is Not Guaranteed

    Industry groups, including the American Gaming Association, have intensified their lobbying efforts in recent weeks, warning lawmakers that the deduction cap, if left unchecked, could prompt gamblers to turn to unregulated offshore offerings that generate no taxes and lack critical safeguards. Jurisdictions like Nevada, where gaming remains a pillar of local employment and tax revenue, could be disproportionately affected.

    Despite Titus’s efforts, the odds of success for a discharge petition are slim. The process requires 218 signatures to move a bill out of committee and onto the House floor. Even then, a vote is not guaranteed. With dozens of revenue-related measures already awaiting review, Titus’s proposal has yet to gain the needed attention.

    My FAIR BET Act has been sitting in the Ways and Means Committee  for eight months, despite commitments from House Republicans  to restore the full gambling loss deduction.

    Nevada Rep. Dina Titus

    Legislators mostly regard discharge petitions as more symbolic than practical. However, several such maneuvers have successfully cleared the signature threshold since 2023, marking a resurgence for the practice. Even so, Titus’s petition has not received any additional signatures as of February 20. Its success will likely depend on the House’s willingness to revisit gambling policy during a crowded fiscal agenda.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Player Wins $2M from Powerball, Becoming Tennessee’s Latest Millionaire

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    Powerball’s most recent drawing saw one player in Tennessee narrowly miss the jackpot, effectively missing out on a payout of $169 million. However, the lucky player had cleverly opted to trigger the Power Play feature and will therefore take home a $2 million prize.

    The Powerball Jackpot Has Now Reached $190M

    The recent Powerball drawing took place on Wednesday and saw the jackpot survive for another round. At the time of the drawing, the jackpot had an annuity value of $169 million and a one-time lump sum option of $79.1 million.

    The winning numbers for the drawing were 9, 33, 52, 64, and 66. The Powerball landed on 1, just like the Mega Ball did during last Friday’s drawing.

    Since no one managed to match all numbers, the big prize went unclaimed. However, one player managed all numbers, except the Powerball, to win the game’s second-tier prize of $1 million. In this case, however, the Tennessee winner had the Power Play feature active, which netted them $2 million instead.

    There were also nine winners of the third-tier prize, which included five regular winners who took home $50,000 each, as well as two who won $100,000 each due to Power Play.

    Since the jackpot survived, it has now swelled to $190 million with a cash value of $89.1 million.

    The next drawing is set to take place this Saturday.

    The Recent Mega Millions Drawings Were Unexciting, But the Jackpot Grows Strong

    In the meantime, the Tuesday Mega Millions drawing was the third drawing in a row without a winner of either the jackpot or a second-tier prize of $1 million (or more, depending on the multiplier). However, the game’s jackpot has increased to a mouth-watering $346 million with a cash value of $156.1 million for tonight’s drawing.

    Speaking of jackpots, the recent Powerball winner came forward to claim their prize. The player in question won $209.3 million from one of the drawings held in January. The player opted to take the lump sum, securing $68.6 million after taxes.

    In the meantime, a player in Ohio just won $3.5 million from the Ohio Lottery’s Classic Lotto game. The win landed on February 4, and the player immediately took off on a journey back home to take and redeem his ticket. In an interview with lottery officials, the happy winner said that he had been picking the same numbers for some 22 years.  

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    Fiona Simmons

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Hawaii Lawmakers Advance Online Sports Betting Bill

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    Lawmakers in Hawaii advanced a proposal to legalize statewide online sports betting despite significant public opposition and a split committee decision. The House Committee on Economic Development & Technology passed HB 2570 in a 5-2 vote, clearing the way for the measure to move ahead in the legislative process.

    Hawaii Advances Online Sports Betting Bill

    Rep. Daniel Holt, who has previously advocated for legal sports betting, voted in favor of the bill. Before the vote, he remarked that he appreciated the effort to advance it, but noted that it was not his idea, he had not been consulted, and he wanted to make that clear. The latest development on the matter comes as part of continued efforts to legalize gaming in Hawaii, as the state is an outlier in the US because it has no form of legal gambling whatsoever.

    HB 2570 proposes that at least six online sports betting platforms be available, while prohibiting in-person wagering. The bill outlines a single launch date for all platforms, imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue, and sets both the application and annual renewal fees at $500,000. Licenses would remain valid for five years, with oversight of sports betting falling under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

    Some Oppose the Bill

    Naturally, with such a big step towards gambling in Hawaii being on the horizon, there is some opposition. Opponents of HB 2570 included several government agencies. These include the state attorney general’s office, Hawaii’s police department, and the Department of Health, along with members of the anti-gambling lobby and concerned individual citizens.

    The most commonly cited reason for opposition was the potential impact on the community’s well-being. One woman shared that her family lost their home when she was five due to her father’s gambling addiction, which she noted “probably started innocently with sports betting.”

    Among the most prominent opponents of HB 2570 is City of Honolulu prosecutor Steve Alm. He told the committee that sports betting is already “tarnishing sports”, referencing several major scandals in MLB and the NBA. He added that sports betting disproportionately affects lower-income individuals, citing a San Diego State University study showing that 96% of bettors lose. Alm also said that this means the system profits from those struggling with addiction, which he argued is not a business the community should support.

    Despite these claims, the House Committee still went on with the bill, making Hawaii one of several US states that are considering legalizing sports betting. Another state looking at legalizing the practice is Wisconsin, as tribal leaders are urging lawmakers to accept mobile sports betting.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Wynn Resorts Reports Strong Operational Results for Q4 2025

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    Wynn Resorts, Limited has reported its Q4 2025 results, which ended on December 31, 2025. The company confirmed that revenue had increased ever-so-slightly to $1.87 billion in the quarter compared to $1.84 billion in Q4 2024. 

    Wynn Resorts on Track for Middle-East Casino Resort Launch 

    The net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited was $100 million in the quarter, below the $277 million of attributable income in Q4 2024. Commenting on these and other financial performance markets, Wynn Resorts, Limited CEO Craig Billings had this to add:

    “Our fourth quarter results reflect continued strength throughout the business and ongoing progress in our global development initiatives. The team in Las Vegas delivered another quarter of healthy EBITDA, highlighted by year-on-year improvement in ADRs and strong volumes in the casino.”

    Billings also spoke of the performance results in Macau, which saw a substantial increase in VIP turnover as well as mass table drop – both sequentially and year-on-year.

    The executive also confirmed that the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island for the first quarter of 2027 was well on track. 

    Results in Las Vegas and Encore Boston Harbor saw slight decreases in terms of operating revenues, whereas the company’s Macau operations continued to gain with increases in operating revenues at both Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau.

    Wynn also reported on its balance sheet, which was in good standing, saying that the company had cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, totalling $1.46 billion, excluding $601.8 million of short-term investment held by Wynn Macau, Limited. 

    The company recently set up a $2-million scholarship fund for the children of employees pursuing a degree.

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    Mike Johnson

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  • Michigan Gov. Whitmer Proposes Online Casino Tax Hike

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    Earlier this week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed increasing the state’s highest online casino tax rate by eight percentage points to 36% as part of her Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

    Governor Proposes Tax Increase

    Her proposal also includes a widely criticized per-wager surcharge on mobile sports betting, mirroring the structure adopted in Illinois. Under the plan, operators would pay 25 cents on each of the first 20 million bets placed, and 50 cents on every wager beyond that threshold. It is expected that Whitmer’s proposal for a per-wager surcharge is projected to raise $38.8 million in revenue for the state.

    Currently, Michigan online operators pay monthly progressive rates ranging from 20% to 28% based on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) figures. The first $4 million AGR is taxed at a 20% rate before increases of two percentage points at $8, $10, and $12 million. Operators then pay the cap of 28% rate on all winnings when they exceed $12 million. According to the General Briefing Papers, only three operators – FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings – surpassed the threshold last year that triggers the top 28% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue exceeding $12 million. However, some mid-tier operators, such as BetRivers, began consistently exceeding that mark in 2025.

    It should also be noted that with Gov. Whitmer‘s proposal, nearly all Michigan iGaming operators would lose the ability to deduct promotional credits from gross revenue starting in 2027, which would mark their sixth year of operations for most. Original licensees can deduct up to 4% this year, down from 6% in 2025 and 10% from launch in 2021 through 2024.

    Could Illinois Be a Warning for this New Policy?

    The new proposal is notable given the strong backlash and subsequent year-over-year decline in betting volume seen in neighboring Illinois. There, sportsbooks reported their steepest monthly drop in handle since the surcharge was implemented, with wagering falling nearly 25% in December after declines of more than 15% in September, October, and November.

    The proposal also follows a year in which Michigan’s sports betting handle was essentially flat. In 2025, total wagers reached $5.54 billion, an increase of just 0.6% compared to 2024. By comparison, Illinois posted 11.6% year-over-year growth to $15.65 billion, even amid its recent slowdown in betting activity. Despite that growth, however, Illinois is reconsidering its gambling tax policy right now. If the state does so, it would essentially confirm the operator’s warnings that higher taxes on gambling would have a negative effect on betting.

    But back to Michigan, it should be noted that these effects might not be as severe as in Illinois, as Michigan operators, though, only pay 8.4% in state taxes on AGR, which is among the lowest in the US. Therefore, an increase in the gambling tax, while it might lead to a decrease in overall bets, might not lead to a very large decline in operator revenue.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Kalshi App Gains Ground on Sportsbooks Before Super Bowl

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    A newcomer to the sports betting scene has jumped into the limelight right before the year’s biggest game. Kalshi, a small-time player next to big-name sportsbooks, saw a big jump in people downloading its mobile app in January. It was ahead of well-known brands like DraftKings and FanDuel as the Super Bowl got closer.

    Kalshi Outpaces Sportsbook Giants in January Download Race

    Based on numbers from Apptopia, an app analytics company, Kalshi’s app saw over 3 million downloads in the US last month. This number tops the combined January downloads of DraftKings and FanDuel, reaching a growth level neither traditional sportsbook has ever hit in one month. Just a few months before, when the NFL season kicked off in August, Kalshi’s downloads were much lower than those of its rivals, reported Bloomberg.

    The surge’s timing stands out. Sports betting interest hits its peak during football season, with the Super Bowl as the main event. Industry projections indicate that traditional sportsbooks will handle a record $1.76 billion in bets on this year’s championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Prediction markets, though, are growing even quicker. H2 Gambling Capital experts expect platforms like Kalshi to draw about $630 million in Super Bowl-related trading, making up most of the year-over-year growth linked to the event.

    Kalshi’s Exchange-Style Betting Tests the Boundaries of US Gambling Rules

    Kalshi’s quick rise has a strong connection to its regulatory position. Unlike sportsbooks, which must deal with different gambling laws in each state, Kalshi works under federal supervision from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Its contracts are seen as financial tools instead of bets, letting the platform offer sports-related markets across the country, even in states where you cannot bet on sports on your phone. However, Apptopia data shows the app is popular in all states, which means users pick it because they like how it works, not just to get around local rules.

    The platform works differently from sportsbooks. Rather than betting against users, Kalshi pairs them up and takes a cut of each transaction. This marketplace approach has allowed it to expand into non-sports areas like elections and economic data, though sports markets have seen the most action since football kicked off.

    The company’s growth has hit some snags. A number of state regulators have tried to limit Kalshi’s sports offerings, with legal battles still going on in places like Massachusetts. Meanwhile, the NFL has stopped prediction market firms from running ads during the Super Bowl, pointing to worries about fair play and partnership rules.Big betting companies are paying attention. DraftKings and FanDuel have rolled out their own apps for making predictions in some states, but so far, not many people have downloaded them.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • Michigan Player Wins Lucky For Life’s Top Prize, Plans to Share with His Family

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    Yet another lucky player from Michigan has won big, this time from the Michigan Lottery’s Lucky For Life game. This comes in the wake of several seven-figure sum wins in the Great Lakes State.

    The Winner Took Home $390K

    According to the Michigan Lottery’s announcement, David Holfelder, a 78-year-old man from Eastpointe, Macomb County, won the lottery’s recent Lucky For Life top prize. The prize landed on January 21 when Holfelder successfully matched all winning numbers in that drawing.

    For context, the winning numbers for the January 21 drawing were 3, 10, 22, 32, and 38.

    Lottery officials clarified that the winning ticket was sold at One Stop Liquor Shoppe, located at 15125 East 9 Mile Road in Eastpointe. They also confirmed that Holfelder visited the lottery HQ to claim his prize, opting to take the one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 instead of the $25,000 a year for 20 years annuity.

    In an interview with lottery officials, Holfelder said that he had been playing Lucky For Life a lot in recent times. He added that he was incredibly excited when he scanned his ticket after the drawing to see that he had finally won a big lottery prize.

    The words I would use to describe winning are terrific, satisfying, and about time!

    David Holfelder

    Holfelder added that he plans to use the money to buy a house and share the rest with his family.

    Two More Players from the Great Lakes State Who Won Big

    As mentioned, Holfelder’s win comes shortly after other players in Michigan won big prizes. These included a player who won $2 million from Legendary Wild Time, one of the lottery’s scratch-off games. The lucky winner said that he plans to use some of the money to fuel a voyage and then save the rest.

    A few days earlier, the lottery announced that a woman from Michigan had won $6 million from the Millionaire Maker game. While the 63-year-old winner said that he doesn’t need any changes in her life, she said that she plans to use the money to help change others’ lives.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Powerball Made Three Millionaires, But No One Won the Jackpot

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    Powerball recently handed out its latest jackpot, but that doesn’t mean that the fun is all over. Despite not crowning a winner, the most recent drawing actually turned three separate winners into millionaires.

    Three Players Won $1M or More

    The Wednesday Powerball drawing turned out to be quite eventful despite the lack of a big prize as three separate players won the game’s second-tier prize. These included players from Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

    For context, the winning numbers for the February 4 drawing were 27, 29, 30, 37, and 58, with a Powerball of 15. Guessing all numbers correctly would have resulted in a prize drop of $83 million if a hypothetical winner had chosen the annuity, or $37.6 million if they had picked the one-time lump sum option.

    Since no one matched all the numbers correctly, however, the jackpot remained unclaimed. Despite that, three separate players won seven-figure sums since they managed to match all numbers, except the Powerball, correctly. These included a player from Illinois, who will take home $1 million, as well as two players, one from Oregon and one from Pennsylvania, who will take home $2 million each due to the Power Play feature.

    In addition to that, seven players won the game’s third-tier prize after correctly guessing four white numbers and the Powerball. Four of them will take $50,000 each, while three others will scoop up $100,000 each due to Power Play.

    In the meantime, the jackpot has now reached $102 million with a cash value of $46.1 million. The next drawing is set to take place on Saturday, February 7.

    Two Powerball Jackpots Landed

    As mentioned, a lucky player won the Powerball jackpot only several days ago, becoming the recipient of a $209.3 million prize.

    This win came around the same time the winner of Christmas’s $1.82 billion Powerball jackpot emerged. The player chose to remain anonymous, but lottery officials noted that he had heeded the lottery’s advice and had onboarded the services of a professional financial consultant before claiming their prize.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • AI Set to Drive Efficiency and Innovation Across Las Vegas Casinos

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    Artificial intelligence will change the Las Vegas casino scene, boosting productivity and improving sports betting control, while also posing job challenges in many areas. Industry experts talked about these topics during a recent meetup held by the Economic Club of Las Vegas at Park MGM. They looked at how fast-growing tech could shape the city’s gambling world.

    Panel Explores How AI Is Transforming Sports Betting Oversight and Casino Systems

    Experts from the University of Nevada and Las Vegas International Gaming Institute teamed up with a top exec from KPMG to discuss the pros and cons of AI adoption, as reported by CDC Gaming. They zeroed in on how AI is playing a bigger part in keeping an eye on sports betting. Since 2018, legal sports betting has taken off across the US, creating tons of data every day. AI systems can look at betting trends all over the world, spotting odd patterns that might point to fixed matches or cheating. While tech is becoming a key tool to keep things fair, the speakers stressed that it cannot take the place of human investigators or regulators watching over the industry.

    Beyond protecting the integrity of sports, speakers pointed out how AI could update casino operations. For customer service, computer systems can answer booking questions and solve problems more quickly, often beating regular call centers in speed and reliability. AI also has an impact on back-office teams like accounting, following rules, and financial reports. It can handle everyday paperwork, spot odd things, and make work smoother.

    Experts Predict AI-Driven Shift in Workforce Roles

    However, the productivity gains have an impact on the workforce. As AI tools take over more game design and software development tasks, creating digital content gets cheaper and faster. University experts pointed out that jobs that used to need big teams and loads of money can now be done in hours with AI tools. This change might mean fewer jobs for some tech roles but more jobs for people who can handle, oversee, and guide AI systems.

    The group also talked about how AI could cause a revolution in slot machines and interactive gaming. It could create content on the spot that changes as players use the games. These new ideas could shake up how casinos pull in and keep guests entertained.

    Even as digital technology gains ground, the experts at the conference agreed that Las Vegas’s main appeal comes from real-life experiences. People still flock to the city for shows, sports, and socializing, despite many daily activities moving to the internet. The speakers pointed out that technology cannot match the value of human interaction.

    Looking to the future, AI is set to boost casino efficiency, which could cut running costs. This might lead to better deals for visitors, helping to attract more tourists and reverse recent drops in visitor numbers.While AI is set to shake up regular jobs and methods, big names in the field think people who adjust and use the tech will spot fresh chances. Las Vegas has changed itself many times in the past so it is likely to grow again — mixing cutting-edge tech with the human touch that makes the city special.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • BetMGM Updates Terms to Explicitly Ban Athlete Harassment

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    Online gaming and sports betting giant BetMGM announced that it has updated its terms of service, introducing new rules to shield athletes from harassment. The changes come amid a broader push against betting-motivated athlete harassment.

    BetMGM Wants to Protect the Sports Sector’s Integrity

    In its announcement, the betting company said that its terms of service now include wording that explicitly prohibits athlete harassment. As a result, BetMGM customers who are found to have abused professional sports players or personnel would now have their accounts suspended.

    For comparison, the previous terms allowed account suspension for “any lawful reason,” but did not include specific wording surrounding athlete harassment. The latest changes highlight the operator’s zero-tolerance policy toward bad behavior toward sports personalities.

    As mentioned, the changes come amid a push against the prevalence of cases of disgruntled sports bettors who harass athletes after losing a wager. Cases of harassment have plagued both the online sports discourse and live events.  

    The refreshed terms of service are subject to necessary regulatory approvals, BetMGM added.

    Rhea Loney, BetMGM’s chief compliance officer, commented on the changes to the operator’s terms of service, saying that they underscore the company’s “unwavering commitment to sports integrity.”

    Our legal, regulated environment enables us to identify misconduct, investigate reports, and take action when necessary. Any confirmed instance of harassment will result in decisive measures, including account suspension.

    Rhea Loney, chief compliance officer, BetMGM

    Barry Sanders, a football legend and BetMGM brand ambassador, praised the operator’s initiative, saying that respect is a key element of professional sport.

    As a professional athlete, I know how important respect is — both on and off the field. BetMGM is sending a strong message that harassment has no place in sports or sports betting. I’m proud to see BetMGM protecting athletes and promoting integrity.

    Barry Sanders, brand ambassador, BetMGM

    The latest update is also in line with the operator’s broader compliance and integrity initiatives, which have included a strong focus on responsible gaming.

    In other news, BetMGM recently announced that it has awarded a staggering $122.1 million in progressive jackpots in 2025 alone.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Florida Player Wins $3M from Mega Millions

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    The Friday Mega Millions drawing went without a jackpot winner but that doesn’t mean that it went without a big winner, since a lucky player in Florida won a $3 million prize.

    The Sun Shone Upon the Lucky Florida Player

    While Mega Millions players usually strive for the big payout, last Friday’s drawing was yet another miss as the game’s top prize remained unclaimed. While no one managed to match all six numbers correctly, there were a few players who matched five to win various prizes.

    The winning white numbers for the January 31 Mega Millions drawing were 11, 34, 36, 43, and 63. The Mega Ball, on the other hand, was 13.

    Matching all six numbers correctly would have resulted in a $303 million windfall. A potential winner could have also picked the lump sum option of $136.7 million rather than the annuity.

    In any case, that didn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean there were no winners. Official data shows that a single lucky player in Florida has guessed all white numbers correctly to win a seven-figure sum. Due to their 3X multiplier, the player will take home a mouth-watering $3 million.

    At the same time, five players managed to match four white numbers plus the Mega Ball. Three of them will take home $20,000 each, while two others will take home $30,000 due to their 3X multiplier.

    In the meantime, the Mega Millions jackpot has continued to grow. The game’s top prize has now reached $323 million with a cash value of $145.7 million. The next drawing is set to take place on Tuesday, February 3, at 11 pm ET.

    Other Big Prizes That Landed Recently

    In other news, the lucky winner of the $209.3 million jackpot from the recent Powerball drawing just came forward to claim their prize, but chose to remain anonymous.

    Elsewhere, a lottery enthusiast from Wisconsin just has won a mouth-watering $1.5 million prize from the state lottery’s Megabucks game. While this prize came too late for Christmas, it arrived just in time for Super Bowl season.

    Elsewhere, an Illinois player previously became the recipient of a $550K prize after matching all five numbers in Wednesday’s Lotto drawing.

    The Florida Lottery, on the other hand, announced that two players who won seven-figure prizes, including a player of Homosassa, who won $2 million, and a player of Boynton Beach, who won $1 million.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Lucky Powerball Player Comes Forward to Claim $209.3 Million Jackpot

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    A Powerball player in North Carolina has come forward to claim the $209.3 million jackpot from the latest drawing earlier this week, though the lucky winner has chosen to remain anonymous.

    Powerball Winner Claims Their Prize

    The winner went to the lottery office on Thursday to claim the prize. Under lottery rules, the individual elected to remain anonymous for 90 days, a provision that allows winners to manage the process privately. The waiting period gives the winner time to plan and make decisions without public attention. The jackpot fell on Monday, with the lucky ticket being sold at West 10th Mart on West 10th Street in Roanoke Rapids.

    Lottery officials confirmed that all required checks were completed before the payout was issued. No personal information about the winner has been disclosed, and the lottery has released only limited details about the claim.

    The winner chose to receive the prize as a single upfront payment instead of annual installments, an option commonly referred to as the lump sum. Before taxes, the lump sum totaled $95.3 million, but after federal and state taxes were factored in, the winner took home $68.6 million – still a huge sum.

    Many lottery winners prefer the lump sum because it provides immediate access to the funds. This win is especially significant as it ranks as the second-largest lottery prize ever claimed in North Carolina. Only one jackpot in the state’s history has surpassed it – a $158 million lump sum after taxes claimed by Charles W. Jackson Jr. back in 2019.

    The lottery has not disclosed how the winner intends to spend the money. Typically, winners take time to consult with financial professionals before making major decisions. Whatever the winner decides to do with the prize, however, the fact that someone’s life has been changed forever remains.

    The Store that Sold the Lucky Ticket Will Also Get a Bonus 

    The lucky player isn’t the only one who will see a reward, as the Roanoke Rapids, where the ticket was sold, will also receive a $50,000 bonus from the Powerball lottery. Stores that sell winning tickets often get such bonuses. In addition, this is essentially free advertising for these stores, and many of them often get an uptick in customers after such an event.

    Powerball drawings are held multiple times each week, and when there is no winner, the jackpot quickly increases, which led to the current prize pool. Lottery officials reminded players that they should sign the back of their ticket as soon as it is purchased to help safeguard the ticket in case it is lost.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Megabucks Leaves Wisconsin Player $1.5M Richer

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    A lucky player from Wisconsin has won a mouth-watering $1.5 million prize from the state lottery’s Megabucks. The prize landed on January 28 and, although a bit late for the holidays, came just in time for Super Bowl season.

    The Winner Has Yet to Come Forward

    According to the Wisconsin Lottery, the player won the life-changing sum from the January 28, 2026, drawing. For reference, the winning numbers for that drawing were 10, 13, 31, 38, 41, and 43. After correctly matching all six of them, the player turned his ticket into an unforgettable payday.

    As of the time of this writing, the winner has yet to come forward to claim their prize. Per the local lottery’s rules, they will have 180 days to do so. The lottery encouraged players to see if they were the winner by checking their tickets or logging into the Wisconsin lottery app.

    In the meantime, lottery officials said that the winning ticket was sold at the Millgate General Store at 151 Millgate Dr. in Burlington. This wasn’t the first time a big prize has landed in that shop, either, as it previously sold a winning $37,000 Badger 5 jackpot ticket.

    Jorgen F., the store’s manager, spoke with the lottery on the matter, saying that he was excited to see Millgate General Store mint another big winner.

    We’re so happy to sell a jackpot winner. It’s very exciting.

    Jorgen F.

    The $1.5 million prize is notably the first Megabucks jackpot for 2026. The previous jackpot was won last November and stood at a $7.1 million.

    January Turned Out to Be a Lucrative Month for Lottery Players

    Elsewhere, an Illinois player just won $550K after matching all five numbers in Wednesday’s Lotto drawing.

    In the meantime, the Florida Lottery just announced that two players have won seven-figure prizes. These included a player of Homosassa, who won $2 million, as well as a player of Boynton Beach, who won $1 million.

    This came shortly after two separate players in New Jersey won prizes of $2 million and $6 million.

    In other news, the latest Powerball jackpot landed last week, and the winner of the previous one emerged at around the same time after remaining elusive for a few weeks. Although the winner remained anonymous, lottery officials noted that he had heeded the lottery’s advice to onboard the services of a financial consultant.

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    Angel Hristov

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