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Tag: north america

  • Leading Operators Consider Super Bowl Prediction Parlays

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    US gaming operators are weighing whether to launch new parlay-style products within the growing prediction markets segment. This development could reshape how fans engage with the Super Bowl. However, operators remain wary of potential regulatory scrutiny and must weigh whether the engagement boost is worth potential risks.

    Parlays Offer New Engagement Opportunities

    FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings Predictions both appear poised to offer multi-leg football contracts pitched as “combos.” This development comes shortly after their exchange partner, CME Group, self-certified a new multi-leg football contract with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The filing clears the way for bundled outcomes tied to the Super Bowl, provided the regulator raises no objections.

    CME operates as a designated contract market where customers access contracts through brokers. FanDuel Predicts functions as a futures commission merchant, while DraftKings Predictions operates as an introducing broker. The two platforms currently allow users to trade single-outcome contracts on sports events. Introducing multi-leg offerings will represent a significant expansion opportunity.

    Parlays have been a longtime staple of traditional sportsbooks. They enable users to combine multiple game results into a single bet with a higher potential payout. However, converting that idea to prediction markets poses several difficulties. While sportsbooks price parlays internally, prediction platforms must rely on supply and demand, adding significant complexity to combo contracts.

    Implementation Poses Unique Challenges

    It is unclear whether users can create their own parlays or whether the exchange will provide only pre-made options. The user-created option could present significant liquidity challenges. Kalshi has resolved this issue through its request-for-quotes system that allows institutional market makers to respond after a trader creates a custom contract.

    This move aligns with a broader market push for multi-leg event contracts. Robinhood recently expanded its offerings with Kalshi’s parlay-style products, demonstrating that mainstream audiences are ready for more complex prediction tools. However, Flutter Entertainment remains cautious. CEO Peter Jackson previously suggested that FanDuel prediction market parlays could come sometime in 2026, hinting at a measured rollout.

    With fan excitement around the Super Bowl skyrocketing, operators have a limited time to gauge demand, test their infrastructure, and weigh regulatory risks. The launch of Super Bowl multi-leg event contracts could further blur the line between sportsbooks and prediction markets. However, such a move could also invite increased controversy, especially as platforms like Kalshi face escalating legal challenges.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Powerball Player Wins $209.3M Jackpot, Monday Drawing Goes Without Big Win

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    A lucky player in North Carolina has won Powerball’s latest jackpot around the same time the mysterious winner of the game’s earlier top prize came forward to claim their money. The jackpot has since been reset and has so far survived two drawings.

    The Jackpot Landed in NC for the Sixth Time

    A few days ago, Powerball announced a player from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the recipient of Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot. The prize stood at $209.3 million with a one-time lump sum option of $95.3 million.

    For context, the winning ticket matched all six numbers, which were 11, 26, 27, 53 and 55, with a Powerball of 12. Officials added that the winning ticket was sold at West 10th Mart on West 10th Street in Roanoke Rapids.

    Mark Michalko, CEO of the NC Education Lottery, congratulated the winner on securing a life-changing win and added that his team is pleased that the latest win landed in the Tar Heel State.

    We are thrilled that the win occurred in North Carolina. Our advice to the winner is to sign the ticket to establish your ownership of it and secure it in a safe place. We can’t wait to meet the big winner so we can celebrate this momentous occasion with them.

    Mark Michalko, CEO, NC Education Lottery

    For context, this marked the sixth time a NC player has won Powerball’s top prize.

    The winner has yet to come forward to claim their prize.

    Christmas Winner Claims Jackpot, Monday Drawing Goes Uneventful

    In the meantime, the winner of Christmas’ jaw-dropping Powerball jackpot of $1.82 billion just came forward to claim their prize after a short delay. While the winner chose to remain anonymous, their claim dispelled pessimistic rumors that suggested the winning ticket could have been lost.

    In the meantime, the Monday Powerball drawing was much less eventful due to the usual post-jackpot lull. After no one matched either all numbers or at least all the white numbers, the game went without a big winner. The only outliers were three tickets that matched four numbers plus the Powerball to win $50,000 each. None of these players had the Power Play feature active.

    The jackpot has thus reached $43 million with a cash value of $19.4 million. The next drawing is set to take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Bally’s Dover Casino Sees Man Arrested on Drug and Human Trafficking Suspicions

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    On January 16, the Dover Police Department arrested Antwan Freeman, 44, of Dover, on drug and human trafficking charges at the Bally’s Dover Casino Resort in Delaware after responding to calls of a physical altercation.

    Police Arrest Suspect at a Bally’s Dover Casino Hotel Room

    Police said Freeman was taken into custody without incident, but further investigation revealed disturbing details of the suspects’ alleged crimes. According to the police, Freeman was trafficking a woman who was present in the room at the time of the arrest.

    In addition to that, police said they had discovered 10.1 grams of crack cocaine, 3.63 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 57.6 grams of PCP, 19 doses of alprazolam, crack cocaine manufacturing equipment, and $465 in suspected drug proceeds.

    He was charged with possession with intent to deliver various illegal substances, trafficking an individual, and human trafficking involving sexual servitude. The last charge applies when a person is forced, defrauded, or coerced into engaging in commercial sex acts.

    Police said Freeman was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution after bail was set at $130,200, which was to be paid in cash.

    Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, the scene of the arrest, is a hotel, casino, and racetrack complex located in Dover, Delaware. The property features a 0.625-mile harness racing track encircled by the 1-mile concrete Dover Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR racing events. Freeman was arrested in one of the 500 rooms of the venue. 

    It additionally includes more than 2,700 slot machines, 40 table games, and the Rollins Center, which is an 18,000-square-foot multipurpose ballroom used for business conferences, conventions, etc. The complex is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Bally’s Corporation, while the motor racing circuit is owned by Speedway Motorsports. 

    Speaking of Bally’s operations, the company recently revealed details about its Las Vegas project, which will be a large multi-use property featuring a casino, hotel, theater, shopping space, and dining area.

    Delaware Requires Casinos to Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

    But back to Freeman’s case, the human trafficking charges might be the biggest problem he will face. He is potentially looking at decades in prison if convicted on all charges. In Delaware, human trafficking for commercial sex is classified as a Class C felony, or a Class B felony if the victim is a minor.

    State law also mandates that Delaware’s three casinos, including Bally’s, display informational signs to raise awareness about human trafficking. According to the state’s law, Casinos are required to prominently display public awareness signs in all public restrooms, staff breakrooms, and lobbies, ensuring they are clearly visible to everyone to raise awareness on the issue.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Alberta Approaches the Launch of iGaming Ahead of NFL Season

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    Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally, who is overseeing Alberta’s online gambling overhaul, says the province has already drawn strong interest from numerous online sportsbook and casino operators. She noted that a “double-digit” number of companies have so far expressed interest in obtaining an iGaming license from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

    Alberta iGaming Framework Is Nearing Completion

    The Canadian province of Alberta is preparing to launch a regulated iGaming market sometime in 2026, but the exact launch date for it still remains to be decided. However, according to some of Nally’s comments, operators could go live in the new regulatory framework before the start of the next NFL season.

    The new framework is intended to allow multiple private-sector operators, making Alberta the second province in Canada (after Ontario in 2022) to open its regulated internet gambling market. In contrast, all other Canadian provinces grant government-owned lottery corporations exclusive control over iGaming.

    At present, Alberta operates under a single-operator model, with the AGLC’s Play Alberta platform as the only authorized betting site. Despite this, many Albertans already use online sportsbooks that are regulated outside the province or overseas, rather than by Alberta itself. 

    These are often referred to as “grey” or “black” market operators. Bringing some of those operators into a regulated system is a key motivation behind the province’s online gambling reforms. This would allow Alberta to capture and regulate activity that is already taking place outside provincial oversight.

    What Obligations Would Operators Have?

    Of course, channelizing the iGaming traffic will involve several major steps for operators wishing to work within the province. For starters, interested operators will be required to pay a one-time application fee of $50,000, along with an annual registration fee of $150,000. Once licensed, operators must also enter into contractual agreements with the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC). Both agencies will publish a list of approved operators at a later date.

    Operators will also be required to pay a share of their gaming revenue to the province. In Ontario, this share is set at 20%, and it’s expected that it would be the same in Alberta. Before revenue is split between operators and the province, 1% will be allocated to responsible and problem gambling initiatives, with an additional 2% directed to First Nations in Alberta. 

    After this 3% allocation, the remaining revenue will be divided on an 80/20 basis, mirroring Ontario’s model. This means Alberta’s regulated operators will take 80%, and the 20% left will go to the province. While this equates to a nominal 20% tax rate, the effective rate will be slightly higher once the initial deductions are factored in.

    Lastly, all operators will work with a dedicated self-exclusion tool, which will be ready to launch as the iGaming market in the province goes live. This means that bettors would be able to exclude themselves from all online gambling sites and brick-and-mortar casinos relatively easily. It’s interesting to note that Ontario is still working on such a tool, despite there already being a very active iGaming market in the province. According to Nally, Alberta’s tool is a source of pride as the province seeks to protect existing gamblers and not create new ones.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Betting Markets Rattle Sportsbook Stocks During NFL Playoffs

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    Stock prices of big US sports betting firms took a nosedive in mid-January. New data showed rising competition from prediction market platforms during the NFL season’s busiest weeks.

    Traditional Sportsbooks Stumble as Kalshi, Polymarket Gain Ground

    DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment, which owns FanDuel, saw their shares drop. Investors reacted to hints that old-school sportsbooks might be losing steam when betting usually peaks. DraftKings’ stock fell by over 8% for a short time, while Flutter’s dropped more than 5%, as reported by Fortune. This pulled down other gambling-related stocks, too.

    What pushed the market to react was a combination of how companies did and how people’s buying habits changed. In New York, the biggest legal sports betting market in the nation, weekly numbers revealed a big drop in online sportsbook earnings during the NFL Wild Card weekend compared to last year. Money made from gambling in the week ending January 11 was about 40% less than the same time last year, even though the playoffs bring in a lot of bets.

    At the same time, Kalshi and Polymarket saw record interest tied to big NFL games. These platforms offer financial contracts based on sports results and operate under federal commodities rules instead of state gambling laws. NFL-related contracts on Kalshi hit a new high in trading volume during the early playoff rounds, with some games showing unprecedented activity, according to analyst estimates.

    Download Data Signals Shift From Sportsbooks to Prediction Markets

    The difference in results has sparked more debate on Wall Street about whether prediction markets are changing from a small product to a real option to sportsbook betting for big sporting events. Analysts point out that these platforms have gained wide access through brokerage apps and from a product setup that looks like betting while avoiding many state-level limits.

    Data downloads in the playoff period paint a clearer picture. While most top sportsbook apps saw fewer new user installs year-over-year during the Divisional Round, Kalshi had its best run of user sign-ups yet, hitting about one million downloads over the playoffs. Experts who watch this field think prediction markets might now pull in around 5% of all sports betting activity.

    Sportsbook companies say tougher comparisons and a more careful approach to promotions played a part. Some firms have cut back on marketing to focus on making money, offering fewer big deals that used to bring in new users during the NFL season. DraftKings was the only big player to see a small uptick in downloads during this time.

    Legal questions still loom large. State gaming boards have questioned whether sports prediction contracts break the law, while platforms argue their products follow the rules. This unresolved issue makes investors wary.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • UNLV: Vegas Slots Are Gradually Increasing Their Hold Percentage

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    A recent study by the UNLV has suggested that slot machines in Nevada are getting tighter, to players’ dismay. And if so, is the slot machine hold percentage still within the legal frame?

    Gamblers Have Been Feeling that Slots Are Getting Tighter

    For context, Nevada law requires all machines to have a return-to-player metric (RTP) of at least 75%. However, the RTP of most modern slot machines is usually much higher, generally reaching 93.5% for retail slots and even more for online slots.

    The benefit of a higher RTP is that they allow players to enjoy gaming longer, making it easier for casinos to foster brand loyalty. However, some players in Nevada have been feeling that the slot machines are getting tighter.

    A few have questioned the recent Nevada gaming industry financials, which show that the state’s casinos are making more money even though visitation has fallen. While this could be simply due to an increase in spending by existing customers, some believe that this could be due to the increase in casino hold percentage – the money casinos keep.

    Casinos Wouldn’t Dare to Break the RTP Rules, UNLV Says

    In its report, the UNLV noted that the average hold percentage for the past two decades has been 6.55, which is well within the legal limit. However, data also suggested that an increase in hold percentage has been gradually taking place, with the casino hold increasing by some 26% in the past 10 years to an average of 7.15% in 2025. This figure was even higher in Las Vegas, where the average hold percentage was as high as 7.57%.

    While this hold percentage isn’t illegal, as angrier players have suggested, the fact is that players have been winning back less money than before. Casino guests tend to prefer higher RTP ratings, which is why many have been unhappy with the change.

    Still, the UNLV was firm that casinos not only did not go above the max 25% hold percentage, but would not do it even if they had the opportunity. According to experts, such metrics would alienate players and, to top it all off, could cost a potential violator their gambling license.

    As a result, the tightest of the tightest slots have an RTP of roughly 86%, while many casinos also sport looser options with an RTP of around 96%.

    The UNLV concluded that the slight increase in hold percentages hasn’t changed the fact that luck plays a huge role in gaming and could mess with statistics. As a result, the monthly reports are not always a reliable indicator of the current RTP settings of slot machines.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • CT Lottery Player Wins $4M from Scratch-off Ticket, Another One Grabs $1M

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    Two players in Connecticut have won big after buying winning tickets in the CT Lottery’s scratch-off games. One of them experienced a $4 million windfall, while the other took home $1 million.

    A Change in Routine Resulted in a $4M Payday for a Lucky Man

    A few days ago, the CT Lottery confirmed that a player from Tolland has won a life-changing seven-figure sum from one of its games. As it turned out, the man in question was on his way to a job site and had to take a different route due to a larger-than-expected trailer tow. As a result, the player had to refuel at a different station than his usual one, since the latter couldn’t accommodate his trailer.

    The unexpected change in routine on that rainy Friday morning turned out to be fateful. While at the station, the man had a short wait, so he decided to try his luck at one of the lottery games sold there. This led him to purchase a $4,000,000 Fortune scratch-off ticket. Once he scratched it, he was shocked to learn that he had become the latest recipient of a top prize of $4 million.

    I had a half hour to kill before we clocked in, so I scratched the ticket. It said $4,000,000 and I started shaking. I scanned the QR code and everything was legit. I just kept shaking… I couldn’t believe it. I was a millionaire.

    CT Lottery winner

    The winning ticket was purchased at Gulf Convenience Mart on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Cheshire, which will receive a $40,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The store manager congratulated the player on his win, saying that she was thrilled that one of the station’s customers had won such a big prize.

    In an interview with lottery officials, the man said that he plans to use the money to take a vacation and invest. After that, he plans to continue working as usual.

    Player Who Forgot His Glasses Was Shocked to Hear How Much He’d Won

    A few days later, the CT Lottery announced another winner of a top prize from a scratch-off ticket. This time, the player took $1 million from the lottery’s Best Chance to Be a Millionaire game.

    Officials said that the winner was a man from Fairfield who described himself as a longtime fan of the lottery’s games. While the player opted to remain anonymous, he revealed that when he bought the ticket, he didn’t have his glasses on and couldn’t check whether he’d won. That’s why he asked the clerk to just scan the ticket and was shocked to learn that he had just won a million dollars.

    Officials added that the winning ticket was sold at News Express on Tunxis Hill Road in Fairfield.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Springfield Campaign Aims to Limit Drunk Driving Linked to MGM Casino

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    The City of Springfield introduced the Springfield Safe Ride Home Campaign to help reduce the risk of impaired driving associated with alcohol use and gambling at MGM Springfield.

    Springfield Launches New Awareness Campaign for Driving Under the Influence

    Spearheaded by the City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS) and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH), and funded by the Community Mitigation Fund (CMF), the initiative wants to promote safe driving amongst casino goers. 

    The Springfield Safe Ride Home Project began in 2023 following a Massachusetts Gaming Commission report, which found that between 2018 and 2020, MGM Springfield ranked as the second-highest “last drink” location in the state. A subsequent 2024 study of 548 MGM Springfield patrons revealed that 37% exhibited signs of risky driving behavior, while 27% held inaccurate beliefs about their ability to drive safely after consuming three or more drinks.

    The campaign highlights the need to support municipalities in addressing the impacts of gambling within their communities. According to authorities, the grant is funding interventions that help casino patrons make safer choices before, during, and after their visits to MGM Springfield.

    MGM Springfield is quite the popular destination for locals, as the data shows. Such being the case, perhaps it should not come as a surprise that the venue has produced many jackpot winners. Last week, for example, a player won a jackpot from just a $5 bet.

    Officials Talk About the Importance of Such a Project

    Marlene Warner, CEO of MACGH, explained that the Safe Ride Home initiative builds on the organization’s existing player health programs. It encourages patrons to set safer limits on both gambling and drinking, and to plan for getting to their next destination. She also expressed gratitude to MGM Springfield for its support in making the campaign possible.

    The campaign’s public health and roadway safety messages are also shared by Springfield’s Health & Human Services Commissioner, Helen Caulton-Harris, and Police Superintendent, Lawrence Akers. Mayor Domenic Sarno explained that there are no better people to deliver the initiative’s message than these two prominent Springfield figures.

    “When you’re making plans to have fun, please make sure you are also planning for safety and a safe way home too,” Mayor Sarno further explained. “Let’s all do our part toward the safety and well-being of all in our community. “

    The campaign will engage Springfield residents through a multi-platform strategy that includes digital advertising, social media, casino signage, a billboard visible from I-91, and community-based outreach.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Trying to Cash in Stolen Ticket Lands Florida Man in Jail  

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    A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly trying to claim a six-figure lottery prize with a stolen ticket. Since the Sunshine State treats lottery tickets as a personal possession worth the prize it wins, the man now risks up to several decades in prison.

    Electronic Data Determined the Ticket Had Been Stolen

    A few months ago, Jawed Areeb, a 26-year-old man from Florida, visited the Florida Lottery’s office in West Palm Beach to claim a six-figure prize. According to reports, the man presented a Fantasy 5 ticket worth some $115,733.61, suggesting that this was a jackpot prize.

    While lotteries usually celebrate big winners, something wasn’t adding up. Since tickets are logged electronically once they are purchased, officials were able to determine that the ticket Areeb presented had been stolen.

    Electronic data suggested that the ticket presented by Areeb had been stolen on October 2 from a business in North Lauderdale.

    The man insisted that the ticket was his and, days later, changed his story, saying that it was given to him by an uncle. A special agent asked for the purported uncle’s address and was given the same address from which the ticket had been reported stolen.

    On January 3, investigators visited Areeb in his home. Then, the man finally came clean, admitting that the ticket was indeed stolen.

    The man was subsequently booked into Palm Beach County Jail for processing. If convicted, he risks up to 30 years in prison, since Florida treats lottery tickets as personal property worth the prize they win.

    Other Florida Players Won Big

    On a more positive note, a few players in Florida recently won big prizes – and did so with tickets that weren’t stolen. These included a man from Florida who won a staggering $5 million top prize from the lottery’s $5,000,000 CA$H MONEY scratch-off game. After opting to take the lump-sum option, the man took home $3,053,000.00, Florida Lottery officials said.

    A few days ago, a player from Florida narrowly missed the Powerball jackpot only to win a seven-figure sum instead. For context, the winning white numbers for the January 12 Powerball drawing were 5, 27, 45, 56, and 59, with a Powerball of 4. Since the player matched all white numbers, but did not match the Powerball and did not have the Power Play feature active, they won $1 million.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Tesla Robovans to Be Used in the Las Vegas Loop

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    The Boring Company’s president, Steve Davis, said that the Las Vegas Loop will have Tesla Robovans once the transportation system expands further through the city and the existing fleet of normal Teslas reaches 1,200 vehicles.

    Boring Company President Announces the Loop Will Use Robovans

    Said Robovans, which are not yet built, are electric self-driving pod-like vehicles that will be able to hold up to 20 people each. According to Davis, the vehicles will be implemented on the Loop when the system is built out to 68 miles of tunnels and 104 stations across the Strip and downtown Las Vegas. When that happens, the idea is to use the future fleet of Robovans mainly during predictable spikes in demand, like game days and major events, when large numbers of riders are headed to the same destination simultaneously.

    Davis explained that once a vehicle has four passengers and must begin making stops, the most efficient option is typically to deploy the smallest vehicle, such as a car. However, when demand is predictable, operators can anticipate large numbers of riders one or two hours in advance. In those cases, he said, it makes sense to deploy high-occupancy vehicles, such as the Robovan.

    What Are the Future Expansion Plans for the Loop?

    The Robovans are part of the extensive plans and yet unfulfilled plans for the Las Vegas Loop. The idea is for the construction of the system to be complete sometime between 2028 and 2029 – a somewhat optimistic project estimate as of now. 

    However, right now, the Loop is quite limited in coverage. The only new feature the Vegas Loop currently offers is a limited shuttle service to Harry Reid International Airport. This service, which accommodates roughly 50 passengers per day and operates on a limited schedule, launched earlier this month from Resorts World, Westgate, Encore, and the Las Vegas Convention Center, which are the only four Loop stations open at present.

    Despite the Loop being rather limited in reach currently, the Boring Company is buying more Strip properties along the planned route of the system. The next planned phase of the project will add a 2.2-mile, two-way tunnel from Westgate to Paradise Road, set to open in the next few months. The section should enable speeds of up to 60 mph on certain stretches and increase the fleet to about 160 vehicles.

    Many hurdles remain in the path of the final stages of the project, but even the few miles that have already been built have not gone without problems. Just a few months ago, for example, the Boring Company was fined $500,000 after authorities inspecting the tunnels found out that construction caused damage to the Las Vegas sewer system.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Harry Reid International Airport Unveils Sweeping Modernization Plan

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    Harry Reid International Airport is poised to undergo a long-overdue transformation as Clark County officials move ahead with a modernization plan for the airport that may soon become a bottleneck for Las Vegas if left unchanged. The pressure was evident during last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), when tens of thousands of visitors poured into the city, leaving the airport operating at nearly full capacity.

    Officials Aim for a 2034 Completion Date

    According to a recent Las Vegas Sun report, county aviation leaders have stressed that Harry Reid must urgently expand without disrupting the steady stream of major events that fuel Southern Nevada’s economy. The city’s tourism sector has been steadily recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a rich schedule that ranges from championship sports to global trade shows.

    We want to ensure all the projects we’re designing, aligning, and planning will be able to be executed while we continue to support events and the community’s needs.

    James Chrisley, Clark County director of aviation

    Harry Reid International handles nearly 65 million passengers annually. However, officials warn that such steady growth could push the airport beyond its practical limits within the next decade. According to projections, the airport may become insufficient for the number of travelers by 2033. The Aviation Department of Clark County thus envisions a multi-billion-dollar modernization effort that will unfold over the next ten years.

    While the project is still in the design phase, a timeline is already becoming clear. County officials expect to secure formal approval to proceed by 2028, with construction starting around 2029. An optimistic projection envisions roadway improvements ready by 2030, transit centers by 2033, and the redevelopment of Terminal 1 by 2034.

    Connectivity to the Rest of Vegas Remains a Priority

    The project primarily focuses on the Terminal 1 overhaul, which would see its gate count expand from 39 to 65. The new layout aims to reduce crowding, shorten walking distances, and improve airline flexibility during peak travel periods. The current Terminal 3 will be renamed to Terminal 2 and upgraded with additional ticketing space, modernized baggage systems, and self-bag-drop technology.

    Officials also envision a new elevated flyover roadway to connect the terminals directly and separate airport traffic. Such a change could significantly reduce congestion on surrounding roads while improving safety. Connectivity to Las Vegas will improve via two multimodal transit centers. They will serve as hubs for ride-hailing services, public transit, and employee parking, hopefully reducing the traffic on terminal roadways.

    Looking ahead, the county is also considering a supplemental airport south of Las Vegas near Jean and Primm, which will help divert some of the traffic away from Harry Reid International. Local leaders have noted that airport efficiency is closely related to the region’s economy, so removing transportation bottlenecks should lead to long-term growth.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Beau Rivage Casino Guest Turns $3 Bet into $1.1M Payday

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    A lucky casino patron has won a seven-figure jackpot after firing up the reels of a slot machine at a Mississippi casino. This was one of the biggest jackpots the property has awarded in recent history.

    The Player Won $1.1M Off a $3 Bet

    On January 6, Beau Rivage Casino, a gaming property in Biloxi, Mississippi, announced that an extremely lucky visitor had won a progressive jackpot of a jaw-dropping $1,132,274. The spectacular win was scored on one of the casino’s Wheel of Fortune “penny machine” slots.

    What made the jackpot win even more special was the fact that it was won on a $0.01 denomination with a wager of just $3. Reports said that the winner was sitting before the machine for only 16 minutes before hitting it big. This exciting development proved once again that one does not need to be a high roller to win big at a casino.

    Further reports suggested that the winner was a visitor from Baton Rouge who is a regular Beau Rivage player.

    The Casino Congratulated the Winner

    Beau Rivage Casino officials congratulated the winner, saying that their success was worth celebrating.

    Congratulations to our lucky guest on an incredible $1,132,274 JACKPOT on Wheel of Fortune, won on a $0.01 denomination with just a $3.00 bet! You never know when the next big win will hit! Will you be next?

    Beau Rivage Casino statement

    Facebook followers of Beau Rivage Casino also commented on the development, with many congratulating the winner on taking a seven-figure sum home. One user jokingly added that the next time they are visiting Beau Rivage Casino, they will be bringing a ton of pennies.

    Another user joked that they chose the wrong vacation to kick off 2026 and should have gone to Beau Rivage Casino instead.

    More Casino Visitors Won Big During the Holidays

    The anonymous Beau Rivage Casino winner isn’t the only player to hit it big at the turn of the year. A few days ago, an anonymous Quincy man who was playing at Encore Boston on New Year’s Day secured a prize of $1,620,335 off a single bet at the Royal 9 Baccarat progressive jackpot.

    Elsewhere, a Seminole Casino Coconut Creek guest scooped up $1.3 million from a Dragon Link slot machine at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Florida just in time for Christmas.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Tribes Unite to Challenge Prediction Markets over Gaming Rights

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    Native American tribes have united against prediction markets, arguing that such platforms encroached upon territory long governed by tribal gaming law. This newest development marks another chapter in the ongoing high-stakes legal and political disputes over who controls wagering in the United States and the place of tribal operations within the gambling sector.

    Prediction Platforms Face Increasing Pushback

    A broad coalition of tribal organizations and federally recognized tribes has submitted a legal brief in support of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin in its lawsuit against prediction market operator Kalshi and brokerage partner Robinhood. The document, submitted by the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), the National Congress of American Indians, and16 tribes, argues that gaming revenue is essential for many communities, making the issue foundational to tribal sovereignty and survival.

    Revenue generated from gaming empowers Tribes to build critical infrastructure and provide basic services to reservation residents.

    David Z. Bean, IGA chairman

    Tribal leaders assert that platforms like Kalshi are effectively offering sports betting under a different name. By allowing users nationwide, including those on tribal lands, to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of sporting events, the platforms may be violating the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and current tribal-state compacts. 

    The Wisconsin case is not isolated. Tribes in California have attempted similar legal actions, while Nevada and other states have issued cease-and-desist orders aimed at prediction market operators. Together, these actions signal increasing pushback from regulators and tribes who believe the spread of prediction markets could undermine decades of negotiated gaming frameworks.

    Tribes Stand United to Safeguard Their Sovereignty

    The dispute revolves around a clash of legal interpretations. Tribes state that IGRA grants them exclusive rights to certain forms of gambling on tribal lands. They argue that federally regulated event contracts undermine tribal sovereignty. Meanwhile, Kalshi maintains that its trading activities fall under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and are governed by commodities law rather than gaming regulations.

    It is no coincidence that prediction market corporations selected the smallest and weakest financial regulatory agency to push out their self-certified, self-regulated online gambling platforms.

    David Z. Bean, IGA chairman

    Tribal leaders contend that allowing prediction platforms to spread unchecked undermines three decades of regulation and cooperation by drawing customers away from regulated tribal casinos. While some tribal leaders have floated the idea of setting up tribally-operated prediction platforms if federal agencies refuse to intervene, most believe that a unified legal and political campaign is the stronger option.

    The threat of prediction markets has led to unprecedented tribal unity. IGA has urged tribes across the country to coordinate lawsuits, lobby lawmakers, and press federal regulators to draw clearer lines on where prediction platforms stand. Their message is consistent: tribal gaming is a proven economic engine that sustains communities rather than a speculative tech experiment.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Nikki Glaser Brings “The Stunning Tour” to Several Popular Casinos

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    Nikki Glaser is taking her sharp tongue and fearless perspective on tour once more, and several casinos across North America will host her unfiltered comedy. She recently announced The Stunning Tour, an ambitious international run that will launch in June 2026 and last through the end of the year, with major casino resorts playing a significant part in the tour. 

    Glaser Commands a Significant Following

    Having recently finished a series of acclaimed specials and sold-out shows, Glaser enters this tour at a high point in her career. Her comedy,  candid, confrontational, and often painfully personal, has resonated with audiences who admire her willingness to explore uncomfortable territory without losing her sense of humor. The Stunning Tour will offer completely new material, maintaining Glaser’s trademark style.

    While the tour spans 29 cities across North America and Europe, casinos stand out as some of its most prominent venues. Before the official launch, Glaser will take part in a couple of Las Vegas gigs alongside David Spade at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum. The two shows, planned for January and May, will set the tone for a year where comedy and casino entertainment intersect.

    The tour launches overseas, with Glaser performing in London, Paris, and Dublin before coming back to the USA in August. Her North American tour starts in Atlantic City at the Hard Rock Etess Arena, a venue renowned for blending headline entertainment with resort-style amenities. After that, she will visit several casino destinations, including Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Fallsview Casino in Ontario, and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

    Las Vegas will regain the spotlight in early September, as Glaser and Spade reunite at  Caesars Palace. After that, she will continue with solo performances across the country. The schedule includes stops at ilani Casino in Washington, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida, and Yaamava’ Resort Casino in Southern California.

    For casinos, performers like Glaser offer more than ticket sales. Fans tend to arrive early, stay late, and spend freely, dining on property, booking hotel rooms, and often testing their luck on the gaming floor. Awfully booked comedy night can be a significant boon for the entire resort, from restaurants and bars to retail shops and spa services.

    Glaser’s popularity aligns with the changing casino entertainment model. As resorts compete for younger and more diverse audiences, headliners who resonate beyond traditional casino crowds are invaluable. Glaser’s podcast following, social media presence, and cross-platform visibility make her a draw even for those who wouldn’t otherwise consider a casino visit.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Virginia’s Monthly Sports Betting Revenue Hits New All-Time-High

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    The Virginia Lottery, which, among other things, oversees sports betting in the Old Dominion, has published its latest report regarding the wagering industry’s performance. The report covers the month of November (2025) and highlights a record-breaking revenue figure for the month.

    Sportsbooks Reported $95.3M in Revenue

    As mentioned, Virginia’s adjusted gross sports betting revenue for the month reached $95.3 million, which sets a new monthly record for the state. The report also shows that most of this came from the state’s mobile betting sector. For context, Virginia’s fourteen legal mobile sports betting operators reported revenue of $95.1 million for the month. In the meantime, $193,052 of the total revenue figure came from the three land-based casinos that are allowed to accept wagers.

    Official data also shows that the gross sports gaming revenues (handle) reached $798.9 million for November, making a 5% increase year-on-year. Mobile sports bettors wagered a total of $793.6 million and won back $694.6 million. Bettors at the Old Dominion’s three land-based casinos that are allowed to accept wagers, on the other hand, bet $5.3 million and won back almost $5.1 million.

    These figures suggest a hold percentage of 12.42% for the period from November 1 to November 30.

    Operators Paid $14.3M in Taxes

    The Virginia Lottery added that state law places a 15% tax on licensed sports betting revenue in the state. Of the state’s fourteen mobile sports betting operators and three casinos, ten operators reported net positive adjusted gross sports betting revenues for the month. As a result, these companies paid $14.3 million in monthly taxes.

    Under the local law, 97.5% of all betting taxes are deposited into Virginia’s General Fund, with the remainder going into the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund. The former fund thus received $13.9 million in taxes in November. The Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund, meanwhile, received $357,865.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Idaho Man Wins $1M in Time for 2026

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    A man from Idaho has turned into a millionaire just in time for 2026. The lucky man won a prize of $1 million from a one of the Idaho Lottery’s games and is planning to use the money to pay off some debts.

    Idaho Raffle Crowned Rigby Man as the Winner of $1M Prize

    The lucky winner was identified as Sean Klingler from Rigby. The man purchased a few Idaho Raffle tickets and was ecstatic to learn that one of them won him some $1 million. Klingler visited the lottery office in Boise on Tuesday to claim his money.

    In an interview with lottery officials, Klingler said that the clerk at the shop where he bought the tickets was surprised when she informed him that he had won $100,000. A second later, however, the woman apologized, saying that this wasn’t the right sum. While Klingler thought that this meant that he had likely won only $100, he soon learned the truth – that he was Idaho’s newest millionaire.

    Klingler told lottery officials that his friends doubted that he had really won such a big sum until he showed them his pictures with the big check.

    Klingler told officials that he plans to use his new fortune to pay off some outstanding debts and save up some money for his retirement. He also promised to buy his wife a new car to celebrate the occasion.

    Players Won Big During the Holidays

    In the meantime, a separate player won $25,000 from the same game, once again proving that holiday miracles are real. However, that player has yet to come forward to claim their prize.

    The holiday stories don’t end here, though, as more players secured mouth-watering prizes in time for the holidays. These included a Florida Lottery player who won a $5 million top prize from the lottery’s $5,000,000 CA$H MONEY scratch-off game. 

    Christmas, on the other hand, saw a true miracle happen as a player from Arkansas won the coveted $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, making them one of the biggest lottery winners in American history.

    The Australian version of the game, meanwhile, handed an AUD 20 million jackpot to a lucky woman from Hackham.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Save Fort Wayne Launches Website to Protest Opening a New Casino In the City

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    A newly formed group called Save Fort Wayne has joined the discussion surrounding a proposed casino in Fort Wayne or elsewhere in Allen County. The group is comprised of local professionals in the business and finance sphere and launched a website to bolster its fight against Senate Bill 70 and House Bill 1038, both of which would facilitate the opening of a new casino in the city.

    Anonymous Group Opposes Fort Wayne Casino Project

    The group said that, due to the political nature of the issue and their obligations to current employers, its members chose to remain anonymous to protect their professional careers. It also stated that it aims to keep the public discussion focused on data rather than personalities and identified advocacy for a voter referendum as its primary objective. 

    It cited polling data suggesting that public opposition increases significantly as residents become more informed about the potential downsides of expanded gambling. The group said a referendum is necessary to ensure organizations such as Save Fort Wayne and the Coalition for a Better Allen County, as well as individual residents, have an opportunity to publicly voice their concerns.

    Senate Bill 70 gained much traction earlier this month when the Senate Public Policy Committee unanimously approved it. It would allow relocation of the Ohio County casino license to Fort Wayne, Allen County.

    Mayor Sharon Tucker was asked to respond to the Save Fort Wayne website and the claims it raises. When questioned about the possibility of a referendum, the mayor’s office said the mayor has previously stated that she does not oppose public input but is concerned that a referendum could slow the overall process.

    Who Supports the New Casino Project?

    Speaking of the mayor, she and all three members of the Allen County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to state legislators voicing their support for a casino in Allen County. The letter states that 60% of the tax revenue generated by a new casino would be allocated to communities throughout the county based on population. Meanwhile, the remaining 40% would be directed into a nonprofit fund aimed at addressing mental health, homelessness, addiction, and related issues. It also notes that an appointed board would be responsible for overseeing the distribution of those funds.

    Save Fort Wayne’s new website is likely a response to the online page Fort Wayne First, made by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the chamber of commerce representing Fort Wayne and Allen County. It was launched in November and claims that a casino in Allen County would bring benefits beyond gaming. These include new jobs, partnerships with small businesses, increased tax revenue for neighborhood improvements, public safety, and parks, as well as growth in tourism and hospitality. 

    It also argues that if a casino were located elsewhere, those economic benefits would be lost to another community. The site notes that while multiple communities are competing for the opportunity, Fort Wayne is presented as uniquely positioned to retain economic growth, community investment, and new jobs within the area.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • States Push to Keep Sports Betting Under Control Amid Prediction Market Expansion

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    Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced that he helped lead a coalition of 37 states and the District of Columbia in submitting an amicus brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, supporting states’ long-established power to regulate sports betting within their borders.

    Dozens of States Submit a Brief in Support of Internal Sports Betting Regulation

    The core issue in the appeal is whether a federally regulated event-contracts platform can offer “sports event contracts” (essentially yes/no outcome contracts) that effectively function like sports betting, while avoiding state licensing, taxes, and responsible-gambling rules. This directly challenges prediction markets such as Kalshi, which assert they can operate nationwide because they are officially registered in the US as a Designated Contract Market (DCM) under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

    It’s interesting to note that the Trump family has ties to the two largest prediction market platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket. The latter, in particular, is planning a return to the United States after the company recently received a go-ahead from the CFTC.

    Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction markets assert that their platforms are financial trading, not gambling. They argue that prediction markets function like a derivatives exchange where users trade contracts that pay out based on event outcomes. The company has been doubling down on its mission, as recently, Kalshi set up a research team that aims to give a better understanding of forecasting through market data.

    However, states maintain that the federal framework governing derivatives markets was never intended to bypass state gambling laws. Allowing it to do so would create a regulatory loophole, potentially letting sports betting products expand without the licensing and consumer-protection safeguards that states have established through years of regulated wagering, the states argue.

    Nevada Attorney General Doesn’t Budge

    In a press release, Nevada Attorney General Ford said that the state is widely recognized as the foundational home of sports wagering. States, not federal financial regulators, have decades of experience safeguarding consumers, maintaining the integrity of sporting events, and addressing issues like underage gambling, he explained.

    Ford added that he is proud to lead this effort alongside a bipartisan coalition of states to emphasize that Congress did not quietly strip states of their authority to regulate sports betting. He further explained that permitting unregulated betting nationwide would disrupt that balance without explicit authorization.

    For the time being, the coalition is urging the Fourth Circuit to maintain the current framework. This means that states should continue to license and regulate sports betting, while federal oversight remains focused on its original role of supervising derivatives markets rather than supplanting state gaming authority.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Arkansas Resident Receives Christmas Miracle as a Powerball Jackpot

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    On Christmas Eve one lucky person from Arkansas managed to win the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot.

    This has become the second-largest windfall jackpot ever won in the US. In the last three months, no substantial windfall jackpots have been pulled.

    Last time, the winners were from Texas and Missouri on September 6. Matt Strawn, the CEO of the Iowa Lottery, had this to say to the winner on the Powerball website:

    “Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize”.

    Strawn, who is also the Powerball product group chair, followed that up with a thank you to everyone who had participated in the lottery.

    Getting the Prize

    Winners have a choice on how they wish to receive their prize. They can either partially receive the money every year, where they get a part of the money on the spot.

    This goes on for 29 more years, where they keep on receiving their money, with it increasing by 5% each time until the full amount, minus taxes, is paid out.

    The second option is an immediate payout of a before-tax amount that comes out to $834.9 million.

    Payouts in California are pari‑mutuel, so the pot depends on the number of tickets bought as well as on how soon a jackpot is won. A total of 8 tickets in the country matched the five white balls.

    Each of the lucky ticket holders has been awarded $1 million. Here are the following states in which a winning ticket had been sold: California, Indiana, Michigan, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

    There were 114 smaller winning tickets that were worth $50,000, as well as additional tickets worth $100,000 that numbered 31.

    A Holiday Surprise

    This is not the first time someone has won a huge Powerball jackpot around the winter holidays.

    According to Powerball, their last Christmas Eve jackpot was won all the way back in 2011.

    The company also shared that on 4 separate Christmas days, they have had sweepstake winners; their last recorded one was in 2013.

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    Mike Johnson

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  • Terry Rozier Seeks Dismissal of Federal Betting Case

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    Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier wants a federal judge to throw out the sports betting case against him. The 31-year-old argues that prosecutors have been stretching the law and solely leaning on thin evidence in their attempt to turn a state-level matter into a federal crime.

    Rozier Addresses the Supreme Court’s Decisions 

    In a motion to dismiss dated December 12 and made public this week, the player pointed to a series of US Supreme Court decisions that he said undercut the government’s case. 

    Rozier, who pleaded not guilty earlier this month, has been away from the team since his October indictment after being charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

    Rozier strongly believes that federal prosecutors are making use of broad statutes in a way is counterintuitive to what the Supreme Court intended them. Namely, to use federal law as a “tool to criminalize conduct traditionally regulated by the states.”

    Rozier also pushes back on what he describes as the gap between the government’s public narrative and what the indictment actually alleges. 

    All On a Game

    Despite claims of insider betting and game manipulation, he argues the case boils down to something far more limited. “The indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks’ terms of use against wagering based on non-public information and ‘straw betting,’” the filing says.

    The motion emphasizes that the indictment centers on a single game. Prosecutors allege that in March 2023, when Rozier was still with the Charlotte Hornets, he told a childhood friend that he would pretend to be injured and exit a game early. 

    That friend is also accused of passing the information along to bettors. Rozier left the game in the first quarter and finished with just five points and two assists, well below his usual performance.

    A former federal prosecutor told Front Office Sports in October that focusing on one game does not necessarily mean the case is narrow. 

    “You’re never going to get the full scope in the indictment,” the former prosecutor said. “When you’re talking about a broad conspiracy like this, usually the majority of evidence is not spelled out in the indictment.”

    The Ciminelli Example

    Rozier’s filing also addressed specific concerns that were raised by prosecutors regarding his decision to pay for his friend’s legal defense. 

    The government suggested that the arrangement could create conflicts of interest, but Rozier called the claim unfounded.

    Central to the motion is a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that overturned convictions in the “Buffalo Billion” case. In Ciminelli v. U.S., the Court unanimously rejected a broad interpretation of wire fraud. 

    Rozier’s lawyers argue the same logic applies here. “This is the precise theory of fraud that the Supreme Court rejected in Ciminelli,” the motion states.

    Taken together, the charges amount to “precisely the kind of overreach the Court has cautioned against for decades,” Rozier argues,

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    Melanie Porter

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