Explosive Devices Found: A Look at Casino Security at Seminole Hard Rock

March 9, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Casino Security Incident: Explosive Devices Discovered at Seminole Hard Rock Casino

In a startling turn of events, a man has been arrested for allegedly placing two explosive devices at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida, raising significant concerns about casino security and safety in gaming establishments.

45-year-old Bryan Robert Eckley faces serious charges including the manufacturing and possession of destructive devices, with the potential for a lengthy prison sentence of up to 30 years if convicted.

Details of the Incident

The explosive devices were discovered in a restroom on two separate days, September 29 and September 30, leading to the evacuation of the property on both occasions as a precautionary measure.

Device Specifications

Authorities described the devices as crude, concealed items made with firework components, and they were reportedly radio-controlled. A casino employee’s vigilant report resulted in intervention by law enforcement and bomb squad members who safely deactivated the devices.

Investigation and Arrest

In a statement from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell emphasized the thorough investigation that led to Eckley’s identification as the suspect. Surveillance footage and evidence were critical in tracking him down despite initial uncertainty surrounding the case.

Previous Criminal Activity

Prior to this incident, Eckley was already in trouble with the law, having been arrested on September 27 related to an aggravated assault case involving firearms. The suspect’s history raises further concerns regarding his motivations.

Key Takeaways

A suspect was arrested for allegedly placing explosives at a casino.
Authorities acted quickly to neutralize the threat and secure the casino environment.
The investigation connected Eckley to previous firearms-related criminal activity.

Conclusion

The discovery of explosive devices at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in bustling entertainment venues. The prompt actions by law enforcement not only neutralized a potential threat but also reassured the community about the effectiveness of security measures in place.

2024 Election Betting Odds: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump

March 6, 2026/in Blog/by admin

2024 Election Betting Odds: A Closer Look at Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

As we approach the pivotal moment of the 2024 election, political speculators are treating the race like a high-stakes sportsbook, closely monitoring how shifting betting odds reflect the changing landscape. While early markets indicated a strong preference for former President Donald Trump as the likely victor, a closer examination reveals that the betting odds for Vice President Kamala Harris have recently improved. This movement raises intriguing questions about whether her campaign is gaining real momentum or if Trump’s supporters are simply hedging their bets against the volatility of the current betting odds.

No betting exchange has gained more traction on the 2024 presidential race than Polymarket, a peer-to-peer platform facilitating bets using cryptocurrency, which has seen over $2.8 billion wagered on who will assume the role of the 47th President of the United States by November 5.

Current Betting Odds Overview

As of noon EST October 31, Trump holds a solid lead with implied odds of 64%, compared to Harris, who is considered the underdog with 36%. Harris’ odds have seen a notable increase from just 33.3% over the last 24 hours, while Trump has shifted slightly, moving from 66.6% to 65% according to Kalshi, another emerging betting platform.

Understanding the Shifts in Odds

The recent fluctuations in Harris’ odds might be attributed to substantial betting interest, raising questions about whether new money is backing her or if Trump advocates are simply covering their positions to minimize risk. Hedging allows bettors to secure profits from their original wagers while potentially benefiting from shifts in election dynamics.

How Sportsbooks View the Candidates

In places like BetMGM within Ontario, where there’s legal action on political outcomes, Trump stands as a favorite at -200 (implied odds of 66.6%). Conversely, Harris’ listing as an underdog at +160 allows for $160 in profits on a $100 wager.

Polling strategies and potential biases could play significant roles in shaping these odds, particularly as betting venues navigate legal and operational challenges across the United States.

International Impact on Betting

Kalshi launched its election market in September after significant legal rulings allowed political outcome betting in a peer-to-peer format, a move that opens doors for betting exchanges. Despite originating in the U.S., Polymarket lacks participation from U.S. bettors due to regulatory complications, leading to overwhelmingly larger international participation.

As of now, data points to substantial action coming from outside the United States, including Canada, where bettors seem more favorable toward Trump.

Key Takeaways

Betting markets favor Trump as the 2024 election nears.
Kamal Harris’ odds are showing signs of improvement, indicating shifting campaign dynamics.
Hedging strategies among bettors may impact overall market sentiment.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of the 2024 election betting odds underscores the unpredictable nature of political contests. As voters head to the polls, the reactions of bettors can provide intriguing insights into potential outcomes and public sentiment.

Fare Increases Proposed for Myrtle Beach Casino Cruise

March 4, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Myrtle Beach Casino Cruise Fare Increases Likely Ahead

Attention, gamblers in Myrtle Beach! The Big M Casino boat, your favorite casino cruise, is poised to experience a fare hike as local authorities propose an increase in the per-passenger entry fee.

Currently docked in Little River, South Carolina, the Big M Casino is gearing up for changes that could affect all its aboard passengers. The Horry County Council is slated to adopt Ordinance 120-2024 during its upcoming meeting, which will allow casino vessels to remain under the county’s jurisdiction for extending their operations into international waters, where gambling is permitted.

Details on the Proposed Fee Increase

The existing ordinance permitting casino boats in Horry County is set to expire on February 5, 2025. While the extension of this ordinance for another ten years is promising news for the Big M Casino, it is expected to come at a steeper price for bettors.

Proposed Fare Schedule

Currently: $7 per passenger
From February 5 to March 31, 2025: $10 per passenger
Starting April 1, 2025: $15 per passenger
From January 1, 2030: $18 per passenger

This proposed increase corresponds to a significant rise in passenger fares, elevating costs by up to 61% over the next five years, something the Big M Casino has yet to officially comment on.

The Sole Casino Cruise Operator

The Big M Casino holds the distinction of being South Carolina’s only active casino cruise operator. The Big M Casino Ship II operates six days a week, offering both day and evening cruises:

Day cruises: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Evening cruises: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

With a boarding fee of $20 and $30 for Saturday nights, these tickets cover both the entry fee and local taxes.

The State of Gambling in South Carolina

Interestingly, South Carolina is one of the most gambling-restrictive states in the U.S., lacking commercial or tribal casinos, as well as sports betting and online gambling options. The only authorized gaming activity is the state-run lottery.

Since relocating to Myrtle Beach from Fort Myers Beach in 2005, the Big M Casino has been a popular choice for locals and visitors looking to enjoy some gaming. Onboard, guests can choose from 250 slot machines and eight live dealer tables featuring games like blackjack, roulette, Let It Ride, and Three-Card Poker.

While smoking is prohibited inside the casino, an outdoor patio is available for patrons, along with a menu featuring subs, wraps, snacks, and an array of alcoholic beverages.

Key Takeaways

The Big M Casino is the only casino cruise operator in South Carolina.
Projected fare increases over the next five years may significantly impact visitor costs.
The casino offers a range of gaming options while adhering to strict state gambling regulations.

Conclusion

The upcoming fare hikes for the Big M Casino cruise underscore the importance of staying informed about your entertainment expenses as a gambler. With changes on the horizon, South Carolinians can look forward to an evolving casino experience, albeit at a higher price point.

Rush Street Interactive Reports Improved Guidance and Buyback Plan to Fuel Online Gambling Growth | 10BET

March 1, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Rush Street Interactive Reports: Improving Guidance and Buyback Plan to Fuel Online Gambling Business Growth

In a significant development aimed at fueling business growth within the rapidly expanding world of online gambling, Rush Street Interactive (RSI), the parent company of BetRivers, has raised its earnings and revenue expectations for 2024 along with announcing a $50 million share repurchase plan.

With the release of the third-quarter financial results, RSI now projects an adjusted EBITDA of $82 million to $86 million for 2024, marking an increase of $16 million from earlier forecasts. The company’s previous prediction for the same, adjusted EBITDA stood at $8.2 million for 2023. The anticipated midpoint of $84 million reflects promising growth.

Revenue Growth Outlook

Furthermore, Rush Street Interactive has also amended its revenue expectations, estimating annual revenue between $900 million and $920 million. The midpoint of this guidance indicates a projected growth of 32% year over year, translating to a midpoint forecast of $910 million.

Share Buyback Initiative

In tandem with restructuring its financial outlook, RSI has initiated a $50 million buyback plan, which represents a significant percentage of its market capitalization, currently estimated at $2.39 billion. Should RSI carry out this buyback, it would positively impact shareholder value and potentially deter short sellers, given that 5.09% of the stock is currently held short.

Latin American Market Growth

The growth potential for RSI extends beyond the United States through its growing operations in Latin America. Recent data indicate that the number of monthly active users (MAUs) in Latin America, including Mexico, has surged by 122% in the third quarter. While average revenue per monthly active user (ARPMAU) saw a slight decline from $43 to $39, the uptick in user volume is promising for the company’s future.

Conclusion

In summary, Rush Street Interactive’s upgraded financial outlook highlights a strong growth trajectory as the company embarks on a strategic stock buyback plan. With impressive gains in Latin America’s gaming market, RSI is poised to continue its expansion and enhance shareholder wealth in the coming year.

From Mail-In Ballots to Las Vegas Casinos: What You Need to Know | 10BET

February 27, 2026/in Blog/by admin

From the Ballot Box to the Jackpot: What to Know About Las Vegas Casinos and Local Election Rules

Just as the recent reports from the Clark County Election Department regarding 6,000 rejected mail-in ballot signatures have created a high-stakes atmosphere of uncertainty, the tension is also building in a different arena: the gambling industry. As voters navigate these regulatory hurdles, the energy remains electric across Las Vegas casinos, where the unpredictable nature of politics meets the high-risk thrill of the gaming floor.

As of now, officials have determined that 5,854 mail-in ballots submitted were not counted due to signature discrepancies, as detailed in a report from Las Vegas TV station KLAS. Fortunately, some voters have corrected their signature issues, leaving 5,574 entries still in question.

Common Signature Issues

In the audit of these ballots, election officials noted many signatures did not match those on file. Additionally, 380 voters neglected to sign their ballots entirely. Although some of these individuals have remedied their mistakes, 359 voters remained unaddressed as of Tuesday.

The Clark County Election Department follows a designated protocol wherein they notify voters of signature issues, provided contact information such as phone numbers or email addresses have been shared.

Voters needing to make corrections can do so until November 12, one week after Election Day.

High Volume of Mail-In Ballots

Clark County has processed over 365,000 mail-in ballots, with another 273,000 voters participating in early in-person voting as of the latest update. In closely contested races, even a few thousand votes can ultimately affect the outcome, especially relating to the presidential race where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a tight race.

Polling indicates tight competition in Nevada, with Trump marginally leading Harris by 1% according to a recent CNN survey of likely Nevada voters.

Conclusion

To conclude, the integrity of mail-in balloting is under scrutiny in Clark County as thousands of ballots face rejection due to signature verification issues. Voters have until November 12 to rectify discrepancies, highlighting the importance of accurate submission for counting in this upcoming pivotal election.

New $2 Million Dragon Link Slot Machines Debuting at Venetian Las Vegas by Aristocrat

February 24, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Aristocrat Debuts $2 Million Dragon Link Slot Machines at Venetian Las Vegas

The Venetian Las Vegas has unveiled the latest version of Aristocrat Gaming’s coveted Dragon Link slot machines, marking an exciting addition to the world of casino slots, featuring a groundbreaking maximum jackpot of $2 million. This launch marks an exciting opportunity for players seeking life-changing jackpots.

Casino slots — Image by Bru-nO from Pixabay

Aristocrat, the Australian gaming device manufacturer, has officially announced that the new $2 million Dragon Link slots have debuted at both the Venetian and Palazzo casinos on the famed Las Vegas Strip, complementing the existing $1 million version of the game. The machines, designed to captivate gamblers, are available in titles such as Dragon Link Genghis Khan™ and Dragon Link Peace and Long Life™, showcased on Aristocrat’s innovative MarsX™ Upright cabinet.

Exclusive Gaming Experience

The high-limit areas in these casinos host the new Dragon Link machines, specifically in the High-Limit Slots Salon at the Venetian and in the high-limit gaming lounge at the Palazzo. It is important to note that while big wins on slots can be transformative, the financial stakes involved with the $2 million machines are significantly higher compared to traditional lottery tickets.

Illustrating this, a Caesars Palace patron recently celebrated dual jackpots of $165,000 and $545,000 playing Dragon Link machines, with each spin valued at $2,500. In contrast, most state lottery tickets are priced much lower, making the slot machines at these casinos a higher-investment option.

Dragon Link’s Popularity and Recognition

Dragon Link has garnered cult status among slot enthusiasts, solidifying its place as one of the most acclaimed slot games globally. Its popularity has even led competitors to take note, while legal considerations have delayed rival entries.

Aristocrat noted in their announcement: “Dragon Link is one of the most beloved and award-winning slot games in the world, recently earning the title of Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game at the 2023 EKG Awards.” This recognition underscores the game’s consistent performance and widespread appeal among players.

Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of $2 million Dragon Link slots at the Venetian Las Vegas represents a significant development in the casino landscape, promising thrilling opportunities for players while continuing to build on the game’s established reputation as a leader in the slot industry.

DraftKings Shuts Down Live Dealer Games Studio in Atlantic City

February 21, 2026/in Blog/by admin

DraftKings Shuts Down Live Dealer Games Studio in Atlantic City

In January 2025, DraftKings will officially close its live dealer studio located at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. Since the acquisition of Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) in 2022 for $1.56 billion, DraftKings has been operationally utilizing this studio to provide live dealer games to online players across New Jersey.

According to Next.io, a media outlet focused on iGaming, the company has submitted a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This filing signifies the impending closure of its Golden Nugget iGaming studio, resulting in the loss of 101 jobs.

DraftKings expressed its commitment to aiding affected employees in securing new opportunities during this transitional phase, as stated by a company representative.

Transitioning to Third-Party Operations

Despite this significant change, DraftKings is not abandoning its interactive gaming offerings in New Jersey. Instead, they plan to shift their live dealer operations to third-party studios. In an official statement, DraftKings noted, “As we finalize our GNOG integration, effective January 31, 2025, our in-house live dealer services will transition to third-party studios in Atlantic City, ensuring no interruptions in our live dealer offerings.”

Typically, DraftKings Casino in New Jersey boasts around 70 live dealer games during non-peak hours, increasing to over 100 during evenings and weekends. Games available include popular choices like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, Sic Bo, and poker.

While the specific new provider was not confirmed, speculation suggests that DraftKings may partner with Evolution Gaming, a leading supplier in the interactive live dealer market. Evolution recently announced plans to invest $75 million to create an iGaming campus in Atlantic City, aimed at distributing interactive game feeds to various operators in the area. Evolution already handles some of DraftKings’ live dealer tables and runs operations from locations such as Hard Rock and Ocean Casino Resort.

The Rise of Live Dealer Games

Live dealer online table games have surged in popularity for their realistic gameplay and the enhanced trust vendors instill in players compared to traditional computer-generated games. This demand has resulted in a robust market for live dealer options.

DraftKings’ Dominance in the iGaming Market

Recent revenue reports from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement indicate DraftKings leads the iGaming sector. By September, DraftKings achieved a remarkable gross gaming revenue of over $375.9 million from online players in New Jersey, surpassing its nearest competitor, FanDuel, which reported $360.4 million. Total statewide iGaming revenue for the first nine months of the year reached $1.73 billion, attributing a nearly 22% market share to DraftKings in the online casino segment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while DraftKings is closing its live dealer studio at the Golden Nugget, it is transitioning to partner with third-party studios to continue offering competitive live gaming experiences in New Jersey. This strategic move, amidst significant market leadership in iGaming, highlights the evolving landscape of online casino gaming in the state.

MGM Resorts Sees Growth in Sports Betting Revenue Amid Share Buybacks

February 19, 2026/in Blog/by admin

MGM Resorts Sees Growth in Sports Betting Revenue Amid Share Buybacks

MGM Resorts International has reported promising financial results for the third quarter, marking a period of strong growth for its sports betting arm, BetMGM.

The company credits its burgeoning revenue streams to both its MGM China operations and the performance of its properties on the Las Vegas Strip.

Record Financial Performance

Diving into the specifics, MGM posted a consolidated net revenue of $4.2 billion for the quarter, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, adjusted earnings per share dipped slightly to 54 cents from 64 cents.

Strip operations did see a positive shift, with revenue increasing by 1% to $2.1 billion, and adjusted EBITDAR rising to $731 million, indicating strong operational health.

BetMGM’s Rising Popularity

BetMGM, a collaboration with Entain Plc, showed outstanding improvement, with revenues nearly 20% higher than last year’s third quarter, reflecting the growing appeal of sports betting across the United States. This growth is impressive considering the competitive landscape dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings.

iGaming, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for growth as more states expand their regulations to permit online gambling.

Share Buybacks and Financial Strategy

MGM Resorts continues to implement its share repurchase strategy, having returned over $300 million to shareholders in this last financial quarter. Cumulatively, the company has repurchased shares totaling around $1.3 billion year-to-date, leading to a 40% reduction in shares outstanding since 2021.

The third quarter concluded with a solid free cash flow of $944 million, positioning MGM favorably for continued buybacks and future investments.

Conclusion

MGM Resorts’ robust financial performance and rising BetMGM revenues signal a positive trajectory in the gaming industry, reinforced by strategic share buybacks that enhance shareholder value and confidence in the brand.

Boyd Gaming Launches $750 Million Casino Resort Project in Norfolk, Virginia

February 16, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Boyd Gaming Launches $750 Million Casino Resort Project in Norfolk, Virginia

In a monumental step for Norfolk, Boyd Gaming, alongside the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, has officially broken ground on a remarkable $750 million casino resort, significantly higher than prior projections.

This development, which has been in the works since legal qualifications were established in 2020, promises to be a premier entertainment and gaming destination located along the scenic Elizabeth Riverbank, adjacent to the city’s baseball stadium.

A Community Endeavor

The historic groundbreaking was attended by prominent figures, including Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith and Pamunkey Chief Robert Gray. Smith expressed enthusiasm over the development’s potential economic impact, stating, “In three short years, we will unveil an entertainment hub that will attract visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region.”

The Pamunkey Tribe boasts deep connections to the Norfolk area, with a history spanning 10,000 years. Chief Gray emphasized the tribe’s commitment to uplifting both communities through this project.

Historical Challenges and Funding Changes

Originally launched as a joint project in 2018 targeting economic independence, the casino faced numerous challenges. A major turning point came with the sale of financier Jon Yarbrough’s stake to Boyd Gaming, enabling the project to gain momentum.

Project Features

The upcoming casino resort plans to include:

200-room hotel
Eight restaurants and bars
Live entertainment venue
Extensive meeting space
Casino floor with 1,500 slot machines
50 live dealer table games
Dedicated sportsbook

Temporary gaming facilities will be available to patrons while construction is underway, complying with Virginia’s casino regulations.

Conclusion

Boyd Gaming’s $750 million casino resort represents a significant investment in Norfolk’s future, poised to generate jobs, boost the local economy, and provide a new entertainment option for the community and beyond.

Dining and Entertainment at Las Vegas Casinos: Exploring Rio’s New Food Hall

February 14, 2026/in Blog/by admin

Dining and Las Vegas Casinos: Exploring the New Food Hall at Rio

As the landscape of Las Vegas casinos evolves, the city is also undergoing a massive culinary transformation where gourmet food halls are increasingly replacing traditional buffets. Leading this shift among the local gaming destinations, the Rio has announced the debut of the Canteen Food Hall this January, offering a modern dining alternative for guests looking to refuel between spins and slots.

The Canteen Food Hall aims to recapture the vibrancy of the Carnival World Buffet, which closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. As the president and CEO of Rio, Trevor Scherrer, stated, “Our vision was to create an inviting and dynamic dining experience for all guests.”

Highlights of the Canteen Food Hall

The new food hall will feature a diverse array of restaurant concepts that cater to varied palates:

Southland Burrito Co.: Celebrating Mexican-American flavors, Chef Marco Herrara offers unique burritos and quesadillas featuring a special regional tortilla.
Shogun Ramen: A collaborative venture between Chef Foo Kanegae and restaurateur Takashi Segawa, providing an extensive menu of ramen concoctions.
Tony Luke’s: Famous for its cheesesteaks, this South Philadelphia chain is making its West Coast debut with signature sandwiches.
Tender Crush: Originating from the creators of Black Tap, this concept focuses on New York-style fried and grilled chicken.
Nama Nama: Specializing in made-to-order sushi rolls and poke bowls from the team behind Cosmopolitan’s Tekka Bar.
Attaboy Burger: Chef Alex Resnick’s simple yet delectable menu features just three burger options.

Gordon Ramsay’s New Strip Venue

In addition to the Canteen, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is preparing to unveil his seventh restaurant on the Strip. Though the name is yet to be confirmed, its working title suggested on building permit paperwork is “Bird Bar,” which may indicate a fresh new dining concept.

Furthermore, reality television personality Lisa Vanderpump will expand her Las Vegas presence with the upcoming launch of her third restaurant, named Pinky’s by Vanderpump, arriving this summer.

Conclusion

With innovative dining options like the Canteen Food Hall at the Rio and notable openings from celebrity chefs, Las Vegas continues to elevate its culinary scene, offering exciting new experiences for both locals and visitors alike.