This decision, announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred, marks a significant shift in MLB’s approach to historical gambling violations.

Does the MLB Hall of Fame Beckon for Rose and Jackson? 

Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, was banned in 1989 following an investigation that found he bet on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, a direct violation of MLB’s strict anti-gambling rules.

Bob Castellini, Principal Owner and Managing Partner of the Cincinnati Reds reacted positively to the news, stating: “On behalf of the Reds and our generations of loyal fans, we are thankful for the decision of Commissioner Manfred and Major League Baseball regarding the removal of Pete Rose from the permanently ineligible list.” 

Jackson, a key figure in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, received a lifetime ban in 1921 for allegedly conspiring to fix the World Series, despite being acquitted of criminal charges.

Manfred’s decision clarifies that permanent ineligibility now ends upon an individual’s death, stating that a deceased person “cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game” and that a lifetime ban serves as a sufficient deterrent.

Both Rose and Jackson are now eligible for Baseball Hall of Fame consideration. Under current Hall of Fame voting procedures, the earliest possible induction is in 2028.

This move comes as legalized sports betting becomes increasingly integrated into the professional sports landscape.

A Wider Shift in Attitude Towards Sports Betting

MLB’s move coincides with the NCAA considering lifting its longstanding ban on professional sports betting for college athletes, coaches, and staff.

If enacted, this policy change would allow these individuals to legally wager on professional sports, such as the MLB, NFL and NBA, while maintaining the prohibition on betting on NCAA-sponsored events.

The Division I Board of Directors voted 21-1 in favor of deregulating professional sports wagering and has forwarded the proposal to the Division I Council for further review. A final decision could be reached as early as late June 2025.

The NCAA’s current rules prohibit all players, coaches, and officials from betting on both professional and collegiate sports that are also played at the college level.

The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to align NCAA policy with the evolving betting landscape and to streamline compliance for member schools.

The prohibition on college sports betting would remain in place to protect the integrity of collegiate competition.

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According to a spokesperson for Boyd Gaming, the guest, who chose to remain anonymous, was playing $30 per hand and placed two side bets, a $1 progressive side bet and a $5 Fortune Bonus side bet

Table Game Player Hits Las Vegas Jackpot

The significant win occurred on the player’s second hand, when a natural seven-card straight flush (three through nine of clubs) was dealt, resulting in a $461,351 progressive jackpot and a $25,000 Fortune Bonus payout. Two other players each received $3,000 from their Fortune Bonus bets.

This event is among several notable gambling wins reported across Las Vegas casinos in May 2025. Aliante Casino celebrated a $10,000 table game win, while Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel reported multiple jackpots.

Cannery Casino also highlighted a $35,000 slot machine payout, and Golden Nugget awarded five-figure slot jackpots.

Additional wins included an $18,892.98 jackpot at OYO Hotel & Casino, a $20,760 Pinball Double Gold win at Sam’s Town, and a $15,312.57 win on Money Gong at Durango Casino & Resort. Sunset Station also reported a $32,032.50 Multi Strike Poker jackpot.

The increase in jackpot activity coincides with a broader trend in the casino industry, where operators are enhancing progressive jackpot offerings and bonus features to attract both local and tourist players.

Las Vegas, Nevada, relies heavily on tourism to drive revenue. Although jackpots and a premium gaming experience are among the primary visitor drivers, Vegas is also known for its top-tier dining and hospitality.

For example, artist Bruno Mars is nearing his 100th Las Vegas show at Park MGM, with a run that dwarfs that of other music legends. 

The Orleans and other properties managed by Boyd Gaming have reported consistent interest in Pai Gow Poker and similar games, which combine elements of skill and chance and offer multiple bonus payout opportunities.

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As he approaches his 100th solo show at Dolby Live inside Park MGM, the Grammy-winning superstar is doubling down on his residency, adding a fresh round of dates that promise to keep the party going well into September 2025.

Bruno Mars: A Las Vegas Residency Like No Other

Mars’ run at Dolby Live began on New Year’s Eve weekend in 2018, and since then, he’s set a new standard for what a Vegas residency can be.

With the latest announcement, Mars will notch his 99th show on June 2, 2025, and is set to break triple digits when he returns on August 22.

That 100th show is a record for the venue, outpacing legendary headliners like Cher and Lady Gaga. For context, Cher performed 78 times and Lady Gaga 72 times at the same theater; Mars is in a league of his own.

Every seat is within 145 feet of the stage, ensuring that fans are never far from the action. Mars’ setlists are famously dynamic, often blending his chart-topping hits like “24K Magic,” “Uptown Funk,” and “When I Was Your Man” with covers and surprise medleys.

With Mars continuing to draw considerable crowds to the venue, MGM hopes tourists will stick around and enjoy the 76,982 sq ft casino. Park MGM boasts over 2,000 slot machines, 95 table games, a dedicated high-roller area, a fully-fledged race and sportsbook, and a 550-capacity bingo room.

Further cross-sell opportunities present themselves in the 2,700-room hotel boasting six restaurants. 

Ellis Island and F1 Grand Prix Partner Following Lawsuit Resolution

Mars is not the only attraction drawing tourists to Las Vegas. The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix recently formalized a partnership with Ellis Island Casino, marking a significant development following a previously contentious legal dispute between the two parties.

Ellis Island, situated adjacent to Grand Prix Plaza on Koval Lane, will serve as the official venue for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix and future events.

Under the agreement, Ellis Island will provide designated spectator zones and special hotel packages for the race weekend.

The partnership follows the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Ellis Island in April 2024. The lawsuit claimed that the inaugural 2023 F1 event caused significant business disruption due to road closures and limited property access.

Las Vegas Grand Prix President and CEO Emily Prazer stated that the partnership aims to integrate local businesses into the race week experience. At the same time, Ellis Island owner Gary Ellis highlighted plans to expand offerings during race weekend and beyond.

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Multiple sources confirm that momentum is building for the NCAA to lift its ban on athletes, coaches, and staff betting on professional sports. If approved by the Division I Council, this move could come as soon as late June.

Why the NCAA Ban Is Being Reconsidered

Currently, NCAA rules prohibit any athlete, coach, or staff member from wagering on professional sports with a collegiate equivalent, meaning no bets on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or even pro golf and tennis.

This policy, rooted in concerns about integrity and the potential for insider information to sway outcomes, has become increasingly difficult to enforce as sports betting has exploded in popularity across the United States.

In a recent case, Baylor University staffer Sam Hancock breached NCAA Bylaws 10.01.1 and 10.3. Hancock acknowledged he had placed nearly 2,950 daily fantasy sports wagers between July 2019 and September 2024, totalling approximately $46,000. 113 of his wagers were placed on Baylor student-athletes or athletes competing against Baylor.

The investigation concluded that the staffer had not used insider information or affected any results of matches he wagered on. Hancock’s offenses were deemed a Level II Standard violation. Should he return to a college in an athletics-related position, he faces a two-year show-cause order and a future two-week suspension from all activities during his first year of employment.

With legalized betting now available in nearly 80% of the country, the NCAA’s enforcement teams have been bogged down by a flood of minor infractions, often for bets with little relevance to college sports integrity.

The Division I Board of Directors recently voted 21–1 to advance a rule change that would deregulate professional sports wagering for college athletics participants.

By narrowing its focus, the NCAA hopes to protect the integrity of its competitions better while freeing resources to address issues that truly impact the college game.

What Would Change and What Wouldn’t

If the ban is lifted, athletes and staff would still be barred from betting on NCAA-sponsored events, but could legally wager on professional leagues like the NFL or the NBA.

This change would align NCAA policy more closely with the realities of the modern betting landscape and reduce the compliance burden on the NCAA and member schools.

The NCAA is also considering new measures to address problem gambling, including safe harbor provisions, limited immunity, or reduced penalties for student-athletes who seek help for gambling issues.

The shift reflects a broader “cultural and philosophical recalibration” within college sports, as experts note that the world of sports wagering in 2025 vastly differs from a decade ago.

NCAA Considers Shifting Focus to Targeted Integrity Measures

The NCAA is on the verge of a significant policy shift as its Division I Council weighs removing the longstanding ban on college athletes, coaches, and staff betting on professional sports.

The Division I Board of Directors has already voted 21-1 to deregulate pro sports betting. The proposal is being forwarded for further discussion, with a final decision possible by late June.

Importantly, the prohibition on wagering on college sports would remain in place, maintaining a clear line to protect the integrity of collegiate competition.

If adopted, the new policy would allow the NCAA to focus on safeguarding college sports from integrity risks while also considering reduced penalties or safe harbor provisions for athletes who seek help with gambling issues.

This marks a pragmatic response to the widespread legalization of sports betting and the realities of modern compliance challenges in collegiate athletics.

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Following a competitive procurement process led by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), the province announced that Caesars will continue managing gaming and non-gaming operations at the Windsor casino through a 20-year agreement beginning in 2026.

This decision brings stability and optimism to Windsor’s tourism and gaming sector. Caesars Windsor, which first opened its doors in 1994 and has been managed by Caesars for the past 17 years, is not just a casino; it’s a cornerstone of the local economy.

The property employs around 1,800 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Windsor-Essex region. Each week, the casino draws about 70,000 visitors, many from the United States, cementing its role as the area’s top tourism driver.

The new agreement is more than a business deal; it’s a commitment to the community. Since 2018, Caesars Windsor has contributed over $53 million to local initiatives through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement, supporting everything from infrastructure to social programs.

The casino and its employees have donated more than $16 million and 100,000 volunteer hours to regional causes, reflecting a deep-rooted partnership with Windsor and its residents.

Caesars Promises Continuity at Windsor Casino

The future promises continuity and enhancement for guests. Caesars Windsor will maintain its rewards program, dining and entertainment options, luxury accommodations, and event spaces.

The 20-year deal also ensures job security for current employees. OLG requires Caesars to retain staff for at least 18 months after the agreement begins, and union contracts will remain in force.

This measure, praised by local officials and labor leaders, provides peace of mind in a region where cross-border competition from Detroit’s casinos is fierce.

Caesars’ selection over other contenders, including Mohegan and Bally’s, underscores the brand’s strong track record and ties to the community.

Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the future, emphasizing the company’s “commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting Windsor’s growth.”

Legal Battle Ongoing in Nevada

The Clark County District Court, Nevada, is considering a lawsuit where Caesars is accused of “negligence and wrongful death.” The case is brought by the family of a man who was killed in his Las Vegas Strip hotel room.

Two women were observed leaving the victim’s room ten minutes after entering, and they have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and robbery. Both were ordered to serve between 10 and 25 years behind bars. 

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