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Big Tech Faces Legal Battle Over Social Casino Apps

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Phone apps

apple logoThis week, a legal battle over casino apps involving Apple, Google, and Meta is intensifying in a San Jose courtroom.

The three tech giants are asking a federal judge to throw out a case in which they are all accused of profiting from casino apps available on their platforms. Apple, Google, and Meta are all trying to use Section 230 of the Communications Act, which prevents them from being liable for third-party content available through their services.

Plaintiffs in the case are alleging that the companies listed in the lawsuit are providing sensitive user data to these online casinos and targeting vulnerable users and problematic gamblers. The case is centered around commission rates stemming from user downloads.

Apple’s representative Colin McGrath of DLA Piper said, “It’s not profit-sharing. It’s simply facilitating a transaction.” McGrath noted that the companies providing the platform for the apps are not profiting from the gambling revenue.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue that nine of the top twelve app downloads for 2021 were social casinos, where Apple, Google, and Meta are the financiabeneficiariesry. Judge Edward Davila has not given her ruling concerning the motion to dismiss the case, but if it does go to trial, it could change the way social casinos operate on popular application platforms.

Do Social Casinos Offer Real-Money Payouts?

According to multiple internet sources, social casinos often allow players to redeem coins for real money or crypto payouts. They must also give free “entries” to be considered sweepstakes casinos.

Unlike the most trusted offshore gambling sites recommended by our industry professionals, social casinos typically wager with digital coins purchased by the user. It is important to note that many social casinos do not offer real money payouts but instead allow users to redeem their coins for non-monetary prizes.

Are The Best Online Casinos Found In the App Store?

Absolutely not. Most “social” casinos in the app store are for entertainment and are not viable real-money casinos. While some App Store casinos might offer ways to cash in chips, either by selling to other users or by offering crypto payout options, in most cases, these sites offer little to no consumer protections.

Offshore casino sites that a trusted gaming regulator licenses must abide by strict regulations that ensure the games offer fair odds and that security measures are working correctly.

If you choose to participate in social or sweepstake casinos, know that the likelihood of getting your money off the app is slim to none, as no governing body typically regulates sweepstake casinos.

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Live! Casino Announces Temporary Petersburg Casino Opening

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Live casino rendering

Live casino logoA temporary gaming facility is set to debut in Petersburg, Virginia, on January 22, 2026, marking the first phase of the larger Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia project. The interim casino will be located on the same 100-acre property off Interstate 95 where the permanent resort is currently under construction.

When completed, the full-scale venue will span 445,000 square feet and offer a mix of gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations.

Plans include:

  • 70,000+ square feet dedicated to meetings, conventions, and entertainment.
  • A 200-room luxury hotel with 25 suites, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center.
  • 1,600 slot machines, more than 60 table games, a 22-table poker room, high-limit areas, and a sportsbook.
  • Nearly 20 restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, many featuring local partnerships.
  • Complimentary parking for guests.

Casino officials emphasized that hiring is underway for hundreds of positions, including dealers, guest services, and security staff.

Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino Virginia told the media: “We are thrilled to announce the opening date. Our team has been working hard day and night to welcome guests through our doors for the first time in January.”

Other VA Casinos

There are currently only three licensed casinos in Virginia:

  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
  • Rivers Casino Portsmouth
  • Caesars Virginia in Danville

You can also find numerous historical horse racing (HHR) machines that operate in smaller venues across the state. While technically not slots, HHR machines often mimic slot machines with pull levers and numerous gameplay titles.

All of the domestic Virginia casinos offer Class III gaming, including table games, slots, poker, and sports betting. Sports betting is the only option currently allowed to operate online within the state’s borders.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Virginia?

Current Virginia law does not permit domestic casinos to operate online; however, no state or federal laws prohibit offshore casinos from accepting VA players.

Offshore betting sites have been servicing the United States since the early 2000s and have become one of the most popular ways to wager online. With real-money payouts, welcome bonuses, reward packages, and other player perks, online betting has far surpassed its domestic counterparts in many areas of the US.

There are only seven states (Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) that license online casinos to operate. However, these casino sites are geofenced and only offered to players of age who are physically located within the state’s borders.

States that allow offshore betting sites are plentiful due to the lack of federal legislation. However, some states have blocked popular sites to boost their local casino and online sportsbook revenue.

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NBA Changes All-Star Format To Include International Team

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NBA Allstar Game 2026

The NBA has unveiled a significant shake-up for the 2026 All-Star Game, introducing a U.S. vs. World format with a round-robin tournament.

The event will take place on February 15, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marking the first time the showcase will feature this international competition style.


2026 NBA All-Star Game Adopts U.S. vs. World Format

The NBA and NBPA confirmed that the 2026 All-Star Game will break from tradition, replacing the East vs. West setup with two U.S. squads and one international team. Each roster will include at least eight players, competing in a four-game round-robin tournament with 12-minute matchups.

Game Structure:
Game 1: U.S. Team A vs. U.S. Team B
Game 2: Winner of Game 1 vs. World Team
Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. World Team
Game 4: Championship between the top two teams

If all three teams finish with a 1–1 record, point differential will decide who advances to the final.

All-Star Selection Process

The 24 All-Stars will still be chosen through the familiar voting system:

  • Starters: Fans (50%), players (25%), and media (25%)
  • Reserves: Selected by NBA head coaches

Unlike past years, positions will not factor into selections, allowing for more flexibility in roster construction. If voting doesn’t yield the required 16 U.S. players and eight international players, Commissioner Adam Silver will appoint additional All-Stars to balance the teams.

Betting On The 2026 NBA All-Star Game

Online sports betting sites have not released odds for the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend, as the competition is still months away. So, for now, bettors are turning their attention to the futures market, which remains active with lines available for the NBA In-Season Tournament winner, conference champions, and divisional winners.

Offshore sportsbooks, meanwhile, are known for offering a broader range of betting options compared to their regulated domestic counterparts. These platforms often emphasize game lines, player props, and specialty markets, giving bettors more variety and flexibility.

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MLB World Series Betting Lines & Futures For Game 5

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Blue Jays - World Series

MLB logoThe Major League Baseball World Series is currently tied at two games apiece, with Game 5 set to take place tonight in Los Angeles.

As the series reaches a critical juncture, both teams face a pivotal opportunity to gain momentum. Adding to the anticipation, offshore sportsbooks have released updated betting markets, including game lines, futures, and prop bets for the remaining matchups.
In the sections below, we’ll recap the key moments from Game 4 and explore how bettors can engage with the upcoming games.

World Series Game 4 Recap

The Toronto Blue Jays rebounded from a grueling 18-inning World Series loss with a decisive 6–2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4, tying the series 2-2.

In game 4, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a record-setting two-run homer off Shohei Ohtani, while Shane Bieber delivered a strong start, allowing just one run over 5⅓ innings. Ernie Clement extended his postseason hitting streak to 10 games, and the team showed remarkable resilience and energy despite the previous night’s marathon.

The series now heads to game 5 in Los Angeles, where the winner will be just one game away from glory.

Betting On Game Five Of The World Series

Game lines for game 5 of the series favor the Dodgers as the game will be played on their home turf. Below are the current game line odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Spread: TOR +1.5 (-115), LA -1.5 (-105)
  • Money Line: TOR +168, LA -206
  • Totals: O8.0 (-115), U8.0 (-105)

Game 6 will take place in Toronto on October 31st.

More Betting Lines For The World Series

In addition to the game line, you can also find specials that include the World Series MVP. Currently, Shohei Ohtani leads the MVP odds and has the stats to back it up. In the 2025 World Series, Ohtani reached base nine times with two home runs in Game 3, where he also had two doubles and drove in three runs.

World Series MVP 2025

  • Shohei Ohtani (LAD) -175
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) +300
  • Alejandro Kirk (TOR) +775
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) +1800
  • Addison Barger (TOR) +3500
  • Ernie Clement (TOR) +7000
  • Freddie Freeman (LAD) +7000
  • Bo Bichette (TOR) +7200
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