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MGM Resorts CEO Confirms Abu Dhabi License Pursuit
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle has confirmed that the Vegas-based company is seeking a casino license in Abu Dhabi.
At a recent Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle stated, “Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” before expressing optimism about obtaining the license. Hornbuckle then explained that the federal government would have the final say, as each emirate would cast a vote to grant or deny casino operations.
MGM owns and operates 31 properties globally, including resorts in the USA, China, and Macau. They are also building a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers and over 1,500 rooms. The resort is reported to mirror their properties in Vegas, such as the MGM Grand and the Bellagio.
MGM also confirmed a Dubai Sphere at the Global Forum, which will rival the new Las Vegas Sphere, which has already gained global recognition in its short existence.
After a 2006 non-gaming project failed to materialize, the company veered away from Abu Dhabi. Hornbuckle now says that MGM will not venture into Abu Dhabi without a casino license: “That’s the business MGM is in.”
Are Offshore Casinos Safe?
Yes, offshore casinos are generally safe, whether in person or online. In-person, each casino typically has a security team that ensures patrons are safe when coming to and from the casino. However, sometimes criminals outsmart security, and casinos are known locations for some sketchy characters.
With offshore online casinos, you must ensure the site you are playing is legit. The best way to determine if a site is safe and fair to play is to check online reviews, verify the site is licensed, and verify that the community trusts the jurisdiction. Some of the biggest names in the game, like MGM and Caesars, also have offshore licensing for their properties.
Is Gambling Legal In Abu Dhabi?
No, gambling, either in person or online, is illegal and punishable by up to 2 years in prison in Abu Dhabi. There are currently no casinos in operation, but MGM hopes to change that, having recently applied for a casino license.
The MGM is currently working on its most ambitious Dubai project, which will host numerous hotel towers, a sphere, dining, and shopping. However, there are no plans for a casino at the Dubai location. Those plans would likely change if the company is granted the casino license they recently applied for.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The U.S.?
In the United States, there are no federal gambling laws that make online casino gambling illegal. Individual states have the power to enact their rules, but many states have failed to pass legislation concerning online ventures. U.S. gambling states include all continental states, D.C., Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico to various degrees.
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Live! Casino Announces Temporary Petersburg Casino Opening
A 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
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 TO FEATURE NEW U.S. VS. WORLD COMPETITION
– Two U.S. Teams and One World Team in Round-Robin Tournament With Four 12-Minute Games –
NEW YORK, November 11, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)… pic.twitter.com/UaG5eUnU89
— NBA (@NBA) November 12, 2025
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
The 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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