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Ohio’s Online Casino and Poker Bill Inches Closer to Reality
One of the most influential Republicans is drafting a House bill that would permit Ohio residents to engage in online gambling beyond sports betting. The legislation could soon enable Ohio players to access virtual poker or other casino games on their phones or laptops.
Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) has confirmed that he is working on a bill to establish iGaming in Ohio and generate additional revenue for the state. Stewart is the chair of the House Finance Committee and the sponsor of House Bill 96, the House version of the two-year state budget.
Republicans approved House Bill 96 after making significant changes to Governor Mike DeWine’s initial budget, including removing a doubling of the tax on sports gambling operators intended to create a sports facilities fund.
State Legislators Show Signs Of Support
State legislators are not new to the concept of casino-style games or lottery games online. Two years ago, a commission was established in the current budget and approved to investigate the idea. A report was issued last July.
Three Republican lawmakers on that panel stated in the report that other states that legalized iGaming, iLottery, or both experienced “substantial increases in tax revenues generated with greater participation.” However, Representatives Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp..), Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), and former Representative Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) also observed that in-person sales of lottery games increased as well.
Lawmakers noted that additional tax revenue benefits to the state and funding could be provided to the K-12 education system, and should not be overlooked. However, lawmakers cautioned that implementing iGaming or iLottery should not negatively impact Ohio’s existing brick-and-mortar casinos and racinos. The industry has expressed concerns about how internet gambling might affect traffic at its four casinos and seven racinos.
The Ohio Senate is reviewing the budget and considering an iGaming bill. House Republicans had removed DeWine’s tax increases on sports gambling operators, marijuana, and cigarettes, stating they were not interested in raising any taxes.
However, the House budget did not include an income tax reduction. An income tax cut or revision has been included in the last seven state budgets.
Offshore Casinos Operating To OH Players
For most Ohio players, the addition of domestic online casino and poker services will just expand their options, as offshore casinos have been accepting players since the late 1990s.
Offshore casinos operate from outside the state to avoid local laws and restrictions enforced on domestic services. In Ohio, there are no gambling laws that explicitly make online gambling illegal; however, laws are preventing domestic casinos from operating online in the state.
Popular online casino games include blackjack betting, roulette, video poker, live dealer games, slots, and specialty games. Ohio players also like the incorporation of cryptocurrencies as the digital assets offer higher bonuses, and of course, crypto payouts.
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Anthony Joshua Favored To Knock Out Jake Paul On Netflix
This Friday night, Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua. Paul is a well-known YouTuber who became a boxer. Joshua is a two-time heavyweight world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist. You can watch the fight live on Netflix on December 19th. There are also several other exciting matchups that night.
The money line, which is a bet on which fighter will win, shows Joshua as the clear favorite, and the prop bets (bets on specific events within the fight) suggest he could win convincingly.
Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (Bovada)
- Paul +650, Joshua -1050
Proposition bets, also called ‘props,’ are bets on specific events within the fight, such as how the fight will end, whether there will be knockdowns, or which round the fight might stop. You can find these options by clicking the money line bet at Bovada’s online sportsbook.
Proposition Bets For Paul vs. Joshua
Offshore sports betting sites offer many types of boxing odds. You can find odds for the Paul vs. Joshua fight and for matches around the world. Bettors can combine several prop bets into parlays (single bets that require all selections to win) or use live betting (placing bets during the fight) as the fight happens.
Here are a few prop bets we think offer good value for you.
Will Jake Paul Score a Knockdown?
- Yes +500
- No -900
Will Anthony Joshua Score a Knockdown?
- Yes -600
- No +375
Will The Fight Go The Distance?
- Yes +340
- No -52
Looking at the odds above, I like betting ‘No’ on Joshua scoring a knockdown. Jake Paul has never been knocked down in the ring, and whether you like him or not, he can take a punch. Still, he was knocked out once outside the ring, which broke his nose.
Judgment Day Is Coming
The fight is called Judgment Day. Joshua is about 5 inches taller than Paul. He also has a 6-inch reach advantage. Paul thinks a win will prove he belongs in the sport.
Since his first fight in 2018, Paul has faced criticism for choosing opponents past their prime. He now has a 12-1 record. His only loss came from Tommy Fury, who is Tyson Fury’s half-brother. Paul knocked Fury down in the final round, but the judges still gave Fury the win. This was Paul’s first professional loss.
Anthony Joshua recently beat Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou. In his last fight, Daniel Dubois knocked him out in September 2024.
Who Will Win The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Fight?
All the online sportsbooks we review list Joshua as the favorite, but Jake Paul has shown an ability to surprise observers. The conventional pick is Joshua, but some bettors might consider Paul for an upset due to the potential payout. Prop bets may also offer opportunities during the fight, especially if circumstances change.

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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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