138 stories by Cort Smith
PokerStars SkyBet Acquisition Hits Roadblocks as UK Antitrust Watchdog Launches Investigation
A mega merger which would see the world’s biggest online poker site absorb one of the UK’s most sizable sports books has been put on hold. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into The Stars Group’s $4.7...
Manny Pacquiao Still Betting Favorite, Steps Back Into Ring Against Lucas Matthysse
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao may be pushing 40-years old, but he’s not ready to hang up the gloves just yet. The Filipino fighter will step into the squared circle for the 69th time in his career as he attempts the win the welterweight...
Ex-NBA Star Charles Oakley Accused of Cheating at Blackjack at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Casino Won’t Comment
Former NBA star Charles Oakley was arrested Thursday night after being accused of trying to cheat the house at the Las Vegas Cosmopolitan casino. The 54-year old is facing felony fraud charges for allegedly taking back his bet upon realizing he was...
World Cup Bet Miscalculation Leaves British Sports Book Out $40,000
A UK sports book is liable for $40,000 worth of losses after one bettor took advantage of some bad math by the sports betting outfit. Sporting Index offered up a World Cup bet called “Shocking Decision, Ref!”, which allowed people to wager...
Texas AG Keeps Poker Face, Declines to Offer Opinion on Controversial Lone Star State Poker Clubs
If Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has an opinion on the legality of poker in his state, he’s not giving away any tells. When given the chance, the state’s top legal adviser declined to offer an assessment on the legal status of...
Macau Casinos Stocks Bounce Back, Despite Dire Trade War Impact Warnings
Macau casino stocks rebounded in early trading this week, despite the pessimism caused by the US-Chinese trade war. The rally was powered in part by a new report from Morgan Stanley which predicted second quarter gross gaming revenue (GGR) would hit $9.2...
BC’s ‘Dirty Money’ Casino Investigation Shifts Focus to Housing Market Bubble
In British Columbia, an ongoing casino money laundering investigation is about to enter its second phase, and the province's overheated housing market will be the target. Last week, officials detailed how international criminal organizations used Vancouver-area casinos as a means to launder their...
NBA Commissioner Considers Competitive Balance and Possible Playoff Format Change
The idea of a 1-16 seed NBA playoff format is not new, but it's an idea that is gaining steam after a week in which the league saw a seismic shift in its competitive balance. The West is the best, and there's...
UFC Hall of Fame Inductee Matt Serra Takes on One Last Challenger, Heavyweight Championship Hits Saturday Night
Heading towards his Thursday night UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Las Vegas, Matt Serra showed what made him great on Wednesday night. The former pro mixed martial art pugilist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu warrior probably thought his brawling days were behind him,...
Wimbledon Odds Still Favor Federer, Serena Williams New Favorite in Women’s Draw
With the first few rounds in the books at Wimbledon, ATP Tour legend Roger Federer has only solidified his role as the men's favorite. Meanwhile, American legend Serena Williams has moved into the driver's seat on the women's side. The eight-time champion...
