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C Costigan

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18 April, 2026

Kenny Rogers "The Gambler" Song Writer Don Schlitz dead at 73
Bally's Said to be Mulling Over Acquisition of William Hill Parent Company Evoke
Ninth Circuit Signals Skepticism on Prediction Markets’ Bid to Bypass State Gambling Laws
Latest Iran Conflict Betting Markets as Strait of Hormuz Reopens

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Saturday April 18, 2026 (9:05 pm EDT)

Although it may not seem like it based on the number of impressions, the overall queries and reads for our collective NBA content over the past 48 hours was quite good (scroll to see queries to get a better picture).

But, as of late anyway, crime and human interest stories reign supreme.

(Gambling News) - Suit Against Dave & Busters in South Carolina Court Claims Arcade Games Are Unlawful Gambling - (47500 impressions) - A recently filed lawsuit in South Carolina has placed the chain's arcade-and-prize model under fresh legal scrutiny even before they move forward with any real gambling offerings. Gambling911.com had previously cast doubt on whether that business plan would ever come to fruition. A state advocacy group filed a suit in the District Court of South Carolina Florence Division late Wednesday April 15 arguing the chain’s games function as unlawful gambling rather than entertainment. The group argues that the structure invites patrons to risk money for a chance at a larger reward, which it says fits South Carolina’s gambling definition.
(Casino Crime) - Baby Left in Scorching Hot Car at Bensalem Pennsylvania Casino for Hours - (18780 impressions) - A New Jersey woman is facing charges after allegedly leaving her 14-month-old toddler in a parked car for over two hours while she gambled inside the casino. The temperatures outside had reached the low 80's.
(Gambling Crime) - Massachusetts Man Charged in Gambling-Linked Dog Fighting Ring: 'I Dump Dead Dogs in Boston Harbor' - (17960 impressions) - Corey Elliott, 49, of Carver, Massachusetts has been arrested and charged in connection with running a brutal dog fighting ring tied to gambling over multiple years. Elliott allegedly explained how he would dispose of the dead dogs remains. “I just throw them [dead dogs] into the Boston Harbor now. When I’m at work, I just put them in the trash back and heave-ho, heave-ho them into the river,” Elliot allegedly said in November 2020.
(Sweepstakes Casinos) - Indiana Sweepstakes Casino Ban to Go Into Full Effect July 2026 (4421 impressions)
(NBA) - Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic Scoring Prop Bets April 17: Paolo Banchero, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller (2595 impressions)
(NBA) - Bet on Who Will Make the All-NBA First Team 2026: Jaylen Brown vs. Cade Cunningham (1064 impressions)
(NBA) - Kawhi Leonard Next Team Miami Heat Odds (1022 impressions)

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Gambling News / Entertainment

Kenny Rogers "The Gambler" Song Writer Don Schlitz dead at 73

Saturday April 18, 2026 (3:49 pm EDT)

It was arguably one of the best known songs related to gambling, "The Gambler" and became synonymous with Kenny Rogers.

The song writer was an icon on the country music scene as well.

The North Carolina native, Don Schlitz, died Thursday at a Nashville hospital following what the Grand Ole Opry described as a sudden illness. The cause of death was not immediately known.

“We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote,” said Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO, in a statement Friday.

Gambling News

Bally's Said to be Mulling Over Acquisition of William Hill Parent Company Evoke

Saturday April 18, 2026 (1:28 pm EDT)

Rhode Island-based Bally’s, known for its front-of-shirt sponsorship of Nottingham Forest Football Club, is in talks to buy Evoke, the former FTSE 250 bookmaker, according to City sources.

Formerly known as 888 Holdings, Evoke also owns the brands 888casino, 888poker, 888sport and Mr Green.

Evoke is believed to have informally granted Bally’s preferred bidder status and could unveil a rescue deal in the coming days.

Gambling911.com will continue to monitor.

Prediction Markets

Two Arrested After 29 Illegal Gambling Machines Seized at Tallahassee Business

Saturday April 18, 2026 (10:25 am EDT)

Two people are behind bars, and a gambling house is shut down after law enforcement seized over two dozen illegal gambling machines from a Tallahassee business.

Auryona Jones, 22, and Brandon Riley, 24, are facing several charges, including possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, according to arrest documents.

Jones faces most of the charges, and Riley is also charged with being a keeper or employee of a gambling house.

Florida gambling enforcement bills proposed in 2026, such as HB 189 and SB 1580, aimed to modernize regulations by defining "internet gambling" as a third-degree felony and increasing penalties for operating illegal gambling houses. These measures sought to crack down on unauthorized slot machines and strengthen the enforcement authority of the Florida Gaming Control. Both failed to pass ahead of the end of this year's legislative session.

Prediction Markets

Strait of Hormuz Traffic Returns to Normal by End of April Betting Market - Just a 42 Percent Chance

Saturday April 18, 2026 (10:25 am EDT)

Despite some promising confirmations from both Iran's foreign minister and the U.S. President that the Strait of Hormuz is now open to traffic, traders aren't buying the notion that shipping traffic will return to normal by month's end.

In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran announced that the strait “is fully open and ready for full passage.”

Minutes earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X that the passage for all commercial vessels through the strait “is declared completely open” in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon. He said it would stay open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.

Traders at the prediction market Polymarket were giving the Strait of Hormuz a 42% of returning to normal by the end of April. That is hardly reassuring.

Prediction Markets

Rep. Gabe Vasquez Urges CFTC to Address Gambling Loophole During House Hearing

Saturday April 18, 2026 (10:25 am EDT)

Rep. Gabe Vasquez raises concerns at CFTC hearing: During a House Agriculture Committee hearing on April 16, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez criticized prediction markets, suggesting they resemble sports betting. He urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to return focus to its intended purpose of regulating economic risk rather than overseeing what he termed unregulated gambling.

Call for regulatory clarity: Vasquez emphasized that the CFTC was established to manage derivatives markets and questioned how these markets could be distinguished from sports betting. He cited the lack of consumer protections, such as licensing and age verification, asserting the need for stronger regulations in this area to safeguard public interests.

Vasquez’s ongoing advocacy: The Representative has previously highlighted the issue during a December 2025 hearing and has supported various legislative efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and integrity in prediction markets, including measures to protect against insider trading and to address potential corruption.

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