casino live 747

The South Carolina women's basketball team has been defeated for the first time since March 31, 2023. The No. 1 Gamecocks fell Sunday in Los Angeles as Lauren Betts posted a double-double effort to lead No. 5 UCLA to a 77-62 triumph. The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first defeat after 43 consecutive victories, dating back to the loss to Iowa 77-73 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. South Carolina defeated Iowa last season for the national championship. Betts finished with 11 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to power the Bruins (5-0) to a historic victory. UCLA also got 15 points from Londynn Jones on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, 13 points from Elina Aarnisalo and 11 each from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jacquez. It's the first time UCLA has beaten South Carolina since 1981. The Bruins lost twice to the Gamecocks in the 2022-23 season, including in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Te-Hina Paopao had 18 points for South Carolina on 4-of-4 3-point shooting, while Tessa Johnson had 14 points. UCLA won the rebounding battle 41-34, marking the second time this season the Gamecocks have been outrebounded. South Carolina also got outscored in the paint 26-18. It's rare that a Dawn Staley-coached team -- units that typically revolve around dominant centers from A'ja Wilson to Aaliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso -- gets beat in the paint and on the glass, but with 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA had the recipe to outmuscle the Gamecocks in those areas of the game. South Carolina never led after UCLA began the game with an 18-5 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jones. The Gamecocks cut the deficit to nine points in the second quarter, but the Bruins responded with a 17-5 run and entered halftime ahead by 21 points. Aarnisalo scored seven points during that run. From there, the Gamecocks never got within single digits of the lead in the second half. It's the first time in 21 tries that UCLA has beaten an AP-ranked No. 1 team. And it's the first time South Carolina lost a true road game since 2021, a streak of 33 games. The schedule doesn't get any easier for South Carolina. While UCLA faces UT Martin next on Friday, the Gamecocks play No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday. --Field Level Media

ACCUSED assassin Luigi Mangione is in for a culture shock contrary to his glamorous "old money" upbringing as he prepares to spend his first Christmas inside a prison hellhole, an expert has said. Mangione , the man charged with executing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , is facing two separate indictments related to the cold-hearted, calculated December 4 shooting in Midtown Manhattan . Advertisement 10 Luigi Mangione was arraigned on 11 criminal counts on Monday in Manhattan Criminal Court Credit: Getty - Pool 10 Mangione is in federal custody and housed at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn Credit: Reuters 10 Luigi Mangione grins from ear to ear in the back of a police vehicle after pleading not guilty to 11 state criminal charges Credit: Getty Images - Getty 10 A prison expert told The U.S. Sun Luigi Mangione is in a situation unlike anything he's experienced before Credit: Reuters After being extradited from Pennsylvania to New York on December 19, Mangione was immediately turned over to FBI officials. Federal prosecutors unsealed a four-count indictment charging Mangione, 26, with murder through the use of a firearm, stalking, and firearm offenses. Mangione now finds himself jailed in the notorious federal lockup in Brooklyn - the Metropolitan Detention Center - a place he "never expected to himself in," a prison expert said. 'HELL ON EARTH' "Luigi, he's like right now, his mind is a little f**ked up. He never thought that he'd be in the feds," prison expert Larry Levine, founder of Wall Street Prison Consultants, told The U.S. Sun. Advertisement Read more in The U.S. Sun 'KILLER' SMIRK Smug CEO ‘assassin’ cracks smile in court as he pleads not guilty to murder CELL MATES Luigi Mangione & Diddy to be held in same hellish prison with rats & raw sewage "He's acclimating himself to his new surroundings. His lawyers are thanking God he's in New York, and they don't have to travel to Pennsylvania to visit him. So, he's just adjusting to where he's at. "He'll be there for a week or so, maybe two weeks. Then maybe in a month, they'll move him where Diddy is. "But [Diddy] can handle his s**t. I just know [Mangione] is f**king scared, and now they're probably trying to force-feed him. "They're gonna offer him psych meds. He's gonna be like a f**king zombie. That's a given." Advertisement Most read in The US Sun REFFIN' HELL KMI panel reveals FIVE more VAR blunders including THREE mistakes in one game TRAGIC LOSS Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dead aged 26 after being caught in avalanche IN THE DOCK Suspect appears in court charged with murder of man near Scots nightclub RANGERS RAGE Gers slam SFA over 'serious concerns' as final VAR officials return to action You're talking old, old, million old money. Now he can have cheese crackers, and maybe a bottle of a plastic bottle of soda. Larry Levine Levine, who served 10 years in federal prison on racketeering, securities fraud, obstruction of justice, and narcotics trafficking charges, said Mangione is in a situation unlike anything he's experienced before. The Metropolitan Detention Center is plagued with inmate death and violence, rodents, raw sewage, understaffing, and a deteriorating infrastructure. Chilling moment CEO ‘assassin’ Luigi Mangione tells classmates to ‘challenge the world’ in valedictorian speech Cameron Lindsay, a former warden at the infamous federal building, told The New York Times in 2019 that the site is "one of the most trouble, if not the most troubled facility in the Bureau of Prisons." 'OLD MONEY' WEALTH Mangione was born to a prominent, well-established Italian-American family in Baltimore, Maryland . Advertisement Nicholas Mangione Sr., the family patriarch and the young Mangione's grandfather, left his 10 kids and 37 grandchildren an extensive multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, including country clubs, nursing homes, and a radio station. Luigi Mangione came from a privileged upbringing, attending the prestigious high school Gilman School in Baltimore, where tuition is currently $37,690 per year. He was on the wrestling and soccer teams and was valedictorian of his graduating class of 2016. After high school, he continued his academic success, attending the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate and graduate studies. Advertisement Then, after college, Mangione landed several internships with tech companies and found a job as a software engineer at TrueCar, an online marketplace based in Santa Monica, California . The perks of his job allowed Mangione to work remotely, and he eventually found himself living in a shared space in a high-rise apartment in Honolulu, Hawaii , where he paid about $2,000 per month. During a trip to Thailand in April, Mangione boasted to another traveler that he was making "lawyer money" as a coder for TrueCar and claimed to have $6 million in his bank account thanks to his wealthy family, according to TMZ . 10 Mangione, who came from a privileged upbringing, will experience a 'different life, different world' while in federal lockup, a prison expert said Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement 10 Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was executed outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on the morning of December 4 Credit: AFP 10 Police place bullet casing markers outside of a Hilton hotel where Brian Thompson was fatally shot Credit: Getty Images - Getty 'DIFFERENT LIFE, DIFFERENT WORLD' However, Mangione's elite lifestyle was upended when he was arrested on December 9 at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 280 miles west of where he allegedly assassinated the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare . "You're talking old, old million, old money," Levine told The U.S. Sun. Advertisement "Now he can have cheese crackers and maybe a bottle of a plastic bottle of soda. "He'll buy a honey bun. It's like all knock-offs, too. They don't sell the real s**t in the feds. "What is it called, Mrs. Freshly - I never heard of it until I went in. I saw it once at a $.99 store. "So, he'll be eating like off-brand, knock-off convenience, snacks, and s**t when he finally gets to get that." Advertisement Levine added, "So, different life, different world, you know. It's not like he's in the state where you can buy your own TV set. "He's gonna have to deal with inmates, and he's not gonna be making the decisions. "So yeah, that's a mindf**k." 'LIFE BEHIND BARS' Levine compared Mangione's living conditions in the Metropolitan Detention Center to "living in your bathroom." Advertisement "You know, if he's living in a cell like Diddy was for a while, you know how big those cells are? Picture living in your bathroom with no TV, no computer as well," Levine said. "That's what his cell life will be like. You got nothing to read. "Here's your Bible, though. So, he'll be reading the Bible, he'll be getting discovery, but what real discovery is there. "He didn't commit a sophisticated crime. So, they'll give him discovery, 'We found this, and we found that this were his movements,' for the next whatever period of time. Advertisement "The guy already admitted that he did it, so you know what kind of big investigation do you need on that." 10 The Metropolitan Detention Center is also where disgraced music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is being held while he awaits trial Credit: Reuters 10 Prison consultant Larry Levine believes Mangione is 'scared' and 'never expected to be in the feds' Credit: AP:Associated Press 10 Surveillance video captured the moment a masked, hooded gunman assassinated Brian Thompson as he arrived at the Hilton hotel for an investor conference Credit: AP Advertisement 'HUMAN PING-PONG BALL' On Monday, Mangione pleaded not guilty to 11 state criminal counts, including a first-degree murder that brands him as a terrorist. A grinning Mangione appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court, where his attorney raised issues with the New York City Police Department's "staged" perp walk of her client. "He's a young man, and he's being treated like a human ping-pong ball by two warring jurisdictions here," defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued. "They're treating him like a human spectacle." Advertisement Agnifilo questions Mayor Eric Adam's presence at the December 19 perp walk, where dozens of heavily armed police officers and FBI officials waited for Mangione to arrive at a heliport near Wall Street. "What was the New York City mayor doing at this press conference - that is utterly political," the attorney added. "The New York City mayor should know more than anyone the presumption of innocence." Despite her concerns, Judge Gregory Carro assured Agnifilo that Mangione would receive a fair trial, saying, "We will carefully select a jury." Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos Mangione's next court date in state court is scheduled for February 21. Before then, he is expected to appear in federal court on January 18. Timeline of Brian Thompson's murder BRIAN Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death in Manhattan in an execution-like killing. Here is everything we know about Thompson's murder so far. Monday, December 2 - Thompson travels from his home in Minnesota to New York City for an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan. Wednesday, December 4, 6:45 am - Thompson walks from his hotel across the street to the New York Hilton Midtown and is murdered by a masked shooter . The execution was caught on surveillance, and the suspect was seen biking away toward Central Park. Cops spark a citywide search for the assassin. 11:30 am - Cops released disturbing images of the execution, offered a reward for information, and made a desperate plea for New Yorkers to keep their eyes out. 12:00 pm - Thompson's estranged wife Paulette revealed her husband had been threatened before he was shot. 2:45 pm - Cops released more eerie images of the suspect ordering at Starbucks that partially revealed his face. The U.S. Sun confirmed the coffee shop was just two blocks away from the shooting, but it's unclear when he stopped by. December 5, 6 am - Reports claim the words "deny," "dispose," and "defend" were engraved on live rounds and shell casings left behind by the assassin. These words echo the book Delay, Deny, Defend, which is about the failings of the healthcare industry. The author of the book had no comment on the reports. 8 am - Cops raid a hostel in the Upper West Side of New York City where the suspect is said to have stayed. It's believed he wore a mask for most of the time he was there. 11 am - A person of interest in Thompson's murder is pictured . He's wearing a hood in the photo, but his full face could be seen breaking into a beaming grin. Still, no arrests have been made in the investigation. Afternoon - Law enforcement confirms the suspect arrived in New York City on a Greyhound bus on November 24. It's also confirmed that the suspect dropped a burner cell phone near the scene of the shooting. December 6, 3 pm - Police announce they believe the killer has left New York City via interstate bus. They release more surveillance footage that shows him taking a taxi to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. December 9 - Luigi Mangione, 26, is arrested as a "strong person of interest" at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was carrying a three-page manifesto, fake IDs, and a gun similar to the one used in Thompson's murder.A federal judge in San Diego has acquitted two businessmen who were charged with securities fraud, ruling prosecutors failed to come up with convincing evidence against the pair, who were among four men charged with allegedly running an illegal pump-and-dump scheme. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant ruled that on at least one of the charges, “the government’s theories are all over the place,” according to a transcript of a Dec. 2 hearing. “It’s not clear to me who was being defrauded,” Bashant said during the hearing, in which she took the relatively rare step of issuing judgments of acquittal for defendants Jonathan Destler and Robert Lazerus and dismissing all charges against them. The government indicted Destler, Lazerus, Donald Danks and David Stephens in 2022. The indictment alleged that the men engaged in a market manipulation scheme to artificially inflate the stock price of the publicly traded Canadian firm Loop Industries, then fraudulently profited from the sale of that stock. Attorneys for Destler, Lazerus and Danks had asked for the dismissals under a federal rule of evidence that allows a judge to dismiss charges when the judge finds, after the prosecution presents its case to a jury, that “the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction.” A jury earlier this year hung 8-4 in favor of acquittal following a trial for Destler, a 61-year-old Los Angeles resident; Lazerus, a 68-year-old Solana Beach resident; and Danks, a 67-year-old Newport Beach resident. Stephens, a 68-year-old Canadian and the lead defendant in the case, has remained in Canada while prosecutors try to extradite him, according to a government trial brief. After the jury deadlocked, prosecutors maintained their stance that the evidence was strong and objected to the defendants’ motions to dismiss the case. During the Dec. 2 hearing to address the dismissal requests, Bashant said there was “a lot of smoke swirling around in the case. There are transactions that suggest something nefarious was going on.” But she went on to state that the question she had to answer was not whether there were head-scratching transactions, but whether a rational juror could find the defendants guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. “Significantly, the government, I think, failed to prove that any actions (Destler) took were for the wrongful purpose of defrauding or deceiving anyone,” Bashant ruled. “I just think the evidence is insufficient.” She ruled the evidence against Lazerus was also insufficient. As to Danks, she ruled “the evidence was pretty strong against him” and denied his motion to dismiss, ruling that a rational juror could find him guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego declined to comment on the dismissals or to answer questions about whether it plans to re-try Danks or continue the extradition process for Stephens. “Mr. Destler maintained his innocence since Day One,” Andrew Young, one of Destler’s defense attorneys and a former prosecutor, said this week. “He volunteered to go in (and speak with federal authorities) without protection and answered every question. He testified on his own behalf at trial. He is thankful for the court’s dismissal order and grateful that this ordeal is over with.” Martha Hall, one of Lazerus’s attorneys, said her client was “extremely relieved and grateful,” pointing out that it’s been about five years since the FBI began investigating the case in late 2019. “It has been a long and difficult journey for Mr. Lazerus,” Hall said last week. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego alleged that Loop Industries, a company that claims it can recycle previously un-recyclable plastics, was rotten from the start. Prosecutors alleged that several of the defendants illegally conspired with others to start the company through a reverse merger, in which a private company goes public by purchasing control of a public company rather than raising money through an initial public offering. But Bashant ruled during the hearing earlier this month that “nothing about this reverse merger ... was illegal.” She said that even if the defendants “mapped out in advance and they planned out in advance how they were going to keep tight control (of Loop’s stocks), I just don’t see how any of that is illegal.” During an earlier hearing in October, Bashant said prosecutors were “trying to make this a big scheme. And I think they just don’t have the evidence.” She said some facts and evidence appeared to be “fishy” and “look suspicious.” But, she continued, “I’m not sure that (the prosecution is) able to tie it all into a big scheme.” Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Addicts trafficked cross country to California by ‘army of fraudsters,’ new lawsuit alleges Crime and Public Safety | Former Apple employees charged with defrauding charity program Crime and Public Safety | FBI offers 25 tips to foil cyber crooks this holiday season Crime and Public Safety | 3 Bay Area real estate professionals sentenced to prison in $55 million fraud scheme Crime and Public Safety | Woman arrested in $70,000 Taylor Swift ticket scam The government also alleged that Stephens, Destler and Danks held tight control over the majority of the company’s stocks. “They set about to steadily manipulate the stock price to increase its value, with the goal of getting it uplisted to the NASDAQ — a goal they achieved in November 2017,” prosecutors wrote in a trial brief. “The defendants did this to monetize their holdings in LOOP without ever revealing to the public ... or to their own brokerage firms ... that they controlled virtually all of LOOP’s stock and worked in concert with each other to carefully coordinate its sale.” And the government alleged that Destler and Lazerus even admitted to committing illegal acts to an undercover FBI agent. But the attorneys for them and Danks argued the government’s allegations were baseless. “As was demonstrated at trial, the government simply cannot prove that Mr. Destler conspired ... or acted independently ... to commit securities fraud because it does not have the evidence and woefully lacks a cogent theory,” Young, the defense attorney for Destler, wrote in a motion for acquittal. “There is no seven-year grand conspiracy here. Without that conspiracy, the government’s true ‘case’ is laid bare: it is nothing more than a series of unrelated events over a seven-year period from which the government has cherry-picked isolated facts, removed their context, and woven them together to present a false narrative.” While it remains unclear if or when Stephens will be extradited, Bashant set a new trial date for Danks in June.MIAMI — The sense of dread proved all too real Tuesday, with the Miami Heat announcing that guard Dru Smith sustained a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon in Monday night’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Having recently emerged as a prime rotation component in his comeback from his season-ending knee injury a year ago, Smith was helped off the court with 8:18 left in Monday night’s second quarter, a collective shudder enveloping Kaseya Center. For his coach and teammates, this was more than a player on a two-way contract going down. It was seeing it happen again. Last November, Smith shredded his right knee on a misstep off a ledge on the Cleveland Cavaliers court. Then came Monday, with Smith still wearing a protective brace on his right knee. “You don’t want to see anybody get hurt,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “But we all have such incredible deep respect for his journey, what he’s had to overcome. I’ve been in the building all those times the last year, when nobody else was here and he was doing all the extensive treatment and rehab around the clock. He just has incredible fortitude. So you end up absolutely rooting for guys like Dru.” The non-contact injury came with the Heat facing a Sunday deadline to sign another player to a standard contract, required to get back to 14 under standard deals within 14 days of the recent trade of center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers. That spot was expected to go to Smith, which still could be the case. Such an elevation would more than double Smith’s salary from his two-way deal. The loss of Smith further exacerbates the Heat’s lack of depth at point guard. Among outside options are elevating undrafted rookie guard Isaiah Stevens from the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, or outside available free agents such as Dennis Smith Jr. or Elfrid Payton. For now, according to a source, the Heat later this week will upgrade two-way forward Keshad Johnson to a standard contract and then add another two-way player, likely Stevens. As of now, it appears Dru Smith will remain under Heat two-way contract. Johnson eventually could be flipped back to a Heat two-way deal. But personnel machinations hardly were on the mind in the wake of Smith, who turns 27 on Dec. 30, going down. “All we can do is pray for him,” center Bam Adebayo said. “But it’s definitely a gut punch because he’s sitting next to me on the plane and we have conversations a lot. We really talk about basketball and really reflect on just how grateful we are to have the life that we live. “So to have a guy that’s that pure have an injury, we pray for him and hope the best for him.” Since going undrafted out of Missouri in 2021, Smith has had several stints with the Heat and the team’s G League affiliate, including a season-ending knee injury in 2022 while with the Skyforce. Through it all, he earned this season’s two-way deal and persevered to a degree that teammate Jimmy Butler lobbied for Smith’s elevation into the first unit. Recently, Smith arguably had been at the top of his NBA game. And then came Monday night. “I feel like it’s been the last week and a half, two weeks, he’s really been playing well,” guard Tyler Herro said. “But all the work he put in to come back from the knee injury last year and where he was at before tonight, it’s just really unfortunate to see him go down. “He’s one of my favorite teammates, one of my favorite players to play with. So it’s really heartbreaking. So it’s unfortunate.” ©2024 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Yellowstone fan Jennifer Lopez enjoys drink with Kevin Costner in Aspen

StarV Launches Indiegogo Campaign for Cutting-Edge AR Glasses: Air1- MYVU and View 11-22-2024 10:36 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: LianPR November 22, 2024 - StarV, a leader in wearable augmented reality (AR) innovation, has officially launched its highly anticipated Indiegogo campaign for two breakthrough AR smart glasses:StarV Air1 - MYVU [ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-air-myvu-ar-smart-glasses--2#/ ] and StarV View [ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-view-ar-glasses-portable-entertainment-hub#/ ] We also officially launched sales on StarV website [ https://flyme.global/products/ar-smart-glasses-starv-air-myvu-1]and opening pre-orders to global users through both channels. These models redefine usability, accessibility, and entertainment, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Key Features of StarV MYVU [ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-air-myvu-ar-smart-glasses--2#/ ] * Ultra-Light Design: Weighing just 43g, MYVU is the world's lightest AR glasses, designed for all-day comfort. * Real-Time Translation: Powered by Microsoft, it supports 13 languages, making it an essential tool for travel and communication. * Accessibility for All: Includes speech-to-text functionality, making it a valuable device for individuals with hearing impairments. * Hands-Free Connectivity: Bluetooth-enabled for music, calls, and seamless multitasking. Photos: StarV Air1- MYVU Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/1f07560a93f7063a27630a380535e7a3.jpg Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/27bf4cf4513d656b8f3d50678a38b694.jpg Key Features of StarV View * Immersive Entertainment: Offers a 188-inch virtual screen with Dolby sound for movies and gaming anywhere. * Adjustable Focus: Supports 0-600 degrees myopia, ensuring an optimal experience for users with varying vision needs. * Portable Cinema: Designed for users seeking on-the-go entertainment without sacrificing comfort or quality. StarV View:Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/25df4df2acce8f276b1c81802061b8b4.jpg Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/934f90c53a826b3750dc49c37be4ee0d.jpg StarV's Commitment to "Technology for Good" StarV integrates accessibility and inclusivity into its products. From aiding communication with real-time translation to assisting individuals with hearing challenges, these AR glasses embody the brand's mission to make cutting-edge technology accessible to all. Also, Early-Bird Crowdfunding Pricing As part of the Indiegogo launch, StarV offers exclusive early-bird prices: * MYVU [ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-air-myvu-ar-smart-glasses--2#/]: $299 * View: $349 Readers can enjoy an exclusive $20 discount on StarV Website by using the code: StarVUP20, which can be applied on top of the early-bird price. Both models are now available for pre-order at the following links: * StarV MYVU Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-air-myvu-ar-smart-glasses--2#/ Official Web: https://flyme.global/products/ar-smart-glasses-starv-air-myvu-1 * StarV View Indiegogo https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starv-view-ar-glasses-portable-entertainment-hub#/ Official Web https://flyme.global/products/ar-smart-glasses-starv-view-1 Awards and Recognition StarV has earned accolades for its innovation, including [list relevant awards if applicable, further cementing its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in AR technology. Our StarV Air1-MYVU series has been honored with the prestigious iF Design Award and the G-Mark Best Design Award, recognizing its excellence in innovation and design. Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567095793998 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starv_global/ About StarV StarV is a pioneering AR technology company dedicated to creating accessible, practical, and socially responsible wearable devices. Its products aim to enhance user experiences across entertainment, communication, and professional applications. DreamSmart AI Ecology Conference was held in Beijing in 2024, released a series of new products, including Meizu Lucky 08 AI phone, AR smart glasses StarV View, StarV Air2, smart ring StarV Ring2 and Z10 STARBUFF jointly developed by Meizu and Lynk & Co. For more information, visit our website or contact us. Media Contact Iris Zou: Irisz@iadlink.com Elisa: xinxin.tong@dreamsmart.com Media Contact Company Name: DreamSmart Contact Person: Iris Zou Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=starv-launches-indiegogo-campaign-for-cuttingedge-ar-glasses-air1-myvu-and-view ] Country: United States Website: https://flyme.global/pages/starv-air This release was published on openPR.Disturbing allegations reveal that a public high school teacher in Queens developed a spooky "escape room" which he allegedly used to sexually molest a female student. Investigators said that when his wife and two children were away, Scott Biski, a music teacher at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School, encouraged the girl to have intercourse at his house, which he called "the bat cave." According to the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools, Biski, 50, started "grooming" the student when she was 14 years old, a sophomore, and it ended when she was a senior in "a sexual relationship." “I now understand that these weird hugs, embraces were actually just groping,” the ex-student, now 25-year-old, told investigators. “He was touching me for sexual pleasure without my consent.” Biski set up "old desks and makeshift dividers" in his office and music classroom, allowing students to hang out in his "escape room." According to the New York Post, the allegations also stated that Biski tried to kiss the student there after touching her breasts, but the girl pulled away and "promptly" left. He would also ask the girl to play board games with other children at his house. According to the report, she once showed up to discover that she was the only student there. Biski allegedly lavished the girl with expensive presents, including his favorite childhood book, a flute that was only meant to be loaned to students, new clothes, and money, including $200 for Ugg boots. He texted the teenager around 700 times, including 82 times when they were in school, according to the SCI.The girl informed authorities that Biski instructed her to store his number under a false name, "Arthur Dent," "so as not to arouse suspicion." A different student informed SCI that he thought the alias was that of "Harvey Dent," a villain from Batman whose alter persona was "Two-Face." According to court records and the SCI investigation, Biski made the student touch his erection while groping and kissing her in his school office and telling her, "That's how you make me feel." In addition to giving the girl coveted solos and "outstanding" college reference letters, Biski assigned her to play lead flute in the school band, according to the student.She claimed that he engaged in these activities as a component of his grooming routine. She informed police that after she graduated, Biski would reportedly "pester" her into visiting his home to have sex when his wife and two children were away.The twisted texts kepts also continued. “No Halloween celebration?,” She was in her first year of college when he texted her, "No slut outfit?" “No ‘I’m little red riding hood the whore.'” In another instance he texted, “I have risked everything for you. My job. My home. My kids. Everything.” The student informed detectives that she viewed Biski as a "father figure" and was "disgusted" by his actions. However, the student claimed that the sexual contact was consensual and that it happened after she turned 17, therefore the NYPD closed a criminal case against Biski. The SCI accused the teacher of engaging in "egregious, manipulative, and predatory" behavior.Biski was fired by the city Department of Education after the student came forward in June 2022, but according to documents, he continued to get $99,578 in fiscal year 2024 while working for the city until last year. A DOE spokesperson stated that he has "irrevocably resigned."SCI not only suggested that Biski be fired, but it also urged DOE to change school policies about teachers texting children using private phone numbers. The SCI has advised DOE to prohibit staff from reaching students on social media and on their cell phones. It has discovered at least 89 instances in the last five years of DOE staff members engaging in inappropriate text and online discussions with pupils. The 25-year-old former pupil sued Biski last year, accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. Biski sued the DOE in June after it refused to give him legal counsel.

DELAND, Fla. (AP) — Jayden Brewer had 20 points in Florida International's 81-72 victory against Stetson on Saturday night. Brewer had five rebounds for the Panthers (4-6). Asim Jones scored 12 points while shooting 2 of 5 from the field and 8 for 10 from the line. Vianney Salatchoum shot 5 of 8 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 11 points, while adding six rebounds. Jordan Wood led the Hatters (1-9) in scoring, finishing with 25 points and three blocks. Josh Massey added 13 points and six rebounds for Stetson. Mehki had 13 points and two steals. The loss is the ninth straight for the Hatters. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Experts said the dialogue between Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Monday underscores the vast potential for more China-United Kingdom collaboration. This was the first face-to-face meeting since Starmer took office as prime minister in July. In recent months, China and the UK have seen good momentum in exchanges at various levels, as senior officials from the two countries, including ministers, have held talks covering areas such as foreign policy, the economy, finance, and energy. Observers said the meeting in Rio de Janeiro signals a promising trajectory, where those taking part in China-UK exchanges expect these discussions to translate into concrete actions, fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement for both nations. Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group and CEO of London Export Corporation, said both nations, recognized for their technological innovation and forward-thinking strategies, have a unique opportunity to drive high-quality development initiatives. “Historically, partnerships in sectors like finance and education have yielded mutual benefits. This renewed engagement can pave the way for deeper cooperation in emerging fields such as green energy and digital innovation,” he said. “President Xi’s emphasis on high-standard opening-up and extending zero-tariff treatment to least developed countries aligns with the UK’s commitment to free trade and economic inclusivity,” Perry said, adding the UK’s move not to impose tariffs on the Chinese EV industry and not follow the EU approach shows that “the UK is doing what is best for its people and businesses”. Perry said there will be broad cooperation space where the UK could participate in China’s eight actions to support global development, including pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. “The Belt and Road Initiative is evolving into a more mature and sustainable framework, with its emphasis on a green and digital Silk Road. This signals China’s understanding of global economic shifts and its desire to move from quantity to quality. For the UK side, this represents an opportunity to integrate our world-class financial expertise and green technology solutions into this ambitious network. Projects like these could set benchmarks for multilateral cooperation and elevate global infrastructure standards,” he added. H-J Colston-Inge, the co-founder of the Chopsticks Club, a British network for China-related professionals, and a director of the educational charity Engage with China, said she is encouraged that the two leaders have created a space to meet. “In my opinion, China and Britain — and the West more broadly — need engagement not only for the common good, but also for cultural enrichment, the development of knowledge and to encourage vital collaboration on climate change.... I hope that these high-level summit talks will be more than a backdoor to shifting the geopolitical climate but an open door to a new chapter of more positive bilateral relations,” she said. Engage with China works in UK schools to build a greater understanding of China among young people to enable school children to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Increasing trade and boosting communications are “in all of our interests and may just help to stimulate thinking around what economic growth of the future might look like in a world with finite resources”, she said. In an interview with CGTN Europe aired on Tuesday, Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese Studies and director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College, London, said he thinks the current British government is clear-sighted, and puts the economy as its priority. “It knows its priority is trying to do something about Britain’s productivity issues. As the world’s second-biggest economy, China must play a role in that. Either we say, yes, we want China to play a role or we say, no, we’ll be able to deal with our economic problems ourselves,” he said. “Either way, you have to make a decision, and this government has made a pragmatic decision. ... I think it’s the only decision really that makes sense. And I hope that it is able to develop a rational, consistent approach to China that balances problems with opportunities.” Source: China DailyAll Wright scores 26 and Valparaiso earns 93-77 win over Central MichiganProminent Northern leaders have expressed sharp opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement that the controversial tax reform bills will not be reversed. Critics, including senators, the Northern Elders’ Forum, and the League of Northern Democrats, have condemned the decision as unilateral and insufficiently consultative. Senator Mohammed Onawo stressed the importance of legislative independence and stakeholder input in shaping tax reforms. He urged lawmakers to revisit and amend contentious provisions in the bills, emphasizing, “Legislators must identify contentious areas and amend sections that do not reflect public opinion or benefit the general populace.” Similarly, the Northern Elders’ Forum warned against bypassing democratic processes, suggesting that such an approach could erode trust in governance. READ ALSO: Tax Reform Bills: Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed knocks Tinubu Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum’s spokesperson, stated, “By preemptively declaring the bills’ passage, the President risks alienating lawmakers and creating unnecessary political friction.” The League of Northern Democrats voiced particular concern over specific provisions in the tax reforms, such as the inheritance tax, which they argue conflicts with religious beliefs. Umar Sani, a representative of the group, called for greater flexibility, urging the administration to review these provisions to ensure they align with cultural and religious sensitivities. Northern leaders have warned that the President’s firm stance on the tax reforms could exacerbate tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government. They stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to policy making to prevent political alienation and maintain national cohesion. The growing criticism underscores the necessity for President Tinubu’s administration to engage in more robust consultations with stakeholders across the country. As debates over the tax reforms continue, all eyes will be on the administration’s next steps in addressing the concerns of its critics while advancing its policy agenda.

The CEO of Huawei Nigeria, a global technology leader, Chris Lu has said that his company is investing in local cloud as it launched the first Nigeria Local Cloud in Lagos. The company made a significant stride in Nigeria’s digital landscape by unveiling the country’s inaugural hyperscale local cloud. Huawei is the first international cloud provider to offer such advanced services within Nigeria. Powered by Tier 3+ data centers, the new local cloud delivers ultra-fast services with mere 15-millisecond latency. By ensuring that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria’s borders, Lu said the cloud will directly benefit local businesses, particularly fintech companies that must adhere to stringent data protection regulations. During the launch event, themed, “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” held in Lagos, the Huawei Nigeria CEO emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He highlighted the benefits of storing data within the country, citing improved security, performance, and compliance with local regulations. The CEO emphasised the challenges associated with traditional cloud solutions, where data is often stored in remote locations like Ireland. This can lead to potential security risks, latency issues, and compliance hurdles. “While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, data security remains a concern. Many major cloud providers store data in locations outside of Nigeria, raising concerns about data privacy and outages due to geographical distance. “To address these concerns, Huawei has invested in a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. By doing so, the company aims to empower Nigerian businesses to leverage advanced cloud technology while ensuring their data remains within the country’s borders. “Here at Huawei, we understand the importance of data security and digital sovereignty. That’s why we’ve chosen to build a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. We’re not alone in this approach – other providers are building local clouds in Kenya and South Africa. “Our decision to invest in a Nigerian cloud goes beyond just market potential. We believe in working with local partners to develop applications and digital services that cater to Nigerian businesses and consumers.” The CEO further explained that a local cloud offers significant performance advantages. Reduced latency, resulting from storing and processing data locally, can lead to faster response times and a smoother user experience. “Having your data stored in Nigeria provides peace of mind. Your data remains within the country, adhering to local regulations and enhancing data security. Additionally, a local cloud offers significantly lower latency compared to data centers located thousands of kilometers away. This translates to better performance and a seamless user experience for your customers.” The Vice President of Huawei Cloud Sub-Saharan Africa, Roc Bai, introduced Huawei Cloud’s latest technologies, including Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5, cloud-native databases, and large AI models. He underscored the significance of local cloud architecture for digital transformation, stating, “Enterprises need innovative solutions to address the challenges of industry transformation.” The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat praised the initiative as a transformative achievement for Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role of cloud technology in driving economic growth, innovation, and national security. The deputy governor emphasised the need to prioritize data security and privacy by storing data within the country. By leveraging local cloud solutions, Nigeria can reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and mitigate potential security risks. “As we embark on this digital revolution, it is imperative to prioritise data sovereignty and cybersecurity. By leveraging local cloud solutions, we can ensure that our data remains within our borders, safeguarding our digital assets and promoting national security.” Additionally, he called on technology companies to invest in local infrastructure and collaborate with Nigerian businesses to develop innovative solutions that address local needs. “Nigeria’s strategic location, coupled with a rapidly growing digital economy, makes it an attractive destination for cloud infrastructure investment. We encourage global technology companies to partner with Nigerian businesses and institutions to develop innovative solutions that address local needs,” he said. Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) emphasised the need for a strategic approach to cloud computing in Nigeria.The Dish: Terra Mediterranean returns to Artisan Circle and Argentinian food arrives in Euless

Japan Nov inflation likely accelerated, exports up on weak yen

NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global online gambling market size is estimated to grow by USD 181.47 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 11.96% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview 1.1 Desktop 1.2 Mobile 2.1 Lottery 2.2 Betting 2.3 Casino 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The desktop segment holds a substantial share in the global online gambling market, providing a convenient platform for users to enjoy various forms of betting and gaming. Desktop devices, including personal computers and laptops, offer advanced capabilities and expansive interfaces for accessing virtual casinos , sports betting platforms, poker rooms, and other online gambling services. Notable online casinos like 888 Casino and Betway provide feature-rich desktop platforms with a diverse range of games, such as slots, roulette, and blackjack, along with live dealer options. Desktop devices' enhanced processing capabilities are crucial for high-stakes activities like live sports betting , where real-time data and video feeds are essential for informed decisions. The desktop segment caters to users seeking a comprehensive gambling experience, offering expansive lobbies, advanced graphics, and interactive interfaces. Desktop-specific promotions and loyalty programs incentivize continued engagement from users, providing exclusive bonuses, specialized tournaments, and targeted rewards based on desktop-specific gameplay metrics. These advantages position the desktop segment for growth in the global online gambling market. Analyst Review The online gambling market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with many consumers turning to the convenience and accessibility of playing casino games, slots, and poker from the comfort of their own homes. In countries like Great Britain , the popularity of online gambling continues to rise. The market includes various platforms offering various games, such as OpenSports for sports betting and Betway for casino and poker. Virtual Reality (VR) technology is also making waves in the industry, with companies like Bet365 and Entain PLC experimenting with gaming experiences. Payment options like Neteller have simplified transactions, while sponsorships with organizations like the Argentine Football Association and FIFA World Cup add credibility. Films have also played a role in popularizing online gambling , showcasing the excitement and potential winnings. Regardless, responsible gambling practices are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all players. Market Overview Online gambling has seen significant growth in recent years, with land-based casinos facing increasing competition from the digital world. Casino gambling , including slots, poker, and sports betting , has become more accessible than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology. Great Britain is a major market for online gambling , with companies like Kindred, GAME, and Betway leading the charge. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and user experience are key focus areas, ensuring convenient payment options and personalized experiences for players. Virtual and augmented reality are also transforming the industry, with Bet365 and Flutter Entertainment PLC at the forefront. However, concerns around mental health, pathological gambling , and chronic stress remain, with sponsorships and gambling bans a contentious issue. Blockchain and online payment solutions like Neteller are revolutionizing transactions, while product innovations from Betsson AB, Gaming Realms, and others continue to push the boundaries. The FIFA World Cup, European Championships, and major sports leagues like the Argentine Football Association and SA20 are popular betting events, while films and television programs add to the entertainment value. Mobile gambling , fueled by smartphones, is a growing trend, with Iowa's Casino Queen Marquette and other land-based casinos exploring digital opportunities. Internet technology and digital gambling continue to attract internet users in their millions, making it an exciting and dynamic industry to watch. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

How On Trend Is Your Christmas?Drone sightings, arrests, lead Massachusetts lawmaker to refile proposed regulations2 Oregon men die from exposure in a forest after they went out to look for Sasquatch

WASHINGTON: Aligning with billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk in a contentious debate, President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday expressed his support for the H-1B visa programme, that allows the entry of highly skilled foreign workers into the United States. "I’ve always liked the (H1-B) visas, I have always been in favour of the visas, that’s why we have them" at Trump-owned facilities, the president-elect told the New York Post in his first public comments on the matter since it flared up this week. An angry back-and-forth, largely between Silicon Valley’s Musk and traditional anti-immigration Trump backers, has erupted in fiery fashion, with Musk even vowing to "go to war" over the issue. Trump’s insistent calls for sharp curbs on immigration were central to his election victory in November over President Joe Biden. He has vowed to deport all undocumented immigrants and limit legal immigration. But tech entrepreneurs like Tesla’s Musk -- as well as Vivek Ramaswamy, who with Musk is to co-chair a government cost-cutting panel under Trump -- say the United States produces too few highly skilled graduates, and they fervently champion the H1-B program. Musk, who himself migrated from South Africa on an H1-B, posted Thursday on his X platform that luring elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Adding acrimony to the debate was a post from Ramaswamy, the son of immigrants from India, who deplored an "American culture" that he said venerates mediocrity, adding that the United States risks having "our asses handed to us by China." That angered several prominent conservatives who were backing Trump long before Musk noisily joined their cause this year, going on to pump more than $250 million into the Republican’s campaign. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said Laura Loomer, a far-right MAGA figure known for her conspiracy theories, who often flew with Trump on his campaign plane. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." She and others said Trump should be promoting American workers and further limiting immigration. Musk, who had already infuriated some Republicans after leading an online campaign that helped tank a bipartisan budget deal last week, fired back at his critics. Posting on X, the social media site he owns, he warned of a "MAGA civil war." Musk bluntly swore at one critic, adding that "I will go to war on this issue." That, in turn, drew a volley from Trump strategist Steve Bannon, who wrote on the Gettr platform that the H1-B program brings in migrants who are essentially "indentured servants" working for less than American citizens would. In a striking jab at Trump’s close friend Musk, Bannon called the Tesla CEO a "toddler." Some of Trump’s original backers say they fear he is falling under the sway of big donors from the tech world like Musk and drifting away from his campaign promises. It was not immediately clear whether Trump’s remarks might soothe the intraparty strife, which has exposed just how contentious changing the immigration system might be once he takes office in January.

DELAND, Fla. (AP) — Jayden Brewer had 20 points in Florida International's 81-72 victory against Stetson on Saturday night. Brewer had five rebounds for the Panthers (4-6). Asim Jones scored 12 points while shooting 2 of 5 from the field and 8 for 10 from the line. Vianney Salatchoum shot 5 of 8 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line to finish with 11 points, while adding six rebounds. Jordan Wood led the Hatters (1-9) in scoring, finishing with 25 points and three blocks. Josh Massey added 13 points and six rebounds for Stetson. Mehki had 13 points and two steals. The loss is the ninth straight for the Hatters. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Set devices up for automatic updates Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Freeing up storage space Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. What's my password? According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. Educate your loved ones about the latest scams As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. How fast is their WiFi? Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australia's betting boom fuels market growth Tabcorp, Sportsbet dominate but consolidation looms Asset manager Tamim tips Bluebet and Pointsbet to perform well The Melbourne Cup earlier this month showcased Australia's love for betting, with more than $221 million wagered on the event. The Australian gambling market is part of a $1.2 trillion global industry, with Aussies spending $25 billion annually. “Australia has some of the highest per capita gambling losses globally,” said a note out of Tamim Asset Management, highlighting the sector’s continued growth despite strict regulations. Sports betting, in particular, has grown significantly, with around $1 billion spent annually, even within the tightly regulated market. Digital platforms, mobile apps and technology like data analytics and AI are shaping the future of gambling, according to Tamim, with in-play and mobile betting especially popular among younger Australians. The sector is also seeing growth in esports, fantasy sports, and blockchain-based betting. However, the industry faces challenges such as margin compression, rising regulatory costs and increased competition. “Operators are adopting more efficient technology and focusing on customer retention,” Tamim explained. Larger companies, like Tabcorp and Sportsbet, dominate the market, but consolidation could create opportunities for investors. “Consolidation often leads to a more stable industry, where larger players have the scale to navigate regulatory challenges,” Tamim added. Tamin's two stock picks Tamim has been closely analysing the Australian betting sector and has identified two smaller-capped stocks that show strong potential for growth in the evolving market. Specifically, the asset manager has recommended Bluebet and PointsBet, noting they are well-positioned to benefit the most from the growth of sports betting and online platforms in Australia. Bluebet (ASX:BBT) BlueBet Holdings, a technology-driven online wagering operator, has seen significant growth following its merger with Betr. "The merger with Betr has been a key move for BlueBet," said Tamim, highlighting the efficient integration that strengthened its market position. One of the major achievements was migrating Betr's customer base onto BlueBet’s platform within just 59 days, which Tamim said was a "remarkable feat. Following the merger, BlueBet has seen positive financial results, with a 100% increase in net win in September compared to last year. "This momentum continued in October, with turnover and net win up by 120% and 140%, respectively," Tamim noted. A key part of BlueBet's strategy is reactivating Betr's customers with targeted marketing around major sporting events, which has helped the company outperform expectations. BlueBet has also increased its cost synergy target to $16.9 million, positioning the company for future profitability. "With a solid cash position, the company is now focused on delivering profitability in the near term," Tamim said, with full-year EBITDA positivity expected in FY25. Looking ahead, BlueBet aims to capture a 10% market share in Australia, with expectations of $15-20 million in EBITDA for FY26. "The integration of Betr and the resulting cost savings are paving the way for future profitability and organic growth," Tamim concluded. Pointsbet (ASX:PBH) PointsBet, a wagering and iGaming company, has seen significant growth, especially in Australia and Canada. In FY24, Australian revenue grew by 10%, with EBITDA rising to $26.8 million, up from just $0.1 million the previous year. "The company’s Australian operations have been solid, with revenue increases driven by both racing and sports betting," said Tamim, noting this marks the fifth consecutive year of positive EBITDA for its Australian business. In Canada, PointsBet's revenue increased by a massive 87%, with Ontario seeing particularly strong growth after the regulation of online sports betting. "PointsBet’s success in Ontario is setting the stage for further growth as other provinces like Alberta and British Columbia are expected to regulate their markets," Tamim added. Technology, including PointsBet’s "Odds Factory" platform, has been a key factor in this expansion, alongside investments in data science and customer relationship management. Looking ahead, PointsBet expects FY25 revenue to be between $280-$290 million, reflecting growth of 14-18%. PointsBet is also on track to achieve EBITDA profitability and cash flow breakeven in FY25. "The company is on track to generate $60 million in EBITDA in the coming years," Tamim stated. Additionally, media reports suggest PointsBet could be a potential acquisition target, with a merger with BlueBet potentially creating significant synergies and up to $30 million in cost savings. Originally published as Hot Money Monday: As sports-betting market consolidates, BlueBet and PointsBet could be ones to watch More related stories Stockhead Neurotech receives vital ethics approval Stockhead TV’s Sarah Hughan brings you today’s Break it Down, detailing the new human pharmacokinetic study from Neurotech. Read more Stockhead EZZ finds Chinese market a thing of beauty Following key online promotional events, EZZ Life Sciences reports surging Chinese sales of its health and beauty products. Read more