Ringwalk: Main card starts at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT; ring walks for this bout estimated around 7:00-8:00 PM ET on the undercard) Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, USA Broadcast: Netflix (live global stream, included with subscription; undercard bout on Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua “Judgment Day” event) Weight Class: Strawweight/Minimumweight (105 lbs, 10 rounds x 2 minutes) Title on the Line: Valle’s WBC women’s strawweight championship
Costa Rican three-division world champion Yokasta Valle defends her WBC strawweight title against rising American challenger Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos on a blockbuster Netflix undercard. Valle, a veteran with extensive championship experience, faces a younger, hungry contender stepping up for her first world title opportunity. This matchup adds to the women’s boxing showcase on one of 2025’s most anticipated cards, pitting Valle’s technical mastery and resilience against Bustillos’ high-volume pressure and mobility.
Fighter Records
Yokasta Valle (Costa Rica): 33-3-0 (10 KOs, ~30% KO rate)
Yadira Bustillos (USA): 11-1-0 (2 KOs, ~18% KO rate)
Recent Form
Yokasta Valle (Strong momentum; 4 wins in last 5): The 33-year-old has rebuilt impressively, most recently earning a split decision victory over Marlen Esparza in a non-title flyweight bout (March 29, 2025, in Cancun). Valle captured the WBC strawweight belt in November 2024 and has maintained high activity, showcasing sharp timing, combination punching, and championship poise. Signed to Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in 2025, she brings veteran savvy to the ring.
Yadira Bustillos (Active and improving): The 25-year-old from Las Vegas has won recent bouts, including a technical knockout over Tamara Demarco (February 2025). Her lone loss came against unified champion Sarah Bormann (UD in a title challenge). Bustillos relies on technical skill, punch volume, and footwork, building momentum against regional opposition.
Injury Report / Status
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both made weight comfortably: Valle at 104.8 lbs, Bustillos at 104.6 lbs during Wednesday’s weigh-in. Both appeared sharp and focused during fight week media events. Full health expected, with no history of recent pullouts.
Height/Reach: Valle (5’4″ / 163 cm) holds a slight height edge over Bustillos (5’3″ / 160 cm); reach details favor Valle’s longer frame for distance management.
Power vs. Chin: Valle’s higher KO rate and experience against elites contrast Bustillos’ lower finishing power; both durable, with Valle never stopped.
Style Clash: Both orthodox. Valle is a complete boxer with excellent footwork, counters, and ring IQ—excels at mid-range setups and adapting to pressure. Bustillos brings high-volume punching, mobility, and technical aggression, aiming to outwork opponents with steady output. Expect Valle to control range early with jabs; Bustillos to push pace and seek inside exchanges.
Experience Edge: Valle’s three-division title reigns and higher-level opposition dominate; this is Bustillos’ second 10-rounder and first major title shot.
X-Factor: Valle’s big-stage pedigree (including MVP backing) vs. Bustillos’ youth and hunger; Miami crowd may lean toward the underdog’s energy.
This is their first meeting—no prior fight history.
Betting Trends
Value emerging on Over rounds and Valle by decision, given Bustillos’ durability (rarely stopped) and low KO threat, plus Valle’s recent points wins. Public parlays feature Valle ML heavily with other title defenses and main event leans; analogs to champion vs. prospect defenses favor experienced favorites going distance. Light underdog money on Bustillos for potential frustration, but low upset cash rate against Valle’s caliber.
FIGHT ODDS
Yokasta Valle – 1800
Yadira Bustillos + 800
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
Ringwalk: Prelims start at 4:45 PM ET; ring walks for this bout estimated around 6:00-7:00 PM ET as prelims headliner) Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, USA Broadcast: Netflix (live global stream, included with subscription; prelims headliner on Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua “Judgment Day” card) Weight Class: Bantamweight (118 lbs, 10 rounds x 2 minutes) Titles on the Line: Johnson’s undisputed bantamweight championships (IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring)
Australia’s “Sugar Neekz” Cherneka Johnson makes her first defense of the undisputed bantamweight crown against undefeated Canadian contender Amanda “Bambola” Galle. Signed to Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Johnson aims to solidify her status as one of women’s boxing’s top stars on a massive Netflix platform. Galle, a former IBO champion with strong amateur credentials, seeks to dethrone the favorite and claim her first major belts in this step-up opportunity.
Fighter Records
Cherneka Johnson (Australia/New Zealand): 18-2-0 (8 KOs, ~44% KO rate)
Amanda Galle (Canada): 12-0-1 (1 KO, ~8% KO rate)
Recent Form
Cherneka Johnson (3-fight win streak): The 30-year-old became undisputed in July 2025 with a dominant 9th-round TKO over Shurretta Metcalf at Madison Square Garden, unifying the belts on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III undercard. Prior, she captured the WBA title and stopped Nina Hughes in a rematch. Johnson has shown improved power at bantamweight, sharp combinations, and ring generalship.
Amanda Galle (Undefeated; active in 2025): The 36-year-old has stayed busy, posting wins including decisions over Lorena Yenesina Cruz Aispuro, Niorkis Carreno (twice), and Alondra Hernandez Mendoza. Galle relies on aggressive pressure, physical strength, and volume but has gone the distance in most pro fights.
Injury Report / Status
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both made weight successfully: Johnson at 117 lbs, Galle at 117.4 lbs (after initial minor overage). Johnson generated buzz with her weigh-in attire but appeared focused and healthy. Galle looked composed during fight week. Full strength expected.
Height/Reach: Johnson (5’5″, 64.5″ reach) holds slight edges over Galle (5’3″, reach unavailable but shorter frame).
Power vs. Chin: Johnson’s 44% KO rate and recent finishes contrast Galle’s low 8% finishing power; Galle durable but rarely stops opponents.
Style Clash: Both orthodox. Johnson is a versatile boxer-puncher with footwork, stiff jabs, and combination setups—excels at controlling distance and accumulating damage. Galle is an aggressive forward-mover who applies pressure, targets the body, and seeks rough inside work. Expect Johnson to box early and use angles; Galle to push forward and force exchanges.
Experience Edge: Johnson has faced higher-level opposition (world titles, unifications); Galle steps up significantly but brings amateur pedigree (multiple national/Ringside titles).
X-Factor: Johnson’s MVP promotion and big-stage experience vs. Galle’s hunger at 36 for a final title push.
This is their first meeting—no prior fight history.
Betting Odds (as of December 18, 2025)
Moneyline: Johnson -770 to -1000 (heavy favorite); Galle +450 to +600.
Betting Trends
Sharps and value hunters leaning Johnson by decision and Over rounds, citing Galle’s durability (few stoppages against her) and low KO threat. Public heavily parlays Johnson ML with main event and other women’s title fights; analogs favor experienced champions in similar defenses. Underdog trends: Galle +450+ spots see light action for potential frustration, but low cash rate against elites.
FIGHT ODDS
Cherneka Johnson – 1500
Amanda Galle + 750
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
Ringwalk: Main card starts at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT; ring walks for this opening main card bout estimated around 8:15-8:30 PM ET) Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, USA Broadcast: Netflix (live global stream, included with subscription; opening fight on main card of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua event) Weight Class: Super Featherweight (130 lbs, 6 rounds)
Undefeated American Olympic standout Jahmal “Hard Rock” Harvey makes his second professional appearance against fellow unbeaten Colombian prospect Kevin “El Chino” Cervantes in a high-profile opener to the main card. Signed to Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Harvey looks to build on his explosive pro debut with another statement win on the global Netflix stage. Cervantes, a relentless pressure fighter with a perfect knockout record, aims to spoil the party and score a career-defining upset in this clash of rising talents.
Fighter Records
Jahmal Harvey (USA): 1-0-0 (1 KO, 100% KO rate)
Kevin Cervantes (Colombia/USA-based): 5-0-0 (5 KOs, 100% KO rate)
Recent Form
Jahmal Harvey (Debut win): The 23-year-old former 2021 Amateur World Champion and 2024 Paris Olympian (quarterfinalist) turned pro in August 2025 with a dominant first-round stoppage over Marcelo Del Aguila. Harvey showcased fluid combinations, sharp counters, and finishing power in a showcase performance, living up to his billing as one of America’s top prospects.
Kevin Cervantes (Active with finishes): The 25-year-old returned from a two-year hiatus with a first-round TKO over Juan Armando Obregon Landeros in September 2025, maintaining his perfect stoppage streak. Cervantes has built his record with aggressive, high-volume performances, channeling energy into early finishes against regional opposition.
Injury Report / Status
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both made weight successfully: Harvey at 129.6 lbs, Cervantes initially at 130.6 lbs but cut down to 130 lbs without issue. Full health and readiness confirmed during fight week; both appeared sharp in open workouts and media sessions.
Height/Reach: Limited detailed data available, but Harvey (around 5’8″) and Cervantes (5’6″) are compact; Harvey’s amateur pedigree suggests better range control.
Power vs. Chin: Both boast 100% KO rates—Harvey with explosive, technical finishing; Cervantes with relentless pressure and volume.
Style Clash: Both orthodox. Harvey is a versatile switch-hitter with elite amateur fundamentals: fluid movement, sharp counters, and combination punching—excels at mid-range and adapting stances. Cervantes is a high-pressure brawler idolizing Roberto Durán, known for forward aggression, body work, and non-stop volume to break opponents. Expect Harvey to box and counter early, using footwork to frustrate; Cervantes to close distance and turn it into a dogfight inside.
Experience Edge: Cervantes has more pro rounds and fights; Harvey’s extensive amateur background (including world gold and Olympics) provides superior technical polish.
X-Factor: Massive stage exposure—Harvey backed by MVP promotion; Cervantes thrives in underdog role with aggressive mindset.
This is their first meeting—no prior fight history.
Betting Trends
Extreme public and sharp money on Harvey moneyline (95%+ handle), reflecting his promotional push, amateur pedigree, and debut impression—lines have steamed heavier from -2000 openers. Value emerging on Over rounds as Cervantes’ pressure could extend if he survives early; some sharps on Harvey by decision if it goes longer. Underdog trends: Cervantes-type pressurers occasionally frustrate but rarely upset heavily favored technicians.
FIGHT ODDS
Jahmal Harvey – 3500
Kevin Cervantes + 1800
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
Ringwalk: Main card starts at 8:00 PM ET; ring walks for co-main estimated around 10:00-11:00 PM ET) Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida, USA Broadcast: Netflix (live global stream, co-main event on Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card) Weight Class: Super Featherweight (130 lbs, 12 rounds x 3 minutes – notable for women’s boxing equality push) Titles on the Line: Baumgardner’s WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring super featherweight championships
Unified super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner defends her titles against Canadian challenger Leila Beaudoin in a high-profile co-main event. Baumgardner, a former undisputed queen who vacated the WBC belt in pursuit of 3-minute rounds, faces a durable, technically sound contender stepping up for her first world title shot. This matchup highlights women’s boxing on one of 2025’s biggest cards, with Baumgardner’s power and experience clashing against Beaudoin’s volume and movement.
Fighter Records
Alycia Baumgardner (USA): 16-1-0 (7 KOs, 43.8% KO rate)
Leila Beaudoin (Canada): 13-1-0 (2 KOs, ~15% KO rate)
Recent Form
Alycia Baumgardner (Active and dominant; decisions in last 5 official wins): The 31-year-old has been a top-level fixture, most recently outpointing Jennifer Miranda via unanimous decision (July 2025 at Madison Square Garden). She’s gone the distance in recent bouts but showcased sharp footwork, head movement, and accurate power shots. Baumgardner has faced elite competition, including stoppage wins over Terri Harper and others, and looks sharp in open workouts ahead of this defense.
Leila Beaudoin (On 4-fight win streak): The 29-year-old from Quebec impressed with a sixth-round TKO over Elhem Mekhaled (June 2025), defending her regional title. She’s disciplined with strong amateur roots, relying on movement, jabs, and high volume. Her only loss came early in her pro career; recent wins show growth in finishing ability and ring generalship.
Injury Report / Status
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both appeared in excellent spirits during media workouts and press conferences. Baumgardner weighed in at 129.2 lbs, Beaudoin at 130 lbs—comfortably making weight with no issues. Full health expected; Baumgardner has maintained consistent activity without major setbacks recently.
Height/Reach: Baumgardner (5’6″, 66″ reach) edges Beaudoin (5’4-5’5″, shorter reach), aiding distance control and overhand rights.
Power vs. Chin: Baumgardner’s superior power (7 KOs, emphatic stoppages in past) vs. Beaudoin’s durability (rarely hurt, goes distance often).
Style Clash: Both orthodox. Baumgardner is a boxer-puncher with lateral movement, sharp jab, and devastating right hand—excels at mid-range counters and setting traps. Beaudoin is a high-volume mover who pressures intelligently, digs body shots, and uses steady jabs/hooks to outwork opponents. Expect Baumgardner to control range early with footwork; Beaudoin to push forward and seek exchanges inside.
Experience Edge: Baumgardner has faced higher opposition and championship pressure; Beaudoin steps up to elite level for the first time.
X-Factor: 3-minute rounds favor Baumgardner’s power accumulation; big-stage lights could test Beaudoin’s composure.
This is their first meeting—no prior fight history.
Betting Trends
Sharps leaning Over rounds and Baumgardner by decision, citing Beaudoin’s durability and Baumgardner’s recent points wins (last 5 official fights to distance). Trends from analogs: Champions like Baumgardner often decision durable challengers in title defenses; women’s title fights frequently go over in technical matchups.
FIGHT ODDS
Alycia Baumgardner – 1250
Leila Beaudoin + 700
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
* Matt Boldy became the seventh 20-goal scorer of 2025-26 while Jesper Wallstedt picked up his 10th win of the season and matched a franchise benchmark as the Wild won a sixth straight game.
* Connor McDavid put up a multi-point performance to move into a tie with Nathan MacKinnon atop the 2025-26 NHL scoring race as the Oilers skated to victory.
* For all players on an NHL active roster, injured reserve, or with non-roster and injured non-roster status as of 11:59 p.m. local time tonight, a roster freeze shall apply through 12:01 a.m. local time on Dec. 28, with respect to waivers, trades and loans, subject to the exceptions provided for in CBA Article 16.5 (d).
BOLDY, KAPRIZOV, WALLSTEDT ALL CONTRIBUTE IN WILD’S SIXTH STRAIGHT WIN
Matt Boldy (1-2—3) and Kirill Kaprizov (1-2—3) led the way on offense for Minnesota, while Jesper Wallstedt stopped 27 of 29 shots faced to pick up his 10th win of the season and the Wild’s sixth straight – the League’s longest active winning streak.
* Boldy joined Kaprizov as Minnesota’s second 20-goal scorer this season – the only team thus far to have multiple players hit the mark. They are both on pace for 40-plus goals in 2025-26, which would mark the first time in franchise history that multiple players reached the plateau in the same campaign.
* Wallstedt (13 GP) tied Devan Dubnyk (13 GP in 2014-15) for the fewest games to 10 wins in a season by a Wild goaltender and became the franchise’s fastest rookie to the mark, besting Kaapo Kahkonen (14 GP in 2020-21).
QUARTET OF DEFENSEMEN FIND SCORE SHEET TO LIFT CLUBS TO WINS The Canadiens, Capitals, Flames and Sabres each skated to victory Thursday with the help of defensemen:
* Lane Hutson (0-3—3)assisted on three Canadiens goals and moved within one of his 100th career point as Montreal (18-12-4, 40 points) defeated its Original Six rival Chicago and moved back into second in the Atlantic Division standings. Hutson’s first helper made him the first Canadiens defenseman to record 60 regular-season assists in a calendar year, while his third made him the fourth American blueliner in NHL history with at least four career three-assist games at age 21 or younger (Phil Housley: 9 GP, Quinn Hughes: 6 GP & Brian Leetch: 5 GP).
* John Carlson (1-2—3) factored on three of his team’s four goals as the Capitals (19-11-4, 42 points) shut out the Maple Leafs and moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division. Carlson became the ninth American defenseman in NHL history to record 30 career three-point games, following Housley(75 GP), Leetch(66 GP), Reed Larson (49 GP), Chris Chelios (46 GP), Gary Suter (46 GP), Mark Howe (41 GP), Kevin Hatcher (38 GP) andHughes(34 GP).
* Rasmus Andersson (0-3—3) had a hat trick of helpers and became the sixth defenseman in Flames history to reach the 200-assist mark. Andersson recorded his second three-assist game of 2025-26 – the last Flames blueliner with more in one season was Mark Giordano (3 GP in 2018-19). It also marked Andersson’s fourth career three-assist game – only four defensemen have more with Calgary: Al MacInnis (33 GP), Gary Suter (22 GP), Paul Reinhart (11 GP) and Giordano (6 GP).
* Rasmus Dahlin (0-1—1) notched his 300th career assist and helped the Sabres skate to their fourth straight win. Dahlin became the ninth player in franchise history to record 300 assists with the franchise and just the second defenseman on that list, following Housley (380).
McDAVID CONTINUES FIERY FINISH TO 2025 Connor McDavid (1-1—2) notched his seventh multi-point outing in his last eight games to help Edmonton improve to 6-1-1 during that span. McDavid (21-37—58 in 35 GP) tied Nathan MacKinnon (28-30—58 in 33 GP) for first place in League scoring, marking the first time that MacKinnon has shared the lead in points since Nov. 8.
* The Oilers captain has amassed a League-leading 39-98—137 across the regular season and playoffs in 2025 and is one of seven players to hit the 100-point milestone this year, while 11 others are within 10 points of triple digits. 2025 could mark the fourth straight calendar year with 10 or more skaters with 100-plus points (including playoffs) – a first since 1980 to 1993 (14 years).
* For more on the teams and players that have led the way since the turn of the calendar, check out the 2025 Year in Review by #NHLStats.
STÜTZLE COLLECTS POINT IN 400TH NHL GAME IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
#NHLStats from 20 teams were featured in Thursday’s Live Updates, including notes on a number of players who will be heading to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 or who hope to find their names on their country’s final roster.
* J.T. Miller, a Team USA hopeful, scored the overtime winner to propel the Rangers to victory – New York has collected at least a point in six of its nine games this month. Miller scored his 17th career overtime goal, which surpassed Max Pacioretty for the most by an American in NHL history. He also scored his seventh in a Rangers jersey, which tied the second most in franchise history behind Mika Zibanejad (8).
* Mikko Rantanen, named to the preliminary roster for Team Finland, factored on two of his team’s five goals as the Stars (23-7-5, 51 points) became the second team to 50 points in 2025-26 (also COL: 24-2-7, 55 points) – they required their third-fewest games in franchise history to hit the mark in a season (35 GP), following 2015-16 (33 GP) and 1998-99 (33 GP). Rantanen (308-443—751 in 686 GP) surpassed Olli Jokinen (321-429—750 in 1,231 GP) for the fifth-most points by a Finnish player in NHL history.
* Tim Stützle, named to the preliminary roster for Team Germany, collected an assist on the game-opening goal and Linus Ullmark, a Team Sweden hopeful, posted his 13th career shutout to help Ottawa earn a victory. Stützle’s point came while skating his 400th NHL game – he became the ninth German player to reach the milestone and has the second-most points among his fellow countrymen through that game count behind Leon Draisaitl (387). Meanwhile, Ullmark moved within one of tying Filip Gustavsson (14) for the sixth-most shutouts by a Swedish goaltender.
HURRICANES AND PANTHERS READY FOR EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL REMATCH
The Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes (22-9-2, 46 points) and back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Panthers (18-13-2, 38 points) meet for the first time since the two clubs clashed in the 2025 Conference Finals. Carolina – winners of five straight – and Florida – winners of three straight – have met in the Eastern Conference Final in two of the past three postseasons (also 2023) and are two of eight teams with 50-plus wins this calendar year in the regular season and playoffs combined (FLA: 58; CAR: 56).
MacKINNON, SCHAEFER EYE MORE SUCCESS TO CLOSE OUT CALENDAR YEAR
Nathan MacKinnon (28-30—58 in 33 GP) and MatthewSchaefer (9-14—23 in 35 GP) are each in action on the NHL’s five-game Friday when the Avalanche (24-2-7, 55 points) welcome the Jets (15-16-2, 32 points) to Ball Arena and the Islanders (19-12-3, 41 points) host the Canucks (13-17-3, 29 points) at UBS Arena.
* Schaefer ranks third in team scoring for an Islanders team that sits third in the Metropolitan Division entering their 35th game of the season; New York eyes 20 wins through its first 35 games for the first time since 2020-21 (22-9-4). The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft can also become the fifth 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history with 15 assists through his first 35 career games alongside PhilHousley (24), Rasmus Dahlin (16) AaronEkblad (15) and BobbyOrr (15).
* MacKinnon, with at least one point in all but two home games in the regular season and playoffs combined since Jan. 1, 2025 (38 of 40 GP), has four contests remaining at Ball Arena to close out the calendar year and sits two points shy of becoming the NHL’s first 60-point player in 2025-26. The current Art Ross Trophy leader can require the fewest games in franchise history to 60 points in a season – PeterStastny (35 GP in 1987-88 & 1981-82) and MarianStastny (35 GP in 1982-83) currently hold the distinction.
Michigan’s commercial and tribal online gaming operators generated $335.7 million in combined gross receipts from iGaming and internet sports betting in November, a 4.7% decline from October.
Gross Receipts
iGaming: $248.4 million
Internet sports betting: $87.3 million — the highest monthly total on record, surpassing the previous high of $83.0 million set in January 2025.
Adjusted Gross Receipts (AGR)
Combined AGR for November reached $298.0 million, broken down as follows:
iGaming AGR: $233.3 million
Down 10.9% from October
Up 14.7% year‑over‑year
Sports betting AGR: $64.7 million
Up 31.4% from October
Up 74.7% year‑over‑year
Monthly Handle
Internet sports betting handle totaled $631.1 million, a 4.2% increase from October’s $605.9 million.
State Taxes and Payments
Operators submitted $53.0 million in state taxes and regulatory payments in November:
iGaming taxes and fees: $48.5 million
Internet sports betting taxes and fees: $4.5 million
City of Detroit Taxes and Payments
Detroit’s three commercial casinos reported $14.4 million in wagering taxes and municipal service fees:
iGaming taxes and fees: $13.0 million
Internet sports betting taxes and fees: $1.4 million
Tribal Payments
Michigan’s tribal operators contributed $5.5 million to their respective governing bodies in November.
Market Overview
As of November 2025:
15 commercial and tribal operators are authorized for iGaming and/or online sports betting.
11 operators currently offer internet sports betting.
14 operators offer iGaming.
A detailed breakdown of revenue distribution is available on the agency’s website.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) has fined JOI Gaming Limited €400,000 for using role models in advertising JACK’S Racing Day.
Using role models in gambling advertisements for casinos, sports betting, or online gambling is prohibited to protect vulnerable target groups such as young adults.
Several role models were present advertising JACK’S Racing Day 2023. For example, role models signed caps featuring the JACK’S logo and brand name. Photos were also posted on the JACK’S Racing Day website and social media channels, showing role models posing with hostesses in company uniforms bearing the JACK’S logo. The Ksa previously imposed a penalty payment order on JOI, ordering it to remove these social posts immediately.
To protect vulnerable groups such as young people, strict rules apply to the use of role models in gambling advertising. Role models include celebrities, (former) professional footballers, or influencers. They can serve as role models of success, behavior, or a dream lifestyle for impressionable young adults. Therefore, the use of role models is prohibited in high-risk gambling, such as online gambling. For lower-risk gambling, such as lotteries, they may be used under strict conditions.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has added 15 individuals to its various Involuntary Exclusion Lists, barring them from gambling at any casino, regulated online betting platform, or Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) location in the state.
Four Adults Banned for Leaving Children Unattended
Among the actions taken, the Board placed four adults on the casino exclusion list after determining they left minors unattended while they gambled:
A man who left two 3‑year‑olds in a vehicle at Parx Casino & Racing for 16 minutes while he wagered in the sportsbook.
A woman who left two 11‑year‑olds in a vehicle at Presque Isle Downs & Casino for 30 minutes while she played slot machines.
A woman who left a 13‑year‑old in a parking garage at Wind Creek Bethlehem for 1 hour and 1 minute while she gambled at slots.
A woman who left children aged 5 and 11 in a vehicle at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course for 27 minutes while she played slot machines.
The Board emphasized that leaving minors unattended at casino properties — including parking lots, garages, hotels, or any other venue — creates a dangerous environment and is strictly prohibited. To reinforce this message, the PGCB continues to promote its statewide awareness initiative, “Don’t Gamble with Kids” (DontGamblewithKids.org).
With these latest actions, 1,469 individuals are now listed across the PGCB’s Involuntary Exclusion programs.
PGCB Issues $31,950 Fine to Evolution US, LLC
In addition to the exclusion actions, the Board approved a $31,950 fine against Evolution US, LLC, an Interactive Gaming Manufacturer Licensee. According to a Consent Agreement presented by the Office of Enforcement Counsel, the company failed to timely submit a required Principal License application for a board member who had taken on expanded responsibilities.
A copy of the Consent Agreement is available upon request through the PGCB’s Office of Communications.
Next PGCB Meeting
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will convene its next public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Public Hearing Room on the second floor of the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a £2 million fine (approximately $2.68 million) against Paddy Power Betfair after identifying significant shortcomings in the company’s handling of customers exhibiting potentially harmful gambling behavior.
The penalty applies to four Flutter-owned entities operating under the Paddy Power and Betfair brands — PPB Entertainment, PPB Counterparty Services, Betfair Casino, and TSE Malta — all of which will contribute to the settlement.
Regulator Cites Serious Social Responsibility Lapses
According to the UKGC, a compliance assessment conducted last year uncovered multiple failures in customer interaction procedures. The regulator said Paddy Power Betfair did not intervene quickly enough when bettors showed clear signs of risk, falling “well short” of required social responsibility standards.
John Pierce, the Commission’s director of enforcement, emphasized that the size of the settlement reflects the seriousness of the failings.
Pierce noted that while the operators cooperated fully with the investigation, such cooperation is merely the baseline expectation when significant deficiencies are uncovered. He stressed that operators must ensure their systems for detecting and addressing gambling-related harm are both effective and timely, warning against overreliance on automated tools and delayed human intervention.
What Sparked the Investigation?
The UKGC’s review was triggered by several cases involving irregular or high‑risk betting patterns. Among them:
One customer wagered £86,000 (about $108,000) over 16 days, losing £6,000 (roughly $7,500). Despite the rapid and substantial activity, the operator did not intervene until losses had already escalated.
In another instance, a bettor engaged in nearly eight hours of continuous play, placing more than 300 bets totaling £20,000 (around $25,000). The operator again failed to act promptly.
These examples, the Commission said, demonstrated systemic weaknesses in the company’s approach to identifying and mitigating potential harm.
Flutter Responds
A spokesperson for Flutter, Paddy Power’s parent company, said the operator “takes its safer gambling responsibilities extremely seriously” and believes it is an industry leader in player protection. The spokesperson added that there was no evidence any customers involved in the UKGC review suffered harm, and highlighted the rollout of a new real‑time customer safety platform designed to strengthen monitoring and intervention processes.
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the brink of achieving federal recognition after more than a century of effort, a milestone that would grant the 60,000‑member tribe full sovereignty, access to federal programs, and the ability to place land into trust — a prerequisite for tribal gaming.
A provision granting the Lumbee federal recognition was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, which Congress approved on Wednesday. The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will sign the $901 billion package into law. Trump has previously voiced support for Lumbee recognition, a politically meaningful stance in a state where the tribe represents a sizable voting bloc.
A Historic Step Toward Sovereignty
The Lumbee have sought federal recognition for 130 years. Achieving it would formally acknowledge the tribe as a sovereign government, opening the door to federal funding, expanded legal authority, and the potential to develop a tribally operated casino.
For now, tribal leaders are emphasizing the cultural and governmental significance of recognition rather than gaming prospects.
“It’s going to be a very emotional time for us — a time to rejoice and be happy,” Lumbee member Charles Graham told the Associated Press. “We’ll be able to stand on our principles in terms of who we are, where we’ve been, our sovereignty, and speak to that with pride.”
Will a Lumbee Casino Happen?
The tribe has not publicly committed to pursuing a casino, though interest has surfaced in recent years. In 2023, state lawmakers introduced a bill that would have authorized four new commercial casinos in North Carolina, including one for the Lumbee, but the measure ultimately failed.
North Carolina currently has three casinos: two operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and one run by the Catawba Indian Nation. A Lumbee casino would likely be located in southeastern North Carolina, near tribal population centers in Robeson County.
A site along the Interstate 95 corridor would be particularly strategic — it would become the only casino on I‑95 between New Jersey and Florida, positioning it to capture both regional patrons and heavy through‑traffic.
Opposition and Historical Disputes
Federal recognition for the Lumbee has long faced resistance, including from other tribes. The EBCI has argued that the Lumbee have not demonstrated continuous descent from a single historic tribe, a key criterion in the federal acknowledgment process. Critics also point to the Lumbee’s historical use of different names, such as the “Cherokee Indians of Robeson County.”
The Lumbee counter that their ancestry traces to multiple Indigenous groups — including Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan peoples — and note that North Carolina has recognized them as a tribe since 1885.
