Scheduled to begin his prison sentence on Monday, Ippei Mizuhara has been given another month of freedom with a new reporting date set for mid-June.

Courthouse shot Ippei

Rather than entering federal custody on Monday for stealing at least $17 million from Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara was granted a second postponement, court records confirm.

The former interpreter for the Major League Baseball star must now report to prison by 16 June. The updated date comes nearly three months after his original surrender deadline of 24 March. Last June, Mizuhara admitted guilt to one count of bank fraud and one false tax return filing.

Authorities say that during a 37-month span, Mizuhara made more than 19,000 bets through an illegal California gambling ring run by bookmaker Matt Bowyer. He wagered a total of over $325 million, with net losses of about $40.2 million.

Ohtani’s ex-interpreter now due to surrender in June after court allows further delay 1

Another delay

In February, US District Judge John Holcomb allowed Mizuhara’s request for a voluntary surrender within 45 days after sentencing. The court had sentenced him to 57 months in federal prison, consistent with the higher range of federal guidelines.

Last week, Mizuhara appeared before Holcomb to argue for a further extension of his surrender date. The 8 May hearing occurred days before his scheduled reporting deadline. In April, an unsealed filing revealed Mizuhara had been granted a continuance extending his surrender time.

Holcomb did not specify reasons in the filing for approving Mizuhara’s application. Even before the document was unsealed, there had been speculation about a possible postponement.

By Monday afternoon at around 3pm ET, Mizuhara’s status in the federal database still showed “not in BOP custody.” He remains listed under Bureau of Prisons register number: 09459-511.

Political upheaval in Thailand may spell the end for a controversial casino proposal. Lawmakers have now removed the bill from the upcoming parliamentary schedule.

Yet again, efforts to bring casino resorts to Thailand have stalled.

On July 1, the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethics breaches, pending a lengthy review. The move followed a June call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s Hun Sen.

During the discussion, the PM appeared to back Cambodia in a border dispute with Thailand. More damaging, she criticised one of her own generals.

“They just want to look tough,” she said. “They will say things that don’t help the nation.” She even told Hun Sen, “If you need anything, just ask me, I’ll manage it.”

When the recording surfaced, public outrage erupted, fueling demands for her ouster. The uproar has also imperiled a central pillar of her economic plan: the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill.

The measure would have introduced five integrated resorts with casinos nationwide. Supporters hoped it would draw investment, boost tourism and create jobs. But critics warned it would worsen corruption, social issues and problem gambling.

On Monday, parliament dropped the bill from the session where it had been set as Thursday’s lead agenda item.

Is this the end of Thailand casino try 1

Ruling party turned lame duck

Government whip Visuth Chainaroon argued that the withdrawal wasn’t “out of fear or anything. We just want to talk with the public first and ease any doubts.”

Still, the scandal has weakened Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party. The Bhumjaithai Party quit the coalition, demanded her resignation, and vowed to fight the casino push. With only a slim majority left, Pheu Thai will struggle to pass major legislation—especially one so divisive.

Gaming consultant Brendan Bussmann of B2 Global doubts Paetongtarn will return to power. “I don’t think she makes it back. If she does, she’ll be weakened and ineffective.” He also warned investors to reconsider, citing Thailand’s policy flip-flop on cannabis.

Thailand legalised medical marijuana in 2018 and recreational use in 2022, the first in Southeast Asia. But last month, authorities suddenly banned recreational cannabis again. The reversal killed the “green rush” that created 18,000 dispensaries.

“Why risk entering that market?” Bussmann asked. “You could pour billions into a resort, and then the government changes its mind.”

“Casinos need stability,” he added. “If you want top-tier resorts that generate billions, you must ensure consistency. Rules can’t keep shifting.”

Real Madrid holds the record for the most FIFA Club World Cup titles with five trophies. In the 2025 semifinal, Los Blancos face a hungry PSG squad that’s never lifted the trophy. But this isn’t just any PSG team — they’re the reigning Champions League winners, and their current form is hard to ignore.

That’s why PSG vs Real Madrid odds are slightly leaning toward the French side heading into this highly anticipated clash.

PSG vs. Real Madrid Odds

MoneylineOdds
PSG+135
Tie+250
Real Madrid+195
TotalsOdds
Over 2.5-182
Under 2.5+129

When, Where & How to Watch?

  • Stadium: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

  • Time: 3:00 p.m. ET

  • Watch on: TNT / DAZN

Why Are Sportsbooks Favoring PSG?

PSG recently claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, and their team chemistry is at an all-time high. Coach Luis Enrique has molded a squad built on strong collective performances and technical excellence.

Standout players include:

  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the playmaker creating endless chances

  • Vitinha and Joao Neves, who dominate the midfield

  • Achraf Hakimi, a constant threat from the wing-back position

Although Ousmane Dembele struggled with fitness in the group stage, his form has improved in the knockouts. He’s likely to start this match after coming off the bench in the last two games.

On the flip side, PSG will miss two key defenders — Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho, both suspended after red cards in their quarterfinal clash with Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid Are Peaking at the Right Time

Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are thriving. They’ve already taken down top-tier opponents like Juventus and Borussia Dortmund en route to the semifinals.

The biggest boost? Kylian Mbappe is back. The former PSG star missed the first three matches due to injury but returned in the previous game — and scored, even with just 24 minutes on the pitch. Before his illness, he had scored in eight consecutive games. He’s looking sharp again and eager to face his former team.

If Madrid beats PSG, they’ll face either Fluminense or Chelsea in the final — a matchup many believe will be more manageable than this semifinal battle.

PSG vs. Real Madrid Prediction

Despite the odds slightly favoring PSG, our pick is Real Madrid. With Mbappe back in top form and a well-balanced squad under Alonso, Los Blancos look ready to reclaim the Club World Cup crown.

Mbappe, in particular, is expected to be the game-changer. He knows PSG’s weaknesses — and he’s poised to exploit them on July 9.

Prediction: Real Madrid to win
Goal Scorer Tip: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime

Two weeks ago, the Australian Lottery sparked curiosity when it suggested that the AU$100 million jackpot winner might never come forward, just days after the draw. At that time, the warning seemed premature. Now, that concern is starting to feel increasingly real.

Mystery Powerball Winner in Australia Still Unclaimed

On June 12, a lucky player won AU$100 million in the Powerball draw. Shortly after, the lottery hinted that the winner might have lost their ticket. This caution was based on past experiences where many big winners quickly stepped forward to verify their wins.

However, as June draws to a close, no one has claimed the prize. Although the winning ticket was sold at Bondi Junction Newsagency, an Internet café, it was not registered with The Lott Members Club. Without registration, lottery officials have been unable to contact the winner.

Even worse, if the ticket has been misplaced, lost, or destroyed, there is no way to authenticate the win. Ironically, there is also a chance someone might have bought the ticket and not checked the numbers—after all, the odds of winning are slim.

Despite this, the lottery remains hopeful and reminds the anonymous winner that their ticket could be hiding “in plain sight” — perhaps tucked away in a wallet or purse, forgotten like many other winning tickets have been.

Lottery Urges Players to Double-Check Their Tickets

The good news is the winner has ample time to claim the prize. New South Wales is known for being one of the most flexible regions regarding lottery claims, giving winners up to six years to come forward.

The lottery has also taken this opportunity to urge players to register their tickets with The Lott Members Club. This way, if you win, the lottery can promptly remind you, ensuring no one misses out on millions of dollars by accident.

Digitain, a leading provider of sports betting and casino platforms, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Mary Ann Calleja as its new Chief Product Officer.

Mary Ann Calleja Joins Digitain as Chief Product Officer

Described by Digitain as an experienced IT and iGaming industry veteran, Calleja brings extensive knowledge of the sector’s complexities. With six years in senior product leadership roles, she has a strong background in product development and management.

In her role as Chief Product Officer, Calleja will be responsible for maintaining and elevating the quality of Digitain’s product offerings. She will lead the company’s product vision and oversee the strategic development and expansion of its innovative portfolio.

Calleja will also manage a multidisciplinary team of product managers, designers, business analysts, and data specialists to ensure ongoing product innovation and enhancement.

Digitain emphasized that this appointment aligns with its ongoing mission to deliver advanced, scalable, and partner-focused solutions in the fast-evolving iGaming industry. Calleja’s expertise will help Digitain stay ahead in providing top-tier sports betting and iGaming solutions.

Building a New Era of Product Excellence

Mary Ann Calleja expressed her enthusiasm about joining Digitain, praising the company as a leading B2B iGaming platform and sportsbook provider powering many top operators worldwide. She is eager to lead the product team through a critical phase of growth, scale, and transformation.

“With a talented team and a robust technological foundation, we will focus on enhancing our platform’s capabilities, improving player experiences through innovation and personalization, and aligning product delivery with our strategic goals and partner needs. I look forward to building the next chapter of product excellence together,” said Calleja.

Calleja’s appointment follows Digitain’s recent hiring of Aida Vardanyan as CEO of its Malta unit, who oversees local hubs supporting the company’s global operations.

Since Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers, the team holds a 1-1 record. The Slovenian star has scored a combined 30 points in his first two games—well below his usual output. Luckily for Lakers fans, there’s a strong chance Luka will boost his numbers on Wednesday, February 19, when the Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena in LA.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Odds

Bet TypeOdds
Spread
Charlotte Hornets +13-110
Los Angeles Lakers -13-110
Moneyline
Charlotte Hornets+550
Los Angeles Lakers-769
Points Total
Over 223.5-110
Under 223.5-110

When, Where, and How to Watch?

  • Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET

  • Broadcast: NBA League Pass

Can the Charlotte Hornets Stop Luka Doncic & Co?

The Hornets enter the game as 13-point underdogs, with moneyline odds of +550, indicating a slim chance of victory. Still, the Lakers stumbled once recently against an underdog team—losing 131-119 to the Utah Jazz, who were +320 underdogs on February 12. This loss gives Charlotte a glimmer of hope, but their recent form is poor, standing at 13-39 overall and having lost four of their last five games.

Luka Doncic’s First 20+ Point Game with the Lakers Incoming?

Luka made his Lakers debut on February 10 with a 132-113 win over Utah, scoring 14 points. Two days later, the Lakers lost in Utah, but Luka improved slightly, putting up 16 points. Despite this uptick, he’s still below his season average of around 28 points per game, and well off his previous season’s 32.7 PPG average.

Given this, it’s reasonable to expect Luka to elevate his performance soon. Even if he falls short, the Lakers have plenty of firepower with stars like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura stepping up.

Prediction:

We anticipate Luka Doncic will deliver a much stronger performance this game, surpassing his previous two outings. With that boost, the Lakers should secure a convincing victory over the Hornets and comfortably cover the 13-point spread.

The Madrid Derby never fails to deliver excitement, and the last five encounters have all ended in draws after regular time. Will Tuesday’s match follow the same pattern, or will one team break the deadlock? Let’s dive in!

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid Odds

Bet TypeOdds
Real Madrid-111
Draw+250
Atletico Madrid+320
Over 2.5 Goals+102
Under 2.5 Goals-110

When and Where to Watch

  • Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain

  • Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

  • Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET

  • Broadcast: Paramount+

Real Madrid’s Title Dreams Are Alive and Well

Fresh off a dominant Champions League round against Manchester City—winning 3-2 away and 3-1 at home—Los Blancos are firing on all cylinders. In La Liga, they currently lead the pack, closely followed by Barcelona and Atletico.

This squad is stacked with offensive talent, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe, making them a constant threat to score. Their firepower will certainly be tested against Atletico’s sturdy defense, but Real Madrid’s ambitions are sky-high, aiming for glory both in Spain and Europe.

Atletico Madrid’s Goal-Scoring Streak Continues

Despite some recent challenges, Atletico remain determined. They’re still in the hunt for the La Liga title and have a strong chance to reach the Spanish Cup final. Their thrilling 4-4 draw with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg showcased their attacking flair.

Atleti have now scored in nine consecutive matches, including a three-goal haul against Valencia. Julian Alvarez leads the line with 20 goals this season, followed by Antoine Griezmann (16) and Alexander Sorloth (13).

Though they conceded four goals against Barca, Atletico’s defense remains one of the world’s best, known for its resilience and tactical discipline.

Prediction: Real Madrid to Edge Atletico at Home

Real Madrid stand as the world’s top team right now, with Atletico close behind but unlikely to overpower Los Blancos on their home turf. Expect a competitive and intense battle, with both sides eager to find the net.

Our forecast? At least three goals scored in total, with Real Madrid clinching a narrow 2-1 victory.

The Belgian Grand Prix, with its rich history dating back to 1925, continues to be a crown jewel in the Formula 1 calendar. Exactly 100 years after the first F1 race at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps, the top names in motorsport — including Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and many others — are once again gathering at this iconic circuit.

Every driver dreams of the championship, and winning the 2025 Belgian GP is a key goal for them all. Known for having one of the longest laps on the F1 calendar and notoriously unpredictable weather, Spa often plays a crucial role in shaping the title fight.

Fresh off a thrilling British GP where Lando Norris claimed victory at Silverstone, the spotlight now shifts to Spa. Fans are eager to see how this momentum will influence the battle ahead.

2025 Belgian Grand Prix Odds

DriverOdds
Lando Norris+160
Oscar Piastri+160
Max Verstappen+350
George Russell+1400
Charles Leclerc+1400
Lewis Hamilton+1400
Kimi Antonelli+6600
Fernando Alonso+20000
Alex Albon+30000
Carlos Sainz+30000
Nico Hulkenberg+30000
When, Where, and How to Watch?
  • Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium

  • Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. ET

  • Broadcast: ESPN

Odds Favor McLaren’s Drivers

Lando Norris arrives at Spa brimming with confidence after his emotional home victory at Silverstone — his fourth win this season and a significant step toward his first championship. However, Spa has historically been a tougher track for him; his best Belgian GP finish to date is fifth place last year. Meanwhile, his teammate Oscar Piastri has demonstrated strong performances at Spa, making him a serious contender this weekend.

The New South Wales (NSW) government has confirmed it will not lift the ban on poker machines at Crown Sydney, solidifying its ongoing commitment to stricter gambling regulations and consumer protection. Despite sustained lobbying by Crown Resorts, the restriction remains—a move seen as a major win for anti-gambling advocates and state lawmakers.

Government Firm on Long-Standing Ban

NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the government would not support any legislation that could overturn the decade-old ban preventing poker machines at Crown’s Barangaroo site. The restriction was a key condition when the casino was first greenlit for construction on public land and has long been a political flashpoint.

“This is a legislative imposition that’s been in place for over a decade. It would require a government bill to knock over that restriction, and I’m not going to do it,”
– NSW Premier Chris Minns

Reports indicate that Crown Resorts had ramped up efforts to sway lawmakers to revise the rule, but no members of Parliament have shown interest in sponsoring such a bill. The rejection of these lobbying efforts signals the government’s intent to keep the restriction in place indefinitely.

Rebuilding After Past Failures

Crown’s Barangaroo complex was originally conceived as a premium, high-roller table-only casino. However, a 2021 public inquiry exposed serious failings, including anti-money-laundering breaches, forcing the company to undergo a three-year compliance overhaul. While the venue has since reopened with stricter controls, poker machines remain off the table—literally and legally.

Public Support for Regulation

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, representing parts of central Sydney, applauded the government’s stance, stating that any move to permit poker machines at Crown would “betray public trust.” He also pointed to a recent NSW Auditor-General report that criticized regulators for inadequate enforcement of harm-reduction policies.

“With gambling harm on the rise, we need fewer venues with large poker machine floors, not new ones right on the harbour,”
– MP Alex Greenwich

The decision dovetails with broader gambling reforms in NSW, including proposed caps on cash limits in casinos—from AUD 5,000 to AUD 1,000—and tighter controls to prevent criminal infiltration and money laundering. Law enforcement has also increased its crackdown on illegal gambling, shutting down five unlawful operations in the past year alone.

Missed Opportunity for Crown

While Crown Sydney will continue operating as a table-game-only facility, the inability to add poker machines is a significant financial blow. In the 2023–24 financial year, NSW poker machine profits soared to AUD 8.4 billion ($5.44 billion)—a stream Crown is now excluded from tapping into.

Although future lobbying efforts could resurface, for now, Crown’s poker machine ambitions are firmly off the table—a clear sign that the NSW government prioritizes public welfare over corporate pressure.

It’s a clash of generations on Centre Court this Friday as Jannik Sinner faces Novak Djokovic in the 2025 Wimbledon semifinal. The match is set to ignite All England Club with high stakes and elite talent on both sides of the net.

Djokovic, the undisputed GOAT with 24 Grand Slam titles — seven of them from Wimbledon — brings unmatched experience to the grass court. Meanwhile, Sinner, currently the ATP No. 1, is chasing his first Wimbledon title and looks primed to finally lift the iconic pineapple-topped trophy.

The odds may slightly favor Sinner, but never count Novak out — especially on grass.

Match Details: Time, Date & Where to Watch

  • Venue: Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon

  • Date: Friday, July 11, 2025

  • Start Time: 8:30 a.m. ET

  • Watch Live: ESPN+

Why the 2025 Wimbledon Odds Favor Sinner

Despite a rocky year — including a three-month suspension for banned substances — Sinner has made a thunderous comeback. Returning in May, he charged to the finals in both the ATP Rome and French Open, narrowly losing to Carlos Alcaraz in both.

After a surprise exit at ATP Halle, Sinner came to Wimbledon with a point to prove. He’s dominated on grass, winning four of his five matches in straight sets. The only hiccup came against Grigor Dimitrov, who led 2-0 in sets before injury forced his retirement.

Sinner’s explosive form and high-level consistency in 2025 explain why sportsbooks are backing him to win not just this match — but the entire tournament.

Novak Djokovic: Locked In and Ready for Battle

Novak Djokovic may be 38, but he’s still an unstoppable force, especially when he plays with a chip on his shoulder. And right now, he has plenty of motivation.

Although never the fan favorite at Wimbledon (that honor belonged to Federer), Djokovic may find Centre Court support this time, thanks to lingering skepticism around Sinner’s recent ban.

But Novak has bigger things on his mind — like major title No. 25. He’s also made headlines for subtly supporting anti-government protests in Serbia, a stance that sparked criticism back home. Just like when he was deported from Australia in 2022, Djokovic is using adversity as fuel.

History shows a motivated Djokovic is a dangerous one — and this week, he looks hungrier than ever.

Prediction: Who Takes the Win?

Let’s be honest — this one’s going the distance.

While Sinner has beaten Djokovic in their last five meetings, the Serbian legend is no stranger to comeback stories. Expect Novak to raise his level for this semifinal clash.

Our prediction: Novak Djokovic wins in a tight 3-2 battle.
Sinner won’t go quietly, but Djokovic’s experience and mental edge might just tip the scale.

  • Best conservative bet: Over 4.5 Sets

  • Risk-takers’ pick: Djokovic to win outright