Philippines sets €5.5 billion GGR target for 2024

Croatian Baby Lasagna is the hot favourite for the Eurovision final, and it's creating quite a buzz! "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" wasn't even supposed to be in the running at Croatia's Dora event. It all happened because another singer, Zsa Zsa, had to pull out last minute. Baby Lasagna's performance is a crazy mix of rock and techno that somehow just works. The song tackles a serious topic but keeps things fun and engaging. Croatia's entry currently leads with a 41% chance of winning, suggesting strong confidence among bettors.

Right behind Baby Lasagna is Israel's Eden Golan with "Hurricane," sitting pretty as the second favourite with a 26% chance of winning. Eden's powerhouse vocals and the emotional punch of her song set her apart. She's one of the few belting out a ballad this year, amidst all the pop and comedy acts. If she delivers live like she does on record, she's sure to make a lasting impression. Israel's entry has a 22% chance of winning.

Switzerland's Nemo and his song "The Code" are holding strong in third place with an 11% chance of victory. Mixing rap, drum & bass, and space opera sounds like a recipe for chaos, but somehow Switzerland makes it work. It's bold, in-your-face, and just the right amount of intense to keep you hooked. “The Code” is given an 11% chance of winning, with odds ranging from 6 to 8.5.

Down the line in fourth place is France's Slimane with "Mon Amour," bringing that classic French charm we are used to. Slimane's raw vocals and emotional delivery hit all the right notes, even if he's not leading the pack in the odds with a 6% chance of lifting the crystal microphone. It's quality music that speaks for itself, and sometimes that's all you need to make an impact.

Clinching the final spot in the top 5 of the Eurovision 2024 odds is Ireland’s Bambie Thug with “Doomsday Blue”. The Emerald Isle has finally decided to throw a bit of pizzazz into the Eurovision mix! Bambie's entry is much more than a song, it's a full-on Ouija-Pop spell. Win or lose, they're the talk of the town. The song is given a 4% chance to win.

Every year, the world collectively holds its breath as countries battle it out on stage with a mix of heartfelt ballads, catchy pop tunes, and the occasional entry that leaves you scratching your head in confusion. So, grab your popcorn, settle in for a night of glittery madness, and let the Eurovision extravaganza begin!

The Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival, a prestigious event in the horseracing calendar, is set to take place from 24 to 26 May at The Curragh. This festival not only marks the commencement of the Irish Summer Classics with QuinnBet, which has been chosen as the official betting partner.

The festival is renowned for its record prize money of €2.4 million ($2.58 million), attracting competitors from around the globe. For the first time, several races will be included in the Tote World Pool, adding another layer of excitement for participants and spectators alike.

Evan Arkwright, the Curragh Racing and Sponsorship Manager, expressed his delight at QuinnBet’s decision to enhance their association with the Curragh. He stated, "Their brand will be visible across the three days to include which will ensure maximum exposure for them.” As part of the partnership, QuinnBet will lend its name to the €100,000 QuinnBet Emerald Mile and the €50,000 QuinnBet Premier Handicap.

Stephen Kelly, Managing Director of QuinnBet, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. He said, “The Curragh is widely regarded as one of the best racecourses in the World and home to Ireland’s five most important flat races, two of which will take place over the Guineas Festival and open the curtains on the Irish Summer Classics Season. It is therefore a huge privilege for QuinnBet to be associated with this event which builds on our ongoing commitment to sponsorship of Irish Racing, that we and our customers are so passionate about.”

This partnership comes at a time when the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has recently made changes to how non-runners will affect races, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport. As the Irish Summer Classics Season begins, this partnership between QuinnBet and the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival promises to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the world of horseracing.

The Irish Summer Classics Season is a time of vibrancy in Ireland, marked by a variety of events that cater to a wide range of interests. The season kicks off with Vantastival, a family-friendly festival held over the May Bank Holiday Weekend in the picturesque Beaulieu House and Gardens in Co. Louth. This is followed by the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, a long-standing event since 1998, known for its eclectic mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, and cajun-inspired music. The AVA Festival in Belfast, a two-day grassroots event, then takes centre stage, celebrating and amplifying the strong current of electronic music and digital visual arts that has emerged from Northern Ireland. The Bank Holiday weekend is further enlivened by Forbidden Fruit, a festival featuring a diverse array of artists. The season is rounded off by the Life Festival, a three-day open-air weekender that showcases the finest electronic artists in the stunning surrounds of Belvedere House and Gardens. Each event in the Irish Summer Classics Season offers its own unique flavour, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

Brightstar Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in industrial, manufacturing, and service businesses, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PlayAGS, Incorporated (NYSE: AGS), a global supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products. This acquisition, valued at approximately $1.1 billion, was announced on May 9, 2024, from NV, and

The Board of Directors of AGS has given unanimous approval for the agreement and recommended the Company’s stockholders to do the same. As per the agreement, AGS shareholders will receive $12.50 per share in cash, representing a 41 percent premium to the Company’s volume-weighted average share price over the last 90 days and a 40 percent premium to AGS’ closing price on 8 May 2024

AGS, a global company, is known for creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Its high-performing slot products, expansive table products portfolio, and highly rated online casino content make it a valuable partner for casinos worldwide.

David Lopez, CEO & President of AGS, expressed his pleasure at reaching the agreement, stating that it provides compelling, certain cash value for their stockholders. He believes that the partnership with Brightstar opens an exciting new chapter for AGS in its mission to provide exceptional gaming solutions for its operator partners. With Brightstar’s resources and strategic guidance, AGS is expected to be well-positioned to make targeted investments in R&D, top talent, operations, and industry-leading innovation, accelerating its global footprint.

Andrew Weinberg, Founder & CEO of Brightstar, looks forward to working with David and the AGS team to capitalize on opportunities by taking a long-term approach to creating value. He believes that AGS’s strong pipeline of new products and its innovative approach to game development provide significant potential for continued growth.

Roger Bulloch, Partner at Brightstar, has been impressed by AGS’ award-winning products, differentiated culture, and outstanding reputation in the expanding industry. He trusts that partnering with AGS and executing on their shared vision can accelerate the Company’s ability to create even greater value for its customers and players around the world.

The proposed transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2025, is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by a majority of AGS stockholders. Upon completion of the transaction, AGS will become a privately held company, and shares of AGS common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

In light of the proposed transaction, AGS has cancelled its previously announced conference call to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results. Additionally, AGS will not be issuing a quarterly earnings release. The Company expects to file its 10-Q for the quarter ended 31 March, 2024, with the SEC.

This strategic acquisition marks a new chapter in the global gaming industry, with Brightstar Capital Partners and AGS joining forces to create a more vibrant and diverse gaming experience for players worldwide.

Shohei Ohtani, has agreed to plead guilty to US charges of illegally transferring nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account. This case has shocked baseball fans in both Japan and America, highlighting the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to financial fraud.

The world of baseball was rocked by a shocking revelation when agreed to plead guilty to US charges of illegally transferring nearly $17 million from the athlete’s bank account. This case has sent shockwaves through baseball fans in Japan and America alike, highlighting the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to financial fraud.

Mizuhara, who had been a constant companion to Ohtani since the baseball star’s stint in the US started in 2018, was entrusted with significant responsibilities due to Ohtani’s language barrier. From answering questions at news conferences to transacting with financial advisers and opening bank accounts, Mizuhara was deeply involved in Ohtani’s affairs. However, this position of trust was exploited for personal gain.

Prosecutors allege that Mizuhara used his access to Ohtani’s finances to fuel a dangerous gambling habit. He is accused of calling bank officials and falsely identifying himself as Ohtani to authorize wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account to associates of an illegal gambling operation. Additionally, Mizuhara allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Ohtani’s account.

The charges against Mizuhara are severe. The bank fraud charge carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, while the false tax return charge could result in up to three years in jail. As part of a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors, Mizuhara will plead guilty to these charges, and in exchange, prosecutors would recommend a reduced sentence.

The impact of this scandal extends beyond the legal implications for Mizuhara. Ohtani, who had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award and signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers, expressed his shock and sadness at the betrayal by someone he had trusted.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by high-profile athletes and the importance of financial vigilance. As Ohtani continues his successful career on the field, the baseball community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this off-field drama unfolds.