Ace is the first robot that can beat the best human players while following the official rules of table tennis. | Image: Sony AI Humans have been building ping-pong playing robots for decades, such as Omron's FORPHEUS that challenged amateur competitors at CES 2017. What sets Ace apart from the rest is that the robot, which was developed by Sony's AI division, is the first that can hold its own against top-ranked human players and occasionally even beat them in matches that follow the official rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). AI is already capable of besting humans at games like Chess and Go, but physical games pose a much greater challenge as robots have to be engineered to match the speed and responsiveness of the human mind and body. To b … Read the full story at The Verge.

Article URL: https://zed.dev/blog/parallel-agents Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47866750 Points: 135 # Comments: 88

Article URL: https://fingerprint.com/blog/firefox-tor-indexeddb-privacy-vulnerability/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47866697 Points: 336 # Comments: 101

Samsung is expanding its “Re-Newed” program of refurbished Galaxy devices to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, but the pricing leaves a lot to be desired – at the moment, it’s flat out just a bad deal. more…

Apple today released minor iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 software updates for the iPhone and iPad, respectively. The updates are available two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings → General → Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, the software updates contain unspecified bug fixes and security updates. Apple also released iOS 18.7.8 for older iPhones that are not updated to iOS 26. Apple is already beta testing iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the next versions of ‌iOS 26‌ that will likely launch later in May.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "Apple Releases iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 With Bug Fixes" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Several US federal agencies are taking up Anthropic's new cybersecurity model to find vulnerabilities, but one is reportedly not getting in on the action: the nation's central cybersecurity coordinator. On Tuesday, Axios reported that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) didn't have access to Mythos Preview, which Anthropic has touted as a powerful tool for finding and patching security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, other agencies like Commerce Department and National Security Agency (NSA) are reportedly using the model, and President Donald Trump's administration has been negotiating broader access, Axios wrote last w … Read the full story at The Verge.

If you’ve been trying to use the Twitter/X app on Android lately, you’ve probably noticed a whole host of issues. Thankfully, a fix is coming soon. more…

Article URL: https://wheelfront.com/this-alberta-startup-sells-no-tech-tractors-for-half-price/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47865868 Points: 1170 # Comments: 413

OpenAI this week introduced ChatGPT Images 2.0, which the company says brings a new era of image generation. Images 2.0 is an updated model that can better handle complex visual tasks. It is able to follow detailed instructions, placing and relating objects accurately, preserving fine detail, and rendering dense layouts. Images 2.0 is OpenAI’s first image model with thinking capabilities, and it has an improved sense of composition and visual taste, which OpenAI says will result in images that feel less AI-generated. Images 2.0 is able to search the web to get real-time information, create up to eight images from a single prompt, and double-check its output. Graphics can be created across several aspect ratios and at up to 2K resolution. The new model also has improved multilingual understanding and can better render non-Latin text like Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, and Bengali. Images 2.0 is available now for all ChatGPT, Codex, and API users.Tags: ChatGPT, OpenAIThis article, "OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Thinking Capabilities and Better Text Rendering" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Article URL: https://martinfowler.com/fragments/2026-04-02.html Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47865661 Points: 174 # Comments: 35

OnePlus hasn’t formally announced its next smartwatch – the brand as a whole is in question right now – but the new OnePlus Watch 4 has just been posted to a global OnePlus website, revealing nearly every detail about the Wear OS watch. more…

Article URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/science/988-youth-suicides-decline.html Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47865622 Points: 190 # Comments: 122

Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by TCL NXTPAPER 11 and 14 Android tablets back at Amazon all-time lows from $160 (30% off) alongside its 60 XE NXTPAPER Android phone with e-paper switch at $180 (nearly 30% off). We also have the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 models up to $320 off at Amazon, deals on the latest Google Nest Cam Outdoor, and Samsung’s 40-inch Odyssey G7 180Hz WUHD gaming monitor at $504 off. Head below for a closer look. more…

Following the emergence of a rumor that Apple is planning to downgrade the iPhone 18 to cut costs, further detail has emerged suggesting that display and chip specifications will see downgrades. Earlier this week, the leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said that the ‌iPhone 18‌ features "certain manufacturing downgrades" that bring it more into line with the low-cost iPhone 18e model. The decision is said to be "a cost-cutting measure." Now, the leaker has provided further detail. For example, the ‌iPhone 18‌'s display specifications will be downgraded, resulting in inferior screen quality. The manufacturing process itself is said to be "taking a step backward." The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display with ProMotion and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. Since ProMotion was among the biggest upgrades for the device last year, it seems likely that brightness could be among the display specifications to be reduced. In a follow-up post, the leaker provided some insight into Apple's decision. Rather than increase the price of the ‌iPhone 18‌, the company plans to downgrade certain components, including the chip, to maintain the same price point. Although both the ‌iPhone 17‌ and iPhone 17e feature the A19 chip, the ‌iPhone 17‌'s variant has a five-core GPU, instead of the ‌iPhone 17e‌'s four-core version. The iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip is essentially the same but has a six-core GPU. As a result, a reduction from five to four GPU cores in the ‌iPhone 18‌ could be among the planned downgrades. Fixed Focus Digital added that it is "highly probable" that Apple will tweak the name of the device's A-series chip in an effort to disguise the extent of downgrade. The Weibo leaker ultimately doubled-down on the move, saying that "the downgrade in the standard ‌iPhone 18‌ model's specifications has now been confirmed." Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) of the ‌iPhone 18‌ and iPhone 18e are apparently set to take place simultaneously in June. The leaker's previous report outlined Apple's decision to implement new cost-control strategies for the device, including specific downgrades to manufacturing processes, chips, memory, and more. The move will "effectively bring it in line with the '18e' model." With the ‌iPhone 17e‌ and ‌iPhone 17‌, the biggest differences are the Dynamic Island, display size, ProMotion, brightness, the front facing camera, the Ultra Wide camera, and battery life. It is not clear which key differentiators will remain between the two devices in their next iterations. iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17 Buyer's Guide: 35+ Differences Compared The leaker apparently verified the information using multiple sources. They noted that the information originates from the same source who correctly confirmed that the ‌iPhone 17e‌ would continue to feature a "notch," contrary to false reports that the device would have a ‌Dynamic Island‌. The standard ‌iPhone 18‌ is expected to launch months after the iPhone 18 Pro models as part of an all-new split launch strategy. Apple's usual fall iPhone announcement is expected to include the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and the so-called foldable "iPhone Ultra." The iPhone 18e, ‌iPhone 18‌, and iPhone Air 2 will likely follow in the spring of 2027. Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tag: Fixed Focus DigitalRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "Leaker: Apple to Downgrade iPhone 18 in Two Ways" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

After seeing what Gemini for Android Auto could do, I, like many, was very excited to get the option in my vehicle, but the truth is, I’m a little disappointed so far. more…

Article URL: https://duckdb.org/2026/04/13/announcing-duckdb-152 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47864454 Points: 142 # Comments: 49

Article URL: https://www.adriankrebs.ch/blog/design-slop/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47864393 Points: 259 # Comments: 190

Opera has pushed another update for its flagship browser, with new changes aimed at making video streaming and conferencing better. Here are the details. Opera users now get direct access to YouTube and Twitch from the browser sidebar, allowing them to pin the panel for side-by-side viewing or snap the video out with the Video Popout feature, which creates a floating overlay that they can move while navigating the web. Meanwhile, in what the company is describing as a first for any browser, Opera now has an integrated Volume Booster that lets users increase a tab's volume by up to 500 percent. The feature includes per-tab control, so users can, for example, keep background music at a quiet 5%, while simultaneously boosting a quiet video in another tab to 500%. The company says this native feature means users no longer need to rely on third-party volume extensions that can cause full-screen glitches and security warnings. Opera is also touting major quality-of-life upgrades to remote working in the latest update. The app now fully supports any video conferencing website that supports PiP, which includes full compatibility with Zoom. Users also get per-site control over Auto-PiP permissions for every individual conferencing website. And in an aesthetic change for consistency, the Video Popout window matches the chosen Opera One theme for the first time. Opera browser is available now as a free update and can be downloaded from the company's website.Tag: Opera BrowserThis article, "Opera Browser Gains Per-Tab Volume Booster, Video Popout" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Last week, Macworld's Filipe Espósito reported that Apple is testing four color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and one of those colors has since been corroborated by a known leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The four alleged color options include Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver. Dark Cherry would be the signature new color option for the iPhone 18 Pro models this year, following Cosmic Orange for the iPhone 17 Pro models. This might end up being the "deep red" that was previously rumored for the devices. Weibo leaker "Instant Digital" today corroborated the Dark Cherry color option, describing it as a mix of burgundy, coffee, and deep purple. Those were all previously-rumored iPhone 18 Pro color options, but it appears that they are actually one in the same. "Instant Digital" has accurately leaked Apple information before, such as the yellow color for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Light Blue looks similar to the iPhone 13 Pro's Sierra Blue color option. Depending on the shade, Dark Gray could be similar to either the iPhone 13 Pro's Graphite color option or the iPhone 14 Pro's Space Black finish. Silver would remain an option too — it is Apple's classic color. iPhone 17 Pro models are available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver. Macworld said Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue will likely be discontinued, so do not expect either of those color options to remain available for the iPhone 18 Pro models. Last year, Macworld accurately leaked the iPhone 17 Pro's Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors, but the report also mentioned black, white, and gray color options that did not materialize. So, at least some of the rumored iPhone 18 Pro colors will likely prove to be true, but it remains to be seen if Apple moves forward with all four. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.Related Roundup: iPhone 18 ProTag: Instant DigitalThis article, "iPhone 18 Pro's Special Color Rumored Yet Again" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Amazon this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series 11, with $100 discounts across numerous models of the smartwatch. This sale includes a handful of aluminum models of the Series 11 on sale at record low prices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 for $299.00, down from $399.00, and the 46mm GPS model for $329.00, down from $429.00. On Amazon, you'll find two of both the 42mm and 46mm GPS models on sale at these all-time low prices. $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (42mm GPS) for $299.00 $100 OFFApple Watch Series 11 (46mm GPS) for $329.00 In terms of cellular models, Amazon doesn't have any all-time low prices as of writing, but you can shop a few solid second-best deals this week. The 42mm cellular Apple Watch Series 11 has hit $429.00, down from $499.00, and the 46mm cellular model has hit $459.00, down from $529.00. Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Apple Watch Series 11 Hits $100 Off on Amazon, Starting at $299" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

As AI continues to eat up the market’s RAM output, smartphones are in crisis as costs continue to skyrocket. A new report claims that Samsung is increasingly worried about this, and warning of its first-ever loss in its mobile division. more…

Fitbit Public Preview users are getting a redesigned Sleep Score experience with “actionable advice that will help improve your sleep health.” more…

Article URL: https://www.psu.edu/news/earth-and-mineral-sciences/story/treetops-glowing-during-storms-captured-film-first-time Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47863324 Points: 187 # Comments: 53

Article URL: https://qwen.ai/blog?id=qwen3.6-27b Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47863217 Points: 622 # Comments: 314

Mike Rockwell, the Apple executive who led development of the Vision Pro and is now in charge of rebuilding Siri, has considered leaving the company or moving into an advisory role as soon as next year, according to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman. Rockwell is said to have reservations about reporting to his new boss, software chief Craig Federighi, and wants a bigger remit than the one he currently has, according to people with knowledge of the matter who spoke to Gurman. Rockwell was apparently once lined up for a role defining Apple's product and AI roadmap – something close to a chief technology officer position – on the assumption that head-worn wearables would form the foundation of Apple's post-iPhone era. However, that trajectory has gone south because the Vision Pro has struggled to find a mainstream audience, with many put off by its $3,499 price tag and physical heft. Apple is still developing smart glasses and other wearables, but the picture for Rockwell is decidedly murkier than it once was. Rockwell took on the Siri project in March 2025 as part of a wider reshuffle, after Tim Cook lost confidence in the AI work being done under former AI chief John Giannandrea and reassigned the voice assistant away from his team. Gurman reports that Rockwell is unlikely to walk away before finishing the Siri overhaul, which is now expected to arrive as part of iOS 27. He is one of several senior Apple figures who are said to be weighing their next move as John Ternus prepares to take over from CEO Tim Cook in September. Among them is retail and HR chief Deirdre O'Brien, who has told colleagues she is considering retirement, while government affairs head Kate Adams is set to retire later this year. Marketing boss Greg Joswiak, App Store head Phil Schiller, and services chief Eddy Cue are all approaching four decades at the company, raising the prospect of further departures during Ternus's watch. Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProTag: BloombergBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "Vision Pro Creator Mike Rockwell Has Considered Leaving Apple" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Article URL: https://buttondown.com/jaffray/archive/columnar-storage-is-normalization/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47862626 Points: 100 # Comments: 36

https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/compute/tpu-8t-and-tp... Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47862497 Points: 373 # Comments: 183

Apple is evaluating four camera upgrades for future iPhone models, with the first new feature scheduled for this year's iPhone 18 Pro models, according to a reputable Chinese leaker. The Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station claims that Apple has implementation plans for the following upgrades: Variable aperture 1/1.12-inch "ultra-large" main camera sensor Enhanced optical image stabilization for ultra-wide lens 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens The variable aperture is widely rumored to be introduced with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to launch this September. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in December 2024 that the main rear camera on both ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models will offer variable aperture. More recently in October, a report claimed that Apple is moving ahead with those plans and was discussing components with suppliers. Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images. In contrast, a variable aperture lets the camera control how much light reaches the sensor. In low-light conditions, it opens to admit more light, while in bright scenes, it closes to avoid overexposure. This should also give users more control over depth of field. The other camera upgrades the leaker mentioned appear to be ones that Apple is testing for future models beyond the iPhone 18 Pro, with an unclear timeline for implementation. Regarding the "ultra-large" main sensor, the 1/1.12-inch label is based on a legacy optical format, not a literal measurement. It dates back to video camera tubes, so the number doesn't correspond directly to the sensor's physical width. In practice, a 1/1.12-inch sensor has a diagonal of around 14.5mm – far smaller than the label might suggest, but very large by smartphone standards. It's the same size as Sony's LYTIA LYT-901, which is shipping in the Vivo X300 Ultra. It's significantly larger than the 1/1.28-inch main sensor the iPhone 17 Pro models use, and would offer improved low-light performance, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. As for the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, Digital Chat Station has mentioned multiple times that Apple is studying the technology, but they recently said it is unlikely to feature in an iPhone before 2028. Digital Chat Station has more than three million followers on Weibo, and has a track record of accurately leaking Apple-related information. For example, they accurately revealed the overall design of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro, as well as the triple 48-megapixel rear camera system of the ‌iPhone 17 Pro.‌ Recently, the leaker claimed Apple's first foldable, expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, will be called "iPhone Ultra."Related Roundup: iPhone 18 ProTag: Digital Chat StationThis article, "iPhone 18 Pro to Kick Off Apple's Four-Part Camera Upgrade Plan" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Besides Workspace Intelligence, Google announced a suite of new Workspace features across Drive, Sheets, Meet, and more at Cloud Next 2026. These updates are rolling out over the coming weeks. more…

A federal appeals court has given the Comanche Nation a mixed but meaningful win in its fight over the Warm Springs Casino run by the Fort Sill Apache Tribe near Lawton, Oklahoma. In a decision filed Tuesday (April 21), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit said part of the lawsuit can keep moving even after arguments that tribal sovereign immunity should block the case. Judges said the Comanche Nation may continue claims under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, known as IGRA, against Fort Sill Apache officials sued in their official roles. NEW: Tenth Circuit splits casino immunity case: Comanche Nation IGRA claims survive, while Fort Sill Apache officials win partial RICO shield @RWW pic.twitter.com/W7xOcyrTNH— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 21, 2026 The dispute began after Warm Springs Casino opened in 2022. According to the ruling, the Comanche Nation runs nearby gaming properties and claimed that “The resulting competition made the Nation’s casinos less profitable.” The Nation asked the court to stop casino operations and award damages. The opinion says the Nation alleged the casino “was opened in violation of federal law.” Writing for the three-judge panel, Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich said the court would “affirm in part and reverse in part.” Why the Warm Springs Casino ruling supporting the Comanche Nation matters The panel said “the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) abrogates the Tribe’s sovereign immunity defense, so the Nation can proceed with its official-capacity claims under IGRA.” It keeps alive the central argument that Warm Springs Casino may be operating outside the Fort Sill Apache Tribe’s gaming compact with Oklahoma. The Comanche Nation contends the casino sits on land that does not qualify as Fort Sill Apache land under that compact. Judges said the complaint alleges the Tsalote Allotment remains Kiowa land, not Fort Sill Apache land. At this stage, the court said it had to accept properly pleaded allegations as true. The ruling also said the claim fits a federal provision allowing suits “initiated by a State or Indian tribe to enjoin a class III gaming activity located on Indian lands and conducted in violation of any Tribal-State compact.” But the Comanche Nation did not win across the board. The judges rejected official-capacity racketeering claims under RICO that sought injunctions and declarations. The panel said the Ex Parte Young exception could not be used here because the complaint did not tie the named officials to ongoing casino operations. As the panel put it, “Ex Parte Young does not help the Nation because its claims are not against officials charged with operating the casino.” The court separately allowed individual-capacity RICO damages claims to continue, saying those claims target officials personally rather than the tribe itself. Because of that, judges wrote, “they cannot raise the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.” The panel did not decide whether those officials might later assert qualified immunity. The case now returns to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The decision lands amid wider tribal gaming battles, including a temporary casino deal involving Yocha Dehe, Vallejo, and Scotts Valley in California, and a paused northern California tribal casino lawsuit. Featured image: Google Maps The post Appeals court revives Comanche challenge to Oklahoma tribal casino lawsuit appeared first on ReadWrite.

At Cloud Next 2026, Google today announced “Workspace Intelligence” to provide “highly accurate, personalized context for every app.” more…

MGM Resorts International said Tuesday (April 21) it finished the sale of the operating business at MGM Northfield Park, wrapping up a $546 million all-cash transaction that hands control of the Ohio property to funds managed by Clairvest Group Inc. The company announced the closing from Las Vegas and framed the move as another step in reshaping its holdings while unlocking money for other priorities. The sale had been expected and now formally removes the racino from MGM’s operating lineup. Dear guests, please see detailed FAQs about our property's transition here: https://t.co/f8w8gNlfcy pic.twitter.com/XVIJ0GwpPC— Northfield Park Racino (@RacinoNP) April 17, 2026 Executives said the Northfield Park property had become a leading venue in its region and credited employees for sustaining performance in a competitive market. “MGM Northfield Park is a market-leading property supported by a talented team that has consistently delivered outstanding guest experiences,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO & President, MGM Resorts International.  “The property has a strong foundation, and we extend our best wishes to the team and new ownership for continued success in the next chapter of the property’s evolution.” The transaction also changes MGM’s lease structure with VICI Properties Inc. MGM said its master lease, which previously included MGM Northfield Park, was amended at closing and will lower annual rent by $53 million. After taxes and deal expenses, MGM expects to receive about $420 million in net cash proceeds. That gives the company additional flexibility as it weighs investments, debt management, and shareholder returns. Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Halkyard said the sale showcases the strength of MGM’s operating assets while allowing the company to move on from a property it no longer views as core to long-term plans. “The closing of this transaction underscores the value of MGM’s high-quality operations and provides an opportunity to divest a non-strategic regional asset at a significantly higher multiple than currently ascribed to our premium portfolio,” said Jonathan Halkyard, CFO, MGM Resorts International. “The proceeds will be deployed in line with our priorities of maintaining a strong balance sheet, selectively investing in growth opportunities, and returning capital to shareholders.” MGM said Northfield Park produced roughly $142 million in adjusted EBITDAR for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025. The company noted that adjusted EBITDAR is a non-GAAP financial measure often used in gaming and hospitality to compare property-level performance. Advisers on the sale included Jefferies LLC and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. Legal counsel was provided by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Northfield Park sale gives MGM more room for capital plans The completed transaction adds liquidity while MGM continues to concentrate on larger resort destinations and digital gaming interests. The company has repeatedly said it wants to focus capital where returns can be strongest. MGM Resorts operates casino and hotel properties across the United States and in international markets. It also holds online sports betting and iGaming interests through BetMGM and related brands, while pursuing a major integrated resort project in Japan as part of its Asia growth strategy. Featured image: MGM Resorts via Facebook The post MGM completes Northfield Park sale for $546M appeared first on ReadWrite.

Resorts World New York City says it plans to open New York City’s first live table games casino on April 28, bringing blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette to Queens in a major expansion beside Aqueduct Racetrack. The start still depends on final testing by the New York Gaming Commission this week. If regulators sign off, the property says it will become the first place in the five boroughs to run live dealer table games. A rebuilt third floor is set to debut with more than 240 tables and over 1,500 gaming positions spread across blackjack, craps, baccarat and roulette. Guests will also find more than 2,500 slot machines on opening day. The company says thousands of additional machines are expected later in 2026. Resorts World New York City will open its table games April 28, the casino announced earlier today; Resorts World in Queens will become the first legal casino in New York City to offer live dealer table games— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) April 21, 2026 “New York City has never seen anything like what we’re planning for April 28. Once the Gaming Commission’s final testing is complete, live table games will be open and operating right here in Queens for the first time in the history of New York City. We are ready to welcome New Yorkers to this exciting new experience,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East.  “Resorts World now employees over 2,200 Team Members and have already doubled our workforce and expect thousands more Team Members as the integrated resort is developed over the next three years. This is a transformational moment for Resorts World New York City, and we cannot wait to share it with our fellow New Yorkers.” Resorts World Queens casino hiring ramped up ahead of live tables opening Ahead of the launch, Resorts World says it added 1,250 jobs, including 950 new table-game dealers. Most of those hires completed orientation during several sessions this week. The company says its workforce now stands at about 2,200 people and could climb past 2,700 by summer as operations grow. Resorts World New York City lanyards are seen ahead of the casino’s live table games launch. Credit: Whitmore Studios / Resorts World Executives also pointed out a local training pipeline. Resorts World says its Introduction to Gaming program began in 2022 and has trained more than 350 residents for gaming careers. It also says the Resorts World Dealer School has already trained and hired more than 400 local residents in Queens, with another 500 graduates expected by May. A formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m. with plans calling for a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial first roll of the dice. The company says Genting Chairman KT Lim and NAS are expected to attend alongside elected officials, community leaders and other guests. The property at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Jamaica says it remains the city’s only casino-hotel and has generated nearly $5 billion for New York public education since 2011. It also includes the 400-room Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York City, which opened in 2021. The expansion arrives as New York moves toward awarding three downstate casino licenses. Resorts World has submitted a reported $5.5 billion proposal to redevelop the site into a larger integrated resort, and its community advisory committee recently advanced the bid to the next stage. Featured: Whitmore Studios / Resorts World The post Resorts World Queens casino to debut first live tables in April appeared first on ReadWrite.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened what may become one of the biggest state fights yet over prediction markets, suing Coinbase and Gemini and accusing both companies of running illegal online gambling operations. The paired cases were filed in New York Supreme Court and ask judges for heavy financial penalties that could ripple across a fast-growing corner of crypto finance. State lawyers say residents were allowed to stake money on sports, elections, and entertainment results without the gaming licenses New York requires for legal wagering. In the attorney general’s view, calling those products market contracts does not change what they are. .@Gemini and @coinbase's so-called prediction markets are just illegal gambling operations that expose young people to addictive platforms.Gambling by another name is still gambling. I'm suing to stop these platforms from breaking the law.https://t.co/DosDKe2un1— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) April 21, 2026 James said the companies cannot sidestep gambling law by changing labels, and that “New Yorkers deserve the protections that come with legal, regulated gaming.” Her office said it wants the court to force both firms to surrender profits, compensate consumers, and “pay fines equal to three times the profits the companies made through their illegal actions.” The filings also ask for permanent court orders stopping the businesses from continuing in New York. New York AG launches sweeping state investigation against Coinbase and Gemini The complaints address how much direct testing state investigators say they carried out themselves. According to the filings, investigators placed about 22,000 bets on Coinbase and another 12,000 bets on Gemini over roughly two and a half months. The New York AG's Office placed 12,000 bets on Gemini over a two-and-a-half-month period. pic.twitter.com/k9AKRpCokL— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 21, 2026 The complaints indicate investigators tracked how accounts were opened, how wagers were entered, what fees were charged, and how payouts moved back to users. The timing matters because New York already runs one of the country’s most tightly controlled sports betting systems. Licensed mobile sportsbooks operate under strict rules, identity checks, and tax rates that have produced more than $1 billion a year for the state. Officials argue prediction markets cut around that structure while avoiding the same safeguards. James has recently tied the spread of prediction markets to concerns often raised about sports betting expansion, especially risks for young men and vulnerable consumers. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., a key Albany voice on gaming issues, previously told ReadWrite that federally regulated event-contract platforms may be pushing into territory traditionally overseen by states. The allegations against Gemini Titan and Coinbase The Gemini complaint says Gemini Titan LLC rolled out Gemini Predictions in December 2025 and made the product available across the country, including New York. Prosecutors cite Gemini’s own statement that it was “now live across all 50 U.S. states.” State lawyers say users could take positions on outcomes ranging from the Super Bowl to college basketball and reality television, including “Survivor Season 50.” The petition argues Gemini “seeks to avoid the legal and financial consequences of New York’s close regulation of gambling by offering what is quintessentially wagering under the guise of offering ‘event contracts’ on a ‘prediction market.’” The state also claims the platform allowed users between ages 18 and 21 to participate, despite New York restricting sports wagering to those 21 and older. The Coinbase case follows the same blueprint. Prosecutors say Coinbase entered the prediction market business in December 2025 and later said its products were “live in all 50 states.” According to the complaint, users could wager on whether the New York Knicks would cover a point spread, who would win the

X, formerly Twitter, has announced it is launching a custom timelines feature that allows users to pin specific topics to their home tab in the X app for iOS. The company says custom timelines are powered by Grok AI, which understands the social media platform's algorithm personalization so that timelines are tuned for individual users. Paying users will see an Add+ button appear next to the Following tab, with support for over 75 topics, ranging from design to robotics to real estate. X says Grok's filters work even better for topics a user already engages with. Early access to custom timelines is currently limited to Premium subscribers on iOS, with Android set to follow "soon." Ladies and gentlemen, today we're launching one of our biggest changes to Introducing Custom TimelinesThis feature allows you to pin a specific topic to your home tab. With support for over 75 topics, you can dive deep into your favorite niche on X.It's powered by Grok's… pic.twitter.com/9jkIEXvubj— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 21, 2026 Today, X is also rolling out a tool to snooze topics on the For You tab, allowing users to tune out politics- or sports-related posts, for example.This article, "X Rolls Out AI-Powered Custom Timelines for Premium Users" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Kalshi went to federal court in Montana on Tuesday (April 21), asking a judge to stop state officials from using gambling laws against its federally regulated prediction market. The company says Montana is trying to shut down trading activity that falls under the sole authority of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The filing seeks a preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. On the same day, Kalshi also filed an unopposed request to pause case deadlines while both sides continue discussions. Defendants include Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the Montana Gambling Control Division, and other state officials. NEW: Kalshi sues Montana officials, claiming state crackdown on event contracts violates federal authority over derivatives markets #PredictionMarkets @RWW pic.twitter.com/K6RIjpB4Xk— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 13, 2026 Kalshi told the court state officials are “unconstitutionally threatening to prohibit trading on Kalshi’s federally designated contract market,” even though its contracts are “federally authorized” and Congress granted the CFTC “exclusive jurisdiction” over designated contract markets. Kalshi runs a federally licensed exchange offering event contracts. The contracts let users trade on whether future events will happen, from economic data to elections and sports outcomes. The company argues those products are derivatives governed by federal commodities law, not sports wagers or gambling products controlled separately by each state. According to the complaint, Montana regulators decided Kalshi’s offerings in the state “constitute illegal gambling” under Montana law and ordered the company to stop offering contracts to residents. The state warned that it “expect[ed]” Kalshi to “voluntarily comply” and that “[r]efusal to do so will result in legal action against Kalshi.” Why Kalshi is asking for a preliminary injunction against Montana Kalshi said Montana had previously agreed to a standstill in April 2025. Under that deal, the Gambling Control Division said it would “not initiate any civil or criminal enforcement against Kalshi during the pendency of” related Nevada litigation and would “defer any enforcement pending the outcome of the proceedings before Chief Judge Gordon in Nevada and any appeal to the Ninth Circuit.” The company says those Nevada proceedings were still active when Montana sent a new cease-and-desist letter dated April 6, 2026. Kalshi says it received that letter on April 11, asked officials for clarification, but “received no response and filed the Complaint.” In its latest brief, Kalshi argued Congress built a national framework for exchanges like its own, and letting states block trading one by one would break that system. The company cited legislative history saying that “different State laws would just lead to total chaos.” The Montana case follows similar fights around the country. Kalshi has recently pointed to favorable rulings in New Jersey, Arizona, and Tennessee, where judges found the company was likely to succeed on arguments that federal commodities law preempts state gaming enforcement. It has also sued Iowa while challenging similar state actions elsewhere. Kalshi says immediate relief is needed because Montana’s newest letter creates an “imminent threat” of enforcement. It asked the court to stop officials from enforcing Montana gambling statutes or “any other Montana law that attempts to regulate Kalshi’s exchange” while the lawsuit moves ahead. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kalshi seeks Montana court injunction over federal prediction market authority fight appeared first on ReadWrite.

Apple has announced the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone in Malaysia, allowing independent sellers, small merchants, and large retailers in the region to use ‌iPhones‌ as a payment terminal. Tap to Pay allows iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets‌‌‌. All transactions are encrypted, and Apple has no information about what is purchased or the person who made the purchase. No additional hardware or credit card machine is required‌ to use Tap to Pay on iPhone. The feature uses NFC technology to securely authenticate the contactless payments, plus the feature also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options. Starting today, ADAPTIS, Fiuu, HitPay, Stripe, and Zoho are the first payment platforms in Malaysia to bring Tap to Pay on iPhone to its merchants. Tap to Pay on iPhone will also be coming soon for checkout at Apple The Exchange TRX. Supported contactless debit and credit cards include American Express, JCB, Mastercard, MyDebit, UnionPay, and Visa. Tap to Pay on ‌iPhone‌ launched in February 2022 in the United States, and since then, Apple has expanded it to more than 50 countries and regions around the world.Tags: Malaysia, Tap to Pay on iPhoneThis article, "Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in Malaysia" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Honor has just unveiled its new budget-friendly Honor 600, with a pretty spec-heavy package wrapped up in an iPhone-inspired shell. more…

Apple yesterday announced that longtime Apple CEO Tim Cook is planning to step down from his role later this year, with current hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take over as CEO. We've seen media reports suggesting Ternus will bring Jobs-like decisiveness back to Apple, as well as reactions from top world leaders, but we thought we'd also highlight what MacRumors readers think of the transition. Reactions on the MacRumors forums run the gamut from positive to negative, with some people praising Cook for everything he's done for Apple, and others celebrating his departure from the role. From Cook fans: nfl46 - Thank you, Tim! He left John in a reallyyyyyyy good financial position! RMMediccc - Thanks for being the right guy at the right time Tim. You will be missed, but it was time and you are making the correct call just as Steve did. DocMultimedia - Congrats to Mr. Cook for amazing growth for Apple over so many years. Hopefully Apple will continue to grow under Mr. Ternus. So much respect for both (unlike many on this forum). Adelphos33 - A lot of... let's say disappointing responses. Cook became COO on October 14, 2005. One of the best and most important executives of all time. He made a lot of people very wealthy, and not just Apple employees. A personally pioneering one as well. KPOM - Tim Cook will go down as one of the best CEOs to lead a Fortune 500. I expect he'll stay on as executive chairman at least until January 2029 as he is Apple's ambassador to the world of politics. transpo1 - Cook was the right guy for the job at the right time. He could never do what Jobs did, and Jobs could never do what Cook did. Jobs told him "Don't do what I would do, do what you would do," and like it or not, he made wildly profitable decisions that enabled the company to keep moving forward from a position of enormous success. From Cook critics: Kylo83 - good, hopefully we actually see real change now firstcitazen - Ding Dong the .... iPedro - But Tim Cook was anything but a visionary and he completely missed what Steve Jobs intended for Siri, which debuted in the iPhone the day before his death. New blood is needed and an engineer who's a stickler for detail is a great place to start. turbineseaplane - Party time!!! 🥳 Fantastic news. It's time for some fresh ideology, I hope. Anonymous123 - Good riddance. Glad to see the penny pincher finally gone. Hope this marks a new, better direction for Apple. Less focus on services and ads, more focus on higher quality software and hardware, please. gleepskip - Tim Cook is so dull, his memoirs would be an autobiography titled "Supply Chain Optimization: A Love Story." delsoul - Does this mean we'll finally get some ballsy, new daring products instead of trying to appease the shareholders nonstop with boring stale products superarijit - He got fired, pure and simple, PR free. Why? Imagine the utter billions he lost on failed Apple Intelligence, Apple Car, Apple Vision Pro and more. Crap software, same hardware every year. He's lucky that iphone saved him each and every time. tgurske - Thank god. I don't know why Jobs picked a Toyota Camry to be CEO but I can't wait for someone interesting to get in there. iMac The Knife - Hip hip hooray! Cook ended up being the worst possible choice to succeed Steve Jobs as Apple's CEO - at least in terms of product design, user experience, and genuine innovation. HiVolt - It's finally happening. I really hope Ternus can make things better, and at least he will have a more interesting personality than a potted plant. From Ternus fans: Nismo73 - John's the guy for the job. Congrats! venom600 - Awesome... glad to have a hardware guy in charge. aj8690 - MAKE CEOs HOT AGAIN spritle - THE TERNUSATOR! jonnyb098 - Best Apple News in a while. Apple needs a product visionary after 5 years of stagnation (Vision Pro is not a consumer hit at all nor do most know it exists). Tim made the company a behemoth but that comes with

As previously teased, Google Wallet for Android now offers Live Updates for tracking your current flight. more…

Germany’s gambling regulator says it has intensified action against rapper Capital Bra after what it describes as repeated promotion of illegal online gambling across his social media accounts. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Länder, or GGL, said on Monday (April 20) that an ongoing case centers on videos and livestreams in which the artist allegedly showed himself using unauthorized gambling services while encouraging followers to engage with them. The news comes after reports that he was rushed to the hospital the same day following an alleged drug overdose. Capital Bra soll Werbung gemacht, selbst gespielt und das im Internet gezeigt haben. Die Glücksspielbehörde will, dass er zahlt, doch der Rapper reagiert nicht. https://t.co/Fq9g0Fz4Au— stern (@sternde) April 20, 2026 According to the authority, videos remained available on his channels after the streams ended, while banner advertising for related sites continued to appear. Regulators also allege he ran a comparison website that directed users toward illegal gambling providers. German law bars advertising for illegal gambling under Section 5, paragraph 7 of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling. The GGL says showing participation in unlawful gambling can itself function as marketing because it normalizes the activity and drives traffic. How the illegal gambling crackdown grew against Capital Bra The authority said it first opened proceedings in October 2025 over suspected illegal gambling advertising. It says a hearing notice received no response. A prohibition order followed, including the threat of a coercive fine, and regulators say that order also went unanswered. The GGL then set a coercive penalty of 250,000 euros ($294,000). With assistance from West Hesse police, officials served the notice during one of the rapper’s club concerts in Wiesbaden last weekend. “We are not deterred even by well-known names. Anyone who promotes illegal gambling must expect decisive regulatory action,” Ronald Benter, executive board member of the GGL, said in the statement. The regulator says cases involving celebrities and influencers can be harder to enforce when individuals are difficult to contact or documents cannot be served easily. Even so, it says it will keep using available legal tools and police cooperation when needed. Germany has recently warned consumers about newer forms of illegal social betting that can spread quickly online through community-style platforms and creator promotion. Officials say those offers may appear harmless or game-like while still exposing users to unlicensed gambling risks. There has been increasing scrutiny of celebrity-linked gambling promotion internationally. Recent reporting has examined claims around high-profile streaming losses involving Drake and Stake, raising questions about whether sponsored personalities gamble with their own funds or promotional balances. Elsewhere in Europe, regulators have also stepped up enforcement. Finnish authorities recently moved against two influencers over gambling marketing tied to possible fines of 30,000 euros, while the Dutch gambling authority took action involving influencer LeftLanePapi over illegal gambling promotion. The GGL says its campaign is meant to protect consumers from sites outside state supervision. It warns those operators may lack player safeguards and can expose users to addiction, manipulated game presentations, and serious financial losses. Featured image: Stefan Brending / CC-BY-SA-3.0 de The post German regulator targets Capital Bra over alleged illegal gambling promotion case appeared first on ReadWrite.

A former finance manager for the Fresno Arts Council has pleaded guilty after federal prosecutors accused her of siphoning more than $1.8 million from the nonprofit, and spending part of the money to gamble at local casinos, pay for vacations, and cover other personal expenses. Suliana Caldwell, 46, of Fresno, admitted one count of wire fraud in federal court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California said. Prosecutors contend the losses mounted while she controlled key accounts and handled internal financial reporting. The former Fresno Arts Council operations manager pleaded guilty today to federal wire fraud charges following an investigation by the FBI and the @FresnoPolice. She embezzled more than $1.8 million from the organization. Please visit https://t.co/otOrH4iwxb for more information. pic.twitter.com/XdNBCs7vgC— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) April 20, 2026 According to court records, Caldwell worked as the council’s operations manager from 2021 until February 2026. The position gave her authority over bank accounts, payroll, grants, donations and other day-to-day finances. She also assembled financial updates that were shared with the executive director, board members and local government officials. Investigators say the theft started in 2022, when Caldwell began making “unauthorized transfers from the FAC’s bank accounts to her own personal PayPal and to her bank accounts.” Prosecutors said the amounts grew sharply the following year after new public money reached the organization. The plea agreement says those transfers “increased significantly in 2023” after the council began receiving Measure P funds. Measure P is a voter-approved Fresno tax measure that supports parks, trails, arts programming and other community projects. Federal prosecutors said the Fresno Arts Council received $9.4 million in August 2023, followed by another $5.7 million in October 2024. How Fresno Arts Council manager hid money used for gambling and personal expenses Federal prosecutors said Caldwell used a position of trust to keep the scheme from being detected. According to the plea agreement, she “altered and misreported the financial figures in the reports to make the reports appear as though no unauthorized transfers were occurring.” They were then provided to council leaders and public officials as if they were accurate, prosecutors said. The filing says that between June 2022 and February 2026, Caldwell took more than $1.8 million. It adds: “She then used the funds to gamble at local casinos, pay for vacations, and for other improper personal expenses.” Investigators said Caldwell later met with the Fresno Police Department and the FBI on March 26, 2026. During that interview, authorities said, she confessed and described the organization’s financial procedures during her time there. Caldwell’s defense attorney, Kevin Rooney, told reporters outside the court: “Ms Caldwell had some emotional problems, alcohol problems, all of it spiralled into a gambling addiction. “Ms Caldwell’s extremely distraught about what she’s done. It’s impacted her family; it’s impacted the Fresno Arts Council.” Suliana Caldwell walked into federal court on Monday to plead guilty after prosecutors said she stole $1.8 million from the Fresno Arts Council.I exclusively reported on the investigation and her identity in February.Watch my latest reporting for @ABC30 pic.twitter.com/01g9CzutJD— Gabe Ferris (@GabeABC30) April 21, 2026 When asked about the artists impacted by the theft, Rooney added, “I can’t speak exactly to what Ms. Caldwell would say. She’s very upset. It’s just unfortunate all around for the artists, for the community, for Ms Caldwell, for her family.” The FBI and Fresno Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Joseph D. Barton are leading the prosecution. Caldwell is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on August 10, 2026. She fa

Fanatics Markets has introduced a new product called Combos, giving customers another way to trade sports outcomes as the basketball playoffs get underway. The feature was rolled out Monday (April 20). It allows users to bundle multiple outcomes into one new contract inside Fanatics Markets. The selections can include player props, winners, spreads and totals. Customers can mix picks from different sports, different games, or keep everything inside a single matchup. .@Fanatics Markets launches Combos, letting users bundle sports predictions across leagues. Available on iOS and Android in 24 states today. @RWW pic.twitter.com/oXffK0FYWT— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 20, 2026 The launch adds to Fanatics’ push into prediction markets, an area the company entered in 2025 when it rolled out Fanatics Markets. Earlier reporting around the launch said Fanatics was moving into the space through a partnership with Crypto.com, in a bid to offer event-based trading tied to sports results. How Fanatics Markets Combos works Fanatics said customers can find eligible markets by looking for the combo icon, then building a custom contract from there. The company says Combos is currently available for professional basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, football, boxing, MMA and tennis, with more sports expected later. The company said it is launching the product “just in time for basketball’s postseason,” while making it usable across several major leagues at the same time. Fanatics Markets is available on iOS and Android in 24 states and four U.S. territories. The company also says web access is offered in those same approved jurisdictions. Among the states specifically named were California, Texas and Florida. Fanatics Markets has combos now pic.twitter.com/XEwHK3G11l— Dustin Gouker (@DustinGouker) April 15, 2026 The company says the platform runs on infrastructure provided by Crypto.com Derivatives North America, or CDNA, which Fanatics identified as a CFTC-registered exchange. Fanatics has argued that structure gives users a regulated venue to trade contracts tied to sports moments such as game winners, player milestones and championship outcomes. The regulatory backdrop has drawn attention across the industry. Coverage this year also noted a Nevada court dispute involving Crypto.com, which may end up affecting the partnership. Fanatics states it is also introducing consumer safeguards alongside the new product. According to the company, Fanatics Markets includes tools intended to help customers manage exposure and make informed decisions while trading. This includes deposit limits, session limits, timeouts and self-exclusion options. The company says those settings are designed to support responsible use of the platform. Featured image: Fanatics via Instagram The post Fanatics Markets launches Combos feature as basketball postseason trading starts appeared first on ReadWrite.

A fight over prediction markets, federal authority, and Arizona gambling law is moving onto a slower track after all sides asked for more time, even as they continue arguing over what a temporary court order actually blocks. In a joint status report filed Monday (April 20) in U.S. District Court in Arizona, the United States, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Kalshi, and Arizona officials said they had met under a prior court order and were updating the judge on scheduling. LATEST: Arizona seeks June delay in Kalshi case; TRO remains as parties clash over state probe powers and betting contracts. #PredictionMarkets pic.twitter.com/FgPeJxPL9m— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 20, 2026 Arizona asked to cancel the current May 6 hearing on the federal plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction and reset it for June 3 or another date later in June. The state also said, “Defendants consent to extending the current Temporary Restraining Order through the hearing date and to such time as the Court decides the Motion for Preliminary Injunction.” The temporary restraining order was issued earlier this month after a federal judge temporarily halted Arizona enforcement tied to the disputed contracts, preserving the status quo while the case moved forward. The parties also noted that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals may soon rule in related consolidated appeals argued April 16. This involves similar clashes over event contracts and whether states can act against federally regulated markets. Federal plaintiffs said they do not need another round of briefing. They told the court that “the best course of action would be to convert the TRO to a preliminary injunction and to stay the case pending a decision in the Ninth Circuit.” Kalshi said it agrees. Arizona dispute over Kalshi scope remains amid delays Arizona wants a fuller record before any injunction decision. State lawyers said the court would benefit from information “regarding standing and any financial, economic, commercial consequences associated with sports or election event contracts traded on designated contract markets.” The state added that it expects witness testimony at the hearing and declarations with its opposition filing. Arizona also said supplemental briefing would help after the restraining order and recent appellate arguments. It plans to address “standing, merits (what instruments do or do not qualify as swaps, or as properly listed event contracts, and why), irreparable harm, and the balance of equities.” Federal plaintiffs pushed back, saying the judge already has substantial briefing and heard argument on April 10. They said more briefing “would be duplicative, especially with the Ninth Circuit likely to issue a decision quickly.” Kalshi likewise said more briefing is unnecessary, though it wants to participate if future filings affect its interests. The filing also touched on an intervention request from North American Derivatives Exchange, doing business as Crypto.com Derivatives North America. Arizona said it does not oppose intervention if the company joins the federal plaintiffs’ injunction request and avoids repetitive briefing. If approved, CDNA would be added as an intervenor-plaintiff, permitted to file its complaint in the consolidated action, and formally join the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order. Arizona said it does not oppose the move after receiving assurances that CDNA would avoid duplicative briefing. Another major issue centers on the restraining order’s reach. Arizona said it reads the order as blocking new enforcement actions, but not investigations or subpoenas. Federal plaintiffs objected, arguing investigations burden federally regulated designated contract markets, unsettle traders, and interfere with the CFTC’s claimed exclusive oversight role. Kalshi said it agrees with that reading. The Arizona case follows other recent rulings, including appellate decisions that favored K

Evoke has confirmed it is talking with Bally’s Intralot S.A. about a possible takeover, ending days of market chatter around the debt-laden betting group that owns William Hill and 888. The London-listed company said the early-stage approach values the business at 50 pence a share ($0.68). Investors have been watching for signs of corporate interest after a difficult stretch marked by tax pressure, store closures and questions over leverage. In a stock exchange statement, Evoke said it “notes the recent media speculation and confirms that it is in discussions with Bally’s Intralot S.A. … regarding a possible offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company at a price of 50 pence per share.” The company added that the proposal “is expected to comprise an all-share combination with a partial cash alternative.” The board said there “can be no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms on which any offer might be made,” and said shareholders “are advised not to take any action in relation to the Proposal.” Evoke said its board is evaluating the approach with advisers Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co. Under takeover rules, Bally’s Intralot has until 5 p.m. London time on May 18 to announce a firm offer or step away, unless Evoke agrees to an extension. Pressure has been building for Evoke in recent months after UK Budget as Bally’s floats takeover The bid interest arrives after months in which Evoke has openly reviewed its future. In December, the company launched a strategic review that said it would consider “a range of potential alternatives to maximise shareholder value,” including “a potential sale of the Group, or some of the Company’s assets and/or business units.” It came after warnings that UK tax changes would squeeze earnings and make trading tougher across the regulated market. In January, we reported Evoke posted its strongest quarter of the year, with fourth-quarter revenue of £464 million ($627 million), while chief executive Per Widerström criticized the UK Budget for dealing a “significant blow to both evoke and the wider regulated industry.” In December Evoke had begun a formal review of its future direction as pressure mounted from tax increases and planned store cuts across the group. Retail operations have already been shrinking. In October, we found that William Hill planned to close around one in ten of its UK betting shops during 2026. The potential buyer itself has also been reshaped. Bally’s completed a $3 billion merger deal with Intralot in October, giving Bally’s a controlling position in the enlarged business and access to Intralot’s international lottery and digital technology assets. The American corporation based in Rhode Island, entered Europe last year when it bought Aspers Casino in Newcastle. In the same year, hedge fund Standard General completed its $4.6 billion takeover of Bally’s Corporation. It appears to be increasing its digital footprint in the UK market. For now, no firm offer has been agreed and talks remain conditional. Featured image: Hermann Luyken via WikiCommons / CC0 1.0 / WythenshaweMike via WikiCommons / CC BY 3.0 The post Evoke takeover talks by Bally’s Intralot confirm pressure on gambling group finances appeared first on ReadWrite.

Online gambling ads faced a tougher year in 2025 as Google stepped up enforcement across its network. The company says it blocked or removed 270.7 million gambling and gaming ads for breaking policy rules, putting the sector among the most heavily penalized categories in its latest Ads Safety Report. That total trailed areas such as financial services and sexual content, but it was higher than enforcement tied to alcohol and healthcare advertising. The numbers appear to show how hard it has become for platforms and regulators to police a betting market that keeps growing across borders and devices. In 2025, Gemini-powered tools helped us catch over 99% of policy-violating ads before they ever served. Our 2025 Ads Safety Report details how we’re continuing to evolve our defenses to stay ahead of even the most advanced schemes. pic.twitter.com/9oqDgbpFFc— News from Google (@NewsFromGoogle) April 16, 2026 Google also said it restricted 123.9 million gambling and gaming ads rather than removing them outright. In practice, that can mean an ad was limited by country, age gate rules, licensing status, or other local compliance checks before users could see it. Across every category, Google reported blocking or removing 8.3 billion ads in 2025. The company said more than 99% of violating ads were stopped before they were shown, reflecting its heavier use of automated detection systems and AI review tools. Google gambling ads policy changes widened oversight in 2025 The company said it took action on 9.7 million web pages for paid online gambling violations, making gambling one of the larger publisher policy issues it handled during the year. This can involve pages promoting unlicensed operators, misleading offers, or content targeting restricted audiences. Google also spent the year rewriting rules for advertisers in the sector. It tightened certification requirements for gambling and gaming campaigns, adding stricter checks around operator licensing and who is allowed to promote betting products. Certification has become central because advertisers often need approval before campaigns can run in regulated markets. Another update expanded limits on offline gambling promotion in 35 countries, which affected ads connected to physical venues and in-person wagering where local laws or licensing standards required tighter controls. The company separately moved to limit ads tied to prediction markets beginning in January 2026, signaling that newer wagering-style products will receive closer scrutiny as they spread online. Prediction markets have drawn attention because they can resemble betting products while operating under different legal frameworks. Google has also changed how it treats sweepstakes-style games, removing some social gaming classifications that previously gave certain advertisers more flexibility. Industry observers say that it closes loopholes where chance-based products could market themselves as casual entertainment instead of gambling-adjacent services. The tech giant has been responding to pressure from regulators, including those in the Netherlands, who have called for stronger action against illegal online gambling ads, saying it requires advertisers to comply with local licensing laws and certification standards before campaigns can run. Featured image: Google via X / Canva The post Gambling ads face scrutiny as Google blocks 270 million promotions in 2025 appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Lumbee Tribal Council voted Thursday night (April 16) to move a constitutional amendment forward that would allow gaming on Lumbee tribal land, setting up a future vote for tribal members after hours of testimony and debate. Council leaders said the proposal is meant to put the final decision in the hands of Lumbee citizens and could open a path to long-term economic growth. Critics said the language could shift too much authority to tribal leadership, reduce direct voter control and expose the tribe to outside federal influence. After a late roll-call vote, council members announced they had cleared the required two-thirds threshold. “We have met the two-thirds quorum. At this time, the amendments passed,” the speaker declared to applause. The measure now goes to the Lumbee membership for a referendum. Council officials said “a yes vote is for the authorize the tribe into gaming,” while a no vote would leave the constitution unchanged. Lumbee gaming supporters and critics make their case Backers told the council that gaming revenue could provide dependable funding for housing, health care, education and other tribal priorities. Andrew Jacobs of District 11 called gaming the strongest available option for future prosperity. “No other opportunity will provide consistent unrestricted revenue to service our people,” Jacobs said. “I see no other mechanism to ensure prosperity for future generations other than implementing gaming and judiciously allocating the revenue it generates.” Darren Dees, a retired veteran from District 5, said the issue reaches beyond casinos. “It’s not about gaming,” Dees said. “It’s about the opportunity, the sovereignty and the future of our people.” He added that many tribes have used gaming “to fund education, healthcare, strengthen infrastructure and preserve the culture.” Chairman John Lowery strongly backed the proposal and said tribal needs continue to grow. “The people demand our services. The people demand our programs. The people demand that we do more every day,” Lowery said. “The days of a $20 million budget and the days of a $40 million budget can be behind us.” He urged members to think bigger, asking, “Imagine what you can do with a $540 million budget.” Lowery also said gaming proceeds could support senior centers, youth services, addiction treatment and new housing. Previous reporting has noted possible casino plans in North Carolina if the tribe secures the legal and regulatory approvals needed to proceed. Opponents said they were not all against gaming itself, but objected to the structure of the amendment. “As it’s written, it would give the power over appointments to gaming boards to the chairperson,” one speaker said, adding that those appointments would shape “all aspects of our gaming compact and revenue allocation plans.” Frank Cooper from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, warned, “This should not be approved without careful consideration of how that will allow the United States Department of Interior to approve or disapprove our Constitution.” Public Schools of Robeson County representative Bosco Locklear said, “Sovereignty is not just about the council, it’s about the whole tribe.” Lumbee Tribal Council member Anita Blanks asked, “How in the world are we supposed to decide whether we agree?” She added, “Can we not have meaningful input into these documents … if we can’t even see them?” Before the vote, the speaker defended the process, saying, “Instead, we’d like to give the membership the opportunity to make that decision.” If voters approve the measure, leaders said the tribe would begin land-into-trust work and coordinate with the National Indian Gaming Commission under federal law. Featured image: Canva The post Lumbee Council advances gaming amendment in North Carolina, sending measure to tribal voters soon appeared first on ReadWrite.

DraftKings is lining up for Alberta, and the timing says as much as the announcement itself. The company disclosed on Thursday (April 16) that it plans to bring its sportsbook and casino products to the province, subject to licensing. Alberta is preparing to open a private online market, making it only the second province after Ontario to take that route. Today, @DraftKings announced its intent to launch its online sports betting and casino products in Alberta, Canada, pending licensure and regulatory approval. If granted approval, DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino intends to be available on the province’s anticipated universal… pic.twitter.com/lvUuYX7MbO— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) April 16, 2026 In its release, DraftKings said it “today announced its intent to launch its online sports betting and casino products in Alberta, Canada, pending licensure and regulatory approval.” The company added: “If granted approval, DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino intends to be available on the province’s anticipated universal launch date of July 13, 2026, as set by the AGLC.” The planned debut arrives while Canada’s courts are still debating whether Ontario’s competitive model fits within federal law. Several provincial lottery corporations challenged Ontario’s framework, arguing private operators should not be allowed to participate under the current structure. DraftKings enters Alberta amid wider Ontario legal battle Ontario’s system has become the country’s biggest test case for regulated competition. It attracted large brands including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM, while other provinces largely kept lottery-controlled models in place. DraftKings pointed out that “Alberta would represent the second province in Canada where DraftKings operates mobile sports betting and casino products, alongside Ontario.” It added that Alberta would be the company’s “34th jurisdiction in North America” for online sports betting. The legal backdrop grew more interesting after Ontario’s Court of Appeal ruled that online gambling can legally be operated from outside Canada while still serving Ontario players, a decision seen as supportive of the province’s current framework. It did not end the dispute, however, because the matter moved on to the Supreme Court of Canada. Alberta has joined that case as an intervener. For some operators, it could mean that the province is moving ahead with licensing and launch planning while also defending the concept of a competitive provincial market. As a result, there’s a chance that it could lower hesitation around staffing, payments, compliance work and customer-acquisition spending. DraftKings executives also sounded confident about demand. Greg Karamitis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports at DraftKings, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to expand DraftKings’ footprint in Canada and bring our online sportsbook and casino experiences to customers in Alberta.” He added: “With the anticipated launch aligning with the World Cup — hosted right here in North America — it’s a particularly exciting moment for sports fans in the province to engage with our platform.” The World Cup reference is telling. DraftKings appears to view Alberta as a market that could generate immediate activity rather than a slow-build expansion. Featured image: DraftKings The post DraftKings Alberta entry signals Canada gambling market legal shift ahead appeared first on ReadWrite.

Michigan has signed off on a new online betting operator, giving bet365 permission to enter the state through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The approval was announced Friday (April 17) by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. It allows Hillside Michigan LLC, doing business as bet365, to become the tribe’s internet gaming and internet sports betting platform provider. The tribe runs Odawa Casino in Petoskey. Now LIVE in Michigan!! @bet365 pic.twitter.com/55jYZTr9xM— Rae (@kingahmed06) April 17, 2026 This fills the opening left after PokerStars recently departed the Michigan market. Players who used the previous platform now have another major international brand preparing to compete for their business. State officials said bet365 completed the licensing checks and regulatory steps needed before launch. With that process finished, the company can legally offer online casino games and sports wagering for the tribe in Michigan. The company arrives with an established profile in North America. bet365 already operates in nearby Ohio and in Ontario, giving it regional experience before entering one of the larger regulated U.S. online gaming states. “This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting marketplace,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.  “We are pleased to welcome bet365 as the Tribe’s new platform provider and look forward to seeing the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians continue to provide a safe, responsible, and enjoyable wagering experience for players across the state.” Compliance rules stay in force as bet365 enters Michigan Regulators said the approval does not reduce any operating obligations for either bet365 or the tribe. Both sides must continue following Michigan law and the board’s ongoing requirements. This includes limiting offerings to games and wager types the board has approved. The regulator also reported that they must work with approved suppliers, use registered vendors, and rely on authorized cashiering locations where required. Officials added that internal controls, published terms and conditions, and change-control procedures must remain board approved. Taxes, payments, and licensing fees also must be submitted on time under Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act. The board said it will keep monitoring licensed operators and service providers to make sure they meet standards tied to compliance, responsible gaming, and customer protection. Michigan’s online market has grown steadily since legal internet casino gaming and sports betting began, making new operator entries closely watched by competitors and players alike. In recent months, FanDuel was approved for a multi-state poker network in Michigan, as the board continues to crack down on illegal offshore gambling sites. Featured image: bet365 / Canva The post Michigan approves bet365 launch as Odawa partner, replacing PokerStars appeared first on ReadWrite.

The UK High Court has thrown out the legal attack on the award of the fourth National Lottery license, handing an important courtroom win to the Gambling Commission and operator Allwyn. The decision closes, at least for now, one of the longest and most expensive rows linked to one of Britain’s biggest public contracts. Claims brought by The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC (N&S) against the Gambling Commission in relation to the award of the Fourth National Lottery Licence have been rejected by the High Court.To read more visit our website https://t.co/cO1MeKuxn7 pic.twitter.com/RsSoq684B9— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) April 17, 2026 Richard Desmond’s businesses, Northern & Shell and The New Lottery Company, brought the case after failing to secure the license. They were seeking damages of as much as £1.3 billion ($1.8 billion). Their argument was that serious mistakes were made during the 2022 bidding contest and that later adjustments to the license terms should have forced the regulator to start the process again. The judge, Mrs Justice Smith, rejected every part of the claim. In a detailed ruling, she said the Gambling Commission had conducted a lawful and fair competition. She also found the claimants had not shown any decisive error that would have changed the outcome. Separate arguments that Camelot or Allwyn should have been excluded from the contest were also dismissed. Mrs Justice Smith also criticized the way the claimants handled parts of the case. In her judgment, she said the Process Claim had been pursued “in an apparently unfocused manner,” with several issues dropped at different stages, including during closing submissions. She added: “The extent of this moveable feast was regrettable and (given the legal resources available to the Claimants) inexcusable.” The judge said the changing arguments had led to “significant time being wasted by the other parties in dealing with issues which were subsequently abandoned.” The court also stated the value of the license, describing it as “a 10-year exclusive licence to run an internationally high-profile lottery brand as an effective monopoly, worth over time in excess of £1 billion to its operator.” Mrs Justice Smith also pointed to the wider national role of the lottery, calling it “something of a national institution, recognised the length and breadth of the country.” Setting out the scale of public benefit involved, the court said the National Lottery has “raised more than £50 billion for Good Causes,” with funding distributed through more than 650,000 awards as of June 2025. Allwyn and Gambling Commission’s dispute against National Lottery The fight has hung over the handover of the National Lottery ever since Allwyn was chosen as preferred bidder in 2022. The company formally took control in February 2024, ending Camelot’s three-decade run after operating the lottery since its 1994 launch. Before this latest setback, Desmond’s side said it had spent millions preparing its bid and had lost the chance to run the lottery because the process was unfair. This was only one strand of wider litigation around the competition. Camelot and technology partner IGT had also launched earlier legal actions tied to the same license award. The judgment matters beyond the courtroom because Allwyn has faced separate pressure over delivery of promises made in its winning proposal. Reports last year said the Gambling Commission was considering possible enforcement action after the company missed a contractual milestone linked to technology upgrades and wider modernisation work. Allwyn has said delays stemmed partly from the sheer scale of replacing ageing systems and partly from the litigation that slowed the rollout of the fourth license. The operator has pledged more than £350 million ($473 million) to overhaul the National Lottery platform and says it wants to increase money raised for good causes. The ruling appears to remove a major legal cloud fo