UPDATE: Raiders’ Snowden Was Busted for DUI Because He Passed Out Behind Wheel

UPDATE: According to the arrest report obtained by TMZ Sports, Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman wasn’t actually pulled over for DUI on Tuesday. That’s because police found him found passed out behind the wheel of his still-running 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Not only that, Vegas police wrote in the report, but his SUV was parked where it had “almost rolled off a four foot retaining wheel.”

In addition, the cops reported banging on his windows to awaken him several times, but that he would “fall back asleep” repeatedly. After about 10 minutes, according to the report, he finally got up, then turned off and exited his vehicle, at which point officers noted that he smelled from alcohol and had trouble balancing.

The only comment the Raiders have made so far was to say that they “will not comment further as this is a legal matter.”

Snowden is due in court for arraignment on Tuesday.

Charles Snowden’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders is now unclear. (Image: NFL.com)

Snowden was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and released, according to KLAS-TV/Las Vegas, which broke the story Wednesday night.

Snowden wasn’t required to appear in court after his arrest or to post bond, nor did he have a probable cause hearing before his release or a scheduled arraignment.

According to Nevada law, individuals found guilty of the offense with which he is charged could face up to six months in prison. Additionally, if Snowden is found to have been driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.18% or higher in his blood or breath, a treatment program is mandated.

Las Vegas police stopped Snowden, 26, after receiving a report about a suspicious vehicle. His alcohol concentration hasn’t yet been reported.

Snowden, who most recently played in last Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay in Florida, is in his second season with the Raiders. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021, spending time with practice squads for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Raiders’ squad last December.

He made his Raiders debut this season, playing in all 13 games, with seven starts, 30 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.

Uncertain Future

Snowden’s future with the organization is now a question mark. It is not known whether he participated in the Raider’s walkthrough on Wednesday, which was closed to the media. The Raiders aren’t responding to requests for comment.

Last year, the Raiders cut safety Roderic Teamer one day after his DUI arrest. This was considered a stern rebuke for the drunk driving with which the franchise has had an unfortunate recent history.

In November 2021, first-round Raiders draft pick Henry Ruggs killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog while driving drunk on a Las Vegas surface street, on which he reached a speed of up to 156 mph. He is currently serving 3-10 years in prison.

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Caleta Gaming Leads the Way in Brazil’s Regulated Gaming Market

Caleta-Gaming-First-Brazilian-Provider-Certified-for-the-Regulated-Market-in-Brazil-Caleta Gaming has solidified its position as a leader in the gaming industry, becoming the first Brazilian game development provider to achieve certification for the country’s newly regulated market. This milestone, granted by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), affirms that Caleta Gaming’s Random Number Generator (RNG), Remote Gaming Server (RGS), and select game titles meet Brazil’s stringent regulatory standards.

Certified titles include popular games such as Bingo Samba Rio, Ocean Riches, Dragon Rising, Cherry Cherry, and Carnival Beauties. Other certified hits, like Bingo Royale, Torch of Fire, and Atlantis Bingo, demonstrate the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Caleta is already progressing with a second phase, which will see 26 additional games undergoing certification.

“This achievement validates our dedication to quality and our ability to adapt to the demands of regulated markets, especially in our home country,” said Fabíola Jaeger, CEO of Caleta Gaming.

Benefits for Operators and Players

Caleta Gaming’s success paves the way for operators seeking to thrive in Brazil’s regulated gaming environment. By partnering with Caleta, licensed operators gain access to certified, locally tailored games designed to ensure seamless compliance while offering an exceptional player experience. The certification provides operators confidence in offering products that align with Brazil’s strict standards while meeting local preferences.

The certification comes at a pivotal time, as Brazil’s gaming market is poised for transformation. With the government introducing comprehensive regulations for land-based casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming activities, Caleta Gaming’s proactive approach ensures it remains at the forefront of this evolving industry.

Regulatory Delays and Advertisement Ban

While Caleta Gaming moves forward, Brazil’s Senate recently delayed a critical vote on a bill to legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, and jogo do bicho. Initially set for December 4, the vote has been postponed, potentially until December 10, 2024, as opposition from social and religious groups continues.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has introduced measures to regulate gambling advertisements through Order No. 2,344/2024. This directive bans all gambling incentives, including bonuses and promotional credits, to protect vulnerable populations. Companies failing to comply face steep fines of R$50,000 per day.

Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux also issued a ruling to accelerate regulatory measures targeting advertisements if aimed at children and social welfare beneficiaries. His decision emphasizes safeguarding these groups from the socio-economic impacts of gambling.

Expanding Brazil’s Gaming Market

Caleta Gaming’s recent certification reflects the company’s readiness to adapt to these dynamic regulatory changes. With a growing portfolio of certified games and a commitment to quality, Caleta is well-positioned to lead Brazil’s regulated gaming market, setting a benchmark for innovation and compliance.

As Brazil continues to navigate the complexities of regulation, companies like Caleta Gaming are ensuring the integrity and sustainability of this emerging industry.

Source: 

“Pioneering Excellence in the Brazilian Gaming Market”, Caleta Gaming press release, December 2024.

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Las Vegas Crime News Roundup: Attacker of Judge Faces Up To 65 Years in Prison

Deobra Redden will be spending as much as 65 years behind bars for jumping over a Las Vegas court bench and repeatedly assaulting a judge.

Deobra Redden
Deobra Redden, pictured above. He was sentenced to prison for decades. (Image: KTNV)

Redden, 31, of Las Vegas, was sentenced this week for between 26 and 65 years, his attorney, Carl Arnold, a Nevada criminal defense lawyer, revealed on Wednesday.

He explained that Redden pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to attempted murder and five other counts, NBC News reported. Some of the other charges included: battery of a protected person age 60 or older resulting in substantial bodily harm, intimidating a public officer, and battery by a prisoner.

Initially, he was indicted on nine charges. Earlier this year, Redden pled not guilty and later was placed on trial. But his trial ended when he agreed to the plea bargain.

The agreement between the two legal teams “reflects a delicate balance between accepting responsibility for a regrettable incident and recognizing the impact of Mr. Redden’s untreated mental illness at the time,” Arnold said.

The incident took place on January 3 when Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus announced at the Regional Justice Center that she was sending him to prison on a prior attempted battery charge. He suddenly hurled obscenities and leaped at Holthus while she was seated on the bench.

She required medical attention for her injuries. Other officials in the courtroom at the time also suffered injuries when they tried to restrain Redden.

During the recent trial, Arnold revealed that Redden failed to take a schizophrenia medication the day of the attack.

The judge who sentenced Redden was Susan Johnson.

Man Faces Trial for Allegedly Stabbing Woman

A man is heading to court after he was accused of slashing a woman last month at a Downtown Las Vegas motel.

Ryan Heider was charged with attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping with the use of a deadly weapon, and battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

The victim attempted to flee from the unnamed Fremont Street motel room, but Heider stopped her, police said. He then repeatedly stabbed her, police added.

Later, he was arrested for the November 22 knifing when he was located at a parking lot of a Sahara Avenue car dealership.

When speaking with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers, the victim admitted she provided the suspect sex in exchange for money, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

She was stabbed in the back and stomach. Her injuries were described by police as “life threatening.”

LVMPD Officer Killed on I-15

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer, identified as Colton Pulsipher, was fatally injured following a Thursday morning crash on I-15 in Nevada.

The other driver was heading the wrong way on the freeway’s northbound lanes near the Valley of Fire State Park, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

Pulsipher, 29, was off-duty at the time. He had just completed a shift and was driving his personal vehicle when the collision took place at about 12:30 a.m.

Another man also died from the collision. A woman was injured but is expected to survive. One of these other two people was the wrong-way driver, according to news reports.

Their identities weren’t immediately released.

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Pennsylvania Leads U.S. in Casino Tax Revenue

Pennsylvania-Leads-U.S.-in-Casino-Tax-RevenuePennsylvania has outpaced all other states in collecting casino tax revenue, cementing its place as a leader in the U.S. gambling landscape. In 2023, the state’s tax revenue from casinos reached a record $2.3 billion, surpassing New York at $2 billion and far exceeding Nevada’s $1.2 billion.

The state owes much of this success to its tax structure, particularly its 52% tax rate on slot machine revenue, which dwarfs the 6-8% rates seen in Nevada. According to Doug Harbach, Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, this model significantly contributes to state coffers.

With a highly taxed and regulated system, Pennsylvania ensures its gambling industry supports public programs while generating substantial state revenue. In addition to traditional casino games, online casino platforms and sports betting continue to grow as critical revenue sources.

“Slots is taxed here at about 52% for the casinos,” Harbach explained.

Rapid Growth in iGaming and Sports Betting

Pennsylvania’s gaming market thrives not only in physical casinos but also in the rapidly growing online sector. Internet casino games like slots and blackjack are becoming increasingly popular, with national records for iGaming revenue being broken recently.

Sports betting, both online and in-person, has also seen robust growth. According to the Pennsylvania Council of Compulsive Gambling, $7.68 billion was wagered on sports in 2023. This segment has expanded largely due to the convenience of mobile apps, which allow users to bet from virtually anywhere.

However, professionals caution against overindulgence. Handicapper Raphael Esparza offered advice for responsible gambling: “Just because there’s a Monday Night Football game on TV, that does not mean you have to bet it.”

Despite its successes, the state’s gambling industry faces growing concerns about the accessibility and potential risks of gambling, as calls to 1-800-GAMBLER continue to rise.

Skill Game Ban Faces Legal Hurdles

While Pennsylvania benefits from its regulated gambling framework, the legal status of skill-based gaming machines remains contentious. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania recently paused Philadelphia’s enforcement of a ban on these machines, pending an appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Skill games, often found in convenience stores, require players to complete simple tasks to win cash prizes. Critics argue they closely resemble slot machines and exploit loopholes to bypass gambling laws. Philadelphia’s City Council passed a ban on the machines in April, citing concerns over crime and their unregulated status.

However, proponents view these games as vital for small businesses. Mike Barley, spokesperson for Pace-O-Matic, a manufacturer of skill games, called the court’s decision “a victory for Philadelphia small businesses,” emphasizing the machines’ importance in generating supplemental income.

Governor Josh Shapiro has suggested regulating and taxing skill games at a 42% rate, similar to the state’s casino framework. Lawmakers are exploring ways to incorporate these machines into Pennsylvania’s regulated gambling industry while ensuring oversight and accountability.

As debates over skill games continue, Pennsylvania’s ability to balance industry growth with effective regulation will remain critical.

Source:

“Pennsylvania ranks first in casino taxes collected in US; professionals advise to gamble responsibly”, abc27.com, December 9, 2024.

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Steve Cohen’s New York City Wishlist Shrinks After Juan Soto Acquisition

Steve Cohen and his New York Mets landed the biggest prize of the MLB offseason after acquiring Juan Soto from the team’s crosstown rival New York Yankees.

Steve Cohen casino New York Juan Soto
Billionaire Steve Cohen landed MLB superstar Juan Soto in a record deal that will bring the slugger across town to New York City’s Queens. Cohen has his eyes set on another prize in New York for 2025. (Image: New York Post)

Cohen’s gift to Mets fans this holiday season is a bit costlier than your family white elephant exchange. The bidding war that included the Yanks, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers resulted in Cohen ponying up $765 million to bring the 26-year-old slugger to Queens for the next 15 years.

Soto’s deal is the biggest contract in sports history. Cohen reportedly told Soto during their meeting at one of the billionaire’s homes in California that he believes it’s his “civic duty” to make the Mets a winner and become the more respected team in the Subway series.

While Soto was Cohen’s focus for the Mets, the founder of the Point72 Asset Management hedge fund hopes to make an even richer bet in Queens next year by investing in the construction of an integrated resort casino at his Citi Field MLB ballpark.

Cohen’s 2025 Wishlist

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to determine the three winning casino bids for the downstate region by the end of next year. Cohen is in the crowded bidding pool in a partnership with Hard Rock International.

Cohen’s bid is considered a strong candidate due to the businessman’s endless pockets — Forbes estimates his real-time net worth at $21.3 billion — and close ties to powerplays in Albany, namely Gov. Kathy Hochul.

MGM Resorts is the front-runner for one of the licenses to transition its Empire City video lottery racino at the Yonkers Raceway into a Las Vegas-like resort casino with traditional slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting. Genting has also been labeled a favorite for its Resorts World New York City racino in Queens near JFK International.

Recently, however, there have been concerns about the Malaysia-based conglomerate allowing underground bookies and felons with illegal gambling convictions access to its Resorts World Las Vegas casino and sportsbook. RWLV fired its then-President Scott Sibella in September 2023. In January 2024, the gaming executive pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, a federal law designed to prevent money laundering.

In 2022, Resorts World Las Vegas was also accused of allowing a convicted felon to hold a significant stake in one of its onsite restaurants, violating Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) regulations.

Genting’s Misfortune Cohen’s Good Luck? 

Resorts World’s regulatory shortcomings in Nevada have presumably lengthened Genting’s odds of securing one of the three downstate New York gaming licenses.

RWNYC and Cohen’s Citi Field are less than six air miles apart, though the drive can take over a half-hour because of traffic. Still, because of their relative proximity, a decision by the state Gaming Facility Location Board to not grant Genting one of the three concessions would unquestionably shorten Cohen’s odds.

Dubbed Metropolitan Park, Cohen and Hard Rock have proposed an $8 billion Hard Rock Hotel & Casino integrated resort development with 20 acres of green space, five acres of athletic fields, a playground, and major improvements to mass transit.  

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