New rocket from Blue Origin prepares for inaugural flight

The launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is targeting no earlier than Friday, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. This will be the inaugural mission (NG-1) for New Glenn.

A three-hour launch window opens at 1 a.m. EST on Friday. NG-1 is the company’s first National Security Space Launch certification flight.

New Glenn will carry the company’s Blue Ring Pathfinder into space. It will test Blue Ring’s core flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities as part of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Orbital Logistics prototype effort.

“Our key objective is to reach orbit safely,” the company said in a statement on its website.

After launch, the main booster will attempt to land on a floating platform offshore.

“We know landing the booster on our first try offshore in the Atlantic is ambitious—but we’re going for it,” the company said.

“This is our first flight, and we’ve prepared rigorously for it,” said Jarrett Jones, SVP, New Glenn. “But no amount of ground testing or mission simulations are a replacement for flying this rocket. It’s time to fly. No matter what happens, we’ll learn, refine, and apply that knowledge to our next launch.”

Meet New Glenn

New Glenn stands more than 320 feet high and features a seven-meter payload fairing, enabling twice the volume of standard five-meter class commercial launch systems. The rocket’s reusable first stage aims for a minimum of 25 missions and will land on Jacklyn, a sea-based platform located several hundred miles from the launch site. Reusability is integral to radically reducing cost-per-launch.

The vehicle is powered by seven Blue Origin BE-4 engines, the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine ever flown. The seven BE-4s generate over 3.8 million pounds of thrust. The vehicle’s second stage is powered by two BE-3Us, liquid oxygen (LOX)/liquid hydrogen (LH2) engines.

Southwest Airlines sells and leasebacks 36 aircraft to raise cash

Southwest Airlines and Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM) announced Tuesday the sale and leaseback of 36 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Incline Aviation III, the third in BBAM's flagship aviation investment fund series, will own and lease the aircraft to Southwest Airlines.

Steve Zissis, president and CEO of BBAM said the transaction underscores the company’s commitment to delivering tailored fleet financing solutions to airlines.

“We are excited to partner with Southwest Airlines, one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, on this landmark sale-leaseback transaction,” Zissis said in a company press release. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Southwest Airlines."

Tammy Romo, executive vice president and CFO of Southwest Airlines said the sale and leaseback is part of the company’s ' transformational plan announced last year.

“This transaction is part of our 'Southwest. Even Better.' transformational plan introduced in September at Investor Day,” Romo said. “By opportunistically monetizing surplus value from a portion of our existing all-Boeing 737 fleet, Southwest is generating significant cash to drive fleet modernization and offset capital expenditures in support of our capital allocation strategy.  We are very pleased to partner with BBAM, one of the world's leading aircraft lessors, on this transaction."

Southwest Airlines offers service at 117 airports across 11 countries. The airline launched in 1971.

Air Canada will have a spot at new JFK terminal in 2026

JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) and Air Canada announced Monday that the airline will operate from the new Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2026. JPM was selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate the new terminal at JFK airport.

Air Canada will join fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ANA at the future terminal.

Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Air Canada passengers can look forward to T6's digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to all gates,100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping, dining, lounges and amenities, curated public art, sustainable operating features, and a premium guest experience throughout the terminal.

Air Canada Express-Jazz currently operates two daily flights from Toronto and one daily flight from Montreal to JFK Terminal 7 using Embraer E175 aircraft. The JFK service, which has been in place since March 2023, complements Air Canada's existing operations at New York's LaGuardia and Newark Airport, offering passengers a combined total of 36 daily flights between the New York market and Canada.

"We are thrilled that Air Canada has selected T6 as its future home at JFK,” said Steve Thody, JPM CEO. "This decision is also a testament to the close partnership we've built with Air Canada at T7, and we can't wait to strengthen that partnership even further as we welcome Air Canada passengers to our new, state-of-the-art T6 facility.”

"Moving our operation to T6 will improve the airport experience for our customers," said Mark Galardo, executive vice president of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada.

About JFK Terminal 6

Currently under construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first six gates opening in 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. Terminal 6 features include:

• 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft
• State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies
• One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones
• Multiple airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals lounge
• A new ground transportation center
• A curated collection of New York City-inspired artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
• Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy-efficient systems and operating practices throughout the terminal
• Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision, and SITES underway

Virginia Senator submits bill for legal online casinos

The idea of online casinos coming to the Commonwealth of Virginia was thought to be several years away. Not so according to a new bill filed and scheduled to be offered this year.

State Sen. Mamie Locke has pre-filed online casino bill SB827 and plans to officially offer the document on Jan. 8.

The bill, if passed, would authorize Internet gaming in the Commonwealth to be regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board. The bill permits the board to issue an Internet gaming operator license to casino gaming operators that meet certain qualifications and pay an application fee of $1 million. The license would be good for five years.

A tax rate of 15% would be placed on the casino operator's adjusted gross revenue with 2.5 percent allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and the remaining 97.5 percent allocated to the general fund. The state currently applies a 15% tax rate on online sports betting revenue that was launched in the Old Dominion in January 2021.

Illegal Online Casino Market

In recent years states have started fighting back against online casinos operating in the U.S. that are based outside its border. Locke’s new bill states Internet gaming is “prohibited” except when offered by a licensed gaming operator.

New Jersey was the first state to legalize online gambling within its borders. Today, seven states allow online casinos in their jurisdiction; New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

In December 2023, Michigan, and a few other states, sent cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casinos available in the U.S. Sweepstakes operators aren’t regulated, licensed, or subject to gaming taxes. These websites are operated by companies outside the United States, also referred to as offshore websites.

Virginia’s First Casinos

Virginia opened its first land-based gambling site, Bristol Casino, in July 2022. Bristol Casino was a temporary location for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol which is now open. Rivers Casino Portsmouth opened in January 2023 followed by Caesars Virginia in December 2024. Two additional casinos are planned in Norfolk and Petersburg.

Billion Dollar Gambling Market

Virginia’s Joint Subcommittee on Gaming heard testimony from a series of consulting and industry experts last year on the effects of online casinos.

According to a recent American Gaming Association study, Americans have spent nearly $338 billion with “illegal” iGaming operators in foreign countries.

Michelle MacGregor, a Senior Policy Advisor for the Sports Betting Alliance, provided an overview of iGaming and how it’s slowly being introduced in U.S. states with heavy regulations not found with illegal Internet sites.

“I can’t stress enough that legalized iGaming is among the highest-regulated industries in America,” MacGregor told the subcommittee. “Any licensee is required to be compliant with anti-money laundering regulations and financial solvency requirements. And of course, they incorporate top-of-the-line geolocation technology, consumer age and verification measures, and safeguards for responsible gaming. It’s worthwhile looking at it from a public policy perspective and say hey, maybe consumers want this in a legalized channel.”

MacGregor highlighted Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, each generating over $1.7 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023 which comes out to just over a billion dollars in tax dollars across those three states.

Since January 2021, Virginia's online sports betting market has handled over $19 billion from bettors in the state.

A study funded by the Sports Betting Alliance and released in April 2024 looked at the potential economic impact of legalizing iGaming in five states, Virginia being one of them.

The Analysis Group, author of the report, said legalized iGaming in New York, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia could provide a combined total of over $42 billion between 2025 and 2029. Focusing on the Commonwealth, the study states iGaming has the potential to generate revenues of $5.4 billion for Virginia over the same period.

Sweepstakes casino games in Virginia

Millions of Americans have been trying their luck at hitting a big jackpot with online casinos since 2013.

New Jersey was the first state to legalize online gambling within its borders. Today, seven states allow online casinos in their jurisdiction; New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Casino operators like Caesars Entertainment Inc., Hard Rock International, and MGM Resorts International, to name a few, hold a license to operate in each state. Each casino operation is heavily regulated and pays taxes each month based on reported revenue.

In 2018, states started to legalize online sports betting. Today, over 35 states now have legal sports betting in one form or another, which can be mobile/online or in-person betting at a retail sportsbook.

The states jumped at legalized sports betting a lot quicker than online casinos. Online casino expansion is growing at a much slower pace with only seven states participating.

Virginia Gaming Expansion

Aside from the state-run lottery, three different forms of gambling are currently allowed in the Commonwealth of Virginia: casino gaming and sports betting; horse racing and historical horse racing machines; and charitable gaming. The state does not allow online casino gaming like roulette, blackjack, slots, or poker.

The seven states that do provide legal online casinos, also known as iGaming, generated $6.1 billion in gross revenue in 2024, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA), a trade group representing many of the companies in the industry. Legal sports betting generated $11 billion, the AGA says.

Sharing a border with West Virginia, the Old Dominion may have no choice but to legalize Internet gaming at some point. But that move is probably years away. In the meantime, Virginia and other states are being flooded with sweepstakes casino games.

Sweepstakes Casino Games

In 2012, Australia-based Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) launched Chumba Casino followed by LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker. These websites are described as sweepstakes casino games. But sweepstakes casinos are illegal in Australia. So VGW sought advice from U.S.-based lawyers to launch their websites.

Sweepstakes casino games are found on websites that look, feel, and act like regulated online casinos. But the keyword “sweepstakes” gives them away. It’s a clear indication that it's not a real casino regulated by the United States.

Sweepstakes operators aren’t regulated, licensed, or subject to gaming taxes. These websites are operated by companies outside the United States, also referred to as offshore websites.

These websites have become a multibillion-dollar industry operating in a legally gray area. Some are available in all 50 states.

Sweepstakes Casinos in Virginia

Online gaming fans in Virginia can join sweepstakes casinos and play for free with Gold Coins (GC) which are provided once they sign up. If you run out of free Gold Coins you can always buy more on the site. But they cannot be redeemed for real money.

If you want an option to win real money visitors can purchase Sweeps Cash (SC). Sweeps Cash is a virtual currency you can redeem for real cash prizes later. So, you have two options, play for fun with Gold Coins or try and win real cash prizes by redeeming Sweep Cash.

Popping up all over the Internet, sweepstakes casinos are doing very well financially.

Sweepstakes casinos drew nearly $6 billion in player purchases last year, including $1.9 billion in net revenue, according to a report published by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, a research and consulting firm in California.

So how do the regulated online casinos in the U.S. feel about sweepstakes casinos that don’t need a license, don’t pay taxes, and aren’t regulated? The U.S. online casino market is ready to fight back against sweepstakes casino success.

The AGA has asked all 50 U.S. states to investigate sweepstakes casinos. In December 2023, Michigan, and a few other states, sent cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casinos. Michigan is host to U.S. online casinos like Caesars Place Online, BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKIngs, and FanDuel.

Sweepstakes operators are upfront and honest about where they are available and where they have been banned.

One of many sweepstakes casinos MyPrize.us states on its website that it is “always free to enter or win our games. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law.” The site is described as a “widespread sweepstakes casino” for access across the United States. It’s available in 43 states, including locations where social casinos are typically restricted.

Researching the companies behind these sweepstakes casinos beforehand is always a good idea. You should know exactly what you are getting into.

MyPrize

MyPrize was founded by Zach Bruch of Miami, Fla. MyPrize is a crypto sweepstakes casino. The site is backed by world-class investors across the casino, tech, and crypto industries. This makes MyPrize one of the first companies in the online casino industry with leading Silicon Valley investors.

The website provides social slot games, table games, and casual games.

Once opening an account on the website, you can get a Daily Reload of free GC and SC to play just for logging on each day.

Pulsz

This site will get your pulse racing with its huge selection of casino-style games. The website advertises games like roulette, blackjack, and slots. But clicking on the table games link only reveals two games, Texas Hold’Em and Multihand Blackjack.

If slots are your thing the website has a catalog of over 380 games.

Users can gain free GC and SC daily just by logging into the site each day.

You don’t need to download anything; you can start playing for free. The more you play, the more rewards you’ll get to climb to VIP status. The site is available on a desktop computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

Stake

Stake.us is one of the leading sweepstakes casinos in the United States and a well-known name in the industry.

The site provides a catalog of slot games, live dealer games, poker, table games, and scratch cards. Like most sites, you can claim a daily bonus of GC and SC currency just for logging in each day.

Bally Bet sportsbook cancels bets for Georgia vs. Notre Dame game

Due to the game being rescheduled beyond the originally planned time (Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.), Bally Bet announced on Thursday they have canceled all bets on the Georgia Bulldogs vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish game.

Bally Bet emailed customers on Thursday saying the wagers “have been voided in accordance with our House Rules.” The game is now set to take place on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Notre Dame was set to play Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night. The game has been rescheduled for Thursday in the wake of a large-scale fatal attack in New Orleans which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.

If you previously placed a wager on this event:

•    The funds from your voided bet have been credited back to your account. •    The event is now available with an updated date, and you can place a new bet on the rescheduled game.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the company said. “If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is here to help.”

Virginia bettors dropped $760 million on sports in November

On Tuesday, the Virginia Lottery released its latest report on sports wagering activity in the Commonwealth. The report looks at revenue totals submitted by licensed operators for November.

Between Nov. 1 and Nov 30 bettors in Virginia wagered $760,965,450 on sports, that’s 19.1% higher than November 2023. The Old Dominion is currently host to 12 online sportsbooks: Bally Bet, bet265, BetMGM, Betr Sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, and Sporttrade.

Sporttrade is the newest operator to open in Virginia launching in October.

In addition to mobile online operators, in-person betting is available at three retail sportsbooks: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia in Danville.

From the $760 million bet in November, $674,614,210 was paid out as winnings to bettors. After paying out winnings and other authorized deductions, sportsbooks combined held 11.35% as adjusted gross revenue (AGR), or $80,644,860.

State law places a 15% tax on sports betting activity based on each operator’s AGR. Ten operators reported net positive AGR for November, leading to $12.1 million in tax payments to the state.

Sports Betting vs Casinos

Sports betting revenue is a big leader in the state when it comes to gambling.

On Dec. 13, the Virginia Lottery released its report on casino gaming activity in the state for November. Gaming revenue from the three casinos during the month totaled $63.6 million.

As with sports betting, Virginia assesses a tax on casino revenue. The Virginia Lottery report shows $13.3 million in taxes was paid to the Gaming Proceeds Fund.