Former Charlotte Star Signs with Carolina Panthers

Charlotte Stories
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Former Charlotte Star Signs with Carolina Panthers

A Charlotte native is heading back home after years around the league. The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday, April 21, that quarterback Will Grier has rejoined the team that drafted him in 2019.

Now 31, Grier returns to a familiar organization as the Panthers build depth behind Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett ahead of the upcoming draft and preseason.

Grier remains one of North Carolina’s most prolific high school quarterbacks. At Davidson Day School, he threw 195 touchdowns in just 38 games. His most famous performance came in 2012, when he passed for 837 yards and 10 touchdowns in a single playoff game, a national record that still stands.

He later played college football at University of Florida and West Virginia University before Carolina selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Grier started two games as a rookie but did not record a win, finishing with four interceptions and no touchdowns. He was released after the 2021 preseason and has since spent time with multiple teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

He was part of the Eagles organization during their Super Bowl LIX victory and received a championship ring.

With only two regular-season appearances in his career, Grier now faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. He is expected to compete for a backup or practice squad role as the Panthers prepare for the season, which includes an extra preseason game in the Hall of Fame matchup against Arizona.

Grier comes from a football family. His father, Chad Grier, is the head coach at Providence Day School in south Charlotte.

For Charlotte fans, Grier’s return adds a hometown storyline to the Panthers’ offseason. While his role remains uncertain, his journey from local standout to NFL veteran brings renewed attention to the region’s growing football pipeline.

USDA Declares Natural Disaster For Charlotte Region Due To Prolonged Extreme Drought

Charlotte Stories
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USDA Declares Natural Disaster For Charlotte Region Due To Prolonged Extreme Drought

A prolonged drought across the Carolinas has now been officially declared an agricultural disaster, unlocking federal aid for farmers across the Charlotte region and beyond.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial disaster designation covering much of North Carolina and surrounding states. As a result, eligible farmers can now apply for emergency loans and other assistance through the Farm Service Agency.

These loans can help replace equipment or livestock, reorganize operations, or refinance debt. Officials say approvals will depend on the extent of losses, available security, and ability to repay.

The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows every part of North Carolina is experiencing drought. About 95% of the state is under severe, extreme, or exceptional conditions.

The designation was triggered after many counties endured at least eight weeks of severe drought or reached extreme to exceptional levels.

Primary eligible counties in North Carolina:
Alamance, Alexander, Bertie, Cabarrus, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Cumberland, Davie, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Swain, Union, Warren, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin

Contiguous eligible counties in North Carolina:
Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Beaufort, Bladen, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Chowan, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Graham, Granville, Greene, Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Jackson, Jones, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, Onslow, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Transylvania, Vance, Wake, Washington, Watauga, Wayne, Yancey

Eligible counties in South Carolina:
Cherokee, Chesterfield, Lancaster, Marlboro, Oconee, York

Farmers can check eligibility and available programs through tools on Farmers.gov.

For local farmers, the designation brings much-needed relief after months of worsening conditions. Still, with crops already impacted and dry weather lingering, the economic effects could continue across the region.

Registration Opens for Charlotte’s 24 Hours of Booty’s Milestone 25th Year

Charlotte Stories
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Registration Opens for Charlotte’s 24 Hours of Booty’s Milestone 25th Year

Registration is now open for the 25th year of 24 Hours of Booty, the signature non-competitive cycling and walking event hosted by 24 Foundation, which brings people together to move, celebrate and support those impacted by cancer.

This year’s 24 Hours of Booty presented by Levine Cancer Institute will take place from 7 p.m. Friday, July 24 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25 on the “Booty Loop” in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood.

“Twenty-five years is a powerful testament to what this community can do when we show up for one another to impact the lives of those affected by cancer,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “Together, we have built something truly special; an event rooted in hope, healing and connection. Whether you ride, stride, volunteer or support, you are helping us change the course of cancer for individuals and families right here in our community.”

All cycling and walking participants must register (individually or with a team) online at 24foundation.org. The following are the registration and fundraising requirements:

  • Adult Riders/Walkers (ages 18+): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $500
  • Youth Riders/Walkers (ages 12-17): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $200
  • Child Riders (ages 8-11) and Walkers (ages 4-11): Pay a $50 registration fee and raise a minimum of $50
  • Virtual “UnLooped” registration is $45 for adults and $25 for children (11 and under); no fundraising minimum

Registered in-person participants receive the following: online fundraising tools, access to templates and fundraising ideas, fundraising level incentives, an event T-shirt, full bike and medical support, entertainment, as well as meals, snacks and drinks throughout the event.

24 Hours of Booty is not a race or an endurance event, allowing participants to set their own mileage goals and take breaks as needed. Riders and walkers can get on and off the police-secured course as much as they would like throughout the 24 hours. Child riders (ages 8-11) are permitted on the course during the Survivor Lap (with a parent or guardian) and from 12-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 25.

Myers Park Traditional School and Queens University of Charlotte will again serve as home to the event headquarters – known as “Bootyville” – where participants camp, eat and recharge when not out on the course.

During the past 25 years, 24 Foundation event participants have raised more than $31 million to support local and national cancer navigation and survivorship programs and services. Local cancer beneficiaries, include Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, and several other organizations that are committed to helping those affected by cancer survive and thrive throughout their cancer journey and beyond. For more information, visit 24foundation.org.

Charlotte Apartment Rents Post Steepest Decline Since 2010 Amid Supply Surge

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Apartment Rents Post Steepest Decline Since 2010 Amid Supply Surge
New data from the CoStar Group shows Charlotte apartment rents are now falling at their fastest pace in more than a decade, as a wave of new supply continues to outstrip demand.
Average asking rents fell about 2.1% year over year in Q1 2026, marking the 11th straight quarter of annual rent declines and the sharpest drop since 2010.
According to CoStar’s latest analysis:
  • More than 45,000 units delivered between 2023 and 2025 have created a significant supply overhang, with roughly 15,000 units still under construction (about 6.3% of inventory)
  • Vacancy has climbed to 12.7%, as new deliveries continue to outpace lease-up
  • Nearly half of properties (46%) are offering concessions, reflecting heightened competition for renters

Despite steady renter demand, an influx of new supply continues to push rents down across Charlotte. Even as construction slows, declines are expected to persist in the near term before stabilizing around 2027.

Operation High Octane Uncovers ‘Sophisticated’ Illegal Whiskey Network in Charlotte

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Operation High Octane Uncovers ‘Sophisticated’ Illegal Whiskey Network in Charlotte

A year-long undercover operation has exposed a growing underground market for rare liquor in Mecklenburg County, with authorities issuing 28 criminal summonses tied to illegal alcohol sales.

The Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, working with the North Carolina ABC Commission, announced the results of “Operation High Octane,” a statewide effort targeting the illegal resale of liquor on the secondary market.

Investigators say the operation uncovered a “sophisticated underground network” profiting from rare and allocated spirits, often sold at steep markups.

High-end bourbon resold for major profits

Several recent cases highlight the scale of the illegal activity:

  • March 30, Matthews: Officers negotiated an $8,500 deal for five bottles of Pappy Van Winkle. Retail value was $1,419.75, with more than $7,000 in potential profit. A warrant was issued for a repeat offender.
  • April 2, Charlotte: A $2,250 deal for 11 bottles, including Angel’s Envy and Hibiki. Some bottles were believed to come from outside North Carolina.
  • April 9, Charlotte: Officers arranged a $3,500 purchase for 34 bottles, generating more than $1,000 in markup.
  • April 9, Charlotte: Another deal involved 14 bottles, including E.H. Taylor and Weller 107, with nearly $1,000 in profit.
  • April 10, Huntersville: A $1,940 deal for five premium bottles, including George T. Stagg, resulted in nearly $1,400 in markup.

Authorities say many sellers sourced liquor from out of state and resold it locally at inflated prices. All seized alcohol is held as evidence and later destroyed by court order.

No Swim Advisory Issued After 69,000-Gallon Sewage Spill in Lake Wylie

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No Swim Advisory Issued After 69,000-Gallon Sewage Spill in Lake Wylie

A no swim advisory has been issued for part of Lake Wylie after more than 69,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into a cove on the Mecklenburg County side.

The advisory affects the area near Old Oleandor Drive and MacGregor Lane in the Palisades community. Officials are urging residents and pet owners to stay out of the water until further notice.

According to Charlotte Water, the spill was caused by a pipe failure at a lift station.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water crews are now collecting water samples to test for bacteria and assess potential health risks.

Sewage spills can introduce harmful bacteria and contaminants into waterways, increasing the risk of illness for anyone who comes into contact with the water.

The Financial Guide to Trading the Queen City for an Australian Lifestyle

Sharon Anderson
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The Financial Guide to Trading the Queen City for an Australian Lifestyle

Swapping the familiar streets of Charlotte for the sun-drenched coasts of Australia is an exciting prospect. Leaving the Queen City behind to embrace a completely different pace of life brings endless opportunities for adventure, travel, and personal growth. However, relocating across the globe is not just a geographical shift. It requires a significant financial transition. Moving from North Carolina to a new hemisphere means navigating a completely different economy, banking system, and currency. Proper planning ensures that your dream move does not turn into a stressful financial burden, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your new journey. The key is to start your financial preparations months before you actually board your flight.

Organising Your Local Finances Early

One of the most critical steps in your relocation journey is setting up your local banking. Relying on your American accounts will quickly drain your funds through foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates. You will want to establish an Australian bank account as soon as you arrive, or even before you fly, to ensure you can pay for rent, groceries, and utilities without hidden charges. Many Australian banks allow international arrivals to open accounts online up to three months prior to moving, which gives you a secure place to transfer initial funds.

Once your basic transactional accounts are active, exploring local credit options is a smart move to build your Australian credit footprint. You might want to look into established local providers, such as ING, to find financial products that align with your new lifestyle and everyday needs. Securing a local card helps you manage cash flow during those expensive first few months of setting up your new household. It also provides a secure and locally recognised way to handle everyday transactions while you settle into your new community, helping you establish a strong financial history in your new country.

Assessing the True Cost of Living Down Under

Before packing your bags, you need to deeply understand how your everyday expenses will change. While Charlotte offers a relatively balanced cost of living compared to other major US hubs, Australian cities have their own unique economic landscapes. Many prospective expats worry about the notoriously high prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The reality is often more nuanced when compared to major American hubs, especially when you factor in local wages and structural differences in areas like healthcare and transport.

To get a clear picture of your future budget, it is highly recommended to consult a global cost-of-living database to compare specific cities. This data reveals that Sydney currently has a Cost of Living Index of 80.12, putting it notably lower than the baseline of 100 set for New York City, but generally higher than Charlotte. This benchmark provides a helpful way to estimate daily expenses. While a flat white coffee in a coastal suburb might cost more than your standard drip coffee in Uptown Charlotte, you will likely find that other structural costs balance out your monthly budget over time. Rent, utilities, and dining out all carry different weightings in Australia, so your budgeting framework will need a complete overhaul.

Key Financial Steps for Expatriates

A successful international move requires methodical planning and an understanding of structural differences between the two nations. To ensure a smooth transition from the United States to Australia, consider these essential financial steps:

  • Understand the exchange rate. Monitor the USD to AUD exchange rate in the months leading up to your move. Transferring your savings when the rate is favourable can give your initial budget a significant boost and protect your hard-earned wealth.
  • Research tax obligations. As an American citizen, you are still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. Familiarise yourself with the foreign earned income exclusion and consider consulting a tax professional who specialises in expat finances.
  • Get to know the superannuation system. Australia has a mandatory retirement savings scheme called superannuation. Your employer will pay a percentage of your salary into this fund, so take the time to choose a high-performing fund early on in your career abroad to maximise your long-term wealth.
  • Budget for healthcare. While Australia offers Medicare for permanent residents and citizens, many temporary visa holders must purchase private health insurance. Factor this monthly premium into your initial moving budget to ensure you remain compliant with your visa conditions.
  • Plan for housing deposits. Australian landlords typically require a rental bond equal to four weeks of rent, plus two weeks of rent paid in advance. Having this lump sum readily available is crucial for securing a lease in competitive markets.

Embracing Your New Global Lifestyle

Trading the Blue Ridge Mountains for the Great Barrier Reef is an incredible life milestone that requires patience and adaptability. The initial administrative work might seem overwhelming, but securing your financial foundation allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Australian way of life. From enjoying weekend barbecues to exploring vast national parks, the local culture is heavily built on outdoor living and community connection.

By anticipating your living costs, setting up local accounts, and following a clear financial checklist, you can focus on what truly matters. Your transition from Charlotte to Australia will be defined by exciting discoveries rather than financial stress. With your finances safely anchored, you are entirely free to embrace everything your new global lifestyle has to offer, setting the stage for a thriving and prosperous life overseas.

March 2026 delivered a record surge in sports betting in North Carolina

Sharon Anderson
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March 2026 delivered a record surge in sports betting in North Carolina

In March 2026, North Carolina residents wagered more than $725 million on legal online sports betting—specifically, over $726 million—up more than 6% year over year.

Why March became the peak month for betting

The main driver of growth was March Madness, the NCAA’s annual college basketball tournament, which traditionally makes spring the busiest season for sports wagering in the U.S. Fan interest was further fueled by the North Carolina vs. Duke matchup in the regular-season finale, followed by the ACC tournament in Charlotte and the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Another driver was the start of the MLB season in March. The baseball offseason is typically followed by a wave of predictions and wagers on the first games, broadening the sports-betting audience beyond basketball fans.

Three consecutive Marches: the numbers trend

A comparison of the past three years makes it possible to trace a steady market trajectory:

  • March 2026 — more than $725 million in total wagers.
  • March 2025 — $685 million.
  • March 2024 — $659 million; however, legal online betting only went live mid-month, and the figure was significantly boosted by more than $202 million in free bets and promotional wagers, which operators offered heavily during the launch period.

The year-over-year increase from $685 million to $726 million looks less dramatic than the first-year jump, but it indicates that the market has already moved past the promo-driven phase and is growing on organic demand.

Market size two years after legalization

Since the launch of legal betting in March 2024, the state’s total handle, including cash wagers and promotional bets, has reached $14.7 billion. Over the same period, bettors were paid out $13 billion in winnings. The difference between handle and payouts forms operators’ gross gaming revenue (GGR), from which tax liabilities are calculated.

Online casinos in North Carolina and the gray area

The legalization of sports betting brought the state a significant budget boost; however, online casinos in North Carolina remain illegal. This does not mean that the state’s players do not use virtual platforms—it means they play on offshore sites at online casinos licensed internationally. Such platforms are equally accessible in different parts of the world, including as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

Online casinos offer players a wide selection of games, and sign-up is straightforward. Player acquisition is supported by bonus offers, which are one of the main tools for attracting attention in the iGaming sector. This is supported by information we found on this site with a review of no-deposit free spins. As the number of players grows, online casinos’ profits also grow; however, these revenues bypass North Carolina’s budget and end up in the “gray” zone.

Tax revenue is rising along with the market

According to the state regulator’s estimates, in March 2026 North Carolina’s budget received roughly $13.6 million in tax revenue from sports betting. The cumulative total since legalization in March 2024 exceeded $275 million. The data are based on reports published by the state’s regulatory body responsible for sports-betting oversight.

A quarter-billion dollars in taxes over two years is a strong argument for legalization supporters; however, the question of the social cost that society pays for these revenues remains open.

WRAL’s documentary project raised tough questions

WRAL released the documentary film “The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina,” which, through interviews with lawmakers, researchers, former professional athletes, and people who have faced gambling addiction, examines a dilemma that extends far beyond a single state. Do the budget benefits of legalized betting outweigh its social costs? It is a question to which no state that has opened its betting market has yet provided a definitive answer.

Boosting Your Online Presence: A Guide to SEO, Guest Posting, Link Building, and Backlinks

Sharon Anderson
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Boosting Your Online Presence: A Guide to SEO, Guest Posting, Link Building, and Backlinks

In the modern digital landscape, simply having a website is not enough. To stand out among millions of competitors, you need a solid strategy to capture the attention of search engines like Google. This article explores the four most critical components of digital growth: SEO, Guest Posting, Link Building, and Backlinks.

  1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the foundation of any successful online business. It is the process of optimizing your website’s content, structure, and technical aspects to rank higher in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).

  • The Benefit: Proper SEO ensures that when potential customers search for products or services related to your business, your website appears at the top. It brings “Organic Traffic”—visitors who come to your site naturally without you paying for every click.
  1. Guest Posting

Guest Posting or Guest Blogging is a content marketing strategy where you write an informative article for another person’s website or blog. In exchange, the host site allows you to include a link back to your own website.

  • The Benefit: It exposes your brand to a completely new audience. By publishing content on established, reputable sites, you build “Brand Authority” and prove to both users and Google that you are an expert in your field.
  1. Link Building

Link Building is the active process of getting other websites to link to yours. While guest posting is one way to do this, link building also includes strategies like resource page linking, broken link building, and PR outreach.

  • The Benefit: Think of link building as a networking strategy for the internet. The more high-quality websites that “vouch” for you by linking to your pages, the more search engines trust your content, leading to a significant boost in rankings.
  1. Backlinks

Backlinks (also known as “inbound links”) are the actual links from one website to a page on another website. Not all backlinks are equal; one link from a high-authority site like the BBC or Forbes is worth more than thousands of links from low-quality, spammy sites.

  • The Benefit: Backlinks are essentially “votes of confidence.” Google uses these votes to determine the importance and relevance of your site. High-quality backlinks are the single most important factor in achieving a top-three ranking on Google.

Conclusion !

To dominate the digital market, you cannot ignore these four elements. SEO sets the stage, Guest Posting builds your reputation, Link Building expands your network, and Backlinks provide the power needed to climb to the top of search results. By integrating these into your marketing plan, you ensure long-term growth and sustainable traffic.

Major North Carolina business leaders urge senators to halt casino legalization

Sharon Anderson
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Major North Carolina business leaders urge senators to halt casino legalization

Captive-Aire Systems owner Bob Luddy sent a letter to members of the North Carolina State Senate in which he demanded that they vote against any bills related to legalizing casinos. The appeal is addressed to all senators and is unequivocal: the businessman believes that the gambling industry should get neither legislative backing nor political influence through lobbying in the state.

“Stop taking money from the gambling industry”

The two core messages of Luddy’s letter boil down to one formula: no bills, no money. The businessman called on state politicians to stop accepting campaign contributions from the “casino industry and its intermediaries,” and to block the advancement of any casino-related legislation.

In effect, Luddy accused some lawmakers of being financially beholden to the gambling lobby. Similar accusations have been heard in North Carolina before, but coming from one of the state’s largest private employers, they carry particular weight.

Luddy says the state is thriving even without casinos

In his appeal, the businessman emphasizes that North Carolina is on an upswing even without gambling revenue. In his words, the state “is thriving because it’s an extremely attractive place to live, and its economy is strong and diverse.” Luddy credits the North Carolina General Assembly with this, saying it has kept taxes low and created a business-friendly environment for business expansion and job creation.

At the same time, the businessman warns of the hidden cost of potential casino revenue. In his assessment, gambling “undermines society and, in the long run, corrupts everyone it touches.” The benefits promised by the industry will ultimately result in rising costs in several areas:

  • increased law enforcement spending;
  • increased strain on the social safety net;
  • rising costs for Medicaid;
  • overall harm to civil society.

Who is Bob Luddy and why his voice carries weight

Captive-Aire Systems, owned by Luddy, specializes in manufacturing ventilation systems for commercial kitchens and is among the largest privately held companies in North Carolina. The company’s annual revenue exceeds $1 billion, and it employs more than 2,000 people. In the state’s political landscape, Luddy has long been known as one of the most consistent donors to conservative politicians, which makes his public statements a bellwether for sentiment within the Republican business community.

The Phil Berger episode and the potential political cost of backing casinos

A recent example has sharpened the political stakes. Luddy was one of the few major entrepreneurs to publicly oppose the re-election of Senate Majority Leader Phil Berger. In the primary for the 26th Senate district, Berger lost to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by a razor-thin margin of 23 votes. Some political observers linked this defeat specifically to Berger’s earlier support for a casino project in the district. The project itself never moved beyond the discussion stage.

How many casinos already operate in North Carolina

Three casinos operate in the state, located on tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokees and the Catawba Nation. Their operations are regulated under separate federal law governing tribal lands, which technically places these establishments outside the scope of state law.

Another project may emerge in Robeson County: according to available information, the Lumbee Tribe is considering building its own casino. Details of the project have not yet been disclosed.

It’s also worth noting that regulation of gambling in the U.S. is evolving rapidly. Pennsylvania’s experience is drawing attention from many experts in other states. It is possible that North Carolina’s authorities will decide to follow a similar path.

A long-running debate in the General Assembly

The topic of casinos as a tool for economic development has been discussed in North Carolina for many years. Supporters of legalization traditionally point to the potential of gambling establishments to revitalize the state’s rural areas, where jobs and investment are in short supply. Luddy’s letter, however, suggests that there is no consensus on this issue even within the business elite, which has tended to back the same politicians.

iGaming sector may render discussions about legalization meaningless

The initiatives of Bob Laddy and other supporters of gambling bans may not have the desired effect on the state’s society. The reason lies in the development of technologies that have allowed gambling and betting to move online and become accessible to everyone.

Statistics show that most gambling enthusiasts do not visit land-based casinos at all, but gamble online instead. Some iGaming titles have matched video games and mobile games in popularity. There are more and more examples: Plinko, Aviator, various kinds of online poker.

However, it is worth highlighting live casinos, which in recent months have shown the highest increase in popularity. Our analysis of search query statistics and data from industry websites shows that more and more people want to play Funky Time or Crazy Time. These and other games of the genre involve remote interaction with a dealer, which ensures maximum immersion in the atmosphere of a land-based casino right from home.

Some experts believe that the popularity of iGaming may soon lead to a decrease in the number of customers at land-based casinos. This means that it is online casinos that need to be regulated. But this is much more difficult, since websites and apps offering such games can operate without a license and have numerous mirror sites to provide access.

Thus, one of the main reasons behind Bob Laddy’s initiative, which is to protect people from gambling, simply does not work in the case of online casinos. And a completely new approach is needed to solve this problem.

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