Good morning! 🌞 

In today’s newsletter we’re featuring an article about sports betting. We’re curious what you think. Answer below!

Economy

$242 Billion Industry Legalization

The legalization of sports betting, now a $242 billion dollar industry, has been a hot topic since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Since then, many states have embraced sports betting, but a dozen states still have not legalized it.

States Where Sports Betting is Illegal

There are currently 12 states where sports betting remains illegal: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. In these states, sports betting is either not on the legislative agenda, or there are significant obstacles preventing its legalization.

The Biggest Prizes

California and Texas are the most populous states in the US, and their legalization of sports betting would significantly impact the industry. However, neither state seems likely to adopt it in 2024. In California, competing interests among online gaming companies, tribal casinos, and horse tracks have created a challenging environment for sports betting legislation. In Texas, the sale of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team to a politically active family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company has raised speculation of a bigger push for legal sports betting, but the state's legislative process and lack of citizen initiatives make it difficult to predict any changes in the near future.

States with Potential for Legalization in 2024

Minnesota, Missouri, and Georgia are the states most likely to legalize sports betting in 2024. In Minnesota, the key issue is balancing the interests of tribal casinos and horse racing tracks. In Missouri, the conflict between casinos and video gaming terminal interests has stalled sports betting legislation. Georgia's debate is complex due to the desire to leverage sports betting to also legalize casinos and horse racing.

Sports Betting Workaround

The fact that sports betting remains illegal in many states has not stopped people from participating in it. Many residents of states where sports betting is illegal travel to neighboring states to place their bets. This not only deprives the state of potential tax revenue but also raises concerns about the safety and regulation of these activities.

Personal Take

We do not endorse gambling with hard-earned money. However, given the ease of accessing alternatives like online crypto casinos, we advocate for a regulated, safer environment for players that also generates state revenue. Recognizing the reality of gambling and providing accessible support for addicts is a more pragmatic and realistic approach.

Sports

Homes for the Holidays

Former NFL star Warrick Dunn, known for his success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, has dedicated the past 30 years to philanthropy. In 1997, Dunn founded the nonprofit Homes for the Holidays, aiding over 220 single-parent families in achieving homeownership. Raised by a single mother in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dunn's initiative is deeply personal. After his mother's tragic death in 1993, he used her life insurance money to buy a home for his family.

Homes for the Holidays, now part of Warrick Dunn Charities, provides more than $1.07 million in down payment assistance and furnishings, aiming to break the cycle of generational poverty. The charity also decorates homes and stocks pantries. Dunn's charity work extends to programs like Count on Your Future, Sculpt, and Hearts for Community Service scholarships, all focused on transforming communities.

Recently, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Homes for the Holidays surprised a Miami single mother, Tanya, with $10,000 worth of furnishings and a $5,000 down payment assistance check for her new home. This marked the organization's 221st home celebration. In September, a Baton Rouge mother and daughter received a similar surprise, supported by Catholic High School, where Dunn graduated. Dunn sees these efforts as vital for creating stability and positive long-term impacts on families and communities.

U.S. News

4-Month-Old’s Miraculous Tornado Survival

In the small town of Clarksville, Tennessee, a devastating tornado swept through the area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Amidst the chaos and despair, a remarkable story of hope and survival emerged.

Sydney Moore, a young mother, and her boyfriend, Aramis Youngblood, were at home with their two young children when the tornado struck. Their mobile home was no match for the powerful winds, and the roof was ripped off as the storm approached.

In a desperate attempt to save their children, Sydney and Aramis tried to shield their 1-year-old son, Princeton, while the tornado lifted the bassinet containing their 4-month-old baby, Lord, into the air. The parents could only watch in horror as the tornado carried their baby away.

Miraculously, the tornado set Lord down gently in the crook of a fallen tree, where he was found by his parents, completely unharmed. The baby was still asleep in his bassinet, as if he had been placed there by an angel.

The family was overwhelmed with gratitude and relief, as they realized the incredible miracle that had occurred.

The community rallied around the family, offering support and assistance in rebuilding their home.

Culture

Social Media's Latest Craze – The 9-Month Ultimate World Cruise Adventure!

The Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night journey on the Serenade of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruises, became a TikTok sensation just two weeks into its nine-month global expedition. Departing from Miami on Dec. 10, the cruise promised travelers visits to over 60 countries and nearly a dozen world wonders. Passengers shared their experiences on TikTok, with the #UltimateWorldCruise tag amassing over 54.8 million views.

The cruise spans four legs, covering North and South America, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and Middle East, and Europe. Prices for the entire journey started at $53,999, but passengers had the option to book shorter durations or individual segments.

Some passengers shared their reasons for being on the Ultimate World Cruise with "TODAY." Some mentioned celebrating wedding anniversaries, while one traveler, Angie Linderman, revealed she went on the journey due to her higher risk of developing cancer. Linderman stresses the importance of seizing the opportunity to check off bucket list items while still in good health.

“Retirement age is not a guarantee. And so (there is) an emphasis on just doing all of the things I can do now while I’m healthy, while I’m able, instead of putting them off in hopes that I can do them later, when in reality that may not happen,” she said.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What starts with T, ends with T, and has T in it?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
9 blocks! (5 on the first layer, 3 on the 2nd then the 1 on top)

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]