Blue Jays Rolling the Dice, Starting a Bullpen Pitcher for Game 4

In a surprising twist, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to rely on bullpen pitchers for Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the New York Yankees, following a dramatic Game 3 that saw the Yankees lift their spirits after a thrilling performance from Aaron Judge. As the Yankees emerge as the betting favourites, it raises questions about the Blue Jays’ strategy and their chances moving forward.

Game Overview

• Starting Pitching Situation: The Blue Jays have opted to start bullpen pitchers instead of their usual starting rotation, leaving fans questioning the decision to exclude key players like Max Scherzer.
• Yankees’ Momentum: Following a closely fought Game 3, where Aaron Judge delivered a game-tying home run, the Yankees are now riding high on confidence.
• Betting Odds: As of now, the Yankees are favoured in Game 4, causing jitters among Blue Jays supporters and bettors alike.

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The decision by the Blue Jays to submit a roster that included just three starting pitchers was unexpected. Alongside the legendary Max Scherzer, the roster excluded other talented pitchers like Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, and Bowden Francis, instead opting for a strategy that stacks the bullpen with ten relievers, including four left-handed pitchers. The aim appears to be to counter the Yankees’ predominantly left-handed line-up, while also attempting to minimise the impact of MVP candidate Aaron Judge.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite leading the series 2-1, the Blue Jays face significant challenges as they head into Game 4. Errors in the previous match added to their woes, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s misplay in the first inning and a dropped fly ball by third baseman Addison Barger proving costly, resulting in Yankees’ scoring opportunities.

Betting Insights

Louis Varland is tasked with starting for the Blue Jays; however, his prior inning in Game 3, which included allowing a home run to Judge, has left bettors uneasy. Vegas experts suggest the Over 8.5 might be an attractive bet given the Yankees’ batting stats are currently superior to the Jays in multiple categories.

Current Betting Odds

Bettors are leaning heavily towards the Yankees. According to reports:

• 79% of bets and 58% of the total money support the Yankees to cover the spread.
• 52% of bets and 78% of the money on the moneyline also favour the Yankees.

As for the opening lines, ESPN BET has the Yankees at -180 and the Blue Jays at +150, with the over/under set at 8.5. Fans will be keen to see if the resurgence of the Yankees can further enhance their betting lines moving forward.

The first pitch is anticipated at 7:08 pm EST, where both teams will aim to stake their claim in the ALDS.

Summary

The upcoming Game 4 between the Blue Jays and Yankees promises to be an exciting showdown as both teams vie for dominance in the series. The Blue Jays’ unorthodox pitching strategy could be a gamble they regret or one that pays off immensely, depending on the performance of their bullpen. With the Yankees riding high and the odds favouring them, it’s shaping up to be a nail-biting encounter that both teams—particularly the spectators—will not want to miss.

Ghost Tours at Reopened Whiskey Pete’s Near Vegas

Primm used to be a lively border town between California and Nevada; now, it’s mostly a ghost town on I-15. Recently, the owner of the long-closed Whiskey Pete’s casino decided to embrace its ghostly past by offering ghost tours for visitors. Starting October 10, thrill-seekers can step into the haunted realms of the casino, albeit at a hefty price of $175 per person.

Exploring the Haunted Halls

Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the haunted corridors of the vacant casino after dark, equipped with ghost-hunting gear such as EMF meters, thermal imaging cameras, and spirit boxes. These spirit boxes are radio receivers that supposedly allow spirits to communicate by manipulating noise into words. It sounds spooky, doesn’t it?

The Paranormal Claims

While the truth of any hauntings in the premises of Whiskey Pete’s is up for debate, *Ghost Adventures*, a popular paranormal reality show, has already filmed an episode there, adding to its spooky narrative. The tours have already caught the attention of social media, with many eager to explore Primm’s creepy past, popularised by numerous unauthorized YouTube explorations showcasing its dusty ruins.

History of Primm and Whiskey Pete’s

Primm was once a notable stop for gamblers making their way to Las Vegas, serving as a cheaper and more grungy alternative, only 50 miles closer for Southern California drivers. Whiskey Pete’s boasted 777 hotel rooms, 31 table games, and 1,360 slots, making it an attractive oasis for many.

However, around 25 years ago, businesses in Primm began to dwindle, primarily due to an influx of new tribal casinos in California that were more accessible and provided better accommodations. This decline accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the closure of several casinos. Whiskey Pete’s finally shut its door in December last year.

Introducing Whiskey Pete

The casino gets its name from Peter McIntyre, an infamous bootlegger who ran a gas station in the 1920s. McIntyre’s reputation was notorious, which added to the eerie legend of Whiskey Pete. According to folklore, he was buried with a 10-gallon hat, six-shooters, and a bottle of moonshine, supposedly facing the highway to keep an eye on passerby.

Conclusion: Embrace the Haunting Experience

Whiskey Pete’s re-opening for ghost tours marks a fascinating intersection of history and nuance for the area, granting visitors a chance to interact with its remnants. Whether you’re a ghost-hunting aficionado or simply seeking a unique experience, join the adventure and explore the haunted history of Primm.

Fun Facts About Whiskey Pete’s

• Whiskey Pete’s had the famous “Death Car” of Bonnie and Clyde on display.
• The Desperado roller coaster used to be a major attraction, offering breathtaking views of the city.
• Despite its decline, Primm remains an essential stop for those looking for a break from the bustling Las Vegas Strip.

Get your tickets for the tour and prepare for a night filled with frights and fascinating tales from the past.

Cruise Passengers Voice Complaints About Expanding Casinos, Dwindling Decks, Pools

Royal Caribbean has unveiled details of its next ship, Legend of the Seas, which is set to offer numerous amenities—including the cruise line’s first two-story casino. However, not everyone is happy with this development.

• Legend of the Seas will feature the first two-story casino in Royal Caribbean history.
• The vessel is set to set sail in July 2026.

Despite the positive features of the ship, some seasoned cruisers are voicing concerns over the expansive casino area. This Casino Royale space will host smoking and nonsmoking sections but has led to murmurs that it might be excessively large for a cruise environment.

“Can’t find a single empty pool deck chair or more than 6″ of space in a pool after 8:45 am, but they can add a second level for gambling,” commented one passenger on a Royal Caribbean Reddit page.

Another user expressed their displeasure, stating, “Cool, an even bigger smoke-filled area to avoid.” Furthermore, the Casino Royale is expected to house several hundred slot machines and 40 live-dealer table games.

Casino of the Seas?

Casino.org has reported on various cruise lines reinvigorating their onboard casino offerings recently. In May, Carnival launched a series of adult-only, gambling-centric voyages, responding to changes in dry-dock scheduling.

These promotions, dubbed ACES (All-Casino Exclusive Sailings), provided passengers with free play and various incentives related to the casino experience.

Given the extent to which cruise lines are expanding casinos, it’s surprising they haven’t branded a ship as Casino of the Seas,” joked one Reddit user.

Despite speculation and query, cruise lines do not disclose the total revenue generated from their casinos. This gaming income is generally categorised under “onboard revenue,” encompassing money generated from sales for goods and services not included in the cruise fare, which also covers cancellation fees, vacation insurance, and food and beverage upcharges.

Cruises Maintain Family Focus

Casino executives argue that these new casino spaces are not significantly increasing overall deck area. Instead, they aim to position these floating resorts as competitive options against any land-based resort destination, including Las Vegas.

“We’re transitioning from a traditional cruise holiday to becoming a world-class multigenerational family destination that can stand alongside places like Orlando and Las Vegas,” said Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, during a recent earnings call.

This new era, according to the cruise line, aims to provide “next-level family experiences”. The introduction of the Legend of the Seas seeks to create a legendary vacation that merges adventure-filled activities with extraordinary destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.

Legend of the Seas is expected to set sail in July 2026, promising an enticing combination of entertainment options that could delight both casual and seasoned tourists alike.

In summary, while the introduction of the two-story Casino Royale on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas reflects a trend towards expanding onboard gaming capabilities, it has sparked concerns among frequent cruisers about reduced leisure options on deck. The ship aims to provide a multifaceted experience by combining gambling facilities with family-oriented activities, creating a modern cruise adventure.

Jack Ciattarelli Advocates for Atlantic City Beyond Casino Tourism

Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey, has expressed that Atlantic City requires significant revitalisation beyond its casino-centric identity. His vision focuses on transforming the city into a more appealing destination for visitors and long-term residents alike.

During a recent speech delivered at Seaview, Ciattarelli pointed out the critical issue facing Atlantic City: an economy that is excessively reliant on casinos. He stated, “For Atlantic City to flourish, it must provide more than just gambling attractions.” This assertion underscores a broader business strategy reflecting Ciattarelli’s ambitions not only to lead the state but to serve as its business advocate.

Historically, Atlantic City’s population has declined from 55,000 in 1925 to about 37,000 today. Ciattarelli highlights the need for a shift, saying, “We don’t want people just coming in to visit casinos; we want them to live and work here as well.” In his campaign, he aims to reduce the corporate tax rate, which is currently one of the highest in the nation, thus encouraging businesses to establish themselves in the area.

Proposed Developments in Atlantic City

Ciattarelli has also outlined plans to attract new businesses, including a $3.4 billion redevelopment of the former Bader Field into a mixed-use complex comprising a “motorsport living, entertainment, and lifestyle hub.” Additional proposals include:

• An indoor ski slope
• A 29,000-seat baseball stadium
• An esports facility
• A go-kart track along the Boardwalk

These initiatives are designed not just to draw visitors but to create sustainable jobs and community spaces that integrate more diversified economic activities.

“My policies will be pro-business. I refuse to be the governor of a state ranked as one of the worst places in the country to do business,” Ciattarelli asserted.

Addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that impede potential developers, he promises to simplify government approval processes, allowing businesses to flourish without unnecessary obstacles.

The Political Landscape

With the upcoming gubernatorial election on November 4, 2025, competition is tightening. Ciattarelli faces Democratic incumbent Representative Mikie Sherrill, who has also committed to fostering business development in the state. However, recent controversies around Sherrill’s military service have impacted her campaign, tightening the race further.

According to online betting markets, there’s a perceived 78% likelihood of Sherrill winning, but the polls show her lead diminishing, allowing Ciattarelli to gain momentum. The electoral landscape appears to be evolving, and both candidates are expected to address business growth and community revitalisation in their upcoming debates.

Conclusion

As the electoral race unfolds, Ciattarelli’s focus on transforming Atlantic City into a multi-faceted destination signals a pivotal shift in local governance strategies. By pushing for economic development beyond gambling, he hopes to attract not only tourists but also residents who can contribute to a thriving community. His approach exemplifies a commitment to revitalisation that could reshape the future of Atlantic City.

With a blend of innovative projects and business-friendly policies, Ciattarelli aims to redefine Atlantic City’s identity and ensure sustainable growth for years to come.

Maryland’s St. Helena Island, Which Once Housed an Illegal Casino, Hits the Market

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report stated that the island cannot be used for commercial business. The legality of a commercial endeavor on the island is unclear.

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• A historic, private island in Maryland is for sale
• The property comes with a brick mansion that has a unique story to tell

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St. Helena Island, located on the Severn River in Maryland between Annapolis and Baltimore, is up for sale. This remarkable island property is on the market, offering a glimpse into a storied past.

Brad Kappel from TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Annapolis has listed 1002 St. Helena Island in Crownsville, MD. The historic mansion, located on the northern part of the island, boasts over 7,100 square feet with five bedrooms and 5.5 baths, spanning 6.5 acres.

Valued at just under $3 million, this exclusive property is described as a “magnificent private island sanctuary on Saint Helena Island,” featuring more than 1,600 linear feet of protected deep-water frontage on Round Bay.

The glorious mansion is adorned with imported Belgian marble and mahogany, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship.

Constructed in the late 1920s by prominent Baltimore attorney Paul Burnett, the mansion initially served as the Burnett Hospital for Crippled Children until 1942, one year before Burnett’s passing.

Illegal Casino

After Burnett’s death, the mansion transitioned ownership to Eugene Raney, a businessman known for his bowling alleys and beer distribution network in Maryland. Raney partnered with restaurateur John Emory to create an upscale island club.

It wasn’t until 2008 that Maryland legalized slot machines through a statewide referendum, followed by the addition of table games in 2012.

Later in the 1950s, Raney sold the island to Maryland Appellate Judge Stedman Prescott Jr. Following Prescott’s death in February 1989, the island was acquired by a wedding and event company that subdivided the land into two separate properties.

Currently, the two properties are privately owned, with the northern section last being sold in 2019 for $2.6 million.

Private Abode

The St. Helena Island property has annual taxes of around $22,000. While there are no roads accessing the island, it features trails and paths suitable for golf carts.

In addition to the main residence, a former water tower has been repurposed into an office offering 360-degree views of the stunning surroundings. Uniquely, unlike many other private islands in the Chesapeake area, St. Helena is connected to the grid via underwater tubes linked to Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE).

According to Kappel’s listing, “starting bids” are currently accepted, with deadlines set for viewing bids without any financing contingencies required.

Summary

St. Helena Island is a unique property steeped in history, once graced by an illegal casino that attracted the elite. Today, it stands as an exclusive sanctuary, blending luxury with a fascinating past.