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Welcome back to the Bandit Betting Newsletter, where we deliver the top stories in sports and gambling directly to your inbox, every Sunday.

In today's email:

• Wynn Stock: is enroute to its best week in two years.

• Breaking down: Shohei Ohtani's historic 50/50 season.

• New Jersey: sees surge in problem gambling hot-line calls.

Let's gamble...

WYNN RESORTS

Morgan Stanley analysts see opportunities beyond China—like the United Arab Emirates.

Shares of Wynn Resorts with China operations have surged this week, with Morgan Stanley adding to the momentum.

Analysts upgraded Wynn Resorts to Overweight (Buy) from Hold, citing growth potential investors may not fully appreciate.

They raised their target price to $104 from $97, following Thursday’s close at $91.03.

Wynn shares rallied 5.3% on Friday, reaching $95.85.

Casino stocks with significant China exposure, including Wynn and Las Vegas Sands, are benefiting from Beijing’s recent economic stimulus, such as interest rate cuts and reduced mortgage rates.

Wynn derives 47% of its revenue from Macau, while Las Vegas Sands generates more than half. Wynn’s stock is on track for its best week since November 2022, with Las Vegas Sands poised for its best since April 2020. MGM Resorts, with 20% of revenue from China, is also experiencing its best week since July.

Beyond China, Morgan Stanley sees further opportunities for Wynn, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, where the company is building a $4 billion resort and casino, already the tallest building in Ras Al Khaimah.

OHTANI 50/50 SEASON

Add it to the list of baseball's most magical numbers: Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak, Ted Williams' .406 batting average, Bob Gibson's 1.12 ERA, Nolan Ryan's seven no-hitters ... Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 season.

Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 season is now one of baseball's most legendary achievements, standing alongside Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak and Ted Williams' .406 batting average.

Ohtani reached 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in spectacular fashion, with a historic 6-for-6 performance in Miami that included three home runs, five extra-base hits, two stolen bases, and 10 RBIs.

Ohtani is the first player to achieve multiple home runs, multiple stolen bases, and five hits in a game, and his three-home run performance also made him the second player ever to tally six hits and five extra-base hits in one game.

This season, Ohtani's 51 home runs have come off 50 different pitchers, with 26 of those at Dodger Stadium.

His longest streak without a home run was just nine games, while his longest streak with home runs was three games, accomplished twice.

Notably, he leads the majors with nine home runs of 450-plus feet.

Ohtani’s stolen base efficiency is equally remarkable, with 51 steals in 55 attempts—a 92.73% success rate, making it one of the highest percentages ever in a 50-steal season.

His 50/50 campaign is unprecedented; before him, only Barry Bonds and Brady Anderson had ever hit 50 home runs and stolen 50 bases in their careers—but never in the same season.

Ohtani’s achievement is as groundbreaking in baseball terms as landing on the moon.

Freed from the demands of pitching due to elbow surgery, Ohtani began 2024 hot at the plate and shifted his focus to stolen bases later in the season.

By late August, he hit his 40th home run and stole his 40th base in the same game, achieving his first 50/50 season by early September.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked, "I think that he wants to be the greatest player to ever play this game." Ohtani, ranked second in both home runs and stolen bases this season, could very well catch Aaron Judge for the major league home run lead before the season ends.

Ohtani's combination of power and speed makes him one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

NJ PROBLEM GAMBLING UPTICK

Most calls to helpline come from young men engaged in sports betting. NJ legalized sports betting in 2018

With fall sports in full swing, betting is a common activity for many, but it can also lead to serious problems.

Some bettors, especially young men, face financial ruin, strained relationships, and even suicidal thoughts due to gambling addiction.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2.5 million adults suffer from severe gambling issues annually.

Since New Jersey legalized sports betting in 2018, calls to the state's 800-GAMBLER helpline have surged by 277%, largely driven by young men betting on sports.

Felicia Grondin, the executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, attributes this rise to the easy accessibility of mobile betting.

The fast-paced nature of sports betting also contributes to impulsive decision-making, often resulting in significant debt.

In response to this growing issue, over 140 professionals gathered in Princeton to address the surge in problem gambling.

The conference highlighted the increased vulnerability of young adults, especially college students, to gambling addiction.

Research shows adolescents have a higher incidence of gambling disorders than adults, and lawmakers are now scrutinizing partnerships between universities and sports betting companies.

While the American Gaming Association revised its marketing code to curb irresponsible messaging, companies continue to imply risk-free betting through rephrased ads like "no sweat" offers.

A survey by the Council on Compulsive Gambling and The College of New Jersey revealed that many individuals were introduced to gambling at an early age, often between six and 16.

Rob Bumbaco, a clinical social worker, noted that athletes are particularly at risk due to their competitive nature and perfectionist tendencies, which can fuel addictive betting behaviors.

Grondin stressed the need for public education about the dangers of gambling, noting that it is often glamorized without showing its darker consequences.

MEME

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