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Renee Heath stripped of key Liberal party room role – Sky News Australia

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Danzig

Renee Heath has been stripped of a key role with the Victorian Liberals on the same day that Moira Deeming was expelled from the party room.

The Victorian Opposition is yet again fighting amongst itself instead of the states Premier Daniel Andrews, says Sky News host Peta Credlin. And this time, apparently, I was the cause of the blue, Ms Credlin said. It all stemmed from the botched attempt by Liberal Leader John Pesutto to expel Moira Deeming from his parliamentary team. Ms Credlin said Victorian Liberal MP and party Secretary Renee Heath has been accused of leaking information from the minutes of a meeting concerning Ms Deeming. As multiple MPs have recounted to me, Heath was verbally attacked by John Pesutto she labels it bullying and accused of leaking the Deeming meeting minutes to me, Ms Credlin stated. Renee Heath did not give me any information about the minutes. The allegation today from Pesutto is completely false.

Ms Heath was removed as secretary of the parliamentary Liberals on Friday on a day in which Moira Deeming was expelled from the party room.

A number colleagues brought forward a motion to strip Ms Heath of the role but Opposition Leader John Pesutto would not name those behind the move.

"I think it's fair to say that a couple of Renee's colleagues in the party room moved the motion, reflected a view in the room that there had been a loss of confidence in the performance of the role," Mr Pesutto told reporters.

"Not in Renee personally, of course, but in the performance of the role and that it was an opportunity to elect somebody to that position for a fresh start."

Renee Heath (right) has been removed as Victorian parliamentary Liberal party secretary, while Moira Deeming (left) has been expelled from the party room. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Ascui

Mr Pesutto declined to go into further details about the motion but confirmed he backed the move, which saw Ms Heath replaced by Trung Luu.

The Liberal leader added Ms Heath does "have a future" within the Liberal party room but indicated she was better suited to "other roles".

"I was convinced on the strength of the motion that was put, and the arguments that were made, that it was an opportunity for a fresh start in relation to that position," Mr Pesutto said.

"Renee still is a member of the party room, she still has a future in the party room, obviously with other roles. But at this time we felt it was important for a fresh start."

The motion came less than two weeks after Sky News Australia host Peta Credlin revealed Ms Heath was reduced to tears by Mr Pesutto during a party room meeting.

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'You cannot sue your boss and expect to keep your job': James Newbury on Moira Deeming's expulsion

Ms Heath was alleged to have leaked minutes of a meeting in March that saw Ms Deeming suspended from the Liberal party room for nine months.

"Today in the room, as multiple MPs have recounted to me, (Renee) Heath was verbally attacked by John Pesutto she labels it bullying and accused of leaking the Deeming meeting minutes to me," Credlin said on May 2.

"I can say to you right now, Renee Heath did not give me any information about the minutes the allegation today from Pesutto is completely false."

Credlin said Ms Heath was "shaken" by the experience, before quoting from an email the upper house MP sent to the entire Victorian Liberal party room.

The Sky News Australia host also made a point to tell Mr Pesutto that she did not get the email from Ms Heath.

"I once again feel completely stitched up and misrepresented by the leadership with no ability to defend myself. I wasn't even given the space to correct the mistruths about me in today's meeting," Ms Heath said in her email to colleagues.

John Pesutto said a motion was put forward on Friday seeking a "fresh start" in the party secretary role that had been held by Renee Heath. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Luis Enrique Ascui

"I am upset. Very upset. The way I have been treated and the way other conservative women in this party are treated is nothing short of bullying.

"Why can't we respect each other? Why can't you have an idea or a difference of opinions without having eyes rolled, and nasty and personal interjections?"

Ms Heath entered parliament last year after being elected to the Legislative Council as a Liberal member for Eastern Victoria.

She was one of the 11 Liberal MPs on Friday who voted against the motion to expel Ms Deeming from the party room. Nineteen MPs supported the motion.

Mr Pesutto did not go into the specifics of that vote but revealed Ms Deeming's threat of legal action against both himself and the party had not sat well with colleagues.

"That played a part," he said.

"I think nobody could look at that and say that it is a tenable position in any political party for one member of the party room to sue another member of that party."

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Renee Heath stripped of key Liberal party room role - Sky News Australia

Former Liberal MP Craig Kelly claims the TGA has ‘surrendered’ on ivermectin. Is that correct? – ABC News

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Danzig

CheckMate is a weekly newsletter fromRMIT FactLabrecapping the latest in the world of fact checking and misinformation. It draws on the work of FactLab's researchers and journalists, including itsCrossCheckunit, and of its sister organisation,RMIT ABC Fact Check.

You can subscribeto have the next edition delivered straight to your inbox.

This week, we tackle a claim by United Australia Party national director Craig Kelly that the national medicines regulator has finally come around to the drug ivermectin.

We also round up the key claims from Tuesday's federal budget, and look at how social media users reckon Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews's digital driverslicence plan is a car wreck.

News from Australia's medicines regulator has sparked a flurry of social media activity after it announced it would lift an almost two-year ban on the "off-label" use of the drug ivermectin.

The antiparasitic drug has long been a favourite for treating COVID-19 among conspiracy groups, anti-vaxxers and others, despite a lack of evidence in support of its effectiveness against the disease.

In 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that most doctorscould no longer prescribe ivermectinfor anything other than the treatment of TGA-approved conditions, citing concerns that people were taking the drug in lieu of vaccination against COVID-19 and in higher doses than recommended.

It also pointed to "national and local shortages for those who need the medicine for scabies and parasite infections", which it blamed on a rise in "prescribing and dispensing for unapproved uses" during the pandemic.

On Twitter, the ban's demise was met with enthusiasm by United Australia Party national director Craig Kelly, who in February 2021 resigned from the Liberal Partyin order to advocatefor unproven COVID-19 treatments, among themivermectinandhydroxychloroquine.

"IT'S OVER: THE TGA HAVE SURRENDERED ON IVERMECTIN,"he wrote in a tweetthat called for "war crime trials and reparations".

"For as I repeatedly said, the TGA couldn't hold out forever, as their senior management were risking being personally sued for malfeasance given the tsunami of evidence rolling in, showing that ivermectin is highly effective against COVID."

Mr Kelly linked the announcement toanother tweet from the previous day in which he declared that a new study showed the drug had "won" before claiming that "thousands of Australians died unnecessarily from COVID because the TGA denied them access to this life saving ivermectin".

So, what did the TGA actually say?

According to itsannouncement, the TGA decided to drop its ban because of "sufficient evidence that the safety risks to individuals and public health is low when [ivermectin is] prescribed by a general practitioner in the current health climate".

That evidence includes higher rates of vaccination or hybrid immunity against COVID-19, "awareness of medical practitioners about the risks and benefits of ivermectin, and the low potential for any shortages of ivermectin for its approved uses".

In the TGA'sfinal decision, which lays out the regulator's reasoning in more detail, its reviewer explained:

"There is now an overwhelming weight of evidence against the use of ivermectin in patients either as a prophylaxis or as a treatment of patients with COVID-19 with no benefit in large clinical studies."

This, they said, meant doctors were now well informed of ivermectin's risks to patients and its "lack of efficacy" in treating or preventing COVID-19, allowing practitioners to "exercise sound judgement" when considering such off-label use.

The regulator's announcement explicitly states that "the TGA does not endorse off-label prescribing of ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19".

It also points to advice from the National Clinical Evidence Taskforce, an Australian group of independent clinical experts, which, havingreviewed 17 randomised controlled trials, "strongly advises against the use of ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19".

Thelast timethis newsletter looked at ivermectin's effectiveness against COVID-19, ameta-analysisof 11 randomised controlled trials bythe Cochrane Collaboration(a highly regarded scientific research network) had found the drug appeared to offer "no beneficial effect" to people with mild or no symptoms.

For those with more severe symptoms, the reviewers said there was "low certainty evidence" it did not help patients to get better, whereasthey were "uncertain whether ivermectin prevents death or clinical worsening".

CheckMate has not reviewed the "large randomised double-blind, placebo controlled study" (into ivermectin and COVID-19 prevention) referred to by Mr Kelly in his earlier tweet, as this hasnot yet been peer reviewed.

Notably, this isnot the first timea member of Mr Kelly's party has misrepresented the lifting of a drug ban.

In 2022, UAP chairman Clive Palmer used a speech to claim that Queensland's chief health officer had lifted a ban on hydroxychloroquine in response to data showing its effectiveness against COVID-19, when in fact it was due to the easing of "supply concerns".

An announcement from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews that drivers in the state will soon be able to obtain a digital drivers licence has been met online with conspiracy theories invoking misunderstood urban planning concepts and accusations of covert government tracking.

Taking to social media on Monday morning, the premier announced that the new licences would be rolled out to residents of Ballarat under a pilot programbefore becoming available statewide in 2024.

"Full licence holders will be able to use it as a digital licence, as well as proof of age in venues," Mr Andrews announced onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram.

Similar digital licences have been available in South Australiasince 2017and across NSWsince 2019, and are also set to be rolled out in Queenslandthis year.

According to apress releasedetailing the Victorian government's plans, drivers will be able to opt in to digital licences, which will be accessible via the Services Victoria or VicRoads apps.

"Drivers will still have the option to use their physical licence," the release states.

But while many people responded positively to the announcement (or, in some cases, suggested the move was well overdue), others were quick to claim the premier had sinister intentions.

"Let me guess," one Twitter user wrote, "[the digital licences] will be linked to a social credit score and other metrics, and eventually be required for access to certain roads and facilities?"

Another tweeter suggested the move was "yet another step towards 15-minute cities", a sentiment which was shared on Facebook by a user who stated: "Phones should be phones not government tracking and scanning devises [sic]!!! Start of smart city agenda!!!"

Others said the move would bring with it security risks, with one sarcastic tweet reading: "Let's hold all the identities of Australian citizens in one central location, brilliant idea!"

None of those claims, however, appears to be based in fact.

When it comes to "social credit scores", RMIT FactLab haspreviously foundthat no such system exists in Australia, nor is there any evidence to suggest the digital licences would be used to limit people's movement.

As for "Smart Cities" and "15-minute cities" (which are different concepts), conspiracy theorists often use the terms interchangeably to allege governments are planning to exert excessive control over citizens with the help of increased surveillance.

In reality, the 15-minute city isan urban planning conceptin which amenities for example, schools, shops, parks and healthcare are within a 15-minute walk for residents.

Unsurprisingly, given that 15-minute cities are aimed at reducing car-reliance, there's no evidence that digital drivers licences have anything to do with the concept.

Smart Cities, on the other hand, isa broad termfor the technology used in cities and towns for a number of purposes, from checking for vacant car parks to providing free public Wi-Fi.

While digital licences fit this mould, there is nothing to suggest the new form of identification will result in increased surveillance.

Meanwhile, despite it not being unreasonable for social media users to raise concerns about data storage and safety, some appear to have forgotten that drivers licence data isalready collected and storedby the Victorian government's Department of Transport and Planning, as well asby the federal government.

In any case, as with other states that have already rolled out the technology, digital licences in Victoria will not be mandatory.

As Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down Tuesday night's federal budget against a backdrop of rising living costs, RMIT ABC Fact Check ran the rule overthe key claims made during his speech.

So, how did they stack up?

First up were wages, which Mr Chalmers claimed were "now growing at their fastest rate since 2012".

Certainly, the figures bear this out for nominal wages, with a 4 per cent rise forecast for next year. However, those for real wages that is, after adjusting for inflation paint a less rosy picture.

Following a 2.25 per cent fall this year, real wages are tipped to grow by 0.75 per cent in the year to June 2024, which is not so different to growth recorded under the Coalition (in 2015, 2016 and 2019).

Next, Mr Chalmers said he was "proud" that 339,000 jobs had been created since Labor was elected which, while correct, doesn't necessarily mean his government is responsible for actually creating them.

As one expertpreviously told Fact Check, it was "bordering on laughable" for governments to take credit for jobs creation, "but the reason it's not laughable is that they say it all the time and everyone accepts it and it really doesn't raise any eyebrows".

Meanwhile, Mr Chalmers' claim that unemployment was at "historic lows" was also broadly correct, Fact Check found, explaining that while official unemployment was lower in the 1960s and 1970s, it was now at its lowest level since the ABS began publishing monthly labour force figures in 1978, almost half a century ago.

Among the government's budget announcements was a 15 per cent boost to the Commonwealth Rent Assistance rate, which the treasurer claimed amounted to "the largest increase in more than 30 years".

Indeed, social services data dating back to 1990 shows that this payment has been increased above inflation only three times in as many decades, and never by as much as 15 per cent (the next largest rise, in 2000, equalled 5 per cent).

When it came to recipients of the single parentingpayment who are set to benefit from broader eligibility criteria that will allow them to claim payments for longer Mr Chalmers was correct in saying that "over 90 per cent of these parents are single mums".

The latest figures show that, of the payment's 230,520 recipients, some 96 per cent (220,175) were women.

The Treasurer was on less solid ground in the lead-up to budget night, however, when he claimed that the Albanese government had inherited a trillion dollars of "Liberal debt", of which only a "tiny fraction" could be blamed on his Labor predecessors.

Fact Checkfound that claim to be "spin", explaining that while most of the debt Labor inherited was accrued during the Coalition's term, a sizeable chunk was racked up by the previous Labor government, whose share amounted to either 25 per cent or 31 per cent of the total (depending on the measure used).

Edited by Ellen McCutchanand David Campbell

Got a fact that needs checking? Tweet us@ABCFactCheckor send us an email atfactcheck@rmit.edu.au

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Former Liberal MP Craig Kelly claims the TGA has 'surrendered' on ivermectin. Is that correct? - ABC News

AI Brinkmanship: A Prophetic Warning? | AI brink – Patheos

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

A prophetic warning?H+ 2004Singularity Timeline. Daily Mail Online.

Hiking alone in the High Sierras a few years ago, I was daydreaming while walking somewhat nonchalantly near a mountain top at 11,000 feet. Suddenly I reeled back in shock and terror. With one more step I would have fallen over a cliff into a chasm, a vast emptiness that went straight down at least 3,000 feet. With my heart beating faster than an airplane propeller, I stood aghast on the precipice. I had reached the brink and, Gott sei dank, I had stopped at the brink. Whew!

Geoffrey Hinton, nicknamed Godfather of AI, has similarly stopped at the brink. Hinton pioneered understanding neural networks and shaped artificial intelligence systems powering many of todays products. He just announced his resignation from Google. Hinton no longer plays AI brinkmanship. Why? Because generative AI is scary.

The Arrival of ChatGPT and OpenAIs announcement of GPT4 has placed the worlds techies on the AI brink. The voices of Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and a chorus of in-the-know computerettes are chanting: pause AI development for six months while we think this over. Heres their open letter: Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter. I added my signature to this letter.

Brinkmanship is the practice of following a dangerous trail toward the limits of safety before stopping. Stop playing AI brinkmanship! Thats todays prophetic message.

I foresee two brinks, not just one. The first brink is the Singularitythat is, an AI takeover of planetary communication and decision-making. The second brink is more immediatenamely, malicious use of AI power to pillage and destroy.

Our transhumanist friends invite AI brinkmanship, because they envision utopia just beyond the brink. If by the year 2045 superintelligence takes over, as Ray Kurzweil has forecasted, humanity will cross the Singularity threshold when technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible. A new posthuman species will be born and take over management of our worlds systems. Singularity will open the door for a future techno-utopia.

But those who find AI brinkmanship scary such as Hinton are issuing a warning. Lets keep AI management in human hands! To prevent AI brinkmanship, we need guardrails put up by ethics and public policy. Heres how the Open Letter assesses our situation this side of the brink.

Contemporary AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks, and we must ask ourselves: Shouldwe let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth?Shouldwe automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones?Shouldwe develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart,obsolete and replaceus?Should we risk loss of control of our civilization? Such decisions must not be delegated to unelected tech leaders.Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive, and their risks will be manageable.

Its time for Homo sapiens to pull the wagons into a circle and consult about ethical issues and formulate the policies which will prevent falling over the brink.

Therefore,wecall on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4. This pause should be public and verifiable, and include all key actors. If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.

Regarding a general maxim to guide ethical deliberation broadly, Im pondering the wisdom of a recent principle enunciated by Noreen Herzfeld. Dr. Herzfeld emphasizes that AI should be thought of as a tool to enhance human wellbeing. Just a tool. Only a tool. Not a person.

We approach the scary AI brink when we try to humanize AI. Why do we pursue AGI? Why do we manufacture sex bots? Why do we refine the chat box? Stop it! Herzfelds principle: let AI be AI, and let humans be human. Dont interbreed them.

Is Silicon Valley providing bad actors with the computer equivalent of the AR-15s used by todays mass murderers? American and Austrian gun manufacturers went over the brink. And now blood flows like rivers in our schoolyards.

Some armies have already launched autonomous lethal weapons. Once released, theres no calling them back. And sometimes they kill untargeted people. Is this the future our AI techies wish for our planet?

Malicious actors the other side of the AI brink are ready and eager to pull the trigger to flood social media with fake news, re-edit distorting pictures, sway elections, and drain our bank accounts. Should the present generation of AI techies distribute the digitized equivalent of AR-15s to malefactors who are ready to rob, pillage, and destroy?

What we need are carefully constructed guard rails. The human geniuses of AI should unite with one another this side of the AI brink to construct those moral guardrails. Thats what Elon Musk, Geoffrey Hinton, and Steve Wozniak urge us to do before its too late.

Our Jewish, Muslim, and Christian colleagues at AI and Faith are accepting the Open Letter invitation to contribute to ethical deliberation and public policy formulation. The mission of AI and Faith is to equip and encourage people of faith to bring time-tested, faith-based values and wisdom to the ethical AI conversation.

In a newsletter article, David Brenner readies us for the challenge.

Working together, we have a better chance to affect the larger AI ethics conversation by speaking in respectful, robustly pluralist voices, with no faith tradition toning down its faith beliefs, unified in our common contention that faith values of three quarters of the worlds peoples are essential to the debate. That approach has gained us admission as the only overtly faith-oriented partner among the 106 organizations in the global Partnership on AI.

Brenner offers what I call public theology at work.

Ethical guard rails this side of the AI brink just might be what safety requires.

AI has great power to do good and evil, wrote Elon Musk in a Tweet. Better the former.

You betcha, Elon!

Ted Peters (Ph.D., University of Chicago) is a public theologian directing traffic at the intersection of science, religion, and ethics. Peters is an emeritus professor at the Graduate Theological Union, where he co-edits the journal, Theology and Science, on behalf of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, in Berkeley, California, USA. He recently co-edited Astrobiology: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (Scrivener 2021) as well as Astrotheology: Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Cascade 2018). He also co-edited Religious Transhumanism and Its Critics (Lexington 2022) and The CRISPR Revolution in Science, Ethics, and Religion (Praeger 2023). Peters is author of Playing God: Genetic Determinism and Human Freedom (Routledge, 2nd ed, 2002) and The Stem Cell Debate (Fortress 2007). See his blogsite [https://www.patheos.com/blogs/publictheology/] and his website [TedsTimelyTake.com].

See his fiction thriller,Cyrus Twelve,with its transhumanist plot.

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AI Brinkmanship: A Prophetic Warning? | AI brink - Patheos

Willits: As a Patient at the Transgender Center, I Urge You to Stand … – Out in STL

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

She did it for the kids. Taken in any other context, this might have been a good thing. But this was part of a conversation I overheard in a coffee shop in south city, and it was far from good. Two humans, both presenting as women, were discussing Jamie Reeds essay calling out the Washington University Transgender Center for bad practices and mal-efficiencies in patient care and operation procedures.

I knew the heart of their discussion, and I knew it well. I also knew that the way those six short words were voiced across the table, over two freshly poured cups of coffee, that those ladies were about to settle in for a long talk and that the coffee wasnt the only thing heated at that table. I decided my to-go cup and I needed to sit for a minute and took a nearby seat.

What I heard echoed so many of the shared posts that have been bouncing around social media since Reeds piece was published on February 9. A lot of feelings can build up in people in two months; a lot of information can be shared across internet platforms in that time and so can a lot of untruths. Half the vitriol-filled posts Ive seen on any given day in recent weeks could have been the script for this pairs coffee klatch.

Its one thing to scroll past the online posts, but to hear people discussing Reeds trumped-up story in a setting where others would only hear only snippets as they passed, and quite likely use those snippets as fodder for the continuous and ugly game of Did You Hear was enough for me to realize that Id been quiet long enough.

First of all, you are entitled to your opinion. However, no matter how right you think you are, no matter how much good youve convinced yourself youre doing, no one has the right to put another human being in harms way. And while this may seem pointed at Reed, I assure you I am also addressing anyone who believes they know how to better care for a transgender human than the parents, the licensed mental-health professionals, the licensed physicians, the medical-facility administrators, or even the trans human living the experience. A medical community has made nationally and internationally recognized standards of care for trans humans, but, surethrow in your two cents.

Full disclosure, I met Reed in 2019 when, as a freelance writer for a trans-centered online magazine, I attended community meetings hosted by the Transgender Center. We are not friends, nor have we remained in contact. I am also a patient at the Transgender Center.

So, when you read Reeds accounting of the trans experience or even watch the video circulating social media of her sharing her experience working at the center, understand this: Her position at Washington University did not afford her the luxury of speaking on behalf of transgender humans or their families. She was a case worker. She was not the mental-health professional providing care to patients, nor was she the medical doctor treating folks or making recommendations for treatment. To my knowledge, she formed her opinions based on case files, not from being in the treatment rooms with patients. Not once as a patient has anyone other than a medical professional or a student with prior authorization by both the teaching physician and me been allowed in the exam room.

If you are relying on someone to make a life-altering diagnosis for your childs care or your own care, and you are turning to estimations thrust on you by the state attorney general or your state legislators or your neighbor who voted for so-and-so based on information from a disgruntled case worker; none of whom hold medical licenses, who are you helping? You are advocating a cattle-call version of care where everyone is given the same diagnosis and the same treatment. No longer is the child an individual.

The last time I looked, no two kids were the same. And when it comes to transitioning, no two humans take the same path. This is not a one transition fits all game. Thats exactly why we need facilities like the Washington University Transgender Center and why there are currently around 100 other facilities available across the United States providing gender-affirming care. Truthfully, that isnt nearly enough. When we turn to science as we should we understand that gender-affirming care is life-saving care. We lean into the science for nearly every other medical treatment, yet those who would have you believe the anti-transgender rhetoric are telling you the science is wrong here and that trans health care is unnecessary.

Listen closely, people, because they are talking out of both sides of their mouths. They are using scientific findings about mental health concerns among transgender people to argue against medical interventions. If folks were using science in an honest way, they would see that medicine supports gender-affirming health care. Some truly bad actors say that theres no scientific evidence that transgender people exist at all.

Opponents of gender-affirming care conveniently forget to tell you that the same respected major medical associations that support trans care are the ones on which you have relied your entire life. These are the same doctors and medical associations that have given you medicine for an infection, treated your high blood pressure, or diagnosed your diabetes or cured your cancer. Like all other treatments, gender-diverse health care is evidence-based health care. To deny any human basic health care is not only wrong, but also dangerous and life-threatening. You would not knowingly withhold medical treatment for any other health-related diagnosis if you could improve the well-being of an individual, would you?

Well, Attorney General Andrew Baileys Emergency Rule does just that. It will prevent both youth and adult transgender humans from receiving necessary basic health care and put lives at risk. It ignores science.

So where are we now, folks? Some of you following this story may already know that the Transgender Center has had an independent study conducted to address the concerns Reed brought forth. All of her points of contention were unsubstantiated. Reed, of course, stands by her allegations. But her voice is not the end-all-be-all of this issue. Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Missouri, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP were able to block Baileys emergency rule at least through May 15.

Not only are many of you or people you know currently madly trying to figure out their next step for health care, many are considering moving out of state. Im not there yet. Admittedly, I dont know if my next prescription for testosterone will be filled. I have a surgery scheduled for May at the Transgender Center which is currently on hold, and my doctors at the facility are not optimistic that it will even take place because of this Emergency Rule. But what I do know is this: The Washington University physicians at the Transgender Center are not only renowned in their fields, they are also educators. These are the humans who are making sure the next generation of gender-diverse kids have health care professionals to care for them. That they also get to treat your friends and family in a consistently award-winning facility at Barnes Jewish Hospital is significant. And that those same doctors have been standing together to support the trans community speaks to their commitment. They are the doctors I want on my side.

So now what? Its time to get vocal and stay vocal. Contact your legislators and make your voice heard with your vote.

Its time to stand by the center and the doctors that stand by us. Listen to your gender-diverse friends and family when they tell you who they are and what they need. Trans rights are human rights.

It is not hyperbole to state that if we do not change the culture now, humans will die.

RELATED: DeWald: A parents perspective on transgender health care

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Willits: As a Patient at the Transgender Center, I Urge You to Stand ... - Out in STL

Jeremy Carl: Who is Montana’s rogue Rep. Zooey Zephyr? – Must Read Alaska

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

By JEREMY CARL

It takes a lot to make national news out here in Montana. We dont have any big cities, and we are far from Americas population centers and even further from the corridors of power.

Yet in the past week, transgender-identified Montana State House Member Zooey Zephyr, who attracted some notice upon his initial election in 2022, has exploded to national prominence after accusing members of the Montana State House GOP supermajority, who passed legislation to block genital mutilation and cross-sex hormonal treatment of children, of having blood on their hands when they were praying.

It was a clear and obvious breach of House rules during a floor debate and Zephyr refused to apologize for violating them.

After the House Speaker refused to call on him again until he apologized, dozens of radical activists, spurred in part by Zephyr, then disrupted the Montana Legislature (which has an enormous workload and meets for just three months every two years). Almost overnight, Zephyr was interviewed by numerous national media outlets and became a political celebrity, with far more Twitter followers than either of Montanas congressmen.

Both Montana and national media seem incurious, and even a fairly thorough Internet search revealed only snippets of Zephyrs earlier life (residences in Washington and Montana, a background in wrestling, and competitive video games).

But a more exhaustive search revealed a more disquieting story, one that shows a disturbed young man with a troubled past and a series of relationships with dubious characters.

Much of this information about Zephyr was pieced together from posts on Kiwi Farms, a trollish but at times sophisticated online message board that is strongly opposed to gender ideology and delights in both juvenile insults and what once would have been recognized as investigative journalism.

Zephyr was born Zachary Raasch in Billings, MT and grew up there and in Washington state, where he was a champion high school wrestler.

The media has been so negligent in their vetting of Zephyr that, as far as I am aware, this is the first time his birth name has been publicly revealed in an article.

Zooey Zephyr, currently in the state and national headlines, did not even exist until 2019, when, after several months of taking female hormones, Raasch publicly transitioned.

He had surgical vaginoplasty in 2022 (indeed he was not in Missoula on election night when he was elected to the Montana House, but was flying to New York for post-operative care of the permanent wound where his natural genitals used to be).

He seems to have had a number of marketing jobs in Seattle before moving to Missoula, getting involved in the activist community and working at the University of Montana.

According to Raasch, his parents (who were conservative Christians) disowned him when he decided to transition. Raasch was originally motivated to run for the stateLegislature in response to the attempts to ban transgender girls from girls and womens sports.

This enraged Raasch who claims, contrary to both common sense and scientific evidence, that men who transition to female do not have an advantage in sports, a proposition increasingly rejected even by politically correct athletic bodies.

Raasch is intelligent and extremely interested in transhumanism (the melding of man and machine through technological enhancement of the human body)the subject of an abandoned masters thesis at the University of Montana, and a subject relevant to his decision to radically modify his own body.

He was also a video gaming champion in a game called Super Smash Brothers; some pre-transition performances of his tournament videogaming can be seen online. In 2020, a huge scandal erupted in the Super Smash Brothers community involving mass sexual harassment and abuse of minors during in-person gaming meetups. Raasch publicly expressed regret that he may have put children at risk in taking them to these events.

It may be just a coincidence that serious child sexual abuse broke out in a community with which Raasch was heavily involved, or it is possible that he been a perpetrator or a victim of such abuse, but we dont know, as none of the puff piece legacy media has bothered to investigate Raaschs background.

What can be said is that childhood experiences of abuse, such as those that were going on around him, are often precursors to those involved developing non-standard sexual identities.

Raasch is also a noted fan of Manga and anime, a hobby enjoyed by many perfectly healthy people, but also a favorite of transgender individuals, such as Chris Tyson, an important member of Mr. Beast, the worlds most popular YouTube channel, who announced a love of anime involving sexualized children in the years before he came out as trans.

Raasch has posted disturbing sexualized anime images such as the one below that as of this writingstill on his official Twitter account.

He shows all the classic signs of an autogynephilica man who (often spurred by pornography or fetish) becomes sexually aroused by the idea of themselves as a woman. This existence of this condition and its popularity among certain kinds of transgender-identifying men was first observed by Dr. Ray Blanchard and then popularized by Northwestern University psychologist and transgender scholar J. Michael Bailey in his pathbreaking 2003 book The Man who Would Be Queen.

For the last year or so, Raasch has been dating Anthony Erin Reed, one of the most prominent transgender activists in America. Reed has a disturbing background himself, and one again that has been almost completely ignored by the national media in which he has frequently appeared.

Once married with a child, he got divorced and came out as transgender, eventually, like Raasch, opting for hormones and surgery.

Reeds family was (unsurprisingly) unhappy about his decision to transition complaining that his family would not use his pronouns or his fake name. He is divorced enough from reality that he expressed anger that his ex-wife Told me that I cant have the name mom because she gave birth. He later expressed frustration because his ex-wife was fighting him for custody after he came out as trans.

In his spare time Reed maintains an informed consent map of the many clinics in America where you can get cross-sex hormones just on your own say-so without any previous therapy or confirmed gender dysphoria required. Sadly, four such clinics exist even in Montana.

Prior to Reed, Raaschs previous girlfriend @stardustdog was a trans-identified man and a furry someone who enjoys dressing up as anthropomorphic animal characters, often with an explicit sexual component. Needless to say, the picture I have painted above is not a picture of a healthy man with values that most Montanans share. Nor is it the picture of a healthy woman.

Neiher Raasch nor his boyfriend Anthony believe that parents should have any right to know if a child is transitioning at school, and Anthony is on record saying that those dating a trans person do not have the right to know that the trans person is trans because trans women are women.

Most heterosexual men, I daresay, would beg to differ.

Finally, it is notable that Raaschs own tantrum on the Montana House floor directly contradicts the professional advice of a host of organziations that Raasch supports including GLAAD, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Trevor Project, and the Transgender Law Center. These organizations stress that you should not say that a specific anti-LGBT law or policy will cause suicide.. . . Linking suicide directly to external factors like. . . Anti-LGBT laws can normalize suicide by suggesting that it is a natural reaction to such experiences or laws.

If there is anyone with blood on his hands, it is Raasch, not those legislators who are attempting to protect Montanas kids.

Montana Republicans dont want transgender-identified Montanans (especially children) to die we want them to live, not to be seduced by gender ideology and social contagion into sterilizing themselves, mutilating their bodies with permanent wounds, and stuffing themselves with hormones entirely foreign to their natural condition.

And we know this doesnt just happen to bad people or the children of bad parents. As with any social contagion, good young people and people from caring families can fall prey to it. Thats why were spending so much time and energy fighting back against radical gender ideology.

Raasch himself and the rest of the transgender-identified Montanans are the victims of this ideology. But through the false media martyrdom that he always desired, the victim has also become a perpetrator.

Jeremy Carl (@jeremycarl4 on Twitter) is a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute. He lives with his family in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman, Montana. This column first appeared in Montana Talks. Carl is available for speaking engagements in Alaska, where he has been an invited speaker in recent years.

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Report: BetMGM Sportsbook at GABP activity investigated by Ohio Casino Control Commission – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Alleged suspicious activity related to an Alabama-LSU baseball game last week involved a customer at BetMGM Sportsbook inside Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, according to a report by ESPN's David Purdum.

Purdum reported that the Ohio Casino Control Commission said the activity happened last Friday at GABP, and the commission's investigation "centered on two bets on the Tigers to win from the same unidentified customer."

Purdum reported that Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired Thursday after sportsbook surveillance video showed that the person placing bets on the game was communicating with Bohannon at the time.

Alabama announced that athletic director Greg Byrne "initiated the termination process" for Bohannon for "among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees."

The Reds were out of town (in Oakland) last Friday, but the sportsbook is open on gamedays and non-gamedays from 11 a.m. to midnight.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported via Twitter that "a person familiar with the Alabama baseball investigation told ESPN that theres no reason to believe any student atheltes are involved in the baseball betting situation that resulted in the head coachs dismissal."

More details from Purdum's story:

Alabama's scheduled starting pitcher, ace Luke Holman, was scratched before the LSU game because of back tightness and was replaced by sophomore Hagan Banks, who hadn't started since March 16. LSU won the game 8-6.

The OCCC was alerted to the alleged activity Friday by independent Las Vegas-based integrity firm U.S. Integrity, which works with the OCCC and the SEC to monitor the betting market. U.S. Integrity alerted to its clients Friday, and the OCCC halted betting on college baseball games involving Alabama. The SEC has contracted with U.S. Integrity since 2018 and has used the firm to monitor all conference events, including baseball.

Indiana gaming regulators also were alerted to suspicious bets on the Alabama-LSU game that were placed with sportsbooks in the Hoosier State. Indiana has halted betting on Alabama baseball and instructed sportsbooks to refund any futures wagers on the Crimson Tide.

NCAA policy prohibits athletes, coaches and personnel from betting on sports.

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Report: BetMGM Sportsbook at GABP activity investigated by Ohio Casino Control Commission - The Cincinnati Enquirer

MLB Picks for May 5: Baseball Best Bets, Predictions, Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Garion Thorne gives his best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Fridays MLB betting card.

It is not my intention to use this space simply to complain about bad beats, but my goodness, Im never putting money on the White Sox ever again. Chicago lost to Minnesota in an 11-inning contest on Thursday, but had the winning run on third base with less than two outs multiple times. Heck, Hanser Alberto got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded but swung. Truly mind-boggling stuff.

Anyway, were 16-12 on article plays for the season. Lets get back on track.

Its unclear if any team is actually good in the American League Central, but purely by default, these two clubs are the best of the bunch, with Minnesota currently leading Cleveland by 3.5 games in the standings. For both the season, and specifically tonight, Im of the belief that the Twins are the better organization. The Guardians have dropped six of their last eight contests at home and send Peyton Battenfield to the mound on Friday. Hes young, and its a small sample, but a 14.5% walk rate and a 7.43 xERA are very underwhelming marks.

Things arent much better when assessing Clevelands bats. The Guardians own a .272 wOBA and a 70 wRC+ over the past two weeks both the second-worst figure in all of baseball within that span. For the season as a whole, Cleveland also sports an anemic .106 ISO against right-handed pitching, which is, you guessed it, the lowest mark in the AL. Bailey Ober is right-handed. Ober has a career 3.66 ERA and 3.87 FIP in his 33 career starts at the MLB level, too. Hes solid. That should be enough in this spot to pick up a win for his team.

I am perplexed by this line, as this might be the biggest pitching mismatch on the whole slate. Corbin Burnes had a pair of rough outings to open 2023, but has clearly been looking like his old self again the past few weeks, registering a sterling 1.85 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over his last four starts. This shouldnt come as a surprise, either. Were talking about someone who posted a 2.62 ERA and a 2.40 FIP from 2020 to 2022. Thats a span of 428.2 innings. Burnes is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Hes that special.

Sean Manaea is at the other end of the spectrum. Frankly, the lefty just looks cooked. Manaea enters Fridays action sitting in the third percentile of qualified pitchers in xERA (8.23), the second percentile in opponent expected slugging percentage (.588) and the first percentile in opponent barrel rate (17.6%). On batted ball events induced, Manaea is surrendering a massive .516 wOBA, which is an issue, because hes also walking 12.8% of the hitters hes facing. The Brewers have been terrible at hitting southpaws this season, but if they cant Manaea, the franchise should disband.

Its a little unfair to say that Fried has failed to go over this prop in three of his four starts in 2023, as he was forced to leave Opening Day due to injury. Still, it would be fair to suggest that Fried has never been an elite strikeout arm. For his career, hes averaged just under a strikeout per inning (8.76 K/9), and thats carried over to this season, with the lefty having registered 18 punchouts in his 20.0 innings of work.

However, my lean towards the under has less to do with Fried and more to do with his opponent. The Orioles simply do not strikeout. Across the last 14 days, Baltimore owns MLBs lowest strikeout rate at a microscopic 17.3%. In that same two-week stretch, the Orioles are also one of only four teams with an overall contact rate of at least 80.0%. In general, Baltimores lineup is at its best when facing a left-handed pitcher, with the teams 128 wRC+ within the split representing the third-highest mark in the league. They wont be scared of Fried tonight.

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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is theglt13) and I may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

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MLB Picks for May 5: Baseball Best Bets, Predictions, Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook - DraftKings Nation

NBA Parlay Picks: Top Prop Bets with Long Odds in the Sensational 6 on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 5 – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Jeff Pratt and Chirag Hira create a sensational six-leg parlay on DraftKings Sportsbook for Fridays NBA slate.

Another Friday, another Sensational 6!

Chirag Hira and I are back with a six-leg NBA parlay on DraftKings Sportsbook focused on Fridays two-game postseason slate.

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

Bet on todays Sensational Six parlay in the card below on DraftKings Sportsbook!

The Beard hasnt been his normal playmaking self lately, only hitting seven assists in three of his last six games. Thats understandable considering the circumstances, as Joel Embiid has been out of the lineup.

Embiid returned for Game 2 in Boston and didnt make much of an impact, but he should play a larger role tonight, which means more easy dimes for Harden. Theres a reason he led the league in assists this year, and we expect a bounce-back playmaking performance in Philly.

Tatum only played 19 minutes in Game 2 after getting in foul trouble early and he still almost grabbed 8 boards, finishing one shy. The superstar has taken his activity on the glass to another level this season, averaging 8.8 rebounds per game.

Tatum has hit this total in six of his last eight games, and assuming he stays out of foul trouble this time around, we expect another big performance from him in this department tonight.

Brogdon has shown why the Celtics acquired him last offseason throughout the playoffs, providing a steady scoring presence off the bench. The Sixth Man of the Year has scored at least 13 points in seven straight games, and he hasnt finished with fewer than 20 so far against the 76ers.

With Tatum struggling last game, its fair to argue that Brogdon has been Bostons second-best player in this series. While we do expect a bounce-back performance from the Celtics superstar tonight, there will still be plenty of opportunities for the veteran to get his points.

This is a must-win game for Phoenix. Its really that simple.

The Suns had a great opportunity to steal Game 2 in Denver but they fell short, being outscored 27-14 in the fourth quarter. It is worth noting that Chris Paul will miss this game with a groin injury, but his absence shouldnt deter Kevin Durant and Devin Booker from carrying their team to a win. All of that said, while we do expect a win, Chirag and I gave Phoenix a bit of insurance with 5.5 points.

Big-time players show up when called upon.

Say what you want about Kevin Durant, but he has delivered in the clutch time and time again. At 34 years old, Durants scoring ability hasnt dipped whatsoever. When hes healthy, hes still arguably the most talented bucket-getter in the game.

KD has racked up at least 25 points in six of his last seven games, and we expect that trend to continue tonight as Phoenix attempts to make this a competitive series.

Shooters shoot.

Booker has hit at least two triples in five of his last six games. With the series pretty much on the line tonight, he should be due for another big performance from beyond the arc.

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NBA Parlay Picks: Top Prop Bets with Long Odds in the Sensational 6 on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 5 - DraftKings Nation

Legal safeguards a reason sports betting scandals like the one involving Alabama baseball were uncovered – Yahoo Sports

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Last Friday, there was suspicious betting on an Alabama baseball game. Ohio halted action on Alabama games Monday. On Thursday, less than a week after the game in question, Alabama's baseball coach was fired for among other things, violating the standards, duties and responsibilities expected of university employees," the school said.

When then-Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley placed bets on NFL games, violating the league's gambling policy, it was flagged by a sportsbook operator and the NFL's contracted data provider for sports betting companies and reported to the NFL. Ridley was suspended for a year.

The latest betting scandal for the NFL, in which five players were suspended for violating the league's policy, included suspensions for players making bets from the team facility. Legal sports betting sites track locations. Three players were suspended for a year, two others for six games, and two of the players suspended for a year were cut right away by the Detroit Lions.

The proliferation of sports betting in states that have legalized it surely played into the violations. Sports betting is more accessible than ever.

But having sports betting be above board and not illegal in 49 of 50 states, as it was for decades was a key reason the violations were found. Illegal bookies likely wouldn't be alerting the NFL or University of Alabama over unusual betting patterns.

In 1994, Arizona State basketball had a point-shaving scandal. The scheme was uncovered because sportsbook operators alerted authorities to suspicious behavior.

In that case (which is the subject of a Netflix documentary), sportsbooks became suspicious when many bets of just under $10,000 (to avoid IRS involvement) came in against Arizona State basketball. The point spreads on those games moved in an uncommon way due to the betting activity. Sportsbooks which have a vested interest in figuring out suspicious betting behaviors that could include point shaving alerted the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and the investigation reached the FBI. Multiple figures in the point-shaving scandal pleaded guilty, including Arizona State guard Stevin Smith, who was sentenced to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit sports bribery.

Story continues

For years the Arizona State scandal was an example of the system working. Legal sportsbook operators, worried that bettors were taking advantage of inside information, alerted authorities. An illegal bookmaker might not have done so. And there are plenty of illegal outlets: Last year the American Gaming Association estimated that Americans wager $63.8 billion on sports with illegal bookies and offshore sites each year.

Alabama baseball, Ridley and the latest NFL scandals were sussed out by legal operations. It's fair to wonder if any would have been caught if they were betting illegally.

It's a chicken-or-the-egg debate: Are there more betting scandals due to legal sports betting being more widely available than ever, or are more scandals being uncovered because of legal safeguards?

The Alabama situation was salacious in the headlines but also surprising in how quickly it was stopped.

Ohio halted betting on Alabama baseball games Monday after receiving information from a state casino commission integrity board member surrounding betting action on an Alabama-LSU baseball game Friday. Two bets, including one large wager, were made on that game at the sportsbook at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, according to ESPN. Multiple sources told ESPN that surveillance video indicated the bettor in question was communicating with Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon at the time. Alabama pitcher Luke Holman was scratched before the game due to back tightness. LSU won the game 8-6.

Bohannon was fired Thursday.

There will be more betting scandals, but the message has been sent: It's harder to get away with it given the systems in place, and the penalties will be harsh and could cost millions in salary or end a lucrative career. The scandals are bad news for sports leagues, but at least there are more ways to uncover them.

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Legal safeguards a reason sports betting scandals like the one involving Alabama baseball were uncovered - Yahoo Sports

2023 Kentucky Derby Odds Updated With Scratches on FanDuel Sportsbook – The Duel

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

The 149th Kentucky Derby is set for tomorrow, Saturday, May 6 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. For months, the best three-year-old thoroughbreds have been battling it out to earn a spot in this year's Derby and a shot at horse racing immortality.

On Monday, the post positions were announced for the annual Run for the Roses, naming the 20 horses and where they would start on the line, along with three alternates, in case any of the top 20 are scratched.

As of Friday, four horses have been scratched from the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The list of scratched horses can be found below, along with what their last odds were.

Horse

Jockey

Odds Before Scratched

Skinner

Juan Hernandez

20-1

Practical Move

Ramon Vazquez

10-1

Lord Miles

Paco Lopez

30-1

Continuar

Sakai Ryusei

50-1

FanDuel Sportsbook has updated the odds to win the Kentucky Derby, following these changes, for the 19 remaining horses in the field. Let's take a look at the updated list of horses and their odds, ordered by post position.

Post Position

Horse

Current Odds

Hit Show

36-1

Verifying

18-1

Two Phil's

8-1

Confidence Game

20-1

Tapit Trice

6-1

Kingsbarns

11-1

Reincarnate

15-1

Mage

20-1

Disarm

24-1

Jace's Road

41-1

Sun Thunder

39-1

Angel of Empire

6-1

Forte

7-2

Raise Cane

40-1

Derma Sotogake

8/1

Rocket Can

38-1

Cyclone Mischief

44-1

Mandarin Hero

27-1

King Russell

44-1

Check out more Kentucky Derby coverage from The Duel:

- 3 Dark Horse Picks to Win the 2023 Kentucky Derby- Kentucky Oaks 2023 Field, Odds and Picks for Friday 5/5/23- Mage Kentucky Derby Horse Odds, History and Predictions (Longshot Trending in Right Direction)- Two Phil's Kentucky Derby Horse Odds, History and Predictions (Pace Presser Offers Value)

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2023 Kentucky Derby Odds Updated With Scratches on FanDuel Sportsbook - The Duel

NBA Best Bets: NBA Picks and Betting Trends on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 5-6 – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Julian Edlow gives his best NBA bets and betting trends on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Another one-game betting card in the NBA on Thursday, but we have games on the board through Saturday, so we might as well rip through the next few days of games. Lets breakdown some betting angles on DraftKings Sportsbook.

So far, Im only invested in any plays that you see a unit distinction next to. Otherwise the play is something Im leaning towards, and may add closer to game time. Any added plays will be posted to Twitter as I play them.

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

The Celtics found their groove in Game 2, and wound up blowing out the 76ers in Joel Embiids return. They did so even with a complete no-show from Jayson Tatum, finishing with a 7-7-3 line and 1-for-7 shooting in just 19 minutes (due to foul trouble).

While I dont expect Boston to play to its ceiling and Philly to play to its floor again, I do think the price on this game is short. The Celtics were short favorites in the only game played in Philly this season with both teams at full strength you may recall they won on a Jayson Tatum 3-pointer for the win in a Saturday night primetime game. Pricing this game the same would infer that both teams are at full strength one again, and thats clearly not the case.

Joel Embiid was a fraction of himself in his Game 2 return, and while some improvement is to be expected, it would be unrealistic to think hell be anywhere near 100%. The Celtics have been a tremendous road team this season, and have arguably been better on the road in the postseason going back to last years NBA Finals run.

I think this number is probably a few points short on the Cs, so Ill take a rare buy-low opportunity of them.

The Nuggets won both games in Denver by double digits, and while the series now shifts to Phoenix with the Suns desperate for a win, they have a big problem. Chris Pauls groin injury is serious, and hes going to miss at least the next few games of this series (from what I hear itll ultimately be much more long-term if the Suns did find a way to extend the series).

While a lot of faith will continue to be put in the hands of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who are both tremendous players, the rest of the roster just isnt good enough and that was when Paul was healthy and playing big minutes.

Pauls minutes will have to be filled by some combination of Cam Payne, Damion Lee, Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie. Thats not going to fly against this cohesive Denver starting five, that also as a massive depth advantage. The Suns had two home games against the Nuggets towards the end of the regular season with Durant in the lineup, while Nikola Jokic sat both games out for Denver. Phoenix won those games by four and seven points, failing to cover either. Historically speaking, Game 3 is a Suns spot, but in this scenario its Nuggets or pass.

I think if I put a play in on Denver, this will be my route, rather than points in Game 3. Im pretty confident that Denver can steal one of these road games now that Pauls absence will cause such depth issues for the Suns. I dont know which game itll be, but if the Nuggets can go back to Denver up 3-1, theyll be sizable favorites in Game 5. By playing the series line, we dont have to pick which game Denver wins, just get one and give us that +105 price tag on the Game 5 moneyline. Youd also be able to hedge at that stage if you prefered.

When Paul is out of the lineup, Payne generally steps up. He played 15 games without Paul this season, averaging 7.1 assists in over 30 minutes. The issue is, I dont think they can trust Payne with that large of a role in this series hes played 25 total minutes in the postseason, totaling seven points and five assists. I think the minutes will be split up, and the ball will be more in Bookers hands.

Booker averaged 6.5 assists in 14 games played without CP this season, and his overall assist numbers have spiked when Durant is in the lineup. Booker has averaged 7.5 assists in the early going in this series, and should see a nice pump with CP now completely out of the rotation. Strong lean to the over here, with Booker essentially being featured as the point guard.

The Heat looked like the No. 1 seed that they were in the east last season when they knocked out the Bucks in five games, and theyve continued to look the part on the road in the second round. Miami stole Game 1 in New York, but the storyline was Jimmy Butlers ankle injury.

Butler predictably missed Game 2, as the injury looked pretty bad, but the schedule also dictated rest Game 2 was Tuesday, and Game 3 isnt until Saturday. The Miami role players are tough as nails, as they were in the game until the final seconds of what was a must-win game for the Knicks on their home floor.

I fully expect Butler to return on Saturday after nearly a week off, which will move this line in favor of the Heat. It may still all be a mirage, but the Heat offense has been scorching hot in the postseason. The Knicks are in trouble down in Miami.

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The contents contained in this article do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment.

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NBA Best Bets: NBA Picks and Betting Trends on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 5-6 - DraftKings Nation

Ballys and Kambi Agree to Long Term Sportsbook Partnership – Sports Betting Dime

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Feb 28, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the Bally Sports logo and NBA basketballs during warmups before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ballys Corporation and Kambi announced a new multi-year partnership that will aim to redesign and expand Bally Bet throughout the country.

Ballys and Kambi announced the deal on Tuesday. Under the terms of the partnership, Kambi will support the expansion and enhancement of Ballys online and retail sportsbooks. It puts an end to Ballys attempt to create its own successful in-house sports betting product.

The partnership hopes to relaunch Bally bet in at least seven U.S. states and four retail sportsbook locations by the end of 2023.

The Kambi sportsbook will replace Ballys proprietary sports betting technology. Through an integration into the operators in-house date and marketing technology stacks, it will enable Ballys to reduce fixed costs and drive engagement in its Bally Bet brand, according to the announcement.

The two companies also agreed to provide Ballys with the option to acquire a license to a limited part of Kambis online and retail technology source code. If Ballys exercises the option and pays an agree sum, the two companies would enter into a long-term outsourcing agreement in relation to Kambis range of modularized services.

Separately, Ballys also entered into an agreement with White Hat Gaming, which will provide its player account management platform solution to the operator.

Kambi provides an award-winning sportsbook that delivers unrivalled sports betting entertainment. By incorporating that with White Hats PAM platform solution, as well as our geographic reach, customer base, and marketing prowess, Ballys will be optimally positioned to achieve significant scale and capture substantial market share in the global gaming market. This, in turn, will support our vision of becoming the premier, full-service, vertically integrated casinos and resorts, online sports betting, and iGaming company, said Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of Ballys Corporation, in the announcement.

Bally Bet is currently live in six U.S. states, but has yet to make much of an impact in any of the markets. Ballys was able to procure an online sports betting license in New York, but was the last of the nine operators to launch.

Bally Bet launch in July 2022 in the Empire State and has only recorded $10.9 million in total handle and $646,939 in gross gaming revenue. Compare that to Resorts World, the second smallest operator in New York, that has notched $49.2 million in handle and $2.86 million in gross gaming revenue since July 2022.

The online sports betting operator is also live in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, and Virginia.

Gambling Regulatory Writer and Editor

Covering regulatory developments in online gambling. Editing/writing/creating a newsletter for readers across all formats.

Gambling

Covering regulatory developments in online gambling. Editing/writing/creating a newsletter for readers across all formats.

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Ballys and Kambi Agree to Long Term Sportsbook Partnership - Sports Betting Dime

Caesars Sportsbook promo code MLIVEPROMOFULL: $1,250 & other rewards – MLive.com

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Pickswise provides exclusive sports betting content to MLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools, games and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.

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This Caesars Sportsbook promo code is giving you the chance to get a second chance bet of up to $1,250 as well as other rewards when you sign up as a new customer today.

We will explain everything there is to know about this offer in the article below, but if youre ready now then sign up with this link and promo code MLIVEPROMOFULL and get your welcome bonus now from Caesars.

You can use this Caesars Sportsbook promo code to ensure your opening bet of up to $1,250 is completely covered by the sportsbook who will give you bet credits back if your bet loses.

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Make sure you click here and sign up today to get your welcome bonus now.

If your bet loses, youll receive your bet credits to easily use. Just make your bet selection for your next bet online and when inputting your stake you can select to use your bet credits on the betting slip. Its just the same as placing real money bets so make sure you dont miss this offer and sign up with this link now to get your bonus from Caesars.

Caesars Sportsbook is well known and well regarded across the United States and this reputation has been built on excellent ranges of sports to bet on with incredible odds that will tempt you. They are a safe and secure site who offer excellent bonuses which you can enjoy as a new custom when signing up with this link and promo code MLIVEPROMOFULL to get your welcome bonus to enjoy now.

There are a mix of great sports in different parts of their seasons with plenty to bet on this weekend with Caesars Sportsbook:

Saturday, May 6

Sunday, May 7

Get your first bet on Caesars with this great offer which you can sign up for with this link and the promo code MLIVEPROMOFULL. Sign up today and get your welcome bonus now to bet with Caesars Sportsbook.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

DraftKings Horse Racing: Sign up With DraftKings Sportsbook and … – Sports Betting Dime

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Kentucky Derby alternate Cyclone Mischief works out at Churchill Downs May 2, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby is finally here, and with it being one of the largest betting events of the calendar year, plenty of bettors are wondering which sportsbooks and betting sites are actually allowing horse racing betting.

DraftKings recently launched their DraftKings Horse betting app, which offers users a chance to wager on the Derby. Theres no promo code currently available for DK horse. However, you can still claim bonus money by signing up with other horse racing betting sites and normal DraftKings Sportsbook.

$20 NO SWEAT FIRST BET (CO, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY)

$20 NO SWEAT FIRST BET (AR, CA, DE, FL, KY, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT)

Keep reading for all the details on DraftKings horse, Kentucky Derby betting apps, and DraftKings Sportsbook.

Their first official attempt at horse racing betting, DraftKings launched their DK Horse app on March 29, 2023. This first launch permitted users from 12 states to bet on horse racing through their app, with additional states expected to follow on Kentucky Derby day (May 6).

Read more about the launch of DK Horse via DraftKings official press release: DraftKings Launches DK Horse App.

Unfortunately, theres no sign-up promo codes available for DK Horse at the moment. However, you can sign up with FanDuel Racing or FanDuel Racebook, and TwinSpires and unlock up to $220 in bonus bets.

You can also create a normal DraftKings Sportsbook betting account and claim $1,050 in bonuses when wagering on NBA, MLB, NFL, etc.

If youre looking to claim bonus money for signing up with a horse racing betting app, you can register for a new account with both FanDuel and TwinSpires.

FanDuel is offering a sweet $20 No Sweat First Bet bonus to all new customers who sign up and wager on the Kentucky Derby. Youll sign up with either FanDuel Racing or FanDuel Racebook depending on the state you are located in both sign-up offers work exactly the same though.

Below offer available in AR, CA, DE, FL, KY, NH, NM, ND, OR, RI, SD, VT

Below offer available in CO, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY

With TwinSpires, youre getting a MASSIVE $200 sign-up bonus for this years Derby. This promotion is only available in a select number of states youre not going to want to miss it if youre eligible.

Click the featured banner below to immediately claim your $200 bonus.

Lastly, if you are interested in signing up with DraftKings and their sportsbook app/betting site, you can get up to $1,050 in bonus bets.

You wont be able to bet on the Kentucky Derby through this portion of the DraftKings app, but youll be able to claim a massive initial bonus to use toward NBA playoff betting, NHL playoff betting, MLB, or even the upcoming NFL season.

Either way, dont miss out on this chance to claim $1k+ in reward money!

NFL NBA MLB Sports Betting Writer

An online sportswriter since 2019, David has spent time covering all four major Philadelphia sports teams for Philly Sports Network and FanSided. He spent time as an NFL/MLB Staff Writer for EndGame360s Sportscasting page and has appeared on several popular podcasts.

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DraftKings Horse Racing: Sign up With DraftKings Sportsbook and ... - Sports Betting Dime

NHL Picks: Hockey Best Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 4 – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Geoff Ulrich gives his best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursdays NHL betting card.

There are two games on the slate for this Thursday. The Toronto Maple Leafs are at home for Game 2 against the Florida Panthers after dropping the first game, 4-2. Toronto is -180 on the Moneyline and the over/under is again set at 6.5 the same total for Game 1. The Dallas Stars are also at home for Game 2 and, like the Maple Leafs, they also lost to the visiting Seattle Kraken in Game 1. Seattle and Dallas scored nine total goals in the first game with the Kraken taking the first game in overtime, 5-4. Despite that, the Stars are set at -195 on the Moneyline for Game 1, making them the biggest favorites on the slate.

Place your NHL bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

The Maple Leafs lost Game 1, 4-2 but they did manage to outshoot the Panthers 36-28 and also had four power-play chances (none of which they converted on). The Maple Leafs will have to solve Sergei Bobrovsky eventually but that is an achievable task. The 34-year-old posted just a .901 save percentage in the regular season and allowed five goals in two of his four starts against Boston in the first round. Florida struggled on special teams during the regular season and ranked just 21st in penalty-kill efficiency.

Toronto posted the second-best power play in the league during the regular season and should be able to get that part of its game going soon. Florida is playing its third game in six days which isnt abnormal in terms of rest, but certainly puts Toronto at a rest advantage today. Id look for the Maple Leafs (28-11-6 home record) to bounce back quickly in this spot and put pressure on the Panthers from the start. The -180 moneyline isnt super appealing but the regulation line at -115 is even if it comes with more risk.

This spot was a toss-up between Rielly or Auston Matthews who is +140 to score a power play point today but the thesis on both plays remains the same. The Panthers killed penalties just 76% of the time in the regular season, the worst percentage among all active Eastern Conference playoff teams. Toronto posted the second-best power play unit in the league last year and should get going soon. If and when that happens, Reilly will be in a great spot to cash in.

The defenseman has averaged over 3:00 mins of power play time per game in the playoffs so far and has a point in each of the last six games. During the regular season, 18 of his 41 points came on the power play and hes now going up against a weaker defensive squad and penalty kill, which should up his probability of seeing a point here. Taking the bigger +245 payout option for a power play point is a nice way to play Torontos best blue-liner today, who has scored in all but one playoff game thus far.

The Stars lost Game 1 but their offense showed why it can hang with anyone in the league. Dallas scored four goals for the fourth time in six games and it came without contributions from their first line. Dallas may have issues stopping Seattles offensive attack but the return of Joe Pavelski gives enough depth up front which will be impossible to contain, especially for a squad like Seattle, who ranks second in terms of quality scoring chances allowed this postseason.

The +120 line gives us a 45.45% implied rating but Dallas has been hitting this over over 50% of the time lately, netting four or more goals in seven of its last 12 starts dating back to the regular season. With their top two lines now back to full strength and at home in a must-win Game 2 backing their offense for another big game seems prudent.

Hintz didnt score in Game 1 but he did play over 19:00 mins of ice and landed five shots on goal, his highest mark of the postseason so far. Hintz has been shooting more over the last couple of games and comes in with 11 shots over his last three outings. The two-way center is relied on to do a lot for Dallas and he and the rest of the first line should be eager to contribute after getting shutout from the scoresheet in Game 1.

The Kraken have been excellent at killing penalties this postseason but they are performing well above expectation compared to their regular season mark, where they killed penalties just 76% of the time. Hintz gets plenty of special teams looks, which should only add to his upside tonight. At +150, it also makes sense to add an anytime goalscorer prop especially if youre looking to correlate the first bet (Dallas over 3.5 goals) in a same game parlay.

The Kraken have been getting contributions from everywhere lately but one name that has really stuck out over their last few outings is Oliver Bjorkstrand. The Swedish winger has had a very up-and-down first year with Seattle but has been a dominant goalscorer for longer stretches in his previous stops in the NHL. Hes clearly in the good graces of the coaching staff at the moment having seen his ice time rise gradually to where he played over 19:00 mins in Game 1 against Dallas. Bjorkstrand has landed 20 shots across his last five games and should again be expected to be one of the leaders in ice time for Seattle after scoring in Game 1. Looking to him to register over 2.5 shots today before his total moves or the odds slip closer to -200 territory makes a ton of sense.

Place your NHL bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

All odds are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds are subject to change.

Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is wavegoodbye) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

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NHL Picks: Hockey Best Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 4 - DraftKings Nation

How to bet on the 2023 Kentucky Derby using Caesars Sportsbook – NOLA.com

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

The stage is set at Churchill Downs for the biggest event in horseracing, the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 6, and even if you can't attend the Run for the Roses in person, there are plenty of ways to have fun watching from home.

One of those ways is to bet on the event usingCaesars Sportsbook, official odds partner ofBet.NOLA.com. Caesars offers multiple ways to play along with the 2023 Kentucky Derby, all wagers via the Caesars Racebook app: win, place, show, exacta, superfecta and much more.

You must be 21 years or older and in a participating state to place bets on the 149th Run for the Roses. If you're looking to bet on the 2023 Kentucky Derby, here are the states where Caesars Racebook offers the chance to legally bet on the race:

Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Coverage for the most exciting two minutes in sports starts at 11 a.m. on NBC, streaming on Peacock. The Run for the Roses is scheduled to begin at 5:57 p.m. from Churchill Downs and it can be viewed on the same services.

Forte led by trainer Todd Pletcher is the betting favorite with 5-to-2 odds as of Thursday afternoon at Caesars.Tapit Trice (6/1),Angel of Empire (8/1),Derma Sotogake andPractical Move (both 10/1) are the only other horses with 10-to-1 odds or better to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

If you're looking to follow along with your bets, Caesars will stream races LIVE in HD. You can also view races and replays on-demand, and stay up to date with live shows, with the Caesars Racebook app.

New users can take advantage of Caesars' generous offer. Get started with Caesars Racebook and you'll get a 100% Deposit Match (terms apply) up to $250.

Download the Caesars Racebook app at these links for iOS and Android.

See more here:

How to bet on the 2023 Kentucky Derby using Caesars Sportsbook - NOLA.com

Exclusive Wyoming Offer: 3 Best Sportsbook Promos Offer WY Bettors Over $1,500! – FanSided

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

This is one of the best times of the entire year to be a sports fan and three sportsbooks are celebrating this special time with over $1,500 worth of combined bonuses!

Sports fans in Wyoming have exclusive access to bonus bets at FanDuel, DraftKings, andCaesars sportsbooks that can be claimed in minutes.

Who couldnt use an extra $1,500+ worth of bonus money to bet on the NBA, NHL, MLB, and more?

Keep reading to learn how you can unlock these offers today.

Its easy for new users at FanDuel to win their first $150. All it takes is a couple of minutes and a few simple steps.

Heres how you claim your bonus bets at FanDuel today:

Once your wager settles youre going to win $150 in bonus bets no matter if your bet wins or loses!

If you win your bet, youll have the money you risked returned to you PLUS your winnings AND your bonus bets! Has it ever been easier to turn a $10 investment into a bankroll north of $150?

With extra money like this, you could wager on ANY of the three major pro sports going on right now or anything else under the sun from golf, tennis, and soccer to the NFL offseason and more.

The only catch about this offer is that its ending soon. Dont miss out on the easiest $150 win of your sports betting career at FanDuel.

You also have an easy $150 win waiting for you at DraftKings. How you unlock these bonus bets is virtually identical to the process above.

Heres how you can claim your bonus bets today:

Once you place that first bet all you have to do is wait until it settles and youll be a winner!

Again, whether your bet wins or loses for this promotion doesnt matter. Youll be winning $150 in bonus bets (paid out as six $25 bet credits) no matter what happens to your first wager at DraftKings.

With $150 at FanDuel and DraftKings, you can shop for the best lines and figure out which sportsbook you prefer!

But just like the offer at FanDuel, this promotion at DraftKings has a short shelf life. Dont miss out on a premier sign-up offer at DraftKings while its still here.

Pay attention here because this offer is nothing like the two above.

Caesars is treating its new users to one of the highest-valued promotions in the industry: a bet refund worth up to $1,250 if your first wager doesnt hit!

Heres how you claim your bonus offer at Caesars:

At this point, youve unlocked your bonus offer and your first bet at Caesars will be backed by the house!

With an offer like this, why not load up your account and take your shot at a huge payday? Youll be issued a 100% refund in bonus bets to try again if you miss.

Theres value all over the board making it easier than ever to create a wild parlay or find a smart underdog to bet on.

Dont miss out on your opportunity to take two shots at a big payday at Caesars.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Exclusive Wyoming Offer: 3 Best Sportsbook Promos Offer WY Bettors Over $1,500! - FanSided

How To Bet Tuesdays NBA Superstar Super Boost on DraftKings Sportsbook – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

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DraftKings Sportsbook is offering a Superstar Super Boost involving LeBron James and Steph Curry for Tuesdays Game 1.

Get LeBron & Steph 60+ combined points tonight boosted to + 140! The terms are as follows:

Place your bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

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How To Bet Tuesdays NBA Superstar Super Boost on DraftKings Sportsbook - DraftKings Nation

MLB Best Bets: Top MLB Picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 2 – DraftKings Nation

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

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Steve Buchanan joins The Sweat to give his top pick on DraftKings Sportsbook for todays MLB betting card.

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

DraftKings contributor Steve Buchanan joins Jared Carrabis on The Sweat to give his top pick on DraftKings Sportsbook for todays MLB betting card.

Watch the segment below for his full analysis!

Place your MLB bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

Watch The Sweat LIVE weekdays at 11 a.m. ET by subscribing to the DraftKings YouTube Channel!

Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.

DraftKings promoters may sometimes play on personal accounts in the games that advice is offered on. Personal views on the games and strategies above do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. DraftKings promoters may also deploy different players and strategies than what is recommended above. DraftKings promoters do not have access to any non-public information.

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MLB Best Bets: Top MLB Picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for May 2 - DraftKings Nation

European Space Agency Is Funding the Worst Acronym in Space Travel – msnNOW

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Danzig

Image: European Space Agency A render of a nuclear-powered rocket.

Nuclear rocket engines could be the next giant leap for mankind.

There is a lot of incredible research being done around space travel right now. At NASA, theyre developing new engines that could power us onto Mars, private rocket firms are looking at ways to make space travel more economical and the European Space Agency just launched a round of funding to investigate the potential of nuclear-powered spacecraft.

As part of the Future Launchers Preparatory Program, the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded funding to seven studies across Europe that are investigating the next-generation of rocket engines. As part of the investment, the ESA is supporting the work of a team from the Czech Republic, which is behind the RocketRoll program.

The program is in development at the Czech Technical University in Prague and the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. As part of the project, scientists are studying the practicalities of a new type of nuclear-based electric propulsion.

Currently, space craft rely on a chemical propellant like hydrogen or rubber to provide them with the energy they use to travel. Once in the vacuum of space, some also work with electricity that is generated through solar cells attached to the craft. But, the RocketRoll program says such power plants are approaching their physical limits.

Nuclear propulsion can be more efficient than the most efficient chemical propulsion or overcome solar-limited electric propulsion, enabling exploration of places no other technology can reach, said Dr Jan Frbort, principal investigator of nuclear technology at the Czech Technical University, in a statement.

This is a big challenge for future space missions beyond our Solar System.

Space rockets traditionally use a chemical propellant.

But before the team could begin working to solve this looming question surrounding space travel, it had to settle on a name for the program. It had to be a catchy acronym, this is space after all, so the team settled on RocketRoll.

Thats a pretty long acronym, I hear you cry, but just wait until you read what its actually short for.

According to Space.com, the projects full title is the Preliminary European Reckon on Nuclear Electric Propulsion for Space Applications. In order to turn this into that catchy name, the researchers plucked out a whole selection of random letters from each word to shoehorn them into the catchy title.

So, on the research projects own website, they list the full name as pReliminary eurOpean reCKon on nuclEar elecTric pROpuLsion for space appLications to try and point out how it came up with the name. And Ive looked; the acronym doesnt even work properly if you translate it into Czech or French.

Daft names aside, it is a pretty exciting-sounding project even if it should really be known as PERNEPSA instead. The next step for the team will be to uncover the experience and technology available across Europe to develop a nuclear-based propulsion system. They will also develop a concept design for such a craft that could one day travel through the cosmos.

RocketRoll says its results will be published next year.

Click here to read the full article.

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European Space Agency Is Funding the Worst Acronym in Space Travel - msnNOW

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