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The bills, supported by Richmond lawmakers like Del. Betsy Carr and state Sen. Lamont Bagby, are a direct response to Richmond residents rejecting a casino proposal twice

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In a decisive move following Richmond voters’ rejection of a casino proposal for the second time, Virginia lawmakers have unanimously voted to permanently remove the city from consideration as a potential casino site.

Richmond’s Removal from Casino Eligibility Sealed by 100-0 House Vote

The Virginia General Assembly, in a bipartisan effort, passed bills aimed at eliminating Richmond from the list of eligible host cities for a casino, reported 8News WRIC. The legislative action saw overwhelming support, with the House of Delegates voting 100-0 and the state Senate following suit with a 40-0 vote in favor of advancing the legislation.

The proposed bills, championed by lawmakers representing Richmond, including Del. Betsy Carr and state Sen. Lamont Bagby, signify a response to the clear stance expressed by the people of Richmond through their rejection of the casino proposal.

Sen. Bagby emphasized the importance of representing the will of the citizens, stating that he was voted in by the people of the city of Richmond and that they had expressed their disapproval twice.

The legislative move seeks to amend the state code, which previously listed cities like Portsmouth, Norfolk, Danville, and Bristol as eligible casino locations but had criteria that could potentially include Richmond.

The Proposed Legislation Follows Two Referendum Rejections

If signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the bills will effectively remove Richmond from consideration by eliminating language that previously made the city eligible. Criteria such as population size, property tax exemptions, and poverty rates would no longer apply to Richmond.

According to estimates from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia, Richmond’s population exceeded 230,000 in 2018, surpassing the threshold for eligibility.

Additionally, more than a quarter of the assessed value of real estate in the city was exempt from property taxes in fiscal year 2018.

The decision comes after Richmond faced disappointment in its casino endeavors, with voters rejecting the proposal by a significant margin in both 2021 and November 2023 referendums.

Meanwhile, the legislative process continues to unfold, with discussions around Petersburg’s eligibility for a casino still ongoing. Plans for a casino referendum in Fairfax County have been postponed until 2025. While there has been no immediate response from Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney‘s spokesperson regarding the legislative development, the ongoing 2024 General Assembly session is scheduled to conclude on March 9.

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The robbery occurred during the evening of July 19, 2023, as perpetrators forcibly entered the subterranean gambling establishment

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Two individuals have been apprehended by FBI agents for their alleged involvement in a violent armed robbery at an illicit gambling establishment in Flushing, Queens, last July. The incident, which resulted in one person sustaining gunshot wounds, has led to charges against Jamel Berry from Astoria and Zhong Wang, a Chinese national.

Robbery at Flushing Gambling Den Leaves Victim Injured

According to authorities, the robbery took place on the night of July 19, 2023, when Berry and his accomplices, including two individuals who are currently at large, stormed into the underground gambling den located on Avery Avenue. Prior to the robbery, Wang allegedly disabled the building’s power supply to aid in the execution of the crime, as reported by the Astoria Post.

Once inside, the perpetrators assaulted one individual with a metal pipe and brandished a firearm, coercing others to comply with their demands. The group then made off with approximately $3,000 in cash before firing a shot that struck an innocent bystander in the abdomen. The victim was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital for medical attention and has since survived the ordeal.

Investigators managed to retrieve surveillance footage capturing Berry, Wang, and their accomplices congregating at a nearby location before proceeding to the gambling den. The footage also captured the suspects fleeing the scene following the robbery.

Astoria Man and Chinese National Detained Pending Further Legal Proceedings

During a hearing at Brooklyn federal court, prosecutors argued that both Berry and Wang posed a significant flight risk if released. They emphasized Wang’s ties to China, pointing out the absence of an extradition treaty between the United States and China, which could complicate efforts to bring him to justice if he were to flee.

Consequently, Wang was ordered to be held in custody, while Berry was placed under home detention pending further legal proceedings. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them, with negotiations for potential plea deals reportedly underway.

This is not the first encounter with law enforcement for Jamel Berry, as he was previously convicted in 2020 for attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

The incident sheds light on the prevalence of illegal gambling dens in neighborhoods like Flushing, which have historically been targeted by armed robbers seeking easy money.

Despite efforts to crack down on such activities, the allure of illicit gambling continues to attract criminal elements, posing a challenge for law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining public safety.

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Senate Bill 628 seeks to redefine the criteria for a casino host city

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The plan to establish Petersburg, Virginia, as the state’s fifth city to host a casino has inched one step closer to realization. The odds have increased as the Virginia Senate cleared a bill that would possibly greenlight a casino in the city.

Senate Bill 628 seeks to redefine the criteria for a host city and discard the existing population threshold. Additional adjustments to tax-exempted real estate, poverty and unemployment rate criteria could make a Petersburg casino something more than just a dream.

Senate Bill 628 has some influential backers, increasing its chance of success. Proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas and Senator Lashrecse Aird, the bill continues the legacy of Morrissey and Del. Kim Taylor who previously championed the cause.

Senate Bill 628 Secured Unanimous Support in the Senate

Senate Bill 628 received unanimous support from the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee earlier this week. Now, the bill has also cleared the Senate, securing the approval of all 40 Senators.

After passing the Senate by a landslide, the measure will now go to the House of Delegates. If passed it would move to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk for final approval. While Youngkin has not been very vocal on his thoughts on the matter, many believe that he would sign the bill into law.

If so, this would potentially end a several years-long battle to allow Petersburg to have a casino. The initial proposal was launched in 2021 but failed to gain much support. Since then, several efforts have been made to turn Petersburg into a gambling destination.

In the meantime, the Petersburg City Council allowed City Manager John Altman to inquire about potential interest from casino operators.

In December 2022, the Petersburg City Council voted in favor of a contract with The Cordish Companies to build a $1.4 billion casino resort facility. However, this agreement attracted a lot of animosity, which is why the Petersburg City Council now plans to instead hold a competitive bidding process.

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A new report reveals that the owner of the famous MLB franchise released details regarding a massive $8 billion project for the area, bringing parks and athletic fields

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Considering the resounding success of mobile sports betting in New York, leading industry operators showed interest in securing one of the state’s three new downstate casino licenses. The fierce competition was joined by industry giants, including Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International and several other bidders. Overall, nearly a dozen bidders joined the race for a downstate license, acknowledging the exponential potential of such a victory.

Steve Cohen, the New York Mets’ owner, also joined the bidding for a downstate casino license in New York. Details regarding his intention to build a casino near Citi Field, his team’s home stadium, emerged last year. Upon announcing that he decided to join the race, Cohen said that the new casino is expected to deliver entertaining experiences for Mets fans before and after home games. He also did not rule out that such a venue can help propel interest in the area, attracting more visitors than before.

Now a new report reveals that the Mets owner is trying to spice things up for his casino license bid in New York. As announced by Spectrum News NY1, earlier this week, Cohen’s Point72 Asset Management presented a multi-billion-dollar plan for the development of the area near City Field. Besides the casino, Cohen reportedly plans to introduce significant improvements to the area, including five acres of athletic fields and 20 acres of park space using City Field’s parking lots.

Moreover, the ambitious plan seeks to create easy access to Willets Point station. Further improvements to the area include investments in senior and youth programs, as well as additional health care, legal and immigration services for the community in the area. Reportedly the project has a price tag of $8 billion.

The Casino Proposal Is Important for Communities in the Area

While undoubtedly, there are positive sides to the casino proposal, not everyone agrees. At a town hall meeting on Wednesday, New York Sen. Jessica Ramos spoke about the importance of the casino bid in the area for communities. “I still think not enough community members know about either proposal or that there is this possibility of a casino coming, and our community does deserve to know,” she explained.

Sen. Ramos is among the decision makers for the casino bid considering that she will be appointing one out of five members within a special community advisory committee that will vote for or against the proposed project.

Cohen became the owner of the Mets after a deal for a staggering $2.4 billion back in 2021. At the time, he purchased the famous MLB franchise from the Wilpon and Katz families ahead of the start of the MLB season.

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The launch of betfirstcasino.be will solidify Betsson’s presence in the market, allowing it to further capitalize on betFIRST’s popularity in Belgium

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BetFIRST, a leader in Belgian sports wagering, unveiled a new online casino brand called betfirstcasino.be. The new gambling site was launched in partnership with Groupe Partouche’s Middelkerke Casino.

According to the announcement, betfirstcasino.be leverages Middelkerke Casino’s recently-acquired A+ casino license to offer online gambling in Belgium. Moreover, the launch aligns with betFIRST’s ambition to solidify its leadership position in the country.

Betfirstcasino.be players can expect to find a variety of exciting betting offerings, including slot games, table games and live casino options.

BetFIRST was acquired by the Betsson Group last year as the latter company sought expansion in the Belgian betting market. The $130 million deal secured Betsson an entry into Belgium, putting it in charge of one of the oldest and most trusted betting companies in the country.

The launch of betfirstcasino.be will solidify Betsson’s presence in the market, allowing it to further capitalize on betFIRST’s popularity in Belgium.

Betsson Is Looking Forward to Solidifying Its Presence in Belgium

Speaking of Betsson, Jesper Svensson, the company’s chief executive officer, said that his team is proud to have acquired betFIRST and is looking forward to scaling up the company. The new online casino will further increase betFIRST’s value while allowing Betsson to form an important relationship with Groupe Partouche.

BetFIRST’s chief executive officer, Alexis Murphy, also commented on the launch of the new brand, saying that it will reinforce his company’s presence in Belgium, allowing it to tap into the lucrative iGaming market.

betFIRST already boasts the best-performing and fastest sports-betting app in the Belgian market, and we aim to replicate this success with the most extensive mobile casino offering in Belgium.

Alexis Murphy, CEO, betFIRST

Finally, Groupe Partouche’s chief executive officer, Fabrice Paire, shared his thoughts, saying that betfirstcasino.be is poised to become a great addition to the group’s portfolio in the country. Paire pointed out that Groupe Partouche is already working on a landmark casino in Middelkerke that is poised to become the “most iconic casino in Belgium.”

The CEO concluded that the French gambling group is looking forward to conquering both the retail and online sectors in Belgium.

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The highly-anticipated Prime Network Jackpot originally launched by the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator last October was claimed on February 7

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The lucky winner of SOFTSWISS’ Prime Network Jackpot has scooped up a prize of €244,742.34 ($263.717,21) in a game designed by BGaming.

Casino operators part of the Prime Network Jackpot campaign collectively set up shared prize pools driven by players. This means the winnings are paid from these shared prize pools and not by individual operators. 

As a result, operators can boost player loyalty and engagement by showcasing more potentially lucrative rewards. At the same time, they can streamline their costs more effectively.

€1 Minimum Bet with Zero Added Fees

During the campaign that took place between October 2023 and February 2024, players were able to join the online jackpot with an advantageous minimal bet set at €1, with no extra fees.

In total, they wagered around €1 billion in bets in the mouth-watering prize pool. The very first draw of the Prime Network Jackpot was hosted by Fastpay Casino and helped a lucky gamer strike the big prize announced by SOFTSWISS.

Fastpay Casino representatives called it “an honor and a stroke of fortune” to be able to host the inaugural draw of SOFTSWISS’ Prime Network Jackpot campaign, adding their casino was “privileged to be the first to celebrate a winner in this exciting campaign.”

The representative also mentioned the symbolism behind the win that occurred in Fastpay Bonanza, a game that has been exclusively created for them by BGaming.

Typically, regular, non-network progressive jackpot winnings do go over the €30,000-€50,000 mark.

“Gratifying” to See Players Embrace Fresh Initiatives

BGaming’s chief executive officer, Marina Ostrovtsova, also took the opportunity to comment on the news, calling it “gratifying to see players enthusiastically embracing fresh industry initiatives,” referring to the SOFTSWISS Prime Network Jackpot campaign in particular. 

Ostrovtsova also expressed their joy to mark the pioneer winner in BGaming’s game that was specifically made for Fastpay Casino while thanking all involved partners and eagerly anticipating more similar campaigns from SOFTSWISS.

SOFTSWISS Preparing New Campaign

As a result of the success of the first draw, the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator announced it was getting ready to launch a new Prime Network Jackpot campaign.

SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator’s head, Aliaksei Douhin, stated they were “thrilled” that the highly-anticipated win occurred during the ICE event, which is the perfect time to reunite community members and let them share their insights.

Douhin added that, following the success of their initial online campaign featuring a starting prize pool of €100,000, they would “immediately” launch a brand new campaign with a prize pool that will start at €300,000.

The Prime Network Jackpot campaign helped participating operators grow their key performance indicators compared to periods when non-network jackpot campaigns were running. Namely, they recorded a 7.76% rise in turnover, a 2.43% increase in total bets, and a 3.87% growth in deposits.

These numbers prove the positive impact of the Prime Jackpot campaign on participating casinos, turning into a strategic tool that allows them to boost their business metrics and player engagement.

SOFTSWISS was recently named Platform Provider of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA, further strengthening its leading position in the region.

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This adjustment mirrors a trend among Las Vegas resort companies, with other properties also recently raising their fees

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In a move that will affect the wallets of travelers, Wynn Resorts has announced an increase in resort fees for its Las Vegas properties.

Wynn Resorts Raises Las Vegas Resort Fees from $45 to $50

Effective January 24, 2024, the daily resort fee has been raised to $50 plus tax for reservations made on or after that date, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Prior bookings, however, will retain the previous rate of $45 plus tax per day.

Resort fees, which have become a common practice among Las Vegas establishments, encompass a range of services and amenities intended to enhance guests’ experiences. At Wynn Resorts, these fees entitle guests to various perks including in-room Wi-Fi, access to fitness centers and pools, spa reservations, golf tee times, and access to digital newsstands. Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of Alexa in-room entertainment services and room controls.

The decision to raise resort fees comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating hotel rates in Las Vegas. In fact, on the eve of Super Bowl Sunday, hotel room rates in the city plummeted by an estimated 35%, signaling potential shifts in the hospitality industry.

While the fee increase may pose a concern for budget-conscious travelers, Wynn Resorts aims to maintain the quality and range of amenities offered to its guests. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional service remains steadfast, even as economic factors influence pricing structures.

As visitors plan their stays in Las Vegas, they may need to factor in these adjusted resort fees when budgeting for their trips.

MGM Resorts Takes the Lead as Las Vegas Resort Fees Rise

In January, MGM Resorts also upped resort fees at its Las Vegas properties, with rates hitting $50 at Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, MGM Grand, and Cosmopolitan. The increases, effective since January 16, 2024, amount to $2-3 per day across the board.

Resort fees, often seen as hidden charges, serve to maintain lower official room rates for better online rankings and reduced commissions. Amidst post-pandemic adjustments and increased competition, Las Vegas resorts are strategizing to balance supply and demand.

At the beginning of February, President Joe Biden visited Las Vegas, vowing to eliminate hidden junk fees, including resort fees, that inflate accommodation costs for US citizens. These fees often surprise travelers, affecting vacation budgets.

Biden expressed his intent to combat such practices on social media, stressing their impact on hardworking families. Although specifics on eradication methods remain undisclosed, Biden’s commitment to lower costs echoes previous promises. He previously targeted deceptive pricing and pledged to crackdown on junk fees.

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City commissioners recently voted in favor of transferring over 130 acres of vacant land to the Indigenous community, sparking discussions of constructing a casino complex in the area

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Raton, New Mexico, a small town nestled 100 miles northeast of Taos, is looking to revitalize its economy through a unique partnership with the Pueblo of Picuris.

Raton Eyes Economic Boost with Proposed Casino Partnership with Pueblo of Picuris

The Pueblo of Picuris, one of the state’s smallest Indigenous communities with a population of approximately 300, has caught the attention of Raton officials. Negotiations between the city and the pueblo regarding the potential gaming facility have been ongoing for nearly three years, according to Raton Mayor Neil Segotta, reported the Colorado Public Radio.

The proposed development aims to take advantage of New Mexico’s tribal/state compact, which permits casino-style gaming exclusively on tribal lands. The transfer of the land to the Pueblo of Picuris could pave the way for the construction and operation of the casino complex, offering a potential economic lifeline to Raton.

Former Raton city manager Scott Berry emphasized the project’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth during a recent city commission meeting. He expressed optimism about the positive impact the casino could have on tourism and job creation in the region.

Berry stated that the proposal in front of the commissioners was very much designed as a catalyst for economic development in Raton. He added that it was the most powerful catalyst he knew of out there.

City Manager Reveals Ambitious Plans for Casino Development

Current city manager Richard Mestas echoed Berry’s sentiments, highlighting the expected benefits of the project. Mestas revealed plans for the development to include not only a casino but also the potential for additional amenities such as a hotel or restaurant. He also emphasized the city’s commitment to providing utilities to support the project.

Despite the commission’s approval of the resolution, Mayor Pro-tem Lori Chatterley clarified that it does not constitute a binding agreement. Chatterley emphasized that the resolution serves as a statement of intent to proceed with discussions and does not commit the city to the land transfer at this stage.

Chatterley affirmed that it represented a declaration of intent to proceed. She clarified that it was not a legally binding contract nor did it entail the transfer of property; rather, it served as a gesture of goodwill for future progress.

As plans move forward, a meeting between Pueblo of Picuris leaders and city officials is scheduled for later this month to further explore the potential partnership and its implications for both parties.

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The statistics, disclosed by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, showcased a notable rise from the previous year\’s handle, indicating a surge of 21.2%

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In a historic first for Las Vegas, the city played host to Super Bowl LVIII, breaking records in betting handle and marking an unprecedented chapter in sports gambling history.

Nevada Sportsbooks Break Records with $185.6 Million in Bets

Nevada sportsbooks witnessed a staggering $185.6 million in wagers, a feat that shattered previous records and underscored the immense popularity of sports betting in the region. The figures, released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, revealed a significant increase from last year’s handle, marking a 21.2% surge.

The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in a thrilling showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, clinching their second consecutive Super Bowl title and third in five years with a 25-22 overtime victory. Despite being 2-point underdogs, the Chiefs defied the odds, sending shockwaves through the sports betting world.

Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst at the Nevada Gaming Control Board, explained that several factors drove the record-breaking handle, including the matchup with a West Coast team from the No. 2 feeder market for Las Vegas, coupled with the defending champions, and the game being played in Las Vegas itself.

Nevada Faces Low Hold Percentage Amid Super Bowl Craze

However, the triumph for bettors spelled trouble for sportsbooks, with Nevada’s 182 sportsbooks collectively winning $6.8 million, marking a relatively low hold percentage of 3.7%. The public’s overwhelming support for the Chiefs, coupled with successful bets on the overtime prop, dealt a blow to the sportsbooks.

Chuck Esposito, sportsbook director at Red Rock Resort, noted the palpable excitement surrounding the event and expressed his belief that the record would be broken, citing the influx of early wagers and the occurrence of six-figure bets two weeks prior.

Las Vegas emerged as the epicenter of Super Bowl betting fervor, with five of the eight $1 million bets nationwide placed in the city. Stakeholders, including BetMGM and Circa Sports, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the monumental event, earning accolades from Kirk Hendrick, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, for their contributions.

One of the most notable bets on the Super Bowl showdown came from Canadian rapper Drake. Despite concerns fueled by the infamous “Drake curse,” the rapper’s $1.15 million bet on the Kansas City Chiefs paid off as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, breaking the curse. This victory marks the second year in a row that Drake has successfully backed the Chiefs, earning him approximately $2.34 million according to his bet slip.

As the dust settles on Super Bowl LVIII, Las Vegas basks in the glow of a historic milestone, solidifying its status as the ultimate destination for sports betting enthusiasts worldwide.

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According to the proposed legislation, the Wyoming Gaming Commission would be responsible for regulating the online casino sector, issuing licenses to a maximum of five operators

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Wyoming legislators are embarking on a new frontier of gambling as they introduce House Bill 120, which seeks to legalize and regulate online casino gaming in the state.

Wyoming Lawmakers Lead Charge in Online Casino Licensing

The bill, spearheaded by Representatives Jon Conrad, Robert Davis, Sandy Newsome, and Tom Walters, marks a significant step following the legalization of sports betting in 2021.

Under the proposed legislation, the Wyoming Gaming Commission would oversee the online casino industry, granting licenses to up to five operators. These licenses come with a hefty price tag, requiring an initial fee of $100,000, along with a renewal fee of $50,000 every five years. Additionally, vendors looking to participate would need to pay an initial fee of $10,000, with a $5,000 renewal fee every five years.

A notable aspect of the bill is the taxation structure, with operators facing a 10% tax rate on their revenues. Furthermore, the legislation sets aside $300,000 annually for problem gambling programs, reflecting a commitment to addressing potential social issues associated with expanded gambling activities.

One intriguing provision of House Bill 120 is the allowance for interstate agreements, enabling licensed operators in Wyoming to form partnerships with those in other states. This move is seen as a strategic response to Wyoming’s relatively small population, potentially fostering larger player pools and enhancing the industry’s viability.

Wyoming, Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii Forge Paths in Online Gambling Legislation

While Wyoming moves forward with its online casino ambitions, it is part of a broader trend across the United States. States like Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii are also contemplating or actively pursuing similar initiatives to regulate online gambling within their borders.

In Illinois, lawmakers are considering House Bill 2239, which proposes a licensing framework for online gaming operators. Maryland is evaluating the possibility of legalization through a public referendum, with Sen. Ron Watson championing the cause. Meanwhile, Hawaii is exploring comprehensive gambling reform with Senate Bill 3376, signaling a potential shift in its traditionally anti-gambling stance.

In other news, Wyoming’s online gambling giants, including FanDuel and DraftKings, are pivoting to challenge the legality of fantasy sports leagues, mirroring their past efforts to legalize sports betting. The Wyoming Gaming Commission’s ruling classifying fantasy leagues as illegal gambling platforms has sparked debate over their classification as games of skill or chance.

Critics argue that such regulatory actions may serve to stifle competition and limit consumer choice within the rapidly growing fantasy sports industry.

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