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New National gambling rules threaten MSU-Caesars Sportsbook $9 million partnership

The American Gambling Association adopted new rules on Tuesday, which would disallow partnerships between colleges and sports-betting companies, challenging Michigan State Athletics’ deal with Caesars Sportsbook, according to the association’s website.

The American Gambling Association, or AGA, is not a government agency, rather a group of casinos and online gambling firms that regulate the industry through an internally-enforced code of rules. Caesars is not a member of the AGA, but is still bound by the guidelines it creates, according to AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark.

Individuals and members are asked to submit complaints to the AGA if they suspect firms of breaking their rules and those would then be investigated by a review board, according to the organization’s policy. Though, Clark says there has only been one recorded code violation and that firm shifted into compliance before intervention was even needed.

It’s not entirely clear how MSU will react to these new rules. When asked if he believes if the Caesars deal could continue, Clark said “you’re gonna have to ask and Caesars about their particular partnership. But from a strict code situation, any new partnerships will be prohibited, and any expansion would likely be prohibited.”

The partnership has been criticized nationally by regulators, lawmakers, and addiction experts for encouraging students to partake in gambling, which studies have found is disproportionately dangerous and addictive for young people.

The now-moot deal includes broadcasts and video advertisements for Caesars during games, emails to MSU’s database of students, free tickets to games and seats on teams’ private-planes for Caesars employees, as well as the non-specific clause which allows the company to “Caesarize” the tailgating spaces outside of Spartan Stadium.

The new rules also prohibit NIL deals between college players and sports-betting companies.

Astrophysicist encourages listeners to reach for the stars

Hakeem Oluseyi — an astrophysicist, author, STEM educator, inventor, voice actor and TV personality — recently spoke at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Auditorium.

He was recently a science education lead in the Space Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. There, he provided leadership and management to science education investments.

Oluysei’s said in his speech that his scientific research had much to do with “hacking stars.” His goal is to better understand the works of the universe and to develop new and innovative technologies to bring science forward.

His goal with science education is to convey information effectively and efficiently. He likes to share the perks of being a scientist.

Growing up in a poor home in rural Mississippi, he said is driven to provide an education that allows an equal opportunity to African American children of all backgrounds.

He said teaching people to believe in themselves is mind-blowing.

MSU Blood Drive Showdown to take place April 5

MSU’s university blood initiative chapter, or UBI, will hold its second annual Battle of the Mitten against the University of Michigan on Wednesday, April 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in West Holmes Hall.

UBI coordinator Ben McColl said there will be signs directing participants. All donors who present a valid email will receive an e-gift card.

The blood from the drive will be used locally at hospitals like Sparrow and McLaren.

UBI president Morgan James said the theme is going to be different this year, in light of the mass shooting on Feb. 13.

“It’s not just going to be the blood battle,” James said. “It’s also going to be remembering the victims that were lost during our shooting because blood could have helped a lot of those victims, so we wanted to tie it in.”

James said UBI would prefer to have fewer walk-ins this year and more appointments.

Donors are encouraged to get plenty of sleep, food and water prior to donating. Plan on the donation taking about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID with their date of birth listed on it and know the names and dosages of any medications that they are taking, or any out-of-country travel they’ve done in the past three years.

For those interested, appointments can be made online.

Based on original reporting by Alex Walters and Selma Cogo.