Hospitality & Leisure

Washington – September 25, 2026 -- Gamblers scored 3.93 out of five on a standard financial literacy index versus 3.72 for non-gamblers, according to new research commissioned by the American Gaming Association (AGA), with 41% of gamblers classified as highly financially literate compared with 27% of non-gamblers.

Prediction market users overstate their mathematical ability, study finds

Sports bettors demonstrated the highest combination of mathematical confidence and objectively tested capability among all gambling segments surveyed. Prediction market users reported nearly equivalent confidence levels but performed on objective math tests at levels closer to non-gamblers, exposing a gap between self-assessed skill and actual ability.

Tampa – September 25, 2026 -- Colony Grill has signed on as the Official Pizza Partner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, placing its thin-crust pizza in Raymond James Stadium through the 2030 season.

Four concession stands and premium suites will carry Colony Grill's menu

The deal covers three signature items -- plain cheese, pepperoni and the Original Hot Oil Pizza -- sold at four concession locations in Sections 109, 134, 311 and 336. Club-level seating will offer in-seat delivery in co-branded Colony Grill and Buccaneers personal-sized pizza boxes, while larger-format pizzas will be available in suites, the Champions Club and the Hall of Fame Club.

Shakopee, Minnesota – September 24, 2026 -- Businesses planning corporate golf outings in Shakopee, Minnesota are increasingly evaluating venues on tournament logistics, clubhouse capacity, and weather contingency planning rather than tee-time availability alone, according to a new HelloNation report featuring insights from Golf Expert Einar Odland of Stonebrooke Golf Club.

Pace of play determines outing atmosphere

The report identifies course layout and pace of play as direct factors in event success, noting that venues capable of keeping groups moving prevent scheduling delays during corporate tournaments. Practice facilities such as driving ranges and putting greens are cited as key amenities for accommodating both experienced golfers and first-time participants at business events.

Miami Beach, Fla. – September 24, 2026 -- PickleRage, one of the largest indoor pickleball club franchises in the United States, is opening its first California location in Bakersfield and a third Florida club in Tampa, the company confirmed.

Bakersfield becomes PickleRage's entry point into California and the West Coast

The Bakersfield club will be the franchise's first in California, owned and operated by local franchisees Daniel Marlowe and Jon Knutson. CEO Rich Destasio called the move an important step in the brand's broader West Coast expansion strategy.

Santa Fe, N.M. – September 24, 2026 -- Snow Secure's insulated mats retained 85% of stored snow volume through a full Colorado summer, according to drone measurements taken by Aspen Snowmass management on August 31, 2026, at the resort's Buttermilk and Snowmass locations.

Aspen Snowmass tested Colorado's first deployment of the European snow-storage system

Snow was covered under the insulated mats in April 2026, marking the first-ever Colorado deployment of Snow Secure's patented technology. Continuous temperature monitoring ran from April 30 through August 31, tracking how the insulation performed against seasonal heat and sun exposure.

Las Vegas – September 24, 2026 -- Global Fight League (OTC: GFLE) has signed a seven-figure binding Letter of Intent with investor Ryan Brockbank for the rights to own and operate the league's first independently owned franchise, marking its inaugural third-party ownership deal.

GFL secures non-refundable payment to fund Argentina proof-of-concept event

GFL has received and deposited a non-refundable initial payment toward the seven-figure purchase price, with the remaining balance due in 2027. The capital will help finance an international proof-of-concept event in Argentina during the fourth quarter of 2026, with further details expected in the coming week, as well as preparations for the league's first full season of competition in 2027.

Toronto – September 24, 2026 -- EdgeLabs gaming studio will unveil Blue Bird Bonus Extreme, a higher-multiplier spin-off of its Blue Bird Bonus title, at SBC Summit Lisbon, running September 29 to October 1 at Stand B551, Hall 2.

EdgeLabs expands its live demo lineup with new volatility mechanics

The studio will let operators play Blue Bird Bonus Extreme live on the show floor alongside Steampunk Fortune. Attendees will also get an early look at upcoming releases built around 3Pot and 4Pot mechanics, modeled on the studio's existing Flaming Skulls title.

"There's a big difference between hearing about a new game and sitting down to play it," said Marina Rodov, CEO of EdgeLabs. "We're bringing our new releases to Lisbon so operators can experience them for themselves."

Henderson, Nevada – September 24, 2026 -- Gaming Compliance International (GCI) has appointed Tim Miller, former Executive Director of Policy and Research at the UK Gambling Commission, as Strategic Advisor to guide its regulatory strategy and international expansion.

Miller brings a decade of UK regulatory experience to GCI's global growth push

Miller spent 10 years at the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) before founding GamReg Consulting, an advisory practice focused on gaming regulation. GCI becomes one of Miller's first clients under the new venture, where he will work directly with GCI CEO Matt Holt to shape product development and regulatory policy through a former regulator's lens.

New York – September 24, 2026 -- People Incorporated (NASDAQ: PPLI) has withdrawn its proposal to acquire all public shares of MGM Resorts International, ending a bid to take the casino and hospitality operator private.

Diller cites unresolved deal terms as reason for retreat

Chairman and Senior Executive Barry Diller said the company "didn't feel the mix was coming together" as hoped and opted against pursuing a going-private transaction at this time.

People Incorporated retains 27% stake worth 66.8 million shares

The company confirmed it continues to hold 66.8 million MGM Resorts shares, representing approximately 27% of the company, and expressed continued confidence in MGM management and its business outlook.

Austin, Texas – – September 24, 2026 -- Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) will release its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after market close.

Summit schedules investor call for November 4

The real estate investment trust will hold its quarterly conference call at 9:00 AM ET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Investors can pre-register for dial-in access, and a live webcast will be available through the company's investor relations page.

A replay of the webcast will remain accessible on www.shpreit.com until February 1, 2027.

Portfolio spans 92 hotel assets across 24 states

As of September 23, 2026, Summit Hotel Properties owned interests in 92 lodging assets, with 50 wholly owned, totaling 14,027 guestrooms. The upscale-segment portfolio is spread across 24 U.S. states.