The Nutcracker

What is The Nutcracker?

Madsen eventually sought help. His parents supported him and, at one point, took control of his finances. “It was embarrassing, but it was necessary,” he says.

The experience led the tech-savvy Dane to create Spilfri.nu, a blocking and support service for people experiencing gambling problems. The service is free for users, while supporters can pay a monthly fee to help monitor their progress. The service also extends to schools and educational institutions that want to ensure their students are not tempted by gambling when they are supposed to be studying.

The work he’s done through Spilfri.nu has also exposed him to a wider problem within the índustry.

How to play The Nutcracker

The pair established Sanum Investments and partnered with Laotian conglomerate ST Group. Baldwin later testified that the investors initially committed around $7.5 million to the venture, which envisaged two casino resorts and several slot clubs.

Their biggest success was Savan Vegas, strategically located near the Friendship Bridge linking Laos with neighboring Thailand across the Mekong River. A planned second resort, Paksong Vegas, was never built.

Within several years, however, the partnership had soured.

How to play The Nutcracker

Vegas will lean heavily on younger players for the opening stretch of exhibition games, according to general manager Kelly McCrimmon.

That strategy opens the door for Trevor Connelly, Vegas’ 2024 first-round pick. Connelly entered training camp skating on the club’s third line, and after the departure of several depth players this offseason, the 20-year-old left winger has a clear path to earn a roster spot.

Off the ice, the Golden Knights secured captain Mark Stone with a two-year extension worth $9 million annually.