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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has just handed down its biggest sports betting penalty yet, hitting DraftKings with a $450,000 fine for letting customers fund bets with credit cards, which is against state law.
According to the body, DraftKings failed to stop this kind of funding between March 10, 2023, and February 13, 2024. In that time, 218 customers placed a total of 1,160 improper wagers, using $83,667.92 in credit card deposits.
The decision comes as Connecticut also investigated the company, with DraftKings agreeing to return $3 million to 7,000 Connecticut consumers who participated in certain bonus offers.
DraftKings slapped with largest sports gambling fine in Massachusetts
“This series of non-compliance incidents was a serious violation of statute and regulations upon which the Commission provided express advance instruction to DraftKings,” the commission wrote in its July 25 decision. Even though the rule against using credit cards was clearly spelled out and discussed publicly more than once, DraftKings still allowed it to happen.

It’s been 1 year since we launched @DKSportsbook in Massachusetts, and we’re still celebrating!
Since January 2023, we have launched in Vermont, Ohio, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Maine and will launch in North Carolina tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/pQuag7HKXO
— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) March 10, 2024

The issue came down to ongoing communication failures inside the company and technical fixes that didn’t work as promised. DraftKings first told the commission about the problem on May 31, 2023, admitting it had been happening since their launch in March. Two more incidents were later reported on July 14, 2023, and again on February 13, 2024.
In July 2023, Paul Liberman, DraftKings’ president and co-founder, signed a sworn statement claiming the company “is prohibiting any use of credit cards to place Sports Wagers on its sports wagering platform in Massachusetts, including without limitation funds deposited into a player wallet using a credit card while located outside of Massachusetts.” Still, the issue didn’t go away, and credit card-funded wagers kept slipping through.
‘Internal communication breakdown’
DraftKings said the problem started with “an internal communication breakdown” and claimed that an email from MGC Executive Director Karen Wells was misunderstood. But the commission didn’t buy that. They stated, “Despite framing the matter as a ‘misunderstanding’ or an ‘anomalous series of events,’ it is undisputed that DraftKings’ actions and inactions constitute both statutory and regulatory violations.”
What really raised eyebrows was the fact that DraftKings already had a system in place to block credit card use in Tennessee but didn’t apply it in Massachusetts. “This structure appears to have permeated these non-compliance events,” the commission noted.
Besides the fine, DraftKings now has a list of tasks to complete. They have to show proof that the $83,667.92 was returned to the 218 customers affected. They must also create a corrective action plan to improve internal communication and prevent this kind of violation from happening again.
And on top of that, they’re required to hire an independent third-party auditor to examine any credit card-funded activity between February 23, 2023, when DraftKings got its temporary license, and March 10, 2023, when betting officially launched in the state.
The commission acknowledged that DraftKings “self-reported to the Commission” each time it discovered a problem, but stressed that these reports came “after repeated representations by DraftKings that fixes they had implemented were later reported to have failed.”
The ruling was signed off by all five commissioners: Jordan Maynard, Bradford R. Hill, Eileen M. O’Brien, Nakisha L. Skinner, and Paul Brodeur. In its conclusion, the commission said, “Information [must] be promptly and widely shared internally within the operator’s organization.” It added, “The Commission is further seriously troubled by the level of internal miscommunication at DraftKings.”
The fine is said to be the largest enforcement action since sports wagering became legal in Massachusetts in 2023.
ReadWrite has reached out to DraftKings for comment.
Featured image: DraftKings
The post Massachusetts hits DraftKings with record $450K fine for accepting credit card bets appeared first on ReadWrite.

This article lists the leading content marketing tools for 2025. The report offers data-informed insights to help businesses choose a solution that suits their needs. It examines each tool’s performance through careful measurement of several factors. The list provides background details and evaluation metrics that are essential for a clear comparison. The following criteria helped build this analysis:

User Friendliness
Range of Features
Integration Capability
Customer Support
Value for Investment

Content Marketing Tools 

Company
Rating
Ease of Use
Features
Integration
Customer Support

1
ArticleX
4.8
4.7
5.0
5.0
4.6

2
BuzzSumo
4.6
4.5
4.8
4.4
4.7

3
SEMrush
4.7
4.6
4.9
4.5
4.6

4
Ahrefs
4.5
4.4
4.7
4.3
4.5

5
CoSchedule
4.4
4.3
4.6
4.2
4.5

6
Contently
4.3
4.2
4.5
4.3
4.4

7
ClearVoice
4.2
4.1
4.4
4.0
4.3

8
Curata
4.1
4.0
4.3
4.1
4.2

9
ContentStudio
4.0
3.9
4.2
4.0
4.1

10
Uberflip
3.9
3.8
4.0
3.9
3.8

ArticleX
ArticleX provides an AI-powered content repurposing platform that transforms existing media into high-quality written content. The platform specializes in maintaining an authentic voice while automating content creation from videos, podcasts, and social media posts. It helps marketers scale content production by turning each client’s social posts into articles that sound exactly like them. Data shows that businesses have seen up to a 110% increase in client visibility and 9x monthly content deliverables per client. The tool offers seamless integration with popular platforms and enables managing 20+ clients with individual voice profiles. Many users appreciate its authenticity-focused approach and ability to deliver 3x more content without hiring additional writers.
User Friendliness: 4.7/5
Features: 5.0/5
Integration: 5.0/5
Customer Support: 4.6/5
Value: Excellent

Summary of Online Reviews

Users mention “efficient workflows” and note the platform is “easy to navigate” in daily operations.

BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo offers strong content analysis tools. It tracks trends, identifies popular topics, and suggests content ideas. The tool allows marketers to measure audience engagement and monitor social media performance. Known for its data accuracy, it assists in shaping content strategy effectively. Many customers value its ability to provide detailed analytics and insight into content reach. The interface is straightforward, and overall satisfaction remains high among its user base.
User Friendliness: 4.5/5
Features: 4.8/5
Integration: 4.4/5
Customer Support: 4.7/5
Value: Very Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Reviews highlight “actionable insights” and describe it as “data-driven and reliable.”

SEMrush
SEMrush delivers extensive capabilities for content marketers. The tool aids in SEO research, competitive analysis, and topic discovery. Its dashboards show key performance indicators in real time. Marketers value its clear design and fast report generation. The platform’s analytics support strategic decision-making with precise data. Performance metrics indicate that the boost in organic traffic is significant for many users. Overall, the tool combines insights and operational ease to support effective content strategies.
User Friendliness: 4.6/5
Features: 4.9/5
Integration: 4.5/5
Customer Support: 4.6/5
Value: Excellent

Summary of Online Reviews

Feedback often mentions “detailed reports” alongside comments that it is “insightful.”

Ahrefs
Ahrefs is known for its detailed backlink analysis and SEO metrics. Its platform provides content marketing professionals with clear insights into competitive positioning and search performance. The tool’s interface allows users to monitor keywords and track link building effortlessly. Many clients praise its real-time data and extensive resource library. Metrics and user feedback confirm that the dashboard is helpful and easy to navigate. The service enables informed decisions and supports targeted content campaigns.
User Friendliness: 4.4/5
Features: 4.7/5
Integration: 4.3/5
Customer Support: 4.5/5
Value: Very Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Customers report “clear reporting” combined with descriptions of the tool as “essential for SEO.”

CoSchedule
CoSchedule aids marketers with planning and scheduling content. The tool features an intuitive calendar system that supports team collaboration. Users can organize campaigns and adjust timelines efficiently. Its dashboard provides clear visibility into campaign progress and deadlines. Feedback indicates that the management features are straightforward. The platform links planning with performance data, offering a balanced mix of creativity and analytics. Businesses using CoSchedule have reported improved organization and timely content rollouts.
User Friendliness: 4.3/5
Features: 4.6/5
Integration: 4.2/5
Customer Support: 4.5/5
Value: Very Good

Summary of Online Reviews

User opinions mention “efficient scheduling” and call the interface “clean and easy.”

Contently
Contently offers a platform designed for content strategy and creation. It supports collaboration between freelance professionals and in-house teams. The service simplifies content workflow and quality control. Its dashboards present clear performance metrics and campaign statuses. Many users have reported that the tool streamlines content production and improves overall productivity. Data shows that the streamlined process contributes to faster turnaround times and enhanced content quality. The system is well-liked for its clarity and organized structure.
User Friendliness: 4.2/5
Features: 4.5/5
Integration: 4.3/5
Customer Support: 4.4/5
Value: Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Feedback includes “organized workflows” with users remarking it is “a solid asset for teams.”

ClearVoice
ClearVoice features a content creation network along with management tools for content marketing. The platform connects brands with freelance talent and offers project tracking. Clients appreciate its structured approach that simplifies content commissioning and editing. Real-time feedback and progress tracking help maintain quality and timeliness. Reported metrics show that ClearVoice supports effective campaign management and improved creative outputs across multiple channels.
User Friendliness: 4.1/5
Features: 4.4/5
Integration: 4.0/5
Customer Support: 4.3/5
Value: Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Reviews note “clear project management” with users emphasizing the platform is “effective and straightforward.”

Curata
Curata assists organizations with content curation and strategy. The tool combines content discovery with scheduling capabilities. It organizes resources and promotes a smooth workflow for campaign production. User feedback indicates that the interface is clean and that curated analytics prove useful. Performance data shows that the tool helps teams maintain a regular publishing schedule. Curata offers a straightforward solution that eases the content gathering process without compromising on detailed insights.
User Friendliness: 4.0/5
Features: 4.3/5
Integration: 4.1/5
Customer Support: 4.2/5
Value: Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Users mention “efficient content curation” and observe that it is “easy to adopt.”

ContentStudio
ContentStudio offers tools to handle content planning, publishing, and performance measurement. It presents a user-friendly dashboard designed to track posts and engagement metrics. The tool helps improve the efficiency of social media campaigns and content scheduling. Many users highlight its ease in managing multiple accounts and creating detailed reports. Data indicates a consistent improvement in audience engagement when the tool is used for multi-channel strategies. The application is sized to meet diverse marketing objectives while still providing actionable recommendations.
User Friendliness: 3.9/5
Features: 4.2/5
Integration: 4.0/5
Customer Support: 4.1/5
Value: Good

Summary of Online Reviews

Feedback often states “improved publishing workflows” with customers calling it “a solid content planner.”

Uberflip
Uberflip focuses on content experience and personalization. It offers marketers a platform to organize and distribute content in a visually appealing manner. The tool assists with creating landing pages, content hubs, and tailored experiences for the target audience. Clients benefit from its straightforward design and measurable impact on engagement. Reports from users stress that the system boosts traffic and captures audience attention effectively. Its clear metrics help in adjusting campaigns while maintaining a streamlined process.
User Friendliness: 3.8/5
Features: 4.0/5
Integration: 3.9/5
Customer Support: 3.8/5
Value: Fair

Summary of Online Reviews

Users report “simple customization options” with comments that it is “good for targeted content.”

Final Thoughts
The listed tools offer various features that cater to distinct needs in content marketing. Businesses can choose a tool based on priorities, such as ease of use, reporting, or integration capabilities. This guide brings forward clear data and user feedback to aid in the decision-making process. Marketers from different industries may find one of these options fitting well with their objectives. Selecting the right platform can streamline content strategies and boost campaign performance across channels.
Photo by SumUp; Unsplash
The post Top 10 Content Marketing Tools  appeared first on ReadWrite.

Gilbert Arenas looked pretty thrilled as he left jail on Wednesday (July 30) after getting arrested for allegedly running high-stakes illegal poker games.
A video posted on X shows the former NBA star dancing and throwing his fists in the air while heading down a few flights of stairs outside what seems to be a detention center in Los Angeles.

Im Back on the Streets This aint got shyt to do with me ‘ just rented the house’ Wasnt apart pic.twitter.com/ALjozzhzoY
— Gilbert Arenas (@NoChillGilZero) July 31, 2025

The woman filming Arenas, wearing a t-shirt and shorts, playfully says “Free” and “you better not” as he walks toward her.
As he gets close to the camera, Arenas flashes a big smile and says, “They can’t hold me,” after posting a $50,000 bond.
Gilbert Arenas denies role in illegal poker ring after leaving jail
On a post on X, the former Washington Wizards guard wrote: “Im Back on the Streets. This aint got shyt to do with me ‘ just rented the house’ Wasnt apart.”
As we reported earlier this week, Arenas was arrested along with five others as part of a federal indictment accusing them of running an illegal gambling operation.
The illegal gambling is said to have happened between September 2021 and July 2022. During that time, Arenas allegedly rented out his own Encino mansion to host unlicensed high-stakes poker games.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the group was taken into custody on July 30. They’re accused of running high-stakes poker games out of a mansion in Encino that Arenas owns.
The 43-year-old former star is facing charges including one count of conspiracy to run an illegal gambling business, one count of actually running that business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.
He appeared in court on the afternoon of July 30, alongside five others, including 49-year-old Yevgeni Gershman, who’s suspected of being tied to organized crime in Israel, as well as 48-year-old Evgenni Tourevski, 52-year-old Allan Austria, 27-year-old Yarin Cohen, and 43-year-old Ievgen Krachun.
All of the other defendants are facing two charges, which is conspiracy to run an illegal gambling operation and actually operating it. Arenas has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During his NBA career, Arenas was a three-time All-Star and played 11 seasons in the league. He’s not the only NBA player to be linked to illegal activity either. Malik Beasley has also faced charges connected to gambling tied to NBA games.
Featured image: Gilbert Arenas via X
The post Gilbert Arenas dances out of jail, denying involvement after illegal poker arrest appeared first on ReadWrite.