The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
Every fan loves a good underdog story, and 2025 is serving up plenty of them. The so-called second-tier programs aren’t waiting for scraps, because they’re gunning for the top. They’re winning ugly, winning smart, and, most importantly, winning when it matters.
As October heats up and conference schedules tighten, these are the teams quietly changing the math in the race for college football’s conference crowns.
Continue reading Underdogs to Watch in the Race for NCAA Football Conference Crowns
Looking for a low-key night where your Kč actually lasts? Head to Euro Queen Casino, set your own limits, and try a low-stake session today. Quick tip before you start: new players can grab a registration free-spins offer that’s handy for testing slots without putting much on the line. Sign up, keep the stakes small, and play at your own pace—nice and easy for a chilled evening in Czechia.
Continue reading Low-Stake Casino Games for Casual Evenings at Euro Queen
A gambler from Florida struck gold at a New Jersey casino twice over the course of two days. The sequence of wins underscores both the randomness of slot machines and the fascination such stories hold for gambling observers.
He first visited the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on September 19, placing a $375 bet on a Golden Century Dragon Link slot machine. At 9:56 p.m., the spin resulted in a jackpot win worth $60,000. Returning the next afternoon, around 2 p.m., he placed the same $375 wager on the same slot game (though on a different machine) and walked away with an additional $44,475.
Continue reading Florida Man Hits Jackpot in New Jersey Twice in a Row
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the 50th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is almost here, and we know you’re shivering with antici… (SAY IT!) …pation!
New Jersey’s casino industry is at a crossroads. After pulling in $606.2 million in July gaming revenue, operators are racing to upgrade their properties to keep visitors coming. At the same time, lawmakers are debating whether to allow casinos outside Atlantic City for the first time in state history. This update looks at Ocean Casino Resort’s $50 million makeover, city-wide capital spending, and the renewed push to build racetrack casinos in North Jersey.
New Jersey’s success as the leader in the U.S. gaming market can be attributed to pragmatic and visionary law and regulation, as well as being the first to embrace the digital world. From humble beginnings in Atlantic City, it has now become a full-fledged online gaming ecosystem. In fact, according to the Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey has become a national leader in Internet Gaming, retail casinos, and sports wagering, becoming a policy leader as well as a market leader in the country, with each month’s report for 2025 showing sustained growth in all three verticals.
Continue reading How New Jersey Became a Leader in the Gaming Industry
Imagine a nice cozy evening in Ridgewood, lamp light bouncing off cafe windows, and neighbors gathering at tables covered with colorful tiles, chessboards, or deck of cards. That’s the magic of game nights, where classic favorites like mahjong, chess, bridge, and Scrabble forge bonds that go far beyond the final move.
The casinos of Atlantic City got their legs under them in July, providing a much-needed shot in the arm after a slower summer beginning. As visitors are attracted by the mix of gaming, beachside attractions, and entertainment choices, the city has once again demonstrated why it continues to be a pillar of American resort gaming. The performance of the last month indicates that, even with the changes in the gaming environment, brick-and-mortar casinos still provide an experience that cannot be reproduced by digital platforms.
Continue reading Atlantic City Casinos Recover with Good July Revenue
Slot machines have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the late 19th century. These games of chance have evolved from simple mechanical devices to complex digital systems that offer immersive sessions. Today millions of people around the globe enjoy spinning the reels, whether in traditional gambling hubs or on their mobile devices.
Continue reading Evolution of Slot Machines or Journey from Liberty Bell to Virtual Reality
Gambling has always changed as time has gone on. Before, people used coins, chips, and paper money to make their wagers. Things are completely different now. As online casinos become more popular, real money is progressively vanishing from the gaming scene. Players now use digital payments to send money fast and safely instead.
Continue reading Online Casinos and the Shift Toward Cashless Play
The adult entertainment industry has been growing consistently over the last decades. There are many people who want to retreat in private and enjoy sexual fantasies, while others watch with their partners to brighten their sexual life.
The industry has evolved drastically, and now viewers can enjoy better viewing with the help of technology like virtual reality (VR). This allows people to indulge in an immersive porn experience using VR gadgets. It is a more realistic alternative to watching on screen.
Continue reading Potential Advantages and Problems of VR Porn That You Should Consider
One of a slot game’s most vital components, themes have a significant impact on whether the game succeeds or fails. Themes ultimately determine the game’s appearance, feel, and narratives. Although the advent of new, advanced technology has contributed to the unprecedented popularity of slot machines and online slot games, it is also to blame for the fierce rivalry that currently exists in the industry.
Gambling Insider published a report recently, showing that New Jersey’s sports wagering revenue had increased by 52.9% to hit $91.9 million. Interestingly, online platforms alone accounted for $91.2 million, highlighting how they have become popular entertainment destinations for residents.
You don’t have to visit a physical location to participate. With just a good internet connection and a smartphone, you can place wagers on your favorite team from any place at any time. Remember, Morgan Stanley cites such convenience as a critical factor that about 77% of customers consider when making a purchase decision. And since online betting companies offer it, it makes sense to see more New Jerseyans turn to online sports wagering.
Continue reading Uncovering the extensive reach of online bookmakers in New Jersey
memes are flying
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on September 5, 2025, a shocking incident at a Philadelphia Phillies game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park turned a heartwarming father-son moment into a viral controversy. A woman, dubbed “Phillies Karen” on social media, confronted a father who retrieved a home run ball for his young son, demanding he hand it over. The clip exploded online, drawing millions of views and widespread outrage. Rumors even swirled that she was fired from a school job, though some claims remain unverified. Here’s the full story behind this baseball drama and its fallout in 2025.
Horse racing in the Garden State has always been fast, loud, and packed with tradition. But the way people bet on it is also shifting rapidly. Numbers are moving, formats are changing, and bettors who ignore the trends risk being left behind.
It’s a totally different market from the racing scene some years ago. The 2025 season brings a different energy, and it’s worth breaking down what’s really shaping the game right now.
Continue reading Betting Trends Shaping New Jersey’s Horse Racing Season
