Casino City's Friday Five: Online poker edition

Finally, it's time for some big online poker news! But you're going to have to read on to find out what it is, since we're not going to spoil the surprise.

Also on the horizon is a brand-new golf course, a very nostalgic art gallery and the continuing success of Ice Totally Gaming.

5. Sage Run Golf Course at Island Resort to open June 2018

Island Resort & Casino in Michigan recently announced the completion of all construction, shaping and seeding for its new golf course, Sage Run, which is planned to open in June next year.

The casino's first course, Sweetgrass, was favorably reviewed by Casino City's own Gary Trask. Sage Run will complement Sweetgrass, offering an entirely separate but equally thrilling game of golf.

The $8 million renovation includes a full-service spa, some renovations for the bingo hall and a brand-new sports bar.

4. Grand Canal Shoppes contribute to Vegas art scene

The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino have expanded their artistic horizon, welcoming the Animazing Gallery.

The two-level, 3,000-square-foot space displays contemporary, pop and surrealist art from big names such as Charles M. Schulz and Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss).

The gallery owner aims for viewers to reconnect with their youth through this one-of-a-kind collection.

The best tour guide around. ????? pic.twitter.com/VvprcyGNZe

— Grand Canal Shoppes (@ShopGrandCanal) October 18, 2017

3. WNBA relocates San Antonio Stars to Las Vegas

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have voted unanimously to move the San Antonio Stars to Las Vegas, where they will play in the 2018 season in their new home arena, the Mandalay Bay resort and Casino Events Center.

MGM Resorts International will own and operate the team, a fact that reminds me how little I personally know about the inner workings of basketball.

2. Ice Totally Gaming sees increased international registration

The 2018 edition of the Ice Totally Gaming event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, according to registration numbers.

The registration site, which went live a few weeks ago, has already garnered sign-ups from 82 countries around the world.

This year's event promises more than 500 exhibitors in 42,000 square meters of space.

1. New Jersey enters into online poker agreement with Delaware, Nevada

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced last week that the state's online gaming patrons will be able to go head-to-head with players in Nevada and Delaware.

Aside from attracting new customers, this move will increase annual revenue for the states as well as jackpot opportunities for players. The Poker Players Alliance applauded this agreement, vice president Rich Muny remarking that with effective regulation online poker is a proven way to generate revenues for the state and is beneficial to all players.

In 2016 alone, online gaming in New Jersey brought in almost $200 million.

ICYMI, here is PPA's press release regarding the news of NJ, NV & DE iPoker compact: https://t.co/J50AbmeEh7 pic.twitter.com/U6iEW8ay2w

— PokerPlayersAlliance (@ppapoker) October 16, 2017