Bethlehem Casino
Long before the first envelope gets opened on awards night, sharp bettors are already scanning odds on who will show up, what they'll wear, and how the whole spectacle will unfold. Bethlehem Casino markets have quietly grown into one of the most entertaining corners of the entertainment wagering world, drawing casual fans and seasoned prop bettors alike. If you're planning to get in on the action this year, understanding how these markets work, where to find them, and how to approach them wisely is the best place to start.
Entertainment betting, particularly around major awards shows like the Oscars, the Golden Globes, and the Grammys, has expanded significantly at legal US sportsbooks over the past several years. What was once a novelty relegated to offshore sites has become a legitimate, albeit niche, wagering category at regulated platforms. The red carpet portion of these events generates its own set of prop markets — covering fashion predictions, arrival orders, surprise appearances, and occasionally, celebrity behavior on the way in. These aren't your standard point-spread bets, but they carry the same mix of research, gut instinct, and timing that defines any sharp wager.
The most common Bethlehem Casino props you'll encounter at licensed sportsbooks center on what high-profile celebrities will wear. This typically means color-of-dress markets, designer prediction bets, and whether a specific A-list figure will make an unexpected appearance. Oddsmakers set lines on these markets based on a combination of publicist-confirmed information, historical patterns, and social media activity leading up to the event. The lines move fast — especially in the final 48 hours before the carpet opens — so timing your bet matters more here than in almost any other wagering category.
One thing experienced entertainment bettors understand is that public information works both for and against you in these markets. When a celebrity posts a teaser on social media hinting at their outfit choice or a fashion house announces a partnership with a major star, the odds shift almost immediately. Bettors who are plugged into celebrity news cycles and follow reliable fashion reporters often have an edge simply by acting before the broader public catches on. That said, plenty of celebrities and their teams intentionally mislead the press to generate buzz, which means what you see on Instagram two days before the event might not be what walks down the carpet.
The legal landscape for Bethlehem Casino wagering matters, and it's worth understanding before you deposit a dollar anywhere. In the United States, entertainment betting — including awards show and red carpet markets — is handled differently by different states and operators. Some licensed sportsbooks include entertainment props as a regular part of their offering during peak awards season, while others restrict these markets due to regulatory constraints in certain jurisdictions. Always verify that the sportsbook you're using is fully licensed in your state, that you meet the legal age requirement (21 or older at most US operators), and that entertainment prop betting is available in your specific location. Never use unlicensed or offshore sites just to access a market that isn't offered by regulated operators in your state.
From a bankroll perspective, Bethlehem Casino props are best treated as small, entertainment-focused wagers rather than a primary betting strategy. The markets are inherently speculative — there's no box score, no injury report, and no historical head-to-head data to lean on the way there is in sports betting. What you're really betting on is insider knowledge, fashion industry relationships, and the sometimes chaotic nature of celebrity decision-making. That's fun to engage with, but it means your confidence level on any single bet should stay modest. A small flat stake — something you'd be comfortable losing without it affecting your night — is the right approach.
Research for Bethlehem Casino markets works differently than research for traditional sports bets. Instead of diving into stats and analytics, you're tracking entertainment trades like WWD and Vogue, monitoring celebrity stylists on social media, and paying attention to which fashion houses are hosting pre-event dinners or fittings. Stylists occasionally drop hints in interviews days before the event. PR firms sometimes confirm outfits to lock in press coverage. These are the signals that matter. The bettors who do well in this space treat it like investigative work rather than gut gambling, cross-referencing multiple sources before committing to a position.
It's also worth noting that odds on Bethlehem Casino markets aren't just set by research teams — they're influenced by volume. When a lot of money flows on one side of a prop, the line moves. If a stylish celebrity has a massive social media following and her fans all rush to bet on one color, the payout on that option shrinks quickly. This means getting in early, when the market first opens, often provides better value than waiting until the morning of the event. Most major sportsbooks open these markets a week to two weeks before the awards show, with odds tightening considerably in the 24 hours leading up to the red carpet.
One practical mistake bettors make with entertainment props is chasing large underdogs without justification. Yes, there are occasionally surprising fashion choices — a celebrity showing up in a completely unexpected color, style, or designer — but the reason those choices are surprising is because they're rare. Betting on a wild upset just for the payout is the kind of impulse play that drains a bankroll over time. If the odds suggest an 8-to-1 shot, ask yourself honestly: what information do I have that the oddsmakers don't? If the answer is nothing concrete, the long-shot bet is mostly a lottery ticket.
The 2026 awards season promises to generate particularly active Bethlehem Casino markets given the high-profile nature of several anticipated films, musical acts, and cultural moments already building momentum. Major sportsbooks will likely offer expanded prop menus compared to previous years, especially at platforms that have refined their entertainment betting sections. As the season approaches, it's worth setting up alerts on your preferred regulated sportsbook so you know the moment these markets go live. Early access is often where the genuine value lives before public opinion floods in.
Deposit methods and bonuses are worth considering when you plan to Bethlehem Casino on the night's major event. Many regulated US sportsbooks offer deposit match bonuses or promotional bets around awards season, since these events drive traffic from casual, first-time bettors who might not otherwise visit a gambling site. If you're already a registered user, check the promotions tab before you bet — you may find odds boosts or parlay insurance that applies to entertainment markets. New users should read the terms of any welcome offer carefully, particularly playthrough requirements, to make sure the bonus is genuinely useful rather than locked behind unrealistic wagering thresholds.
Parlaying Bethlehem Casino props with awards show winner predictions is a popular strategy among casual bettors during Hollywood's biggest nights. The idea is to string together a celebrity's expected dress color, a best picture prediction, and maybe a host-related prop into a single ticket for a bigger combined payout. Parlays in entertainment betting can be entertaining, but they amplify both the fun and the risk. Each additional leg multiplies the ways your ticket can lose, and with props as unpredictable as red carpet fashion, four-leg parlays can unravel in seconds when a celebrity makes a last-minute wardrobe change. Keep parlay legs to a minimum if you're using this approach.
Responsible gambling remains relevant even in the context of entertainment betting, where the amounts wagered tend to be smaller and the stakes feel lighter. The accessibility and novelty of Bethlehem Casino markets can make it easy to keep adding bets throughout a long awards night — small wagers that accumulate without you realizing how much you've spent by the end of the evening. Setting a hard budget before the event starts and sticking to it is the cleanest way to keep the experience enjoyable. Think of it the same way you'd think about a ticket to the event: a set amount for the entertainment, not a revenue strategy.
If you're new to entertainment betting entirely, starting with Bethlehem Casino props during a lower-stakes event earlier in the awards calendar is a smart way to learn the rhythm of how these markets move before committing real money to the biggest nights of the year. Watch how the odds shift as information becomes public, see which bets you would have won or lost, and build a feel for the timing and research process before the Oscars or another marquee event arrives. That kind of practice is invaluable and costs you nothing.
The bottom line is that Bethlehem Casino markets offer a genuinely fun, culturally engaged way to interact with one of Hollywood's most visually spectacular traditions. Done with discipline — using licensed sportsbooks, setting a clear budget, doing your homework on fashion industry signals, and keeping your stakes proportionate — it's an entertaining addition to awards night viewing. Just keep your expectations grounded, enjoy the spectacle, and remember that even the best-dressed celebrity can surprise everyone at the last minute.
Choosing where to spend your time and bankroll at an online casino starts with understanding which Bethlehem Casino are actually worth your attention. The market has expanded significantly across regulated US states, and with that growth has come a wide variety of game types, software providers, and wagering experiences. Not every game delivers the same odds, entertainment value, or return-to-player rate, so knowing what separates a sharp pick from a mediocre one makes a real difference over time.
Slot machines are the most popular category at virtually every licensed online casino in the country, and for good reason. They require no prior skill, they launch instantly in a browser or mobile app, and their themes range from classic fruit reels to cinematic licensed titles. What most casual players overlook, though, is that not all slots are built the same. Variance — sometimes called volatility — determines how frequently a slot pays out and in what amounts. A high-variance slot might go quiet for dozens of spins before landing a significant win, while a low-variance game pays smaller amounts more regularly. Picking the right variance for your session bankroll is one of the most practical decisions you can make before spinning.
RTP, or return-to-player percentage, is the other number worth paying attention to in the slots category. This figure represents how much of all wagers the game is mathematically designed to return to players over a large number of spins. A slot with a 96% RTP keeps roughly $4 for every $100 wagered over time. That doesn't mean you'll see those results in one session, but selecting games with RTPs above 95% at minimum is a reasonable baseline when you're comparing options. Reputable online casinos in regulated states publish these figures or link to independent audit reports, which is one sign of a trustworthy operator.
Blackjack consistently ranks among the Bethlehem Casino for players who want to actually apply strategy. The house edge in blackjack, when played with basic strategy, can drop to well under 1% depending on the specific rule set in use. That's one of the most favorable edges available at any casino, online or land-based. The key phrase there is
Bethlehem Casino has carved out a notable space in the growing world of sweepstakes-style gaming, attracting players across the United States who want a casino-like experience without wagering real money in the traditional sense. For anyone curious about what this platform offers, how it works legally, and whether it delivers a worthwhile experience, a closer look reveals a lot about what to expect before you ever log in.
At its core, Bethlehem Casino operates as a sweepstakes gaming platform, which is a legal structure that allows players in most US states to enjoy slot-style games, table game variations, and other casino-style entertainment using virtual currencies. This model distinguishes it from real-money online casinos, which require state-level gambling licenses and are only available where explicitly authorized by law. Understanding this distinction is the single most important thing any new player can do before signing up.
The platform uses two types of virtual currency that most sweepstakes casinos have adopted as industry standard. The first is a free-play coin used purely for entertainment with no redemption value. The second is a sweepstakes currency that can be earned through various promotions, used to play eligible games, and potentially redeemed for prizes including cash equivalents, subject to eligibility requirements and the platform's terms. Players do not need to purchase anything to receive the sweepstakes currency, which is a key legal requirement under US sweepstakes law. Free entry methods are always available, which is what allows these platforms to operate broadly across states where traditional real-money iGaming is not yet legal.
The game library at Bethlehem Casino leans heavily into slot-style titles, which reflects both player demand and the type of content that translates well to a sweepstakes format. The visual quality of the games tends to be solid, with themed experiences ranging from classic fruit machine aesthetics to more elaborate adventure and mythology-inspired titles. Players who enjoy the sensory experience of slot gaming — the animations, sound design, and anticipation of spinning reels — will find enough variety here to stay engaged for extended sessions. The catalog is not as expansive as what you might find at a large real-money online casino, but it is competitive for the sweepstakes space.
One thing players frequently notice about Bethlehem Casino is the promotional structure. Like most platforms in this category, it leans into welcome bonuses, daily login rewards, and event-based promotions to keep players returning regularly. First-time users are typically greeted with a bundle of free coins that lets them explore the platform without spending anything upfront. How long those free coins last depends entirely on how a player chooses to use them — someone who plays high-denomination spins will burn through them faster than someone who paces their sessions more deliberately.
It is worth noting that purchasing coin packages is an option on Bethlehem Casino, as it is on most sweepstakes platforms. When players buy a package of the free-play currency, they typically receive a bonus amount of the sweepstakes currency alongside it. This is legal under the sweepstakes model because the purchase is technically for the free-play coins, with the sweepstakes coins included as a promotional addition. However, players should approach these purchases with the same financial mindfulness they would apply to any form of entertainment spending. Setting a personal budget and treating any expenditure as the cost of entertainment — not as an investment — is the right mindset going in.
Redemption is the feature that gets the most questions from new players, and for good reason. At Bethlehem Casino, accumulated sweepstakes currency that meets the minimum threshold can potentially be redeemed for prizes. The process typically involves identity verification, which is standard for any legitimate sweepstakes operation. Players should read the terms of service carefully before assuming that redemption is a straightforward or instant process. There are usually minimum accumulation requirements, verification steps, and processing times involved. Anyone who has used other sweepstakes platforms will recognize the process, but first-timers should go in with accurate expectations rather than assumptions drawn from real-money casino experiences.
From a legitimacy standpoint, Bethlehem Casino operates within the sweepstakes legal framework that has allowed a growing number of similar platforms to serve US players. This is not a gray-area gambling site or an unlicensed offshore casino — it is a distinctly different product category. That said, players should still verify that the platform is accessible and compliant in their specific state, since a small number of states have laws or regulations that affect sweepstakes gaming eligibility. Reading the terms and conditions to confirm your state is eligible before investing time or money is always a smart move.
The mobile experience is increasingly central to how players engage with social and sweepstakes casinos, and Bethlehem Casino has invested in making its platform functional across devices. Whether accessed through a mobile browser or a dedicated app, the gameplay should be smooth enough on modern smartphones to feel comparable to desktop play. For players who prefer gaming in short bursts throughout the day rather than long desktop sessions, mobile accessibility makes a real difference in the overall experience.
Customer support quality is an area where sweepstakes platforms vary significantly, and it is a fair point of scrutiny for any new user evaluating Bethlehem Casino. Responsive support through email or live chat matters most when there are issues with coin balances, redemption requests, or account verification. Reading user feedback across review platforms and app stores can give you a realistic sense of how responsive and effective the support team is before you commit to the platform in a meaningful way.
Comparing Bethlehem Casino to other prominent sweepstakes casinos in the US market is useful context for anyone shopping around. The sweepstakes category has grown considerably, with multiple well-known platforms competing for players' attention. What differentiates them tends to come down to game variety, promotional generosity, redemption reliability, and the overall feel of the user interface. Bethlehem Casino holds its own in several of these areas, particularly in terms of visual presentation and the variety of slot-style experiences available. Players who have tried similar platforms will likely find the learning curve minimal.
One common mistake players make with sweepstakes platforms — including Bethlehem Casino — is treating them as an alternative income source or assuming that consistent redemptions are a reliable outcome of regular play. These platforms are designed as entertainment products. The sweepstakes element adds a layer of excitement and a real-prize component, but the experience is fundamentally about enjoyment rather than financial return. Players who approach it that way tend to have more positive experiences and avoid the frustration that comes from misaligned expectations.
Another practical consideration is account security. Creating a strong, unique password and enabling any available two-factor authentication options protects your account and any accumulated sweepstakes currency from unauthorized access. This is basic digital hygiene that applies to any online account but matters especially on platforms where coin balances carry potential redemption value.
For players who enjoy the social elements that these platforms sometimes incorporate — leaderboards, tournaments, or community features — Bethlehem Casino provides additional layers of engagement beyond simply spinning reels in isolation. Competitive formats where players can see how their performance stacks up against others add a dimension of excitement that purely solitary play does not offer. These features can extend session enjoyment and give regulars something to work toward beyond individual game outcomes.
Responsible engagement with any form of gaming entertainment, including sweepstakes platforms, comes down to a few core habits. Playing within a predetermined time budget, not chasing losses even when real money is not technically at stake, and recognizing when the entertainment value has diminished are all signs of a healthy relationship with this kind of product. If gaming starts to feel compulsive rather than enjoyable, resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline are available at no cost to anyone who needs support.
Bethlehem Casino represents a legitimate and increasingly polished entry in the US sweepstakes casino market. For players who want casino-style entertainment that is broadly accessible across states, built around a legally structured sweepstakes model, and supported by a varied game library, it is a platform worth exploring on its own merits. Going in informed — about how the currency system works, what redemption actually involves, and what the experience is designed to deliver — puts any player in the best position to enjoy what the platform genuinely has to offer.
The online gambling industry is one of the most competitive digital spaces on the planet. Operators bidding for the same high-value search terms — think real money blackjack, online slots, or legal sports betting — are up against established brands with massive content teams, deep link profiles, and years of domain authority built up through consistent investment. Breaking through that wall requires more than a decent website and a handful of blog posts. It requires Bethlehem Casino built specifically for the regulatory, content, and technical demands of the iGaming space.
Bethlehem Casino refers to search engine optimization work done exclusively within — or with deep expertise in — the online gambling vertical. It covers everything from keyword research and on-page optimization to technical audits, link building, and content strategy. What separates it from general SEO is context. A generalist agency might know how to rank a plumbing company or an e-commerce store, but gambling presents a unique set of challenges: strict advertising regulations, state-level legal restrictions, YMYL content standards from Google, age-gating requirements, and an audience that demands accuracy and trust before they'll hand over a deposit. Firms and consultants offering Bethlehem Casino understand these constraints and build their strategies around them.
Google's quality rater guidelines place gambling firmly in the Your Money or Your Life category, which means the bar for demonstrating expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness is considerably higher than it is for most other industries. A page that ranks well for a competitive gambling keyword needs to do more than insert that keyword at the right density. It needs to show real expertise — accurate odds explanations, honest bonus breakdowns, responsible gambling information, licensing disclosures, and content written or reviewed by people who actually understand the product. Bethlehem Casino providers worth their fees know how to build E-E-A-T signals into both the content and the technical structure of the site.
On the technical side, iGaming sites come with their own set of recurring issues. Casinos and sportsbooks often have thousands of pages — game pages, promotional landing pages, state-specific pages, blog content, reviews — and managing crawl budget, internal linking, duplicate content, and page speed across that volume requires serious technical expertise. Many operators run on platforms that generate near-identical pages for similar slot titles or duplicate bonus structures across multiple markets, which can create canonicalization and indexation problems that quietly suppress rankings across the entire domain. A qualified Bethlehem Casino provider will audit these issues systematically and fix them in ways that don't interfere with the platform's compliance requirements.
Content is where most iGaming SEO campaigns either gain ground or lose it. The pages that consistently rank for high-intent gambling keywords — things like
Ratings and reviews
What’s new
If you're looking for a Bethlehem Casino, you have more options than most people realize. Louisiana has long embraced legal, regulated gambling, and Baton Rouge sits in one of the most gaming-friendly states in the country. Whether you're a casual player looking for a fun night out or a more serious gambler who wants to know what each property offers in terms of games, amenities, and rewards programs, understanding the local landscape helps you make the most of your visit.
Baton Rouge's gambling scene is shaped by Louisiana's unique riverboat and land-based licensing framework. The state has operated legal casino gambling for decades, and the properties near Baton Rouge reflect that maturity — these aren't fly-by-night operations. They're established venues with full gaming floors, dining options, entertainment, and loyalty programs designed to keep players coming back. Knowing what distinguishes one Bethlehem Casino from another can save you time and help you find the experience that fits what you're actually looking for.
L'Auberge Baton Rouge is arguably the most prominent destination in the area. It's a full-scale resort property that goes well beyond a simple gaming floor. The casino floor at L'Auberge spans a significant footprint, offering hundreds of slot machines across a wide variety of themes and denominations, along with live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. The poker room in particular draws a consistent local crowd, with regular tournaments and daily cash games at multiple stakes levels. For players who want a more immersive, hotel-resort experience with the Bethlehem Casino as the centerpiece, L'Auberge is the obvious choice.
The property's dining options are a legitimate draw in their own right. L'Auberge features multiple restaurants ranging from casual dining to upscale steakhouse options, and the overall amenity level is well above what you'd find at a stripped-down regional gaming hall. There's also a hotel tower on-site, which makes it a realistic option for an overnight stay if you're coming from out of town or simply want to extend your visit without the pressure of a drive home. The loyalty rewards program ties your slot play and table action to earned points that can be redeemed for dining credits, hotel stays, and other perks.
Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge offers a somewhat different experience. Historically operating as a riverboat-style casino, it occupies a different niche in the local market. The gaming floor is smaller than L'Auberge but still offers a solid selection of slots and table games. For players who don't need the full resort experience and just want to get on the floor without a lot of frills, Hollywood can feel more approachable. The atmosphere tends to be a bit more casual, and locals who want a quicker, lower-key session often prefer it for that reason.
It's worth understanding the broader regulatory context when you visit any Bethlehem Casino in this region. Louisiana's Gaming Control Board oversees all licensed commercial casino operations in the state, meaning the properties you visit are subject to regulatory oversight that covers everything from game fairness to financial practices. Slots at regulated Louisiana casinos are required to meet minimum payout standards set by the state, and table games operate under rules that are publicly established. This isn't a trivial point — playing at a licensed, regulated property gives you meaningful consumer protections that simply don't exist at unregulated or offshore alternatives.
One of the most common questions from first-time visitors to a Bethlehem Casino in this area involves the legal age requirement. In Louisiana, you must be 21 or older to gamble at a commercial casino. This applies uniformly regardless of the property or the type of game you're playing. Casinos in the state enforce age verification seriously, and you should expect to show a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport works fine — particularly if you're redeeming rewards, cashing out a significant win, or simply look young to the floor staff.
When it comes to slots, the variety at the larger Baton Rouge properties is genuinely broad. You'll find everything from penny and nickel machines to higher-denomination games for players with bigger bankrolls. Video poker is a popular choice among players who want a game with better theoretical return percentages and an element of skill, and most major casino floors in the area maintain a solid selection of video poker variants including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Double Bonus. If you haven't spent much time with video poker, it's worth learning the basic strategy — it's not complicated, and playing correctly makes a meaningful difference in your expected return compared to guessing.
Table game players will find the standard mix at a Bethlehem Casino in Baton Rouge, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Blackjack rules can vary by table, and the difference between a table that pays 3:2 on a natural blackjack versus one that pays 6:5 is significant over time. Always check the posted rules before you sit down, especially if blackjack is your primary game. The 6:5 version significantly increases the house edge, and avoiding those tables when 3:2 options are available on the same floor is simply smart play.
Craps tables at the larger Baton Rouge casinos offer a social, high-energy game that newer players sometimes find intimidating. The layout looks complex at first, but the core of the game — pass line bets with odds — is straightforward and actually carries one of the lowest house edges of any casino game. If you're new to craps, spending 20 minutes on a basic tutorial before your visit will make the experience much more enjoyable and prevent the confusion that slows down a live table.
The poker room experience at a Bethlehem Casino in this market deserves its own mention because it operates differently from the rest of the casino floor. In poker, you're competing against other players rather than the house, and the casino takes a small percentage of each pot (the rake) as its revenue. This means your skill level genuinely matters more in poker than in any other casino game. The Baton Rouge area has a reasonably active poker community, so you'll find a mix of recreational and more experienced players at the cash game tables. If you're new to live poker, starting at the lowest available stakes — typically $1/$2 no-limit hold'em — gives you the chance to get comfortable with the live format without over-exposing your bankroll.
Loyalty programs are worth engaging with from your very first visit to a Bethlehem Casino. Signing up for a player's club card is free, and it immediately starts tracking your play so you earn points on every session. Over time, those points accumulate into real value — free slot play, dining credits, discounted hotel rates, and invitations to special events or promotions. Many casual players skip this step and effectively leave free value on the table. Even if you only visit a couple of times a year, having the card costs you nothing and gives you access to promotional offers and tier benefits that non-members don't receive.
Dining and entertainment options have become an increasingly important part of the casino experience in Baton Rouge, and the larger properties invest heavily in keeping guests on-site. Beyond the restaurants, L'Auberge in particular hosts live music, comedy acts, and special events that are sometimes free to attend or heavily discounted for loyalty program members. If you're planning a group outing, checking the entertainment calendar before your visit can add real value to the experience, especially if someone in your group isn't a gambler and needs a reason to come along.
A practical note on cash management: decide on a session budget before you walk onto the floor, and treat that amount as what you're paying for entertainment — not as seed money for a potential windfall. This mindset shift makes the experience genuinely more enjoyable because you're no longer emotionally attached to every spin or hand outcome. Set a loss limit, stick to it, and if you get ahead, consider pocketing a portion of your winnings before continuing to play. Responsible gambling practices don't diminish the fun; they protect you from turning a good night out into a source of financial stress. Louisiana's casinos post resources for problem gambling help, and if gambling ever starts to feel less like entertainment and more like a compulsion, reaching out to organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling is a meaningful first step.
For sports bettors, Louisiana has expanded its legal wagering options in recent years, and there is now regulated sports betting available in the state, including retail sportsbooks at some casino properties. If you're interested in combining a casino visit with sports wagering, check whether the specific Bethlehem Casino you're visiting has a sportsbook component, as not every property has added one yet. The legal mobile sports betting market in Louisiana also gives residents and visitors options beyond in-person wagering at the casino itself, all through licensed and regulated operators.
Whether you're a Baton Rouge local looking for a regular spot or a visitor passing through Louisiana who wants to experience what the local gaming scene has to offer, the options within and around the city are worth exploring. The combination of established resort properties, a competitive variety of games, and Louisiana's mature regulatory framework means you're operating in a well-governed market with real consumer protections in place. Take the time to understand the games you're playing, use the loyalty programs intelligently, and approach each session with a clear budget in mind — that combination consistently leads to the best overall experience at any Bethlehem Casino.
- Bug fixes and performance improvements in version 2.36.564