Committee Chairman

2025 Sports Betting and Roulette Trends

May 14, 2025

Published in From the Desk of the Chairman

The sports betting industry is experiencing significant transformations as 2025 unfolds. With technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, the landscape of betting is shifting rapidly, including popular games like roulette.

As we delve into 2025, the world of sports betting is evolving in fascinating ways. The integration of cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing how enthusiasts engage with their favorite sports. From live streaming to real-time analytics, and even integrating roulette into online platforms, bettors are equipped with unprecedented tools to enhance their experiences. Furthermore, a growing focus on personalization is driving platforms to tailor offerings according to user preferences, making the entire process more engaging and dynamic.

Introduction to Sports Betting Trends

The landscape of sports betting in 2025 is marked by remarkable innovations and trends that are reshaping the industry. Digital platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, providing users with seamless and immersive experiences. Whether it’s traditional wagers, roulette, or advanced in-play betting, mobile technology is at its core, giving bettors a wide array of options right at their fingertips. These advancements have significantly expanded the reach of sports betting, making it more accessible than ever before.

One of the most notable trends is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in betting platforms. These technologies allow for enhanced data analysis, enabling bettors to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data and predictive models. Additionally, virtual reality and augmented reality are beginning to play a role in creating immersive environments that mimic live events, further enhancing user engagement.

In this dynamic environment, bettors are increasingly drawn to platforms that offer innovative features, including the chance to explore roulette, and user-friendly interfaces. As competition intensifies, operators are focusing on delivering unique experiences that cater to diverse interests and preferences. This trend is likely to continue as technology continues to evolve, offering new possibilities for the sports betting industry.

Market Observations

The sports wagering market is witnessing significant shifts as it adapts to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements. One prominent observation is the growing popularity of in-play or live betting options. These allow users to place bets during events, capitalizing on real-time developments and adjusting their strategies accordingly.

This trend towards dynamic betting experiences is complemented by an increasing emphasis on responsible gambling practices. Operators are integrating tools that allow users to set limits and monitor their activities effectively. By prioritizing user well-being, platforms are not only ensuring compliance but also building trust with their audience.

Furthermore, there is a noticeable trend towards localization within the market. Operators are tailoring their offerings based on regional preferences, ensuring relevance and resonance with local audiences. This strategic approach has proven effective in capturing diverse markets while maintaining a competitive edge.

Future Predictions

As we look ahead, the future of sports betting promises even greater innovation and expansion. The continued evolution of artificial intelligence will likely lead to more personalized experiences for bettors, allowing them to receive tailored recommendations based on their preferences and past behavior.

Another area poised for growth is the integration of blockchain technology within betting platforms. This could enhance transparency and security by providing decentralized systems that ensure fair play and protect user data from potential breaches.

Additionally, with the increasing globalization of sports events and competitions, cross-border collaborations among operators could open up new opportunities for bettors worldwide. By leveraging international partnerships, platforms can offer unique experiences that combine global insights with localized appeal.

This comprehensive exploration into current trends reveals how adaptability remains key in staying ahead within this competitive landscape—ultimately defining what success looks like moving forward into an era defined by rapid change.

Rob Manfred reinstates Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and others to Baseball

May 13, 2025

Published in Not in Hall of Fame News

Rob Manfred reinstates Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and others to Baseball

For our website, this news is as big as it gets.

In a shocking announcement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and the rest of the banned 1919 Chicago White Sox players from the permanently ineligible list. This would presumably mean that Rose and Jackson could find their way into Cooperstown one day.

First, let’s recall how we arrived at this point.

In 1921, Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis banned Chick Gandil, Eddie Cicotte, Happy Felsh, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, Buck Weaver, and Lefty Williams for their alleged participation in throwing the 1919 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds. Among the eight players, Jackson was considered the best and had already amassed a career that was Hall of Fame worthy. He professed his innocence until he died in 1951, and to support that, Jackson had a .956 OPS in the Series.

Rose was banned by Commissioner Bart Giamatti in 1989 following the finding that he bet on MLB games, including those of the team he managed, the Cincinnati Reds. Rose pleaded his innocence for years, until he eventually came clean, though that coincided with the release of his autobiography. The Hall then proceeded to ban him, though he did receive write-in ballots for the first three years, which was also banned afterward.

The Baseball Hall of Fame operates separately from Major League Baseball. Jackson was on the inaugural 1936 ballot and again in 1946, but the Hall decided not to induct him after that. Jackson’s enemies are long dead, but the detractors of Rose could be part of a Veteran’s Ballot. Both could appear as early as 2027 as one or two names in the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

Joe Gedeon, Gene Paulette, Benny Kauff, Lee Magee, Phil Douglas, Cozy Dolan, Jimmy O’Connell, and William Cox were also reinstated. All those impacted are deceased.

Both Rose and Jackson are top ten candidates in our Notinhalloffame Baseball list, and with hell freezing over, Cooperstown might see some early climate change.

NIHOF MLB 2025 Cup Standings: Week 6, MAY 12

May 13, 2025

Published in Not in Hall of Fame News

NIHOF MLB 2025 Cup Standings: Week 6, MAY 12

It is with great pleasure that we are bringing back the Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Cup, and let us explain how this works:

For every regular-season game, we anointed the best five players with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We know the following:

The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points more easily than elite players on loaded squads.
In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, which favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing fewer innings than previous generations. This is also true for closers not made for this process.
Please remember that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way we did: as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

Here is the current top ten after games concluded on May 12.

1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: 71 Cup Points in 41 Games. (#2 Last Week). 3.5 bWAR, 39 Runs, 65 Hits, 14 Home Runs, 40 Runs Batted In, .414/.500/.783 Slash Line, 1.283 OPS & 261 OPS+.

2. Pete Alonso, New York Mets: 70 Cup Points in 42 Games. (#1 Last Week). 2.1 bWAR, 28 Runs, 49 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 36 Runs Batted In, .318/.428/.604 Slash Line, 1.032 OPS & 195 OPS+.

3. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: 60 Cup Points in 43 Games. (#5 Last Week). 2.6 bWAR, 27 Runs, 53 Hits, 5 Home Runs, 25 Runs Batted In, .319/.386/.524 Slash Line, .910 OPS & 155 OPS+.

4. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: 57 Cup Points in 41 Games. (#3 Last Week). 1.6 bWAR, 28 Runs, 51 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 26 Runs Batted In, .304/.368/.506 Slash Line, .874 OPS & 150 OPS+.

5. Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks: 54 Cup Points in 42 Games. (#5 Last Week). 1.9 bWAR, 33 Runs, 49 Hits, 13 Home Runs, 30 Runs Batted In, .282/.356/.609 Slash Line, .965 OPS & 165 OPS+.

6. (TIE) Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers: 52 Cup Points in 30 Games. (Not in the top ten last week). 1.9 bWAR, 22 Runs, 41 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 33 Runs Batted In, .376/.437/.734 Slash Line, 1.170 OPS & 229 OPS+.

6. (TIE) Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 52 Cup Points in 39 Games. (#7 Last Week). 2.2 bWAR, 44 Runs, 48 Hits, 12 Home Runs, 21 Runs Batted In, .308/.410/.641 Slash Line, 1.051 OPS & 196 OPS+.

8. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox: 50 Cup Points in 43 Games. (Not in the Top Ten last week). 1.6 bWAR, 25 Runs, 45 Hits, 7 Home Runs, 31 Runs Batted In, .285/.407/.494 Slash Line, .901 OPS & 152 OPS+.

9. (TIE) Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox: 49 Cup Points in 41 Games. (#7 Last Week). 2.1 bWAR, 24 Runs, 39 Hits, 11 Home Runs, 27 Runs Batted In, .279/.377/.564 Slash Line, .941 OPS & 160 OPS+.

9. (TIE) Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins: 49 Cup Points in 38 Games. (Not in the Top Ten last week). 1.5 bWAR, 30 Runs, 39 Hits, 9 Home Runs, 26 Runs Batted In, .264/.304/.520 Slash Line, .825 OPS & 126 OPS+.

9. (TIE). Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres: 49 Cup Points in 39 Games. (#4 Last Week). 2.9 bWAR, 34 Runs, 48 Hits, 10 Home Runs, 24 Runs Batted In, .316/.382/.559 Slash Line, .943 OPS & 164 OPS+.

The Athletics’ Tyler Soderstrom and Atlanta’s Austin Riley fell off the top ten.

Of note, 763 baseball players have obtained at least 1 point, up from 733 last week.

It is with great pleasure that we are bringing back the Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Cup, and let us explain how this works:

For every regular-season game, we anointed the best five players with descending points, 5-4-3-2-1.

We know the following:

The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points more easily than elite players on loaded squads.
In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, which favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing fewer innings than previous generations. This is also true for closers not made for this process.
Please remember that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way we did: as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.