gold star for USAHOF
Committee Chairman

Committee Chairman

Kirk Buchner, "The Committee Chairman", is the owner and operator of the site.  Kirk can be contacted at [email protected] .

The online casino world is booming, attracting millions of players with accessibility and monetary rewards. However, the wide range of choices makes it difficult to decide on the right platform. That's why we're going to take a closer look at Grand Mondial Casino, one of the best members of the Casino Rewards group.  Let's uncover its advantages, disadvantages, and opportunities for users. 

Industry Context and Grand Mondial's Place

The statistics show the situation of the gambling market in the best way, so let's get straight to it. According to experts, the industry revenue will reach 87.91 billion USD by the end of 2023. At the same time, the number of users may grow to more than 233 million over the next 4 years. Now, let's talk about Grand Mondial's position in the system. The casino has been operating since 2005 under the license of the UK Gambling Commission. 

User Interface and Accessibility

The site has an intuitive and attractive design and easy navigation. Users can find the games and features they want without any extra effort. The site can be accessed from PCs, tablets, and phones. Moreover, slots are also supported on mobile, thanks to HTML-5. For greater convenience, the site is available in three languages - English, German and French. 

Games and Software - An Objective Look

Grand Mondial has partnered with Microgaming, so you'll find more than 300 slots from this provider. Get rid of the preconceived notion that one company can't provide all the variety. Different genres and themes allow you to find something to suit your interests. 

For example, among the 3-reel machines, there are classic fruit machines and more interesting Couch Potato and Cosmic Cat. The 5-reel machines do not disappoint either, offering Bride-Zilla, Hell's Grannies, Fruit Fiesta, and many others, including progressive ones. 

Unfortunately, there is no live format here, but classic games exist. You can enjoy poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and lotteries. The video poker collection includes more than 20 variants.

Casino Rewards Program Analysis

Every newcomer receives a welcome package of 100% up to their deposit + free spins. The uniqueness of the offer is that the bonus can be used even in the most popular slots, such as Mega Moolah and alternatives. We don’t see a no-deposit promotion, but they may appear soon. 

Another permanent offer is promo codes. Players look for them on the official website, social networks, partner platforms, etc. Then, you must enter this code in a particular field and get your reward. 

Also, after registration, you automatically participate in the loyalty program. Each bet and deposit gives you points, moving you up the levels. VIP clients have some advantages, including increased cash prizes and special attention. 

Regulation, Security, and Fair Play

You will see the license information at the bottom of the site. In addition to the British regulator's permission, the company has a Maltese (C-45483) and AGCO. Both permits are up to date. Grand Mondial also regularly undergoes inspections by the independent organisation eCOGRA, which confirms its honesty and legality. 

The operator adheres to the responsible gambling rules by conducting an information campaign, cooperating with organizations like Salvation Army and providing tools for self-control. What does this include? You can set limits on bets and expenses and view your statistics in your account. It helps you not to go over the spending limit. If you have any problems, contact technical support and activate GamStop self-exclusion. 

Data reliability and protection are ensured primarily by the SSL encryption system. The online casino also cooperates with proven payment methods such as Visa/Mastercard, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. Optionally, users can connect two-factor authentication. In this case, you need to enter a code from an SMS or a secret word you set in addition to the password. By the way, each new player undergoes mandatory verification by uploading a photo of their documents to confirm their identity. That’s how the company blocks access to minors and fraudsters. 

Customer Support

Please contact the round-the-clock technical support if you have any questions or problems. We did not find any negative comments or complaints about the support. Why should I contact them? For example, you can't choose a game, make a deposit, or want to learn about current bonuses. 

For your convenience, there are several ways to contact the specialists. The fastest and round-the-clock way is via live chat on the website. If your request is not urgent, please send an email. For day-to-day issues, use the phone. 

Conclusion

Thus, Grand Mondial has a positive reputation and meets modern quality standards. We have checked the platform in all key areas: selection, reliability, payment systems, and technical support. If you are ready, you must click "Register" and claim the welcome bonus.

In recent times, there has been an increased interest in American sports from British bettors. The UK features a longer history of sports betting and a more established culture than the US. In the latter, the level of industry maturity is not yet at the same level. This arouses the interest of UK-based bettors, who want to explore diverse sports betting offerings. 

There are also differences among sports betting activity as a whole. Thus, on the basis of research carried out by the NCPG, it was found that UK-based bettors are much more actively wager on in-play events compared to the US sports betting enthusiasts: 75%-80% versus 40%-50%. 

Meanwhile, the British sports betting market is already abandoning practices that are just being introduced in the USA. It is worth noting that some American sports, such as basketball, baseball, and American football, also have a powerful cultural impact (through movies, music, etc.), which makes them more tempting for UK-based bettors. 

Also, considering the current level of technological development, it is not a problem to register at almost any NonGamStopBetting American online bookmaker for UK punters in a few clicks via any device. So, let us open all the features of betting on US sports now!

US Sports: What You Need To Know

Among US sports, there are many disciplines which become popular among sports enthusiasts as well as people who are far from sports. They are presented in mass culture, collect multi-thousand stadiums, and bring a hundred million in revenues. Among the most popular are the following

  • American football. The most popular sport based on audience analysis, with the world-known National Football League and Super Bowl Championship.
  • Basketball. Often, this sport is associated with the professional NBA league that is popular for eye-catching events like the All-Star Game, Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest, etc.
  • Baseball. This sport is the top choice among UK-based bettors, especially when it comes to games within the Major League Baseball (MLB).
  • Hockey. With a popular National Hockey League, hockey attracts millions of fans worldwide, including the UK.

Keep in mind that some of these sports have their own peculiarities in the US compared to the UK. As for American football, it is completely different from a soccer game that is played on an oval-shaped field with much more physical contact between players. Also, US basketball is more individual compared to the UK, with longer 3-point distance, other defensive rules, different court dimensions, etc.

Time Zone Challenge

If UK-based bettors decide to enjoy live betting on US sports disciplines, it is important to consider time zone differences. There are 3 simple tips which can help in this case:

  • Make a list of events since it mentally helps prepare for betting;
  • Create a betting plan where events are distributed based on their complexity; 
  • Develop so as not to fall into the trap of tempting odds offered.

To stay informed about upcoming events, it makes sense to follow the official sites of sports teams/leagues to check schedules and calendars. Also, it is helpful to set reminders using multiple apps, digital calendars, etc. 

Currently, you can get a lot of information about particular games on the social networks where corresponding teams develop their official communities. Also, modern betting apps provide users with all necessary info, including statistics, scores, and other data that is updated in real-time.

Betting Platforms and Accessibility

When choosing betting platforms, it’s best to focus on accessibility and other features most important for your preference. Usually, the loudest voices of the industry recommend considering licence, availability in your region, and high odds.

  • Legality issues. A platform must be operated legally under the relevant licence.
  • Banking options. Ensure the site offers secure payment processors without hidden fees. It is better when you can use local currency or exchange it directly on the site at an adequate rate.
  • Sports markets. The platform should offer various sports disciplines with multiple local and international events.
  • Betting options. Ensure you can choose among both traditional and prop bets within live and pre-match wagering.
  • Customer support service. In case of betting-related problems, you should be 100% confident that you can resolve any issue 24/7 via handy communication channels like live chat, e-mail, or phone.

Of course, the site must accept British bettors and does not set any limits/restrictions on users from UK jurisdiction.

US Odds and Betting Formats: Overview

While both American and UK odds formats display the same information, they represent it in different ways. This may be a problem for UK bettors unless the platform offers multiple formats. The American odds format is based on the $100 wager and uses “-” and “+” signs to show favourites and underdogs. 

For example, an underdog may have a +250, while a favourite features -250. So, if the odds are +110, a bettor gets $110 for every $100 wager placed. The UK odds format is fractional. For example, 4/1 means that you receive $4 for every $1 bet placed. And vice versa: if you bet on ¼, it means you receive $1 for every $4.

Strategies for Betting on US Sports

Here are several tips for successfully betting in US sports.

  • Understand the draft system since it directly impacts future team building (for example, in the NBA and NHL);
  • Explore the team’s performance during the toughest period of playoffs and postseasons;
  • Follow news about teams, including injuries of key players, roster changes, new contacts, etc.

Also, you should always keep an eye on the team’s/players’ statistics. It can give a big picture of their current conditions. There may be info about individual players' performance, the history of games between teams, the outcomes of recent games, and more. 

Always use only reputable and independent sources of information like Baseball Reference, ESPN, Sports Reference, and more.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

As mentioned above, the sports betting industry in Great Britain has come a long way compared to the American one and is characterised by a more regulated environment.

By registering at UK-based bookmakers, bettors can be sure that their rights are protected and that they do not have to worry about the protection of their sensitive data. The main body that regulates the industry is the UK Gambling Commission. It works based on the Gambling Act of 2005

In the US, this process has been more chaotic, especially after the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Now, every state must create a regulatory framework where all the rights and prohibitions are written down. It often leads to confusion and incorrect interpretations. More problems bring differences in fees.

For example, in Arizona, there is an 8% fee on retail and a 10% fee on online betting, while in California, there are no taxes at all. Currently, the sport of begging is legal in 30 states, including Ohio, Kentucky, New York, and Massachusetts.

Conclusion

Both UK and US sports betting markets are among the biggest in the world. Compared to the UK, the US sports betting market differentiates regarding rules in the same disciplines (for example, basketball or esports betting with its privacy), odds formats, and more. 

All these make US sports interesting for bettors from the United Kingdom. Also, there are differences in the regulation of this industry. While the British sports betting industry has come a long way and has already developed a strong regulatory framework, each state in America must independently regulate this industry. 

On the one hand, it brings confusion for both operators and bettors. On the other hand, it provides potential opportunities for each regulatory body to adjust laws to the region's peculiarities and the betting community's requests.

35. Charlie McAvoy

From Long Island by way of Boston University, Defenseman Charlie McAvoy did not have to travel far to join the team that drafted him, the Boston Bruins, who used their 14th Overall Pick in 2017.

McAvoy had a very good start to his professional career, finishing fifth in Calder voting off of a 32 Point year.  The physical blueliner wasted no time proving that he was the team’s top Defenseman and in 2019/20, he began a three-year streak of top ten Norris finishes, with a fourth-place tally and a Second Team All-Star in 2021/22.  Going into this season, McAvoy has a three-year run of at least 45 Point years, and is very much in his prime.

We could have a top 20 Bruin in Charlie McAvoy.

A ten-year veteran and a Stanley Cup Champion with Tampa Bay Lightning the year before he signed a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks, Kevin Shattenkirk brought the Ducks exactly what they signed him for, veteran leadership and defensive depth.

In the three seasons he played in SoCal, Shattenkirk scored 77 Points, with his best being the second year, where he had 35 Points.  He left for the Boston Bruins in 2023.