Depending on where you are in the world, certain sports will be incredibly popular, whereas others are barely acknowledged and hardly watched. This can be down to a multitude of factors, such as if a particular sport is taught at schools, if the sport has a thriving, successful or wealthy league in a particular nation, or if there is a particular star player from that country, who is so popular that people who never previously watched that sport decide to start tuning in, just to lend their support to their famous star.
For instance, in the world of Formula 1, it is likely that the people of the Netherlands never paid much attention to the sport for great periods of time. There wasn’t a race held there, and while there were odd seasons when a Dutch driver was participating, it never seemed to be for more than a season at a time. This all changed in 2015 when Max Verstappen entered the sport and was soon driving for one of the top teams, Red Bull. In addition, for the first time in 36 years, a race was held in the Netherlands this year, with Verstappen thankfully winning it with relative ease, which lead to the crowd going absolutely wild for him.
Formula 1 is a very popular sport, with an estimated 87.4 million people watching each race in 2020. These numbers have certainly been increased since the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’ was first broadcast in 2019, as the show has introduced the sport to millions of people who would never previously have been interested in it. However, it is still not estimated to be in the top ten most popular sports in the world. Which sports do make it into this exclusive list? Read on to find out.
If you have ever travelled to the United States of America, you’d easily assume that because American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey are so popular there, that they must be all around the world. In fact, three of the four are relatively low down the list. American football is certainly the most popular sport in the U.S, with millions each week sitting down to watch the games, looking through their sports betting apps to find the best NFL picks for each game. But most of the viewers are located in North America, with not that many watching elsewhere in the world. In total, it is estimated around 425 million people regularly watch American football.
Baseball is in eighth position (golf is in ninth) which may come as a surprise to many. It is hugely popular in the US, but also parts of Central America, and most importantly Japan. In total, around 510 million people would call themselves fans of the sport.
Basketball is in seventh. Another sport popular in the U.S., it also attracts fans and viewers in parts of Eastern Europe and the Pacific.
Seeing Table Tennis in sixth and Volleyball in fifth will certainly come as a surprise to many people. Table Tennis picks up a lot of its viewers in Asia, specifically China, which makes sense given some of the most famous table tennis players come from there.
Volleyball is estimated to have 900 million followers, and spread evenly around the world, in places such as Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia.
Tennis places in fourth, with around 1 billion fans worldwide. Considering major events are held in North America, Europe and Oceania, it makes sense that there is a split across these continents for where the bulk of tennis fans are from.
We were very surprised to see hockey quite so high in fourth place, even if it encompasses both field hockey and ice hockey. It certainly appeals to a wide range of people, with an approximate 2.2 billion people tuning in in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia.
For readers outside of Europe, Oceania or parts of Asia, you will be surprised to see Cricket quite so high on the list. It cannot be overstated just how popular the sport is. Yes, many people watch it in England, Australia and New Zealand, but the majority of fans come from Asia, specifically Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The people of India adore the sport, with the players worshipped like they are gods. The captain of the men’s cricket team, Virat Kolhi, has 150 million Instagram followers, which truly emphasises just how popular Cricket is.
Out on top is soccer. According to some statistics, there are nearly 4 billion fans across the globe, which is more than half of the world population. It is played in every country, doesn’t require much equipment, and is very easy to watch on television. Therefore, it is no surprise to see it at number one.
Let’s face it, we all know why we tune in to the Super Bowl. We tune in for the action on the pitch, and to see if the NFL Super Bowl odds are true for the match in question. We watch for the exhilarating, edge of your seat excitement that comes with figuring out who will hit the next touchdown, and for the sigh of relief and ecstasy that we get at the end of the game when our favorite team wins that Super Bowl Championship trophy.
Of course, there are a lot of things to love about football beyond just the game itself. We get the chance to enjoy the companionship of friends and family as we watch the action unfold - it’s even a ritual TV watching experience for many. But there’s another reason why we often watch the Super Bowl. That’s right - it’s for the Halftime shows.
The half time shows in the Super Bowl are often something to really sing and dance about. They often feature big names and fantastic performances to remember, making each year a unique one. In order to illustrate our point, we’ve written this list of the 10 best star performances from Super Bowl halftime shows. Why not watch some of them back while you read? We’re sure you won’t regret it!
Going way back to the 90’s to 1993, we have the acclaimed performance from the King of Pop Himself - Michael Jackson! This performance was truly spectacular and something to remember, featuring Jackson starting the show on two jumbotrons with a few body doubles. He sang a few crowd pleasers, including Jam, Billie Jean, and Black or White. We even got a treat watching his famous moonwalk! The show ended with a gorgeous performance of Heal the World alongside Los Angeles children.
2. Madonna – 2012
Before she released her big MDNA album in 2012, pop icon Madonna made her way onto the Super Bowl halftime show with a breathtaking 12 minute long performance. In the performance, guest stars were included - such as LMFAO, M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj. Cee Lo Green even got in on the action! A few big highlights included renditions of Vogue, Party Rock Anthem/ Sexy and I Know It, Like a Prayer and more. We especially enjoyed watching the performance, since it was so aesthetically pleasing with unique costumes.
3. Justin Timberlake - 2018
Who doesn’t like a bit of Justin Timberlake? Everyone loved his performance in 2018, and it was certainly a huge improvement from a situation with Janet Jackson 14 years earlier. He certainly redeemed himself in this 2018 show. In the show, Timberlake chose to sing some songs from his new album at the time, entitled Man of the Woods.
4. Lady Gaga – 2017
If you wanted an eccentric Super Bowl Halftime show, you were most certainly going to get one with Lady Gaga. It was truly a sight to behold. Gaga graced us all with a fantastic show with hits such as Born This Way and an arrangement of the anthem, Star Spangled Banner. She also sang a few fan favorite songs like Poker Face and Telephone. At the end, she jumped off the stage and caught a glitter covered football as the sky lit up with gorgeous fireworks.
5. Katy Perry – 2015
2015 brought with it a pop princess and… Sharks? This quirky performance was pretty exciting, with the titular artist riding onto the stage on a massive metallic lion. She delighted fans with a few hits including I Kissed a Girl, Roar and more. A massive 118.5 million people tuned in to watch, which at this point made it the single most watched halftime show in history. This record has since been beaten, but it’s an impressive feat nonetheless.
6 . Beyonce - 2013
People had been wanting a Beyonce performance in the Super Bowl for many years, and they finally got it in 2013. She was even joined on the stage by Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland and they sang some Destiny’s Child favorites. The costumes were wonderful, the performance was spectacular - it was basically the performance of any super bowl fan’s dreams. We certainly love to see it!
7. Beyonce, Coldplay and Bruno Mars – 2016
Of course, that wouldn’t be the only time that Beyonce performed in the Super Bowl either. We were also delighted to see her make her way onto the stage with Coldplay and Bruno Mars in 2016. The audience participation here was fantastic, with fans holding up cards in various colors to create sunset colors before Coldplay began singing Viva La Vida. The show had energy, spunk and intrigue that fans went wild for, accumulating in a combined performance at the end from the three artists.
8. Shakira and J-Lo – 2020
What better duo than Shakira and Jennifer Lopez for the 2020 54th Super Bowl? This performance consisted of a few great Shakira hits like She Wolf, Whenever, Wherever and More. J-Lo, on the other hand, sang Jenny from the Block, Get It Right, On The Floor and other hits. For the final performance, they sang together. It was great to watch!
9. Prince - 2007
The first instance of rain in the Super Bowl came in 2007 with the Prince performance. It was a wonderful performance, including many great songs like Let’s Go Crazy, and covers of The Best of You from The Foo Fighters.
10. Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney was a great choice for a half time performance as a former Beatle, and he certainly did not disappoint! He sang a few major hits like Drive My Car, Live and Let Die and for the finale, a stunning rendition of Hey Jude. It was most certainly one that Super Bowl fans would not soon regret in the many years to come.
We’ve had many performances through the years, but these are just some of the best. We’re certainly excited to see what the 2021 Super Bowl brings!
Sports betting platforms in North America are surging in popularity. However, that’s not the most interesting thing about the industry. The most intriguing aspect is the relationship between sports gambling and online casinos.
When you land on a website that offers sportsbooks, you more than likely find online casino services too. This applies to Canada and the US, where applicable, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. Everyone is used to this by now, but you may not know why the connection exists. In that case, please read the following.
The two markets are part of the same industry, so there is some inevitable crossover. Research shows that people who like to wager, in general, are more likely to try other verticals. For example, older people prefer less complicated wagering related activities, which can be sportsbooks or bingo and slot machines.
This doesn’t mean they are the same, though. Indeed, sports betting leaves gaps that users want filled to maintain a high level of customer service. A brilliant example is the sporting calendar because most matches happen once a week. When there aren’t soccer or ice hockey matches to consume, digital casino offerings are fantastic alternatives. Super Seven points out that online slots are synonymous with online casinos because they are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, which is essential if you like to wager regularly. You can visit the site to see the full selectionand witness this yourself. In simple, they plug the gap during the in-between period of sports fixtures.
What this shows is that operators can enhance the user experience by making sure there are accessible activities when the primary ones aren’t convenient.
Regardless of why people wager on sportsbooks and online casinos, there’s no doubt that the potential for both markets in North America is incredibly lucrative. This is visible through the investment sector, especially exchange-traded funds. ETF operators are backing the industries heavily.
In 2021, the players that are doubling down are now the funds that are experiencing an almost 100% rise in revenues from June 2020. Of course, this pumps more money into the industries and makes them very lucrative on several fronts. Once this is the case, it’s a no-brainer for the main brands to incorporate different verticals on their websites and mobile applications.
As the sectors open up across North America, particularly in the United States, it’s hard to see how the trend won’t continue upwards.
The novelty factor can wear off, regardless of the activity and how much you love it. It’s a universal experience, yet it tends to happen among men more than women. Seeing as males spend more money on wagering, it makes sense that operators take action to negate the impact.
Online casinos do this by providing a vertical that shares similarities, but one that has separate elements. As a result, the casino services are appealing to sports betting fans, which is partly why the size of the global gambling market is over $2200 billion.
Online casino offerings help to maintain the customer experience, and that’s why you see the tabs when you land on sports betting operators’ sites and apps.
The next time you place a wager on a sportsbook market, please keep these factors in mind. They may transform the way you consume gambling activities.
We are looking at college football to answer the question of which state does it better. Although players come from all over the country (and sometimes all around the world), it's the colleges that bring the talent!
This isn’t about which team produces the best scores, but which states create the best football players. It's these players who make Super Bowl winners and let’s be honest, that’s the real goal!
We will dive into current and historical legends to show which state can produce the most outstanding players!
Texas is filled with talents! Their “go big or go home” motto is so strong that losing is not an option. Although other states might have produced more elite players, the amount of talent that has come from Texas is too large to ignore!
Teas has produced 53 of the top 100 players since 2014. They churn out stars like it’s nobody’s business!
The defensive tackler Ed Oliver won the Outland Trophy as just a sophomore, and it wasn’t long into his college career that he told the world he was joining the NFL.
Baker Mayfield may have played for Oklahoma, but he was born and raised in Texas and is considered one of their own. The same with Kyler Murray!
If you look into many of the college states' history around the country, a lot of their talented players grew up in Texas and followed their high school’s education to earn their skills. Players like Rodney Anderson, who played for Oklahoma, Chase Young who played for Ohio State, and Ben Baogu who played for TCU. All of this talent was brewed in Texas!
20 of the top-tier players you see at the NFL all come from Florida. That's an astonishing number that is only rivaled by Texas. Florida’s talents come not just from their college teams but also from their IMG Academy, which has projects all over the country. As they are all run by Florida, we are taking their numbers as part of the Sunshine State!
Just like with Texas, some of the best Florida players no longer play for their hometown, but that doesn’t take away from their homebrewed history. Playing for Ohio State, Nick Bosa is just as talented as Joey Bosa, both of whom are big names in their home state. Devin Singletary is undoubtedly the best Group Five player. Marquise Brown is one the fastest players in the sport!
Some of you might be wondering why Florida isn’t in the number one spot when players like Mitch Hyatt and Zack Moss come from the sunshine state, and although these players are outstanding, we are looking at the state that produces the best all-rounders.
California has created star after star after star! In 2015, their run of single-handed best players was at breaking point, developing two fantastic players (Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold) who plowed straight to the NFL without continuing their senior season of college football!
Very few players get this privilege, which is why they are so good and why California isn’t higher up the list. Still, their 2015 run wasn’t a fluke as the state has produced 52 high-ranking players since 2014, which is a number that anyone should be proud of.
Jake Browning is one of California’s prolific players, and that title will stay with him for years to come. Double up with Khalil Tate; these boys are double threats for signal-callers.
California creates a wave of team players who make support offenses. Just take a look at the big names like Greg Gaines, Collin Johnson, and Bobby Okereke.
A lot of household names have come from Georgia, including Bradley Chubb, Roquan Smith, and Nick Chubb. These A-class players are just a few names that the state has in their arsenal, which is more than enough to make them a top contender in our list of the best football player creators.
Since 2014 Georgia has produced 46 top 100 players, and 4 of them have become national stars.
Mississippi has become a great lover of Georgia and has collected players like Nick Fitzgerald and Montez Sweat, who are both raised on Georgia soil. Oklahoma had the same thought when they bagged Trey Sermon, who became an incredible player to watch. California even grabbed the Georgian favorite Demetris Robertson, who has become a top receiver in his own right!
Although the years have shown that talent comes in spurts, Georgia can and does produce amazing talent to share across the country!
North Carolina hasn’t produced a fantastic set of players in some time, but they do have a solid collection of steady and reliable sorts.
As a whole, North Carolina has only produced 6 top 100 players since 2014, but all of these players have been amazing across the country. Throughout the list so far, we have looked at the number of top players and not the players individually, but North Carolina needs to have a mention due to Bryce Love and Will Gier. Love was a Heisman Trophy runner-up and ran 2,118 yards in a season. He’s a world-class player who has brought North Carolina a ton of pride.
Will Gier has traveled around the country as every team wants him with them. He is a reliable and strong-willed offense who will hopefully encourage other North Carolinians to join in with his mentality.
Of course, we cannot ignore the likes of Dexter Lawrence, who is a powerhouse!
Playing games is something that many of us did as children, so for adults, it can often bring up nostalgia and happy memories. Many adults are happy to participate in games now, as they are a great way to spend your leisure time and there are tons of different games available that are suitable for all ages. Whether you are burned out from working too often and never having any fun, or simply want to try something new for entertainment and winding down in your life, there are tons of different games to play with something to suit everybody. In addition to being a great way to spend your free time, many games also provide an excellent and easy opportunity to meet new people since people of different ages can play together and join different communities. Here are just some of the main ways that you can benefit from playing games.
There have been several studies to suggest that playing online games can be an ideal way to reduce stress and anxiety. Playing a poker tournament, for example, gives you something that you can focus on rather than thinking about whatever is stressing you out at the time. It gives you a break from your stressors and provides a distraction when you need it the most. In fact, one study found that people with severe anxiety or PTSD might even be able to avoid the symptoms of a panic attack by turning their attention to a game when they feel one coming on. Online casino games that involve strategy like blackjack or poker can help give you a sense of control and provide you with an outlet to channel that stress when you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed. Check out https://www.onlinecasinos.co.uk to find out more about the different online casino games available and where you can play them. Online Casinos offers a lot of information on the best casino sites and apps to play at in the UK, including details about security, reputation, games, bonuses, payment methods and more to help you choose one that will work well for you.
Some games are ideal for helping you get up and get moving even when you don’t feel like working out. Going to the gym can sometimes be boring and sometimes you might need something a little bit more fun and interactive to encourage you to move your body and get some exercise. The good news is that there are plenty of games to help with this. Pokémon Go is a popular game not only with fans of the Pokémon franchise, but also among those who enjoy the fact that this game gets them outside and walking around as they try to catch all the Pokémon in their local area. If you want to stay at home, there are plenty of games and consoles that you can use to take part in active sports games or virtual reality games where you’ll need to get up and move your body to win.
Many studies have found that playing certain games can actually help to improve cognitive function in people of all ages. This can often be especially useful for older adults who may be suffering from the natural cognitive decline that comes with age. Strategy games are especially useful for brain training, whether you are playing card games, Tetris, Sudoku, or any other games that get you thinking. Bingo, a popular game where players need to look out for certain numbers being called out to fill up a line or card and win, has been shown to have lots of cognitive function benefits – perhaps one of the main reasons why it’s often seen as a game that older people love to play.
Lacking in a social life can have many negative impacts on your health as a whole, but especially your mental health. Even if you would describe yourself as quite an introverted person, people are naturally wired for connection and we all need some kind of a social life in order to survive. Loneliness can often be one of the biggest causes of depression and it can sometimes make the symptoms of other mental health concerns, such as social anxiety, even worse to deal with. On the other hand, spending more time with like-minded people has been proven to improve our mental and physical health in many different ways. Gaming is a great way to spend time with others, and is especially good for introverts or people with social anxiety who might not feel comfortable going out to meet other people in person, and prefer the option of being able to socialise and make new friends through games online.
The idea of sitting too close to the TV or computer monitor negatively affecting your health is something that has been around for a while. You might remember your parents telling you that you’d ‘get square eyes’ if you watched too much TV. The good news is that, today, when playing the majority of video games, you do not need to get that close to the screen. Even when playing on a smartphone, the screens are larger and easier to see. Studies have found that computer gaming can actually improve your vision by forcing you to look for details on the screen and notice different colours.
Playing games isn’t just a fun pastime – it can also have plenty of benefits for your mental and physical health.
No one can deny that Football is probably the most loved sport in the US. We all love watching it, betting on it, and keeping up to date on how our favorite pro football players are doing. However, some superstars and much loved celebs have had a career in Pro Football at one time or another, and who can blame them, who doesn’t want to have a chance on the field.
As much as it is a very loved sport, this sport is also probably the heaviest bet on sport in America, which means it is a big buck game, with fantastic sites like www.fanduel.com giving you all you need to win some cash on the next big game. You can place bets on who will win, by how much, and you can even bet on more player specific factors.
The real question is, how many of today’s stars had a football career?
You may know this man from the popular reality television series ‘Duck Dynasty’. However, while he was in high school, he had the opportunity to attend Louisiana Tech in Ruston as a quarterback on a Football scholarship in the late 60s. He played the first-string quarterback for the Bulldogs, ahead of Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. He was considered to be a top prospect for the NFL, but instead he chose to follow his true passion, hunting.
You may know his man for his famous performance as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS. However, he is also the son of the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tom Harmon. His father was the first overall selection by the Chicago Bears in the 41 draft. He declined their offer and instead played for the New York Americans in the American Football League.
Mark followed in the footsteps of his father when he was in college, where he played the same position for UCLA for about two years. In 73, he received the National Football Foundation's Award for All-Around Excellence. However, when graduated, he pursued a career in law and then became a very successful actor.
Ed is best known for his role as the main character on ‘Married… with Children’. He earned two Golden Globe nominations for this sitcom alone, and many fans will also remember his role as Jay Pritchett in ‘Modern Family’.
However, before he became an actor, he attended Ursuline High School and earned a football scholarship at Ohio University, he then earned an invitation to the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp in 69. Yet, he didn’t make the cut.
Terry is well known for his role in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ as well as some commercials. He earned an Art Excellence scholarship, followed by a full-ride athletic scholarship as a footballer at Western Michigan University. He played a major role in his team, WMU Broncos, Mid-American Conference Championship victory in 88. Furthermore, he also signed with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 91.
Before Dwayne made his title as a real Hollywood superstar, he was crushing on the gridiron for the Miami Hurricanes. He played on the defensive line and was part of the 91 squad that won the national title- a team that also included the future Pro Football Hall of Fame player Warren Sapp.
He did not get drafted into the NFL, and he spent some time with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. He leveraged the experience in his HBO series ‘Ballers’ in which he portrayed a star NFL player transitioning into a financial management career.
Of course, ‘The Rock’ was also known for being one of WWE’s biggest starts. Football was not his only sporting stardom prior to his acting career.
Burt Reynolds became a big movie star, however, things would be very different if he stuck to his first career- football. He was first team all-state at Palm Beach high school, and he went on to play running back at Florida State. He was injured during his freshman year and was then later in a car accident that aggravated this injury, which ended any chance for him to have a football future. He finished his time with the Seminoles with just 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, however, he still has a spot in the Florida State Hall of Fame. He later got a chance to combine his acting passions with his football passions in ‘The Longest Yard’.
The Preakness Stakes is one of the three legs of the Triple Crown Series. It is dubbed as the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans". Only 14 horses can compete in the Preakness, and their previous race results determine their eligibility.
The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans has featured the fastest and strongest horses of their generation. That’s why many bet the preakness stakes online along with the other legs in the Triple Crown Series. Unfortunately, at the same time, it has exhibited the most disappointing upsets in its history. In case you’ve missed them, here's the list of the saddest upsets in Preakness Stakes.
Menifee finished second in the Kentucky Derby, barely a neck behind the champion Charismatic. But, he had a lot of support in the 1999 Preakness Stakes, where he was sent out as the morning line favorite at 2–1 in a field of 13 colts and one filly.
Charismatic won by one and a half lengths beating Menifee, who finished second. The race was completed in 1:55.32 on a fast track. Cat Thief and Vicar claimed the lead early in the race, while Menifee fell into mid-pack at eighth and Charismatic trailed in tenth. Charismatic won by 1 1/2 lengths after making a move on the outside around the second turn. Menifee finished second in the Preakness Stakes.
On the betting odds, Charismatic was the fourth option. However, the race outcome has proved that the window favorites aren't always favored in the track. Charismatic defeated Menifee two consecutive times.
In Preakness 2000, Red Bullet, ridden by Jerry Bailey, won by three and three-quarter lengths over Fusaichi Pegasus, who finished second. Fusaichi Pegasus won in 2:01.12 for the 1 14 mile race in Kentucky.
Red Bullet was listed at Pimlico Race Course as the second choice in the 1 3/16 miles classic in Pimlico. Red Bullet, who started from the fourth position, had a slow start in the race. Having passed the stands in seventh place 6 1/2 lengths behind in the field of eight, jockey Jerry Bailey restrained his horse. Red Bullet took an unfortunate stride into the clubhouse turn. He made his way forward and passed Impeachment and Captain Steve on the backstretch.
Fusaichi Pegasus and High Yield were in front when Red Bullet entered the far turn and succeeded in overtaking each of them. Then, with each stride, he started to ace ahead of the Kentucky Derby champion.
Fusaichi Pegasus skipped the Belmont Stakes after his loss in the Preakness.
The Kentucky Derby 2006 was won by Barbaro. He went on to compete in the Preakness Stakes at odds of 1-2. The Kentucky Derby hero then faltered and slid behind the storming field before being yanked in frustration by jockey Edgar Prado in the first 200 yards of the race to the first turn.
Barbaro, the 1-2 favorite in a field of nine, crashed through the starting gate moments before the race was scheduled to begin. He was driven back into the gate, and the second try went off without a hitch. But, with the horse limping in distress, jockey Edgar Prado pulled Barbaro midway along the front stretch of the 1 3/16-mile race.
On January 29, 2007, Barbaro was euthanized after his vets concluded that he could not be saved.
Bernardini, a 12-1 underdog, won by 5 1/4 lengths in 1:54.65 over the 1 3/16 mile course at Pimlico. Unfortunately, Bernardini didn't participate in the Belmont Stakes. It's the fourth time in 60 years that neither the Kentucky Derby winner nor the Preakness heroes were in the race.
Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner, finished second in the Preakness Stakes in 2011. The Kentucky Derby hero, favored at 2-1, recovered from last to second in the field of 14 horses, finishing second in 1:56.47 as the winner completed the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:56.47.
Shackleford fought for the lead in the Preakness from the start. He followed Flashpoint at first, then took the lead and wouldn't give it up, despite a strong surge by Animal Kingdom.
Orb arrived as the Kentucky Derby favorite in 2013. Orb had become the center of attention ever since he won the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby champion Orb started the first period in the center of the pack behind leader Oxbow, then moved to the outside and began making a run before being caught back in the pack and finished fourth.
Oxbow led from the start of the 1-3/16 mile race and became the first wire-to-wire champion since 1982. Additionally, he was the third horse to collect $1 million in purse money after finishing second at Belmont Stakes. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) recognized him as the top three-year-old racehorse in the United States.
The Preakness Stakes is a prestigious race that jockeys and thoroughbreds aspire to win at least once in their careers. While this race has showcased the strongest heroes, it has also featured some of the most dramatic upsets fans will never forget.
Staying entertained is part of leading a happy life, and it relaxes us when enjoying our spare time. The good news is that the modern world and the tech in it now give us more ways to do this than ever! While chatting on social media and streaming the latest movies are great fun, many people like to head online to play casino games and bet on sports. While both these things were not legal in most US states until relatively recently, many now legally allow people within their borders to enjoy them.
New Jersey is an excellent example of this and was a real trailblazer for online casino gaming and sports betting in the USA. In terms of online casino games, the state has many fully legal internet casinos to play at now. Just be sure to check out the Oddsseeker.com website first to find the best ones with the coolest games around. This casino comparison site will also show you the best NJ online casino free money sites to sign up with.
In the same way that people have always loved to play casino games, sports are also something that many of us cannot live without. Whether you follow basketball, baseball, or football, this is true! As well as simply watching sports, many people also like to bet on them. This has seen the sports betting sector in both the USA and the world grow hugely in the last few years.
But why do fans love to wager on sporting events?
Why is betting on sports so popular?
For those who do not get involved with sports betting, it can often be puzzling as to why people bet on sports. Of course, for dedicated sports fans, this is much easier to understand! Betting on sports allows you to get closer to the action and to feel closer to the teams you back. It also makes watching sports more exciting because you are personally invested in what is happening.
The simple truth is that people like betting on sports to win money. Although you should always gamble responsibly, this is undoubtedly one thing that individuals find appealing. The other primary reason why sports betting is so popular lies in the sheer number of ways to bet and markets to bet on. The range of choices keeps it exciting and prevents it from getting boring.
One increasingly popular way to wager on races or games is known as in-play betting. This is where bettors place wagers as the action happens in real-time. But what are the pros and cons of this way of betting on sports?
In-play sports betting – what are the pros?
As noted above, there are many ways you can choose to bet on sports. So, why do many opt for in-play betting? There are several pros which this way of getting closer to games offers.
Firstly, this type of betting will usually offer the chance to cash out when play is taking place. That allows you to close a winning bet manually and bank any profit – even if the game is still playing or a race is still running. This can help you profit in the long term by taking home winnings when they are on offer and not losing them due to something happening later to scupper your bet. If you back the underdog to win in a soccer game and they score first, cashing out then means you make money even if the other side comes back to beat them.
In-play betting is also great for making more informed bets on sports. Even with all the best research in the world, placing a bet before the action starts is always a risk. What if the side you back in football contains a player rated as one of the 50 best NFL players by franchise, but they get injured early on? What if a jockey’s mistake causes your horse to lose the race?
In-play betting allows you to see how the action unfolds and means you can put on a bet from this position of knowledge. It also allows you the flexibility to change strategies as events unfold. In addition to this, in-play betting is simply great fun and offers faster-paced excitement than betting beforehand.
What are the cons of betting in-play?
For some sports fans, the fast-paced nature of betting as the action unfolds is too frenetic. If that is the case, it can be a more stressful way to bet. You also must factor in that odds for in-play bets are constantly changing – from shortening to lengthening out. This can sometimes mean you are not quick enough to place your bet and miss out on the odds you want before they change. For this reason, having a speedy internet connection is a must for in-play wagering.
The changing nature of in-play odds can also see you worse off if you get on the wrong side of the action, compared to placing bets beforehand. A side in the NFL might be showing good value odds to win, but they could drop instantly in-play if they take the lead with only a few minutes left. As a result, you could end up backing the side at worse odds to win than if you put your bet on beforehand. You may also find that fewer games are available to bet in-play and you get so caught up in betting that you do not focus on the action as usual.
In-play betting is one option to consider
For anyone new to betting on sports, it is vital to consider how you will bet and which markets you will bet on. This will then dictate which strategy you will use in your betting and how you will approach it. In-play betting is a fast-growing way of wagering on sports and has lots to recommend it. As with anything in life, there are a few cons too! With this in mind, it is crucial to understand it before diving in fully.
Of all the US states that have legalized sports betting since the Supreme Court decision of 2018, few have endured as wild a ride as Illinois.
Lawmakers in the state officially approved sports betting back in 2019. By March 2020, physical sportsbooks were open for business, taking bets on the NCAA Tournament, which seemed like an ideal time to launch a betting sector. In a normal year, it would have been. However, 2020 was not a normal year and the fledgling Illinois sports betting sector soon suffered the same fate as other leisure sectors throughout the US.
One problem that was particular to Illinois was the 18-month in-person registration requirement for mobile betting. This required betting fans to register with physical sportsbooks before they could use mobile apps. Fortunately, this was suspended for most of the second half of 2020 and although it has beenreinstated, many Illinois sports fans are now able to bet using their mobiles.
DraftKings
DraftKings established itself thanks to the rise of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) during the 2010s and has been one of the first operators to embrace sports betting, launching its New Jersey platform just three months after the Supreme Court decision.
WSN.com reports that the sportsbook set up operations in Illinois on August 5, 2020, through a partnership with the Casino Queen casino venue. Since then, it has been gaining popularity among sports betting fans thanks to an app that offers competitive promotions such as daily odds boosts and deposit bonuses, all packaged in a sleek and user-friendly design.
William Hill
One of the oldest names in the betting business, with a brand that dates back to 1934, William Hill entered the Illinois market thanks to a deal with the Grand Victoria Casino. Despite being one of the later entrants to the state, it has made significant inroads with Illinois sports bettors.
The William Hill brand needs little introduction, but they are notable for having updated their betting model to adapt to the modern online market, producing an easy to use betting app that is clear and free of clutter, and offering access to an impressive variety of betting markets, including a strong live betting section and access to stats and data to help bettors plan their wagers.
FanDuel
FanDuel is the main rival to DraftKings in the DFS sector and has taken a similarly proactive approach to getting a piece of the sports betting market. It was able to gain a foothold in Illinois through an arrangement with the Par-A-Dice Casino and has developed a strong following.
The FanDuel sportsbook is one of the most aesthetically pleasing betting platforms available to Illinois customers. The platform provides an easy-to-use navigation system and an impressive welcome bonus. A great site forfootball fans and newcomers, FanDuel’s app has certainly caught on with Illinois fans.
BetRivers
Powered by betting industry titan Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers has the distinction of being the first Illinois sportsbook to go live, launching on June 18, 2020, following the Rush Street Rivers Casino Des Plaines being the first retail betting location to go live, on March 9, 2020.
The BetRivers app provides a handy $250 first deposit match for new customers. The app has been successfully deployed in a number of other states, notably in the thriving betting markets of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While not as flashy as the mobile platforms produced by some of its rivals, this app provides a solid and reliable sports betting platform.
PointsBet
PointsBet, which was founded in Australia in 2017, doesn’t have the highest profile among the US sports betting fraternity, but that is changing. The company was relatively unknown when it entered the New Jersey market, but it soon proved to be extremely popular and has been able to extend its brand to Illinois, thanks to a deal with Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero.
PointsBet have been able to earn a strong reputation with Illinois sports betting customers thanks to their excellent marketing, which includes a range of promotions, including bad beat refunds, odds boosts and other user-friendly deals.
This app is also popular thanks to the innovative PointsBetting system. This offers bettors the chance to risk and win more on a bet, based on the extent to which their selection wins or loses, combining traditional sports betting with some of the strengths of spread betting.
Summary
Illinois is one of the most significant sports betting states in the US and is well served by a number of top sports betting apps, giving bettors a wide and varied selection of wagering platforms.
There have been some incredible franchises over the years. The Pittsburgh Steelers were the most successful team in history, the Green Bay Packers swapped one Hall of Fame quarterback for another, and the New England Patriots were hated across the country.
Success breeds jealousy, but it also encourages head coaches and players to up their expectations. The Kansas City Chiefs are the franchise that has stepped up to the plate in the last five years due to their incredible performances. They have been so good that they are now the NFL’s next ruling dynasty and may sit on the throne for decades.
Like all the great locker rooms, Kansas City has no desire to ease off the throttle and lose momentum. Sure, the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay, yet you can be sure they’ll try and rewrite that mistake this time out. The American football odds already rank them as the +450 favorites ahead of the Buccaneers at +700.
When you look at what Andy Reid’s men have achieved since 2016, it’s an inevitable conclusion. The Chiefs added a fifth consecutive AFC West title in 2020, around six weeks before losing out in Super Bowl LV. The season before, Patrick Mahomes famously led a revival to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 and claim Super Bowl LIV.
Add the 2019 AFC Championship game to that and it’s clear that Kansas City has the drive to challenge for honors for the foreseeable future. Recent history proves it beyond doubt.
What makes the Chiefs a fantastic football team is the people they have in the most important places of the franchise. NFL franchises always need to be loaded in offense and defense, as Green Bay highlighted last term, and patient owners are always welcome. However, the key positions are head coach and QB.
In Kansas City and the entire state, supporters look at the two men and see greatness. Andy Reid is already a Hall of Famer in everyone’s eyes, even if the NFL hasn’t made it official yet. Mahomes, on the other hand, has transcended the quarterback position with his incredibly powerful arm and ability to hit moving targets on the run.
Of course, Mahomes is a legacy quarterback with a full career at his mercy. However, Reid is only 63 and may easily have another decade at the top level, health permitting. To put it into perspective, Mahomes is the +450 favorite for the MVP award, while Reid is +2200 to be the Coach of the Year.
Competition is what forces franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs to milk every ounce of talent out of the roster. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are legends of the game that lead the chasing pack, but it’s the host of young players that will ensure Reid and Mahomes keep their eyes on the ball.
The Buffalo Bills, who are +1100 third favorites for the Super Bowl title, have Josh Allen and will be contenders for years because of him. Lamar Jackson’s combination of throwing and rushing skills has the Ravens holding their breath this season, whereas Kyler Murray could transform the Arizona Cardinals’ fortunes.
These men are threats to the dominance of Patrick Mahomes, yet you can bet the Chiefs won’t shirk the responsibility. Instead, they’ll rise to the pressure and take on every contender that steps up to the plate.
The NFL has an array of excellent football teams, many of which can string together a Super Bowl-winning run. Overall, though, it’s the current Chiefs’ roster that appears as if it’ll go down in the annals of history.