From the Desk of the Chairman

Most athletes do their daily "work" just because they want to. Their profit is fitness and health, perhaps a small amount of fame in their own region and sometimes a little hand money.  But we all know that there is quite a small group of sports celebrities that earn a fortune with their talent. Their financial success is partially beyond belief. 

Martials arts pay off!

Let's have a look at the highest paid athletes of the world: Who has had the biggest salaries in 2021? The business magazine Forbes presents us a ranking that leaves the ordinary citizen amazed. Not only soccer players are included in this exclusive community, but also basketballers, footballers and MMA pros.  In fact, the first place is taken by the Irish martial artist Conor McGregor. He is the first martial arts fighter who leads the famous Forbes list since the ranking began in 1990. For his efforts McGregor in the past twelve months, he received 22 million US Dollars. But that's by far not all! From his advertising partners, among them the whisky brand Proper No. Twelve, 158 million US Dollars are added. That means the fighter earns 180 million Dollars per year. 

A story of earning of winning

In total, the top ten highest-paid athletes earned 1.05 billion Dollars in 2021. That is 28 percent more than in 2020. The good news for the average citizen is: You too can profit financially from professional sports – through sport betting. But forget about the millions and billions of the sport celebrities, because all bookmakers have fixed limits for payouts. Ranging approximately from 100,000 per week to 1.16 million per day, depending on your provider's country. On relevant betting sites like arabianbetting.com you can compare the individual portals and chose the one with the best conditions. For example, have a look at the best betting portals of the Middle East and North Africa, compare their bonus systems and gather a lot of useful tips from betting experts. Learn how to play anonymously – and get to your chosen platform within a few minutes. The German soccer player Max Kruse takes advantage of both opportunities: He earns his money at 1. FC Union Berlin – and is a part-time poker player. His live poker winnings currently amount to 133.313 US Dollar. 

The income of a superstar

Cristiano Ronaldo, a superstar among the soccer players, also lost his heart at the poker table. Not because he earns to little, no, just for the fun of it. Concerning his income, he just dethroned Messe as the highest-played soccer player of the world! Currently he is working at as an attacker for Manchester United. Here the Portuguese earns 70 US Dollars a year, just as he formerly did at Juventus Turin. Besides there are about 349 million people following him on Instagram. As one of the most successful influencers of the world, Ronaldo is requested by numerous companies as an advertising medium. His advertiser deals flush another 55 million Dollars into the till. That adds up to an annual income of 125 million Dollars. Not bad for a man who just kicks a ball across the green lawn!

The earnings of another superstar

Lionel Messi has to be satisfied with the 3^rd place of the Forbes ranking this year. The Argentine professional soccer player moved to Paris Saint-Germain and lost a bit of this income there. FC Barcelona payed him 97 million Dollars per year, the French transfer to him only 75 million Dollars, but he stays one of the best soccer players of all time. Numerous advertising partners literally stick to him, among them MasterCard, Pepsi and Adidas. That brings him an additional 35 million, so his income is about 110 million Dollars per year. Enough to have a relaxed lifestyle without worries about the future. 

Football is worthwhile, too

On the fourth place we meet the football player Dak Prescott, working for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. According to the Forbes ranking 2021, the famous quarterback was paid around 97,5 million Dollars last year. Plus, he had a 66-million-dollar signing bonus in this new four-year-contract, so it all adds up to more than 100 million dollars within twelve months.

The United States is a country that houses some of the biggest sports fan bases in the entire world. Americans are huge fans of sports, with over half of all Americans proclaiming to be passionate supporters of at least one sports team. The United States, in the over 200 years of its existence, has produced some of the most popular sports in the world, but what are the most popular sports in the country? 

American football

American football is one of the biggest sports in the country, and the National Football League is, by far, the biggest sports organization, being worth over 15 billion U.S. dollars. While Association football dominates the world of sports globally, in the United States, the undisputed king is American football. The sport is followed by over 40% of Americans, and college football is the most popular college sport, even exceeding the popularity of certain professional sports in the country.

American football is also the biggest betting sport in the United States, with betting shops and online betting sites reporting that their American user base is far more active during football season than any other sport’s season. If you are interested, have a look at the best sportsbooks, before you start out gambling.

Baseball

Often referred to as “America’s favorite pastime”, baseball is recognized as an American tradition, and one of the first sports created in the United States. It is not nearly as popular as American football and basketball, however, it is still one of the most popular American sports, and the MLB is the second most valuable sports organization in the United States, with an estimated worth of over ten billion dollars. The popularity of baseball, as well as the fact that it is the first sport created in the United States, has earned it the moniker “Godfather of American Sports”.

Basketball

Behind American football, Basketball is the most popular sport in the United States, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is the world’s biggest professional basketball league. The NBA is also the third biggest sports organization in the United States, with a value exceeding eight billion dollars. 

The sport is played on the professional and college level all around the country, and is becoming more and more popular with every year. Some of the biggest NBA teams in the States include the Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers, etc. 

Hockey

While not nearly as popular as it is among their northern neighbors, hockey (ice hockey specifically) is still massively popular in the United States, with the National Hockey League being the fourth biggest sports organization in the United States of America. The NHL is comprised of 32 teams, twenty-five of which are American and the remaining seven Canadian. 

The United States is one of the “big six” on the international hockey stage, among Canada, Finland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. These so-called “Big Six” are the six countries that dominate the international hockey scene.

The much anticipated Super Bowl LVI is just around the corner. As we countdown to the biggest event of the football season, fans, observers, and punters are all on the lookout for vital information regarding the event.

If you like to place bets on the Super Bowl, then 2022 Super Bowl Predictions will be of much help. Also, information from relevant sites and tipsters will aid you in making informed bets.

This article will provide those updates and details that should keep everyone abreast ahead of the big matchday.

What Is The Date, Location, And Venue For This Year's Super Bowl?

This year, the Super Bowl LVI will take place at the SoFi stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles. The Super Bowl LVI will be held on February 13, kick-off at 6:30 PM ET.

The game will have the Los Angeles Rams going up against the Cincinnati Bengals. It's a great encounter for the LA Rams as they will be hosting a Super Bowl match in their home stadium just like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did last year. 

Also, like the Buccaneers were crowned last year in their home stadium, the Rams will get an opportunity to repeat the same feat. That's if they defeat the Bengals, which is no easy task.

How Did Both Teams Make It To The Super Bowl?

The Los Angeles side earned the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs after concluding a 12-5 regular season and NFC West title. After that, the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-11, then the Buccaneers 30-27. Then, they made a stunning comeback from behind a 17-7 scoreline to beat the San Francisco 49ers at a final scoreline of 20-17 to make it to this year's Super Bowl.

The Cincinnati Bengals also earned the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs. They achieved this after recording a 10-7 win in the regular season and winning the AFC North title. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in the opening round 26-19, their first post-season win in 31 years.

Then they defeated the Tennessee Titans 19-16. After that, they also made an amazing comeback from behind a 21-3 lead to beat the Kansas City Chiefs at a final scoreline of 27-24 to qualify for the Super Bowl LVI.

What Stars Will Perform In The Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show?

As this year's Super Bowl will take place in Inglewood, Los Angeles, it's only fitting that it features three superstars who grew up nearby in the game's halftime show. These three superstars are no other persons than the Long Beach native, Snoop Dogg and Compton natives, Dr Dre, and Kendrick Lamar.

These three superstars will be gracing the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show with two other superstars; Eminem and Mary J. Blige. It'll be the first time these five stars will be performing together, and it'll happen on the improvised stage at the SoFi stadium. This show looks promising and could be one of the most interesting Super Bowl halftime shows in record history.

How To Watch The Super Bowl LVI

For one, you can head to the SoFi stadium to watch this year's Super Bowl. However, if you can't go to the stadium, you can watch the match on NBC, as the channel will be televising this year's Super Bowl. NBC will televise this match in the middle of another event – the Winter Olympics. The Super Bowl LVI is also available for live streaming on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and NBC sports app.

A Look Into The Betting Odds Of This Year's Super Bowl

Initially, the Los Angeles Rams were 3.5-point favorites to win over the Cincinnati Bengals with an over/under of 50 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. However, after about 12 hours of betting on the Super Bowl market spread, the market consensus has the LA Rams at a 4.5-point favorite and the over/under totals tickling down from the initial 50 points to as low as 48.5 points.

As for the outright winner odds, a popular market for casual Super Bowl bettors, the LA Rams had opening odds between -190 and -200 on the Moneyline. However, this went as low as about -185 after several hours. On the other hand, the Bengals Moneyline will be another popular bet option recreational bettors love to explore for a larger payout since they are betting on the underdog. The Bengals to win outright has been as big as +165.

Conclusion

From all indications, the Super Bowl LVI promises to be a fun-fest. Fans of both the LA Rams and the Bengals have been talking tough, as it should be. We wish all players and fans the best of luck in the season-ending event, and may the better team win!

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The Super Bowl is one of the most important events in the sports calendar. Here are the things to know as we countdown to the Super Bowl LVI.

Fans have always loved their teams, but how has the fan experience changed over the years? Let’s take a look. 

Supporting A Local Team

Sports are about more than what happens on the field; they’re closely intertwined with local pride, especially in some corners of the world. Local fans of the Boston Red Sox don’t just have an interest in their team because of their love for baseball; rather, it’s also a chance to show off their local pride. Indeed, sports teams with a solid local presence function as more than just another sports organization. They become pillars of the community, around which the local culture is based. In the past, this happened mostly because it wasn’t possible to support teams in other parts of the country or world due to the lack of information available.

Backing A Team to Win

The quality and professionalism of the action on the field have improved over the years. But some elements of the fan experience are the same today as they were in Roman times, two thousand years ago. The origins of gambling date back to the gladiator battles and chariot races held in those famous coliseums and, while we thankfully got rid of the bloody battles, the gambling stuck around. People will always want their teams to win for more reasons than just the initial glory. Sometimes they have a financial stake in it, sometimes it’s regional pride, and sometimes it’s because of how much they dislike the opposition.

Building A Life Around the Action

Is there a hobby that is as all-consuming as sports? People have various interests, but few can match the utter commitment and devotion that sports fans show. The time that fans dedicate to their teams extends far beyond the several hours on matchday. Indeed, the action that takes place at that time is just a springboard for the first half of the following week, when fans spend countless hours discussing the results and consuming related media. The second half of the working week is built around the upcoming game. And then the weekend itself is built around that game. Fans have always been highly passionate about their teams, so that’s something that hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s actually grown more consuming, thanks to the digital tools available.

Digital Tools 

Fans in the past consumed all the action and news they could get their hands on. The issue was that there wasn’t all that much to consume. These days, things are different. Thanks to the rise of the internet, there’s not a moment when fans can’t indulge in their passion in one way or another. They can listen to a sports podcast on their commute, watch highlight videos on their phones, and discuss their team on Twitter whenever they please.

Reduced Connection Between Players and Fans

The increasing amounts of money in professional sports have undoubtedly led to an increase in quality -- and, as a result, an improved fan experience. But they have also created a divide between the players and the fans. Sports stars have always been viewed as de facto gladiators but, in the past, they were sports stars among the general public, i.e., they would still take the bus to the game. The significant salaries that players now earn largely cut them off from the community. 

Global Appeal

We talked earlier about how fans support their local team but, in the olden days, if you didn’t have a local team, then you were more or less left out of the professional sporting experience. Thankfully, that’s not the case today. Due to digital multimedia, no matter where you live, you can follow a major sports team with just as much insight and passion as a local fan would. 

The Super Bowl LVI participants are set, and there are not too many who would have bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to face the Los Angeles Rams.  The Rams enter as a favorite, but that is perfectly fine for Cincinnati, who have overcome the odds to get to the big dance.

If you’re planning to place a bet on the Super Bowl, here is a guide with the 3 Easiest Super Bowl 56 bets anyone can make, that was created by the guys at Sports Betting Dime.

The Rams will have the luxury of playing in their home, SoFi Stadium, but this has been a post-season where the road teams have been dominant.  Los Angeles went all in at the start of the season, trading their Quarterback, Jared Goff, and a slew of First Round Picks to Detroit for Matthew Stafford.  The move was every bit the upgrade they hoped for, and it helped propel Wide Receiver, Cooper Kupp, to new single-season receiving records and a possible MVP.

Defensively, the Rams are led by Aaron Donald, the three-time Defensive MVP and future first ballot Hall of Famer.  It is a complete team coached by Sean McVay, who at 36 years of age, will appear in his second Super Bowl, a first for any Coach under 40. 

The Bengals have never won the Super Bowl, and are appearing in their third, the last coming 23 years ago in a loss to San Francisco.  Cincinnati first beat Las Vegas at home, and then upset the top seed Tennessee Titans and defending AFC Champion, Kansas City on the road to get here.

Led by Quarterback, Joe Burrow, the Bengals are riding on momentum and emotion, and while Burrow is only in his second season, he already has a pedigree of a champion.  Along with his teammate and current start Wide Receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, the duo won the National Championship at LSU two years ago, and the image of Burrow smoking a cigar after the victory is an iconic moment that Bengals fans hope to see repeated.

Both teams are capable of comebacks, as shown in each Conference Championship Games, so don’t let any halftime score make you think the game is over.

This is a fresh Super Bowl match, and we can’t wait to see how this will play out.

Super Bowl LVI will be on Sunday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. EST.

Fullbacks are one of many vital positions in any good NFL team. Without a good fullback, a team might as well not be playing! A fully qualified quarterback can considerably increase a team’s NFL odds

The fullback is often referred to as the ‘muscle’ of a team. Fullback players are often incredibly powerful and muscular, and, as such can easily cut through an opposing team’s defenses, able to push through even the toughest tackles. 

There have been many fullback players over the years for many different teams, but only a few have ever etched their names in the NFL hall of fame. Let’s take a look at 8 of the best! 

#1 - Jim Brown:

Jim Brown has long been hailed as one of the greatest fullbacks in the history of the NFL. Over the course of his very extensive career, he was able to carry the ball over 2,000 times and carried it over a cumulative distance of 104 yards. 

He has even performed an incredible 106 touchdowns, an incredible hallmark for any player! 

#2 - Joe Perry:

Having played in both the world-famous San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts, Joe Perry has had an incredible career over his tenure in the sport. He played from 1948 until 1963, which was his final year, earning him an impressive 15 years in the sport! 

Joe Perry boasted an incredible build that allowed him to carve a path right through so many defensive strategies, this was most likely benefited by his time in the military, where he was first scouted for the 49ers!

#3 - Larry Csonka: 

Larry Csonka proved to be a vital part of his team the Miami Dolphins, and he was able to bring his absolute best to every single game he played. This earned him an incredible reputation that struck fear in opposing forces. 

In his time he was one of the largest and most imposing players on the field, which helped his team to earn an incredible number of career touchdowns! 

#4 - Larry Centers:

Catching is equally as important to a successful play in the NFL as actually touching the ball down, and no player understood this better than Larry Centers. 

He was able to catch pretty much any ball that was thrown his way, which made him the perfect fullback for his varying teams, which included the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and the Washington Redskins. 

He was definitely a player to keep your eye on!

#5 - Jim Taylor:

Jim Taylor was most likely amongst some of the first true NFL superstars thanks to his commanding presence which he boasted across the field from 1958 to 1967. 

He famously played for two teams, the Green Bay Packers, and the New Orleans Saints, and brought his formidable presence to them both, to lead them to many amazing victories!

#6 - John Riggins:

John Riggins was often famously referred to as “The Diesel”. This name was likely given to him as a result of the powerful and fast way in which he cut a course across the field. No players could compete against him, and any player that even attempted to tackle him would quickly be thrown to the wayside. 

John Riggins was definitely a spectacle who had to be witnessed first-hand to be truly appreciated! 

#7 - Bronko Nagurski:

Even in his early days in the sport, playing for university teams, Bronko Nagurski proved to be an absolutely commanding force.

He began his career with the Chicago Bears in 1930 and kept his incredible track record going for an impressive 13 years, until 1943. 

Upon finishing his career in the NFL, Bronko also went on to have a very healthy career in professional wrestling, benefited by his incredibly large and muscular physique. Within both sports, he was able to make an incredible name for himself and create a legacy that will last for many years to come!

#8 - John Henry Johnson:

John Henry Johnson proved to be an absolute game-changer. He made a considerable splash upon starting in the NFL, impressing onlookers with his incredible strength and speed. And on a game-to-game basis, his quick thinking and his incredible strength meant he was able to make game-saving or game-turning moves. 

John Henry Johnson has proven responsible for saving his team from enduring many losses, while also performing many tide-turning touchdowns that shook up the NFL rankings frequently.

John Henry Johnson played for the San Francisco 49ers, the Detroit Lions, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him one of the most prolific players of his generation. 

To Wrap Up:

The NFL has seen many incredible Fullbacks come and go, but none are perhaps so amazing and legendary as the eight players we explored above. The legacy of these players will definitely be felt for many more years in the NFL!

Every year, Super Bowl betting outnumbers all other sporting events in terms of volume, with billions of dollars wagered on the game, attracting sports bettors from all over the world. 

The Super Bowl's competitive nature is amplified by large incentives, gorgeous championship rings, and lucrative endorsement deals, making it one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

Is Betting on the Super Bowl Legal?

There's no federal regulation that prohibits sports bettors from wagering on the Super Bowl, thanks to the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, often known as PASPA. In any of the states with betting regulations, you can legally bet on the Super Bowl. 

Even if your state is yet to enact sports betting legislation, overseas sportsbooks operate in such jurisdictions. So, residents can register on these sportsbooks and place Super Bowl LVI wagers. 

Where Can I Bet on the Super Bowl In My State?

You can bet on the Super Bowl from anywhere in the United States. Depending on your jurisdiction, you can use land-based sportsbooks or an online sportsbook. Looking for great options? Bet on the Super Bowl at FanDuel to find NFL futures and get your first bet up to $1000 risk-free.

If your state is yet to enact betting legislation, consider using a legitimate offshore sportsbook. 

Betting Strategies for the Super Bowl

While there's no foolproof gambling strategy, it's helpful to have a strategy in place when you're ready to gamble. 

To get you started, we'll go through the three most basic betting types: betting the spread, taking the over/under, and selecting the money line. 

Point Spread - The point spread is a set number of points assigned to each side that tells the bettor how much they are expected to win or lose by. To cover, a team must win by more than the point spread or lose by less than the point spread. As points are awarded to underdogs, they are recorded in the positive column, while favored clubs are shown in the negative column.

Money Line - If you just want to bet on the winner of the game and nothing else, money line bets on the Super Bowl are the way to go. Each team will have three-digit Super Bowl odds in the positive or negative, indicating their chances of winning or losing as well as the amount of money that can be won vs the amount of money that can be lost.

Over/Under - This statistic is often shown on the far right of Super Bowl betting lines, and it denotes the total number of points that bookmakers believe both teams will score. Bettors must wager on whether the final point total will be more than or lower than the line. It simply asks the bettor to predict whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than the specified point total.

Other Legal Super Bowl Betting Options

Prop betting is perhaps the most well-known kind of betting during Super Bowl season. For the Super Bowl, both online and land-based sportsbooks will provide various options — whether you're betting on the team or on player prop bets. 

Offshore betting sites will provide more alternatives, but it's up to you to decide what you want to achieve.

Prop betting is similar to the three strategies discussed above, but it focuses only on one aspect of the game. Instead of choosing a winner or the number of points scored, you may choose how many yards the quarterback will throw, how many touchdowns will be allowed, if a fumble will be allowed, how far the longest field goal will be, how long the longest completed pass will be, and so on. 

Because there are so many options, do your study ahead of time before trying to lock in a prop bet. Although the majority of these are simple yes/no questions with a standard fee, some may be more difficult to answer.

Since New Jersey won a Supreme Court case that allowed sports betting to become legal, the state has enjoyed one of the most thriving sports betting industries. As the first state, New Jersey surpassed 1 billion dollars in sports betting in September 2021 and the market shows no signs of slowing down.

If you are living in New Jersey or will be paying the state a visit, then you might be curious about what options you have if you want to bet on sport, and how you make the most of them.  

Betting in-person or via online sites

In New Jersey you can either place a bet in person at specific sports betting sites throughout the state, or you can download and use online sports betting apps on your laptop, smartphone or tablet. The latter has become the preferred option for many as it’s much more convenient and often comes with great perks like welcome offers and ongoing promotions. Before you get started, find out how betting in New Jersey works so you know how to read the odds and make the best decisions. 

Watch games in person

When you ask most sports gamblers why they bet, it’s rarely the money that comes first. The joy of sport takes first place and sports betting is often seen as a way of enhancing the experience. Let’s say you love basketball and follow NBA games on a regular basis, then you get much more out of it by watching a game in person, especially if you have placed bets. It makes it more thrilling and exciting. Besides, you get to speak with other fans and assess the players’ skills first-hand. 

Be a part of a sports community 

It’s more fun sharing your interest with other people, especially when it’s to do with sport. That’s why you get much more out of sports betting in New Jersey by teaming up with others. Get talking about it, share strategies and tactics and be part of the journey together. If your friends are all on board, it is a fun activity for your next weekend getaway as you can combine it with watching sport. Not bad.

Approach it like a professional

Sports betting is about luck, but it is mostly about skill. To be good at it, you need to be able to predict outcomes and results, and that often requires research and in-depth knowledge of the sport you are betting on. If baseball is your thing, then find out how the players are ranking. Who is best and are there any newcomers that will change things up? It’s all about research, getting to know the jargon and following the latest odds. 

Remember to have fun

You must never lose sight of why you are betting on sports: Because it’s fun. Don’t let the dream of winning money overshadow the enjoyment you get from watching the sport. Having fun makes sports betting a more pleasurable experience – and you have better chances of winning too as you are less likely to make rushed and ill-informed decisions.  

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the ABA MVP.  This time, we look at the ABA Rookie of the Year.

The trophy was awarded every year of the league’s existence, beginning in 1968 and concluding in 1976.

How many ABA Rookies of the Year made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1968: Mel Daniels, Minnesota Muskies, 22.2 MP, 15.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 9.2 WS.

Mel Daniels was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals (9^th Overall), but he opted for the higher salary of the Minnesota Muskies.  As a rookie, Daniels led Minnesota to the Finals where they lost to Pittsburgh, and he began a streak of seven All-Star Games.  The Muskies were struggling financially, and moved to Florida, but not with Daniels who they traded to Indiana.  As a Pacer, Daniels won two MVPs and three ABA Titles

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

1970: Spencer Haywood, Denver Nuggets, 45.3 MP, 30.0 PPG, 19.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 9.2 WS.

Opting to turn pro after his sophomore year in college, Spencer Haywood’s only option was the ABA, as the NBA then had a rule that a player could not turn professional until his class graduated.  Haywood then played one year with Denver of the ABA, winning both the MVP and Rookie of the Year, becoming the only player to do so.  He also led the league in Minutes and Rebounds and Points per Game.  Following this season, Haywood joined the NBA with Seattle, and successfully challenged to join the league in a case that went to the Supreme Court.  Haywood later would be a four-time NBA All-Star, and won an NBA Title with the Lakers.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Co-Winner 1971: Charlie Scott, Virginia Squires, 37.9 MP, 27.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.6 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 7.2 WS. 

Charlie Scott signed with the Virginia Squires before the NBA Draft, hence why he fell to the Seventh Round, where he was chosen by the Celtics.  Scott was an ABA All-Star this year, and an All-ABA Selection, and was so the year after although he did not complete his second season.  He bolted for the NBA for Phoenix, who traded for his rights.  Scott was a three-time NBA All-Star, and would later be an NBA Champion when he was with Boston in 1976.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Co-Winner 1971: Dan Issel, Kentucky Colonels, 39.4 MP, 29.9 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 10.7 WS. 

Issel led the ABA in Points per Game, and it was the second highest of his career.  An All-Star as a rookie, Issel was an All-Star through the end of the ABA and was so again when the leagues merged, giving him seven in total.  He was a five-time All-ABA Selection.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

1972: Artis Gilmore, Kentucky Colonels, 43.6 MP, 23.8 PPG, 17.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, N/A SPG, 5.0 BPG, 19.8 WS. 

Gilmore also won the ABA MVP, and remained with Kentucky for the remainder of the ABA’s existence.  Following the dissolution of the Colonels, Gilmore played for the Bulls, Spurs and Celtics, with the Center appearing in 11 total All-Star Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

1976: David Thompson, Denver Nuggets, 37.4 MP, 26.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 12.4 WS. 

Taken number one by the Atlanta Hawks, David Thompson instead opted to play for Denver of the ABA, in what would be the last year of the ABA.  An All-Star this year, Thompson remained with the Nuggets when the leagues merged.  He would later go to four more All-Star Games in the NBA, three with Denver and one with Seattle.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

The following are the players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

1969: Warren Jabali, Oakland Oaks, 35.8 MP, 21.5 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 5.8 WS.

Jabali was a Fourth Round Pick from Wichita State, but instead he opted to go to Oakland od the ABA.  The Shooting Guard helped Oakland with the Title that year, and he would later be a four-time ABA All-Star, competing his entire pro career in the upstart league.  He also played for Washington, Indiana, Florida, Denver and San Diego.

Eligible Since 1981.

1973: Brian Taylor, New York Americans, 32.3 MP, 15.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 3.6 WS.

With all due respect the Taylor, this was the weakest Rookie of the Year in ABA history, but he would go on to be a two-time ABA All-Star and two-time ABA Champion with New York.  He would later play in the NBA in Kansas City, Denver and San Diego. 

Eligible Since 1988.

1974: Swen Nater, Virginia Squires and San Antonio Spurs, 30.1 MP, 14.1 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 8.7 WS.

A two-time NCAA Champion at UCLA, Nater chose the ABA over the Milwaukee Bucks, who took him 18^th Overall.  Nater was first drafted in the ABA in 1972 by the Miami Floridians, but when they folded, Virginia took him in the Dispersal Draft.  As good as he was, the Squires traded him for a draft pick and $300,000 to San Antonio 17 Games into his rookie year.  He led the ABA in Field Goal Percentage, and was the ABA Rebounding leader as a sophomore.  Nater, would later win an NBA Rebounding Title as a member of the San Diego Clippers in 1978/79.

Eligible Since 1990.

1975: Marvin Barnes, Spirits of St. Louis, 39.9 MP, 24.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 8.6 WS.

Selected second overall by the 76ers, Providence’s Marvin Barnes instead opted to sign with St. Louis, where he was an All-Star in both of his seasons in the league.  When the ABA merged with the NBA, St. Louis was disbanded, and he joined the Detroit Pistons, but was not as successful in the NBA.  He would also play a year each in Buffalo, Boston and San Diego.

Eligible Since 1986.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?       

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: 

None.

The following are the past players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and are still active.

None.

Nothing will change in this going forward as none of the ABA Rookies of the Year who have not been inducted feel like they have Hall of Fame potential.  As this is now a defunct category, this feels like more than a footnote going forward.

So, what is up next?

We stay with the ABA, and look at their past ABA All-Star Game MVPs.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

Many online sportsbooks in the U.S. today are marketing to recreational bettors. Offers like welcome bonuses and loyalty rewards may entice more people to consider betting online.

This strategy appears to be aimed at increasing the sportsbooks’ customer base. These offers may also affect the customers’ decision-making and betting behavior more than the pricing can.

With its legalization in the U.S. in 2018, sports betting has become more accessible to more people. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has driven more people to stay at home and spend more time and money on online betting.

In 2020, sports betting generated a $1 billion revenue in the U.S. At the beginning of 2021, 23.2 million Americans expressed interest in betting $4.3 billion on the Super Bowl alone, and 7.6 million people said they would bet online.

With this current landscape, online gambling may be expected to grow into a $100 billion industry by 2026.

As more sports betting sites appear, the need to offer competitive prices to bettors becomes paramount. In this case, will adjusting prices be enough to increase the demand for online betting?

This article discusses price elasticity in sports betting and the factors that affect sports betting demand in the U.S.

Price Elasticity in Online Sports Betting

Theoretically, if online sports betting prices were elastic, demand should change significantly with only a slight price change.

For example, a slight reduction in a bookmaker’s vig can narrow their profit margin. However, that reduction may significantly increase the number of bets. In this case, the bookmaker’s prices may be relatively elastic.

However, are price changes sufficient to significantly change the demand for sports betting in real-world scenarios? Put another way, do price changes even matter when sportsbooks try to market their products?

Below are some factors that can influence bettors’ preferences when it comes to online sports betting.

Factors Affecting Sports Betting Demand in the U.S.

Price

Historically, Las Vegas and U.S.-facing offshore sportsbooks significantly influenced how line prices were set.

Nowadays, because of U.S. market regulations, operators and sportsbook suppliers in large states are now playing a role in providing competitive prices.

In addition, the regulations ensure that the operators are pricing their lines competitively.

A sportsbook with a high price elasticity should experience a high surge in demand with just a slight reduction to its vig. Alternatively, bettors may shy away from the sportsbook if it were to increase its house take.

However, that scenario is only theoretical, and pricing is not the only factor influencing demand for online sports betting.

Brand Association

Bettors also look into an online sportsbook’s brand reputation and association. Most legally operating sportsbooks have partnerships with physical and online casinos, big sports betting brands, or other gambling entities that give the sportsbook more credibility.

This credibility is likely to increase the sportsbook’s value and make bettors trust the sportsbook more. This trust may influence the bettor’s behavior in favor of the sportsbook, dictated not only by the price but also by the brand.

For example, partnerships with major sports leagues mean the sportsbook is reliable enough to be recognized by those leagues.

Other betting sites may receive backing from big brands. If bettors prefer those brands, the sponsorship may increase the chances of the bettor favoring the sportsbook.

On-Par Product and Experience Delivery

Competitive pricing and reputable brand association may not be enough to influence demand. Bettors may also ask for products and services of equal or higher value to the sportsbooks’ prices.

One way for this strategy to work is to ensure that bettors experience the convenience worth their money. This way, pricing may matter less as long as the bettor experiences quality service.

For example, the bookmaker’s online platform must be user-friendly and navigable. Sportsbooks may also provide welcome bonuses and rewards for bettors to maximize their deposits.

If the sportsbook has a mobile app, that feature may be considered a plus for accessibility. Mobile apps allow bettors to place bets, even when traveling or watching a live game in a stadium.

Additional payment options other than credit cards can also favor both the bookmaker and the customer.

More options to fund betting accounts, like online payment gateways, provide more convenience to bettors, increasing customer demand for the bookmaker’s services.

Other features that can add to a sportsbook’s ability to deliver quality services include moderating a bettor’s gambling habits and protecting their personal information.

Bettors must know that their private data is safe or that the sportsbook cares enough to help them curb developing gambling problems. These efforts may help them associate a positive experience with the sportsbook.

Bookmakers can further improve customer experience if they have a connection with advocacy groups promoting responsible gambling. This connection shows that the sportsbook encourages bettors to have a healthy gambling lifestyle.

Legal vs. Offshore Operators

The issue between offshore and U.S.-based legal sportsbook operators is that the U.S. sportsbooks are regulated while the offshore ones are not. This situation puts the U.S. sportsbooks in a challenging position against their offshore counterparts.

U.S. operators may think of offering products and services at par with the offshore operators to remain competitive. However, bettors may see no incentive to prefer U.S. sportsbooks if this were the case.

Instead, U.S. operators need to offer better products and services than offshore sportsbooks’ to stay on top of the game.

Conclusion

Demand for online sports betting is unlikely to change by simply adjusting the prices offered by the bookmakers. For some people, this situation may be indicative of price inelasticity.

That said, other factors have to be considered, including brand association, product and experience delivery, and the choice between offshore and legal operators.

These factors may affect the bettors’ outlook toward the sportsbook and influence demand more than just price changes alone can do.

Individuals interested in online sports betting should check their local state laws if sports betting is legal in their area.