From the Desk of the Chairman
An argument as old as time: what is the world’s most popular sport?
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.
Big in the U.S. but not elsewhere
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.
A few surprises higher up the table
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.
Who comes out on top?
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.
Ten Star Performances from the Super Bowl Half-time Shows
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!
- Michael Jackson – 1993
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!
Why Do Sports Betting Platforms Have Online Casino Pages?
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.
Online Casinos Fill Gaps Left by Sportsbooks
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.
The Profit Potential Is High
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.
Things Get Less Exciting
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.
Who Does American Football Better? The Battle of The States
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!
1. Texas
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!
2. Florida
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.
3. California
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.
4. Georgia
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!
5. North Carolina
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!
How Can Playing Games Improve Your Health?
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.
Avoid Burnout
Reduce Stress
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.
Improve Physical Health
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.
Improve Cognitive Function
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.
Improve Your Social Life
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.
Improved Vision
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.
Stars You Didn't Know Played Pro Football
Pro Football Players.
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?
Phil Robertson.
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.
Mark Harmon.
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 O’Neill.
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 Crews.
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.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
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.
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’.
Saddest Upsets in Preakness Stakes So Far
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.
Charismatic Vs. Menifee (1999)
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.
Red Bullet Vs. Fusaichi Pegasus (2000)
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.
Bernardini Vs. Barbaro (2006)
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.
Shackleford Vs. Animal Kingdom (2011)
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.
Oxbow Vs. Orb (2013)
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
What are the pros and cons of in-play sports betting?
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.
Best sports betting apps in Illinois
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.
The Kansas City Chiefs - The NFL’s Next Ruling Dynasty
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.
No Letting Up
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.
Hall of Famers
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.
Strong Competition
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.
Could It Be the Blue Jays’ Year?
The Toronto Blue Jays are bidding for their first World Series title since 1993. There is confidence within the Canadian city that their long wait for the major prize could end this year.
The Blue Jays, the only team from Canada playing in the Major League Baseball (MLB), have been performing impressively in the American League (AL). They have a winning record of 45-42 (.517), which gives them a strong chance of reaching the playoffs.
Toronto supporters will be hoping their team can go further than they did in 2020. Their World Series dream fell at the first hurdle in the postseason as they were beaten by the number one seeds in the AL, Tampa Bay. The team from Florida went all the way to the World Series where they lost to the LA Dodgers.
The regular season is now well underway and the Blue Jays have MLB odds on bet365 of +2200. Those odds indicate Toronto are not one of the frontrunners for the title. The Dodgers are the favorites in the betting to defend their crown, however, as recent results show, it is no easy feat.
Toronto may enjoy being the underdogs this year. There will be less pressure on their shoulders if they do reach the playoffs. When successful in 1992 and 1993, they were the fourth seeds in the AL, so maybe avoiding one of the top seeds could prove advantageous.
Stats Suggest Toronto Are Better Than Record Indicates
Home runs have not been a problem for the Blue Jays so far in 2021. As of the halfway stage in the regular season, no team in the AL has scored more. If that continues, they are going to prove a dangerous match for any team in the MLB.
Another strong guide for assessing a team's performance on the field is the difference between home runs scored and conceded. Toronto has a +79 record. This would indicate they are a little unfortunate to have a .517 record. If they continue to score so strongly, that percentage should improve.
Their first aim will be to try to win the AL East division. They currently trail Boston Red Sox (604) and Tampa Bay (.589). The series against those two rivals will prove crucial in determining who lands the title.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr Is the Man Who Can Fire Toronto To Success
The standout performer for Toronto in 2021 has been Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He has had an outstanding season with the bat. He was named in the AL’s All-Star team where he was the starting first baseman.
Guerrero Jr, a son of the MLB’s Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr, leads the league in On-Base Plug Slugging (OBS). He is one of only three players who are over 1.0 in 2021 along with Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr.
The 22-year-old has an exciting future in the league. Blue Jays fans will be hoping he helps deliver a lot of success with the Canadian franchise, including at the end of the current campaign.
This year’s World Series begins on October 26 and if a seventh game of the series is needed, that will take place on November 3.
5 Footballers Who Love Gaming
You may be wondering what a professional footballer does with their free time, when they spend the majority of their days on the pitch or at the training ground. Well, it turns out, many of them are just like the rest of us, enjoying their downtime by playing games. Be it video games, PC or even casino games, here’s our list of 5 pro footballers who absolutely love gaming.
1. Jesse Lingard
Kicking off the list (no pun intended) is Jesse Lingard. The England and West Ham midfielder is an avid video gamer who spends a major portion of his free time playing console games like FIFA and Call of Duty. In an interview at his parent club, Manchester United, Lingard reported that he only got into gaming after a disappointing cup final defeat in 2018. He also revealed that he isn’t the only Red Devil to enjoy online gaming, as Marcus Rashford, Dan James and Paul Pogba regularly join him to play Call of Duty: Warzone.
2. Neymar
PSG superstar Neymar is one of the biggest gamers in world football, playing on both consoles and PC. In fact, he even has custom computers built for him. The left-winger has a whole host of games in his repertoire, including Pro Evolution Soccer, GTA and Fortnite. Recently, he actually became a playable character in the viral battle royale game! This collaboration comes as little surprise, as Neymar has always been a huge fan of the game, even playing on live streams with professional gamers like Ninja.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Yes, that’s right, one of the greatest footballers of all time is a huge fan of games. Not the type you of games you might be thinking of, however. While others may spend their time on a PC or console, Cristiano Ronaldo is much more comfortable at the poker table. While he generally keeps his love of casino games private, the Juventus forward is known for promoting events and tournaments for popular poker companies. If you want to give similar casino games a try, check out online casino Canada for a variety of exciting options.
4. Antoine Griezmann
Another player with a knack for video games is FC Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann. The French international is an enthusiastic console gamer, and has even become a part of Team Xbox. As part of the collaboration, Griezmann was given a personalized Xbox Series X, which he used to play games like FIFA and Fortnite.
5. Gerard Piqué
Another player who loves to try his hand at the poker table is Spanish defender Gerard Piqué. In fact, he’s actually very skilled at the game. He is said to be as adept as some professionals, often taking part in high-level events like the World Series of Poker. He truly demonstrated his prowess by winning over £300,000 (over $400,000) at the European Poker Tour in Barcelona – a high-stakes game with a considerable £22k buy-in.
So, there you have it. Professionals on the field, but definitely amateurs on a console, these five footballers are living proof that gaming is for anyone and everyone.
Who Are The Top Safeties in NFL history?
When it comes to American Football, or any sport for that matter, there are always certain positions that get all the credit whilst others do an important, less recognized role for the team.
In American Football, the safety is the role that flies under the radar. Not today. Here we look at the top safeties in NFL history.
Number 5. Steve Atwater
Kicking off our top five safeties of all time is Steve Atwater. Now, you might think of Atwater as a linebacker but, make no mistake, he was a safety; his style of play, however, was linebacker-esque. He made an immediate impact on the Denver Broncos when he was drafted back in 1989. The Arkansas grad catapulted their run defence and instantly set about making tackle after tackle.
There was a four year stretch where he averaged 149 tackles a season; that’s a simply crazy haul when you compare to the tackle average of safeties in the modern game. His career was capped off with a Super Bowl win.
Number 4. Brian Dawkins
We were tempted to put Brian Dawkins higher on this list purely for his intensity and impact. The Eagles legend was an absolutely fantastic leader who wasn’t afraid to make the big tackle or the rough hit. A lot of the advantages that his team got with him isn’t even on the score sheet either; that makes him ten times more valuable.
That said his stats aren’t to be ignored; he had 37 career interceptions and 1,118 tackles that earned him nine Pro Bowl nods and four First Team honours. Very few in the game can rival Dawkins’ passion and drive.
Number 3. Ed Reed
What can you say about Ed Reed? In truth, maybe not much. What you can say though is that he was an outstanding safety. Reed was overshadowed at times due to the impact of Ray Lewis at the linebacker position.
Many though would say it was Reed that truly kept the defence together. He was constantly flying around the field to make big hits and snag interceptions at crucial times.
Those qualities earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2004; it made him the first safety to scoop the award in two decades. On top of that, he also made the Pro Bowl nine times and led the league in interceptions on three different occasions.
Number 2. Troy Polamalu
It’s hard to imagine anybody playing the way that two-time Super Bowl winner Troy Polamalu did back when he was on the football field. He played with a tremendous amount of heart and was a stalwart in the Pittsburgh Steelers side between 2003 and 2014.
Polamalu had a trademark hit on him and when it came to the passing game he’d zip around to acrobatically make interceptions that often looked impossible.
Despite being one of the shortest players for the safety position, his impact and loyalty to Pittsburgh mean he deservedly goes down as one of the best safeties in NFL history.
Number 1. Ronnie Lott
On our number 1, we have to disagree with TwinSpires list of the Top 10 Safeties in NFL history. They put Lott in second, but for us he tops the list. Lott is the epitome of a fearless leader. His reading of plays made it seem as if he was always one step ahead of the opposing team.
He knew exactly when to wrap up a fast playmaker and when to stand up and lay him out. Lott bounced around teams donning the colours of five different franchises, but it didn’t damage his reputation.
Across his career he had 63 interceptions and returned five of them for touchdowns. Finally, how can you talk about Lott and fail to mention the fact that he literally chose to amputate a broken finger just so he could return to the game and continue playing; absolutely insane.
There you have it, the best safeties in NFL history. Did we miss anyone? Let us know.
Choosing An In-site Casino to Play
Casinos are places in which we should only be focused on our entertainment by the table or slot machine. To keep it that way we need to choose a good casino, because only if the place is proper, we can relax and enjoy our time without worrying about anything else. So, what are the features of a good in-site casino?
Professional croupiers and customer service employees
Finishing a dealing course is not a big deal, but it takes professionals to master all the moves and strategies of dealing. They know how to calculate the odds, figure out what cards will be drawn next and make sure that the game flows smoothly. Professional dealers help us feel comfortable, we trust that they count our payouts properly and there is no one in the room trying to cheat us.
Casino employees also need to know how to keep casinos clean, they take care of glass and make sure that everything looks good and smells nice. They are taught to be elegant, nice and always with a smile on their faces. It is hard work since not every customer is calm and nice, especially when some of them are drunk.
Interior design that suits you
Casinos differ from each other, some are small and cozy to play in while others are huge with hundreds of tables. Some have luxurious rooms with the mirrors on the walls or crystal chandeliers hanging above your head while others are rather dark and full with cigarette smoke. More modern casinos might be packed with neon lights and made in galaxy style. The most important thing that you need to be careful about when choosing a casino is how comfortable you feel in it. If a basement-like small casino is not your cup of tea, find one that is more spacious and brighter inside.
Balance between quality and price
Casinos can be on every level of luxury you can imagine, but it comes with a price. Everything is good when the price is well-balanced taking quality of service into consideration, because then it is you who decides which casino you can afford to go into. The problem might be when the casino only seems to be luxurious and the price is high, but in fact the level of service is poor and you are unsatisfied.
Number of people
Whether you are entering a new place or entering it again, there is always that feeling of anxiety and nervousness. What if I win? What will happen then? Or what if I lose all my money? If you do not like that kind of stress, go into the casino when there are less people in it. On the other hand if you enjoy this buzz of crowd inside, choose a busy one during some fine night.
If you see a casino that is constantly empty, that is a red flag for you.
Violent gamblers are out
This feature is important since some gamblers can become hostile towards others while losing or getting drunk. You need to be sure that they are going to be moved out of the establishment by security to keep you safe while gambling. This should also involve kicking out even richer gamblers while they are getting too aggressive towards their competitors or dealers.
Chips are well-secured
There are not many casinos in which you can play with real money anymore. That is why chips were invented. Chips are credits which can be exchanged in the casino for cash. When gambling with chips, you can lose as much as you want and still come out without losing your money.
The best casinos have chips which cannot be copied and any attempt to do so is immediately noticed and the person responsible for this will not get away with it. Also, there should be a system that does not allow stealing of chips by people pretending to leave but in fact stay close enough in the casino.
Clean and tidy
Environment is also an important aspect of a good casino. Clean gaming floor isn't a characteristic of every casino out there. During gambling people spill drinks, smoke cigarettes and that is how the whole room might get sticky. A good casino is always clean and tidy including bathrooms that might be another part of the casino hard to keep clean during gaming nights. Drunk gamblers and massive numbers of people coming to casinos every night may create quite a mess and working janitors have hard times keeping it clean.
For a good casino, the gaming floor has to be tidy all the time and that is easy to check in person before you drop your money there.
Been opened for long time
When a casino is open several years it means that the business model behind it works and owners know what they're doing. You need to be cautious with freshly opened establishments since they have to earn your trust first and it is not easy.
Have a good marketing team that provides fresh promotions, daily bonus offers and news from the world of casino gambling
This will keep you intrigued, interested and coming back more often. Promotions are a way to make new customers and maintain loyalty programs for existing ones.
What are the Best Ways to Get in the Mood for Wimbledon?
Of the four major tennis grand slams, Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious. It dates all the way back to 1877 and was closely followed by the US Open, which was established in 1881. There’s something about the English competition that sparks a tennis fever throughout the nation, and many people feel a connection to the grass-based tournament. With Wimbledon right around the corner, it is a great time to start getting excited about it. Here are some ways you can prepare for this historically and culturally rich event.
Learn About Wimbledon’s History
The spot where The Championships, Wimbledon became famous and grew into the marquee event it is today was originally known as the All-England Croquet Club. It was in 1876 that people began playing lawn tennis there, and the location soon became known as the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
The only event held at the inaugural competition the following year was Gentleman’s Singles, which was contested between 22 players. Men played three sets at this time, and the first-ever winner was Spencer Gore after he prevailed over William Marshall. Tennis surged in popularity in the years that followed, and croquet was gradually phased out at the club altogether. Ladies’ tennis was added in 1884, and the first competition was won by Maud Watson. She received a silver flower basket for her efforts.
In the early decades of the competition, it had a strange format that would be unheard of today. The reigning champion was only required to play in the final each year and would come up against the finalist of the tournament format. For a long period of time, the event was only open to amateur players. This changed in 1968 when the open era began and created all the Hall of Fame players known today. Despite being a quintessentially British event and engrained in the country’s culture, few British players have found success in the tournament over the years.
Go out and Enjoy the Real Thing
One way to get in the mood for Wimbledon is to go out and get playing tennis, yourself. The competition is set during the height of summer, and people are usually perked up by the increased levels of vitamin D they are getting. By venturing out into the sunshine for some intense physical exercise, you can boost your happiness levels while also preparing for Wimbledon.
You could try to recreate the old days of the London tournament when it was only contested by amateurs. Devise a tournament format with some mates and have a fun day out at the courts as you compete to win the top honours. If you’ve never played tennis before, now could be the perfect opportunity to learn. In fact, it’s never too late to get into a sport, and there are lessons available for people of all abilities.
Play Tennis Games Virtually
If you don’t have access to tennis courts or are simply unable to get out and about, a fantastic alternative is to play computer games. Tennis has been represented countless times in a digital format over the years. Indeed, the first game ever invented, Pong, was based on tennis. The graphics and gameplay have improved massively since that 1972 offering from Atari, and there are now some highly immersive and engaging options out there to choose from.
For console players, EA Sports created a couple of offerings in Grand Slam Tennis and Grand Slam Tennis 2, released in 2009 and 2012 respectively. The games gave players the chance to play at Wimbledon as current stars or legends of the game. There are plenty of options for mobile players as well. These include titles like Stick Tennis and Tennis Club Story.
It seems that no subsection of the gaming industry has been forgotten about when it comes to tennis games, as there are also a few games to choose from in the online casino industry. One of the most notable free online slots to get people in the mood for Wimbledon is Centre Court from Microgaming. This features the iconic green colours of the competition, along with tennis stars dressed in white. Fans of this game may also enjoy other sports titles like Badminton Champion and Football Glory. Once players have got the hang of these titles for free, they can then even go on to play for real money.
Using a combination of all of these methods should help get you ready for Wimbledon this summer. As a final note, you could also check out some classic videos from the tournament to hype yourself up even more. There are too many notable moments to choose from, but Andy Murray and Roger Federer’s 15-minute game from 2015 could be a good place to start, with that iconic game being up there with the best of all time.
Creative Outlets You Can Visit And Learn From Within Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant city offering hundreds of services that you probably have never even considered before. It makes it the perfect city for you to unleash your creative side, and try new hobbies.
Learning To Surf
One of the main reasons people visit Los Angeles is to experience the beaches and to ride the waves while surfing. There are several suitable beaches that have businesses who are there to teach you how to surf. Usually, they can provide a board and a wetsuit for you, so you only have to show up with your swimsuit to get started.
Trapeze School Is In Town
If surfing isn’t quite your thing, then consider going for something very different, such as learning a circus trick. Trapezing is becoming more popular as a way to express yourself and learn something new in the city, there is even a trapeze school located at the Santa Monica Pier. They welcome anyone aged 6 and above, regardless of your fitness level.
It’s a great way to get over your fear of heights, and have fun at the same time. Not only are they fun, but they are considered a great workout too.
Writing And Producing Music
Many LA locals, tourists and visitors have long utilized recording the city and state in general to be creative with music. Whether that was for recording a music video in the iconic streets, or going to a recording studio to record some music yourself. Even those that have never written music before or sang anything have come to this great city to try it.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are spaces to create, write, produce and practice mixing with no distractions. It offers a great outlet to let loose and be creative, even if it’s just for you. Of course, you can visit with friends to create music together, or go with a more experienced individual to help train you.
There are different places for different uses for music, whether you want to just sing, or focus on instrumentals. There are even studios to help create movie scores, as well as video game soundtracks. There are a wide range of music recording studios in Los Angeles offered by Pirate, with expert equipment at affordable prices. They have rehearsal studios, production studios and even podcast studios if that’s what you’re looking for.
Learning To Ride A Horse
Whilst you may not associate horse riding with Los Angeles, there is actually an equestrian center nestled into the heart of Griffith Park. They offer a wide range of services, from horse shows, riding lessons or even trail rides. There are a few academies on site that you can have a look at if you want to try something different.
Whether you’re into western riding, English riding, dressage or something more unique like jumping classes. There will be options for those who have never ridden before, and options for experienced riders. There are over 55 miles of trails in Griffith Park alone, so you can rent horses by the hour and take in the views.
Getty Center Art Classes And Workshops
You’re probably familiar with the Getty Center, which is one of Los Angele’s most famous museums, but did you know you can actually learn how to create art here? The Getty Center and Getty Villa offer classes and workshops covering a wide range of art styles.
You have classes about drawing, pen and ink work, sculpting and even jewelry making. If you’re into something more unique, then you could take an advanced workshop for gliding, which is an old medieval art style. There will be classes for those of all styles and experience levels, even if you’ve never painted before. So, it’s worth keeping an eye on what they have available and when, in order to book in.
Dancing As An Outlet
LA has long been a place for creatives to come together to express themselves, such as with dancing performances. There are many different dancing studios that offer classes on different dance styles, such as ballet, hip-hop, swing, salsa or even tango, amongst others. The same venues will also offer community performances that people can sign up for.
Cooking Up A Storm
As you will probably be aware of, LA is a multicultural city with a wide range of restaurants that focus on unique cuisines from around the world. As such, you’ll be happy to hear that there are actually quite a few classes focused on these cuisines available for you to look into.
Most of these classes only require a signing up one time fee, with the supplies and utensils provided, headed by an experienced cook. Even if you’ve never cooked before in your life, there will be classes to teach you everything you need to know.
Hits That Once Challenged Norms of Beauty
When you look at the way that society portrays beauty in women, bigger women are rarely the subject of praise. However, some songs decided to go against the grain and celebrate women that were not the typical vision of beauty. We have come up with a list of songs that challenge the beauty norms. These were not just any songs, though. These were hits that had a major impact on the perception of unique ladies!
Music Proves That Men Love Different Women
Before we get into the specific songs that helped to challenge the beauty norms, we have to stop and consider the message that these songs portrayed. Specifically, it showed that men liked to date and be with women that were not the typical beauties shown on magazine covers. Such music is the exact reason why men flock to BBW dating sitesto meet ladies. Although thicker women might not get the feature on GQ, they are still widely loved. BBW have curves, confidence, and attitude. Best of all dating services allow people to meet them quickly and easily from all over the world. Although using websites to meet atypically beautiful women is not something that every man has thought about doing, it’s a fantastic way to encounter new people.
Hits That Reveal Big Women Are Great
Many hits have emerged that celebrate women of different shapes and sizes. The songs below show various reasons why people love to meet and date BBW and other sorts of ladies, too.
- ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ by AC/DC
The hard rock band AC/DC is probably the best Australian export in the music world today. They have been around for decades and rocked out to songs like Whole Lotta Rosie. The basis of this song is that the singer met a Tasmanian woman who was very large but also rocked his world for a night. She was a very special woman that is immortalized!
- ‘Baby Got Back’ by Sir Mix-A-Lot
The famous Sir Mix-A-Lot wrote Baby Got Back and completely changed the conversation around women with a a curvy body shape forever. Thick and chubby women were eschewed for buxom thin ladies, but this song helped people realize that there is beauty in the curves of the female body and that it attracts men.
- ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ by Queen
Freddie Mercury and company knew what they were talking about. This song tells the listener that big beautiful ladies make the whole world go round. These women add flavor and spice to the dating world, and Queen recognized it.
- ‘Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)’ by MIKA
The song by MIKA kind of pokes fun at big women by teasing them about filling up the room like a balloon, but they also insist that big girls are beautiful. This song explores the dichotomy facing big women: they are simultaneously desired and social pariahs.
- ‘Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others’ by The Smiths
This song talks about women in comparison to one another, maybe in a not-so-cute way, but it also shows that people of all sizes are worthy of celebration. The song is unusual for The Smiths, and it could have been a little more positive, but it was still on the right track.
Many songs exist that show how men love big women and ladies who are entirely unique. Although some of these songs are not as flattering as they could be to the women involved, they do help get the message out that these women are worthy of being seen as beautiful and valuable individuals. You don’t have to be someone that fits into a mold!
6 Things The MLS Does Better Than The Premier League
The MLS (Major League Soccer) is constantly being compared to the English Premier League, and the truth is, on many accounts, it can’t compete. The Premier League has better players, is viewed around the world, and is a financial powerhouse. However, that’s not to say that the MLS doesn’t have some amazing qualities. Here are six things that the MLS does better than the Premier League.
No Hooliganism
Hooliganism has been associated with soccer in England for decades. It became particularly bad in the 1980s but is still a part of the game today. The MLS doesn’t have that problem, though. The people behind the MLS have aimed at fostering a family-friendly environment. That’s not to say that the MLS doesn’t attract passionate fans, though.
Spending Limits
The MLS has a salary cap on players, which creates a level playing field for clubs. This creates a competitive environment that allows every club to have a shot at the title. The downside of the MLS’s salary cap is that the best American players end up playing for European clubs. In European leagues, the spending is completely out of control, with players earning massive wages and clubs competing on spending power.
Playoffs
The MLS is set up differently from every other soccer league in the world. Instead of a total points-based system, it has playoffs (like other American sports). It works like this - the 34 MLS teams are split into two conferences (the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference). Each team plays every other team in their conference twice. The top seven teams in each conference then get entered into a knock-out style tournament to lift the MLS cup. This isn’t as competitive as the Premier League, but it makes the end of the season far more exciting.
Respect
Soccer in Europe is extremely competitive. Unfortunately, this level of competition sometimes turns into a culture of disrespect. Players argue with referees, fans throw things at players, players make obscene gestures at fans… you get the picture. In the MLS, this sort of behavior is very rare.
Work Permits
If you’re a foreign player wanting a chance to play in England, there is a difficult process of entry. This is designed to stop an influx of overseas talent taking all of the opportunities instead of English players. In the MLS, it’s easy for foreign players to get into the country. This allows a lot of South American players to get a chance at professional soccer. However, it doesn’t stop young American players from traveling to Europe with programs like Soccer to Football. The draw of European soccer is too strong for American players.
No Relegation
In the English Premier League, the bottom three teams get relegated to the Championship (the 2nd tier league). That means professional soccer players get moved around from league to league, having their wages slashes and careers ruined. That’s not the case in the MLS. Once a team has been accepted into the league, they are there to stay. This provides more stability for players and fans.
Date-Match Songs from 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Finalists
The relationship between romance and love has spanned the centuries, ever since the world-renowned playwright Shakespeare likened music to ‘the food of love.’ Throughout history, music has been an important part of people's lives and continues to be celebrated today through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Can you make your date more passionate and hot with music?
There are so many reasons why finding an apt song or playlist can make your date perfect. For one thing, music comes in so many shapes or forms, from the grinding aggression of metal to the upbeat danceability of disco or hip-hop. Different songs can express a multitude of feelings.
It is important for true music lovers to surround themselves with people who share their passion for music. Therefore, they are looking for life partners among those who love to listen and light up to their favorite rhythms. Flirty singles can just as easily connect with soul mates at music concerts as they can through the HelloHotties dating site. With flirty online services, people can use a relaxed virtual environment to both meet new people and chat about their favorite love songs. One of the joint activities online is adding tunes to mutual playlists, which will improve the bond with common interests.
In a nutshell, music is the lifeblood of romance.
Many couples who go on to enjoy long-standing partnerships will often cast their minds back to whatever was playing in the background when they first met. This can become ‘their song,’ the one that will instantly remind each one about their loved one, even when they’re apart.
On a first date, dancing to pleasant music is an indication that their liaison is progressing well. And seductive love songs streaming in the background will create the perfect mood to continue the evening.
Songs from 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Finalists that set the right mood on a date
There’s a strong argument for current chart hits forming the ideal soundtrack to romance. These hits are current, uplifting, and the songs will be played regularly, provoking instant thoughts of a new partner. But there’s an equally strong argument for focusing on timeless classics. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced 2021 nominees, including those who have been releasing music more than 25 years ago. Let's take a look at the songs of some of these fantastic performers that guarantee your hot date keeps simmering.
Everlong by Foo Fighters
One of their most well-known songs of all time, Everlong (1997), in its acoustic version, is a beautiful musical composition for a romantic date as well as for the first wedding dance.
4:44 by Jay Z
One of Jay Z's songs - 4:44 – a title from his 13th studio album, is a love-apology letter to the woman he loves. Great vocals and memorable music makes it one of the best songs in Jay Z’s career. It sure as hell will show your date your romantic side.
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Carole King
King’s credentials for providing the ideal interlude to a romantic get-together are impeccable. As a singer-songwriter, she co-wrote and later performed a very intimate, yet relatable song, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. It’s telling a story about a woman finding her true love. Old school classics of their time perfect to listen to with your partner.
Vacation by Go-Go’s
Spending six weeks at the top of the US chart, and shifting two million copies, the Go-Go’s debut album Beauty and The Beat has been deemed the ‘cornerstone album of American New Wave.’ Lead by singer Belinda Carlisle, the songs are wonderfully catchy slices of poppy rock. Vacation (1982) is one of the most catchy ones. Giving the 80s vibes along with romantic atmosphere, it is a great song to listen to on your date.
Wasting Love by Iron Maiden
The Heavy Metal Gods know how to make quality music, and love songs are no exception. Their Wasting Love is about the dark side of love - that you can lose it and remain alone and broken. With passionate music and lyrics, this ballad makes people think about their life. Besides, it seems like there is something personal behind this song that adds value to it.
Girl U Want by Devo
A song about the love and lust of a man for a woman. Perfect for creating a playful mood on a date, to emphasize that the girl you are dating is special and desirable for her partner.
Of course, the list is not complete, since there are many creators of great hits for dating among the performers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, start with these songs on a hot date and see how things develop.
NFL News: Locker Rooms to Remain Closed as Caution Against Coronavirus
Though we are moving closer to normalcy when it comes to restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears that the NFL are showing an abundance of caution when it comes to allowing the press access to locker rooms for the coming season.
The regular season starts in September and training camps and preseason games would’ve been packed to the rafters with press in any other situation, but by all accounts the press will have to wait a little longer before they can fire their questions to players and officials.
Moves to attempt a new way of providing access to journalists, via zoom calls, haven’t proven popular with sports stars and journalists and as such there are growing calls for some kind of middle ground.
Fans have returned to stadiums in the NBA, NHL and MLB, but still reporters have been shut out of locker rooms in those sports.
New coronavirus protocols have not been produced yet but the situation over the past 18 months, and repercussions of the pandemic on sports franchises, will have had an effect on how players will perform. To keep up with how this may have impacted on the futures market check out the Sidelines website, especially as the futures odds are changing regularly as we get closer to the regular season kick-off.
The NFL press aren’t having a great time of it, and this is doubly true across other sports of late, even in the relatively carefree world of the tennis tour, where the press and players are rarely at loggerheads, there’s been a big backlash following the withdrawal of Naomi Osaka at the French Open.
The 23-year-old California-based Japanese tennis star left the Roland Garros tournament after being reprimanded for not carrying out her media duties, she then proceeded to leave France amid discussion of her mental health taking a battering.
Some believe that this kind of incident should actually lead to a stronger relationship between media and sports stars, with PFWA (Professional Football Writers Association) claiming closer ties are needed, stating;
“Locker room access is at the heart of our jobs covering the NFL and telling the stories that fans want and deserve to hear,” the PFWA countered.
“Dialogue in recent days has only reinforced the need to have meaningful interactions with the athletes we cover beyond press conference settings. Those one-on-one and small group conversations are critical not only to cover the game but the people who play it. Locker room access ensures that every player has the opportunity to have his voice heard and his story told if he chooses.”
Of all the top sports Stateside it’s perhaps the NFL that has enjoyed the best view of the inner workings of the dressing room and one imagines that the NFL would like to keep the relationship as open as possible for all parties concerned.
The NFL gets underway on September 9th with the pick of the opening week fixtures definitely being the Dallas Cowboys against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Tom Brady, going for his eighth Superbowl ring, taking on America’s team in a fine feast of a showdown.