Novak Djokovic says he could potentially cause more damage to his body by continuing to compete at the Australian Open following the abdominal injury he sustained during his third-round match against Taylor Fritz. On Sunday the world No 1 returned to beat Milos Raonic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

After stating following his match against Fritz on Friday night that the ATP physio had told him his injury was definitely a tear, on Sunday he declined to describe his injury in detail. He said he had spent the previous 48 hours doing different treatments with different devices, including pills and painkillers, having coordinated with medical staff of Tennis Australia, ATP physios and his own physiotherapist.

Its kind of a gamble, said Djokovic. I mean, thats what the medical team told me. Its really unpredictable, you cant know whats going to happen with you once youre on the court. Youre not gonna save yourself or think about going for that point or this shot or that shot. It just pulls you. Its normal. Playing at this level, you just want to give it all.

It could cause much more damage than it is at the moment, but it also could go in a good direction. So thats something that I dont know, and I dont think I will also know until I stop taking painkillers. As long as Im with high dose of painkillers, I guess, you know, still can bear some of the pain.

Djokovic said he did not know whether he would play until a few hours before the match but he produced a highly competent performance to overcome Raonic. Although he sometimes grimaced, he won 78% of first serve points, fired 41 winners to just 25 unforced errors, moved smoothly and broke Raonics considerable serve three times.

Playing best-of-five with kind of an aggressive mover that I am on the court doesnt help much with this kind of injury, but I think the combination of pills and treatments and also some willpower and of course certain degree and level of bearing the pain. Mentally I think you have to kind of accept that I did come into the match knowing that Ill probably feel pain all the way through, which was the case, said Djokovic.

Injuries were the theme of the day as the 21st seed Grigor Dimitrov produced a shock 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 victory against the third seed Dominic Thiem to reach the quarter-finals. Thiem offered little energy or resistance throughout, scoring just six points in the 21-minute third set. Afterwards, he noted physical issues but declined to further elaborate.

Some little physical issues, he said. I dont want to go closer to them. I dont want to find any excuses. But the thing also is that Im also not a machine. I mean, sometimes I would like to be, but there are really, really bad days. As soon as youre not a 100% there on the court on this level, then results like this come up and thats exactly what happened today.

Dimitrov will face the surprise of the tournament, Aslan Karatsev, a 27-year-old Russian qualifier who defeated the 20th seed Felix Auger Aliassime 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to become the first male player in 25 years to reach a grand slam quarter-final on debut.

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Novak Djokovic 'gambling' on fitness after Australian Open win over Raonic - The Guardian

Alabama lawmakers finished what they considered urgent business the first two weeks of the legislative session, passing three bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic with overwhelming bipartisan support, but face more controversial topics in the weeks ahead.

They will first take a week off to evaluate how well efforts to meet safely during the COVID-19 pandemic are working.

If they dont find problems and return as expected on Feb. 23, they will dive into a plan for a lottery and casinos, a major gambling expansion that would raise a half-billion dollars or more a year for state programs.

The money would go to college scholarships for high-demand careers, expand access to broadband internet, support health care and mental health care, and other needs.

The bill is a constitutional amendment that would go to voters for a final decision if it clears the Legislature.

Besides the gambling bill, legislators will consider a range of bills on other timely or controversial topics, including Alabamas overcrowded and violent prisons, election law changes related to last years disputed presidential election, and issues that come up every year, such as gun control laws and medical marijuana.

Bills awaiting consideration would:

The legislative session can last up to 15 weeks, or until mid-May.

Some of the bills are likely to cause sharp disagreements. That will be a change from the last two weeks, when Republicans and Democrats, with just a handful of exceptions, voted for three priority bills to help the state cope with and recover from the pandemic.

On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the three bills. They will:

House Speaker Mac McCutcheon and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed said the legislation is an important response to the pandemic, which cut short last years legislative session and killed those bills and others.

I think we accomplished what we needed to do, McCutcheon said. We got the three major bills out between the House and the Senate.

Weve had good progress on our budgets. And honestly, what we have gotten done over these two weeks has just really been phenomenal. Weve done better than I even thought we would do.

Reed sent out a statement saying the session was off to a strong start.

These are trying times for many across our state, and the Legislature, working with the governor, identified these three pieces of priority legislation to help Alabamians recover from the economic hardships endured throughout this pandemic, he said.

While these have been a strong first two weeks of session, we still have a lot of important work ahead of us. I look forward to continuing the bipartisan collaboration we have seen over the past few weeks as we continue to deliver results to the people of Alabama.

The Senate elected Reed as pro tem when Sen. Del Marsh stepped down after holding that post for a decade. Marsh, who is not running for reelection in 2022, said he wanted to concentrate on major legislation during his last two years in office. He is the sponsor of the constitutional amendment to allow a lottery and five casinos that would offer a full range of casino games and sports betting.

The Legislative Services Agency estimated the lottery and casinos could raise net revenue for the state of $450 million to $670 million. Read the fiscal note, which describes how the money would be used.

Senators discussed the bill Thursday but did not vote. Marsh said he expected to make changes to the bill in response to what he has heard from senators, representatives, and others, and would return with a revised version on Feb. 23.

Ive got to determine what is a package that I can truly, one, get through the Legislature and get to the people, Marsh said. And when they look at it they can say, They checked all the boxes. Im comfortable with this. I believe the money is going to the right places.

Alabama voters have not had a chance to vote on a lottery since 1999.

The Legislative Services Agency estimated the lottery would raise net revenue of $194 million to $279 million a year for the state. The money would go to a Lottery Trust Fund that would be used to pay for scholarships to community colleges. The intent is to help Alabama build a workforce needed to fill high-demand jobs in growing industries like automotive plants and aerospace companies. Scholarships would also go to students seeking teaching degrees in math and science, where there is a shortage of teachers.

The Legislature would hammer out more details in separate legislation. Marsh said his intent is to pass that before the amendment goes on the ballot so that voters will know the specifics.

The bill would allow casinos at the states four greyhound tracks in Birmingham, Macon County, Greene County, and Mobile, plus a fifth in northeast Alabama operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Senators who spoke Thursday generally praised the bill but some complained that their districts would have no casino and would lose revenue they now receive from bingo. The bill would prohibit electronic bingo except at the casinos.

Marsh said he might change the bill to allow up to two more casinos but said he strongly believed that voters want a limit on the number.

For several years, lawmakers have taken steps to expand high-speed internet access. They created the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund to offer grants to help bring fiber connections to areas where providers might not otherwise serve because theres not enough return on the investment. But the funding is a fraction of what is needed. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of broadband, with public schools switching to online classes and many adults working from home.

Marshs bill would apply almost half of the revenue from casinos to broadband expansion until that total reached $1 billion. A companion bill would set up a new state agency, the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority, which would develop short-term and long-term plans to expand broadband and enable the state to issue bonds for that purpose. Read the summary.

The gambling bill would also direct money to rural health care. Marsh said Ivey wanted that to be part of the plan because she wanted to help rural hospitals.

Funding would also go to mental health services. Marsh said that was the result of discussions with House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, who has led efforts to expand mental health care.

If the plan is approved, the governor would enter a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that would allow the tribe to offer the full range of casino games at their electronic bingo casinos on tribal land in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery.

The plan would also authorize betting on sports events at the casinos and online.

Marsh said he wanted his bill to be as close to a final document as possible if it passes the Senate but said he understand the House will probably want to make changes.

House Speaker McCutcheon did not commit to supporting the bill or speculate on it. McCutcheon said the comprehensive nature of the bill -- with the lottery, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the four greyhound tracks, and county-based bingo all included -- is an important stating point.

It would be too early for me to start making a comment about what I would support and what I would not support, McCutcheon said. I do know, and Ive said this from the very beginning, is that weve got to bring all of these different entities together where we can sit down at the table and not fight against each other but try to look for the things that bring us together so that we could have a hope of passing something.

Prisons are a major topic. The Department of Justice sued the Alabama Department of Corrections last year, alleging that the state violates the constitutional rights of inmates by failing to protect them from violence. Alabamas prisons hold far more inmates than they were built for and their supervision suffers from a severe shortage of correctional officers.

The House Judiciary Committee has approved about a half-dozen bills related to the prison problems. They would give judges more discretion in sentencing parole violators; allow some nonviolent offenders to petition courts for shorter sentences; promote community corrections and other programs that divert offenders from prison; and temporarily create a second parole board to help relieve a backlog of inmates eligible for parole hearings.

McCutcheon said he expects those bills to receive consideration in the House.

Ivey has signed lease agreements for two new mens prisons and is negotiating a third. The leases do not require legislative approval. Legislators have said they are worried about the cost, projected at about $3 billion over 30 years. McCutcheon said the House has a backup plan to the lease agreements, but no bill has been introduced.

At least two bills propose changes to a law that prohibits cities and counties from moving historical monuments that are 40 years old or more from public property. The Legislature passed the Memorial Preservation Act in 2017 in response to Confederate statues coming down in other states. The law imposes a $25,000 fine for removal of monuments. Still, Birmingham, Mobile, and Madison County all took down Confederate monuments last year.

The House Judiciary committee did not approve a bill by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, that would repeal the Memorial Preservation Act and allow cities and counties to move monuments to parks, cemeteries, or similar sites, or transfer ownership to other cities, counties, or a state agency. But the bill is in a subcommittee and could still be considered.

Another bill takes the opposite approach, making it harder to move monuments by increasing the penalties for removal. Rep. Mike Holmes, R-Wetumpka, is the sponsor.

McCutcheon said he did not want to speculate on what the House would do but said he expects representatives to debate the issues.

I think that there is a good possibility that that issue is going to be addressed. And I think theres a good possibility there may be some changes. To what extent that will be, I dont know, McCutcheon said.

The speaker said Givans bill had some merit because it would increase local control but did not endorse it.

A lot of the members have talked about thats a positive, they would like to see more local control because every area is not the same in the state. But, there again, the bills got to go through the process, McCutcheon said.

A Senate committee approved a bill that would prohibit puberty-blocking drugs, hormone treatments, and surgeries for minors seeking transgender therapy. The House Judiciary committee held a public hearing on a similar bill but did not take a vote.

A bill to legalize and regulate the production, sales, and use of medical marijuana products won approval by a Senate committee and awaits consideration by the Senate. It has passed the Senate the last two years but died in the House.

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Gambling bill tops list of tough issues when Alabama Legislature returns to work - AL.com

The comprehensive gambling bill filed this week by Republican state Sen. Del Marsh is a good bill. That statement will undoubtedly anger both many of my progressive friends, who view gaming and specifically, a states reliance upon gaming revenue to pay important bills as a tax on the poor, and many anti-gaming conservatives, who believe gambling in any form is a sin (except for, of course, the church raffles and the church bingo).

But both groups, while likely well-intentioned, are off-base. Their arguments are superficial and ignore key, indisputable facts about the current gaming reality in Alabama, and about how legalizing gaming in this state could drastically alter the tax structure and opportunities facing the states poorest citizens.

So, first things first, lets explain the bill and what it does. The short version is that it would authorize voters to approve a constitutional amendment allowing for a lottery, full casino gaming at five locations, a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that would allow three additional full casinos and would allow all casino locations to operate a sports book. It also creates a new gaming commission to oversee all of this gaming.

All told, this gaming bill is projected to bring in somewhere in the range of $750 million to $1 billion annually. That money will go towards a college scholarship program (similar to Georgias HOPE program), IT infrastructure, rural health care, mental health care and the general fund.

To determine if this is a good bill, I have three questions that must be answered:

Lets start from the top.

Marshs bill probably has the best chance of passing of any gaming bill that has come along in at least the last 15 years. There were a couple of close calls on video poker bills in the 90s, and then more near-misses in the early 2000s, but nothing that had the backing of several major players. And certainly nothing this ambitious.

There are two reasons why: First, the Poarch Creeks and the dog track owners sat down and reached an agreement. Second, the agreement spreads the wealth around to several different districts, making it far more likely that they can eliminate wishy-washy lawmakers by promising millions in revenue and thousands of jobs for their areas.

People can ignorantly whine about the dog tracks getting casinos, but you wouldnt have a deal otherwise. Because those tracks are huge money-makers for the local communities the very poor and economically depressed local communities and have been for decades. So, the lawmakers representing those areas protect the jobs of their constituents, as they should.

Historically, that has meant that no gaming or lottery bill gets through unless the tracks are included. Alternatively, until this deal, the tracks getting a piece of the pie has always been a non-starter for the Poarch Creeks, who didnt want to see their potential revenue diluted.

But over the last year-plus, the right people from those two groups got together and hammered out a compromise that didnt make any of them completely happy, but will ultimately make them and the state of Alabama a lot of money. Assuming this deal passes and voters approve it.

There are a few problems here. Overall, I think the bill strikes the correct tone, in terms of where the money goes, but the pathways to those locations arent clearly defined. And a couple of locations need to be changed, or at the very least the amount of money going to those locations changed.

What constitutes rural health services or mental health services isnt defined at all, and it needs to be. Or you could remove the rural services and simply expand Medicaid a move that would help every area of the state and would also generate billions of dollars and thousands of jobs.

Also, Id like to see the distribution of revenue altered to allow a repeal of the grocery tax and make it clear that career tech and certification programs can be covered by the lottery revenue, in addition to the college scholarships.

Theres enough money to do those things and still also improve our IT infrastructure and expand broadband throughout the state. Depending on the compact deal worked out between the tribe and Gov. Kay Ivey, there might also be enough to offer free pre-K to all Alabama children.

If we get anywhere close to this level of change, you have just fundamentally altered for the better the future of millions of Alabamians for generations to come.

Marshs bill taxes casinos at a 20 percent rate. Thats pretty close to average. Most other states have a variety of tax rates for example, taxing gaming machine revenue at a much higher rate than table game revenue making it difficult to assign an overall tax rate, but of those with flat rates, the rates vary from mid-teens to 30 percent.

That rate can be adjusted in the future, if needed. Although, the Poarch Creeks are currently (and rightfully) making the case that the rates shouldnt be changed during a licensing term.

So, thats it. Thats why I think its a good bill now, and one that could be life-altering for this state with just a few changes in revenue disbursement.

But theres also one other thing that I need people to understand: We already have gambling in this state.

Whenever this debate pops up, the go-to argument for gaming supporters is that theres gambling in states all around us. But you dont have to go that far. The Poarch Creeks already operate three casinos in Alabama. VictoryLand, GreeneTrack, the Birmingham Race Course and various smaller locations around the state also are already offering some form of gaming. So, theres already gambling occurring at seven of the eight proposed casino locations.

And that means all of the negative aspects of gaming that you complain about, we already have them here. What we dont have is revenue that would allow the state to implement changes that could positively affect all Alabamians, particularly poor Alabamians, and offset some of that harm.

That only comes by passing good, comprehensive gaming legislation that legalizes gambling at certain locations, regulates it and taxes it.

Marshs bill does that.

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Opinion | Marshs gambling bill is already good, but it could be great - alreporter.com

The charges stem from an investigation into Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club in Mayfield.

MAYFIELD, Pa. A state trooper in Lackawanna County is one of four people charged with illegal gambling and prostitution.

Investigators say Trooper Robert Covington, 45, of Olyphant, is a co-owner of Sinners Swing Gentleman's Club in Mayfield.

State police say an investigation revealed the club was being used for illegal gambling, prostitution, and money laundering.

Co-owner David Klem, 38; club manager Michael Ball, 48; and club employee Deanna Tallo, 31, were also charged.

Of the four people arrested on Thursday, one is a Pennsylvania State Trooper, one is a convicted drug dealer, and another pleaded guilty to smuggling drugs into the Lackawanna County Prison.

They're all accused of running an illegal operation out of a gentlemen's club in Mayfield since 2018.

Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club co-owner David Klem flashed a smile at our cameras as he left the Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Center, followed by the three others who were charged with running an illegal gambling and prostitution ring out of the club in Mayfield.

One of the four arrested is Trooper Robert Covington, a 13-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, who's assigned to enforce gambling regulations at Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes-Barre.

Investigators say Trooper Covington and David Klem own the club together.

Michael Ball is the club's manager, and Deanna Tallo is an employee.

After a year and a half long investigation, state police convinced a grand jury that these four people were running a corrupt organization and laundering money to cover it up.

Sharon Earyes works at an auto repair shop across the street from the club. She was surprised to learn of the illegal activities that were allegedly taking place there.

"If they were doing something bad, they did a very good job of keeping it secret because we didn't know anything," Earyes said. "I really didn't see much action over there. At night, we'd come by after dinner, and there'd be no cars in the lot, maybe one or two in the back you figure are employees. But in all honesty, I thought the place was closed."

Two of the four people arrested have a criminal history.

David Klem did time for using his pizza shop in Olyphant as a front for a drug trafficking operation. He was released on parole in 2015.

Deanna Tallo pleaded guilty in 2019 to smuggling drugs to inmates in the Lackawanna County Prison. Her sentencing in that federal case is scheduled for April.

According to court paperwork, Trooper Covington sent a text to another state trooper in February of last year, saying, "did I tell you I'm a silent partner in a strip club? I went halves with my friend in 2018. I told him I can't have any hand in daily operations till I hit my 20 yr mark lol. I'm almost making my PSP salary there."

Covington is currently suspended without pay from the Pennsylvania State Police.

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State trooper, three others charged with illegal gambling, prostitution - WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Gov. Ned Lamont penciled in $50 million in revenue from new digital gambling platforms in his two-year budget released Wednesday, betting that the legislature and Connecticuts two tribal casinos will approve sweeping changes in the states gambling enterprises.

The governor, legislative leaders, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino have negotiated unsuccessfully in the past few years an agreement to expand gambling to digital platforms such as the internet, phone apps and sports betting. The sides now are close to agreement, prodded by a shared need for revenue cut sharply by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Our neighboring states are moving forward with sports betting and iGaming and Connecticut should not leave these opportunities for other states to benefit from our inaction, Lamont said in his budget address to the General Assembly.

Lamonts budget anticipates revenue from sports betting, iGaming and iLottery.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which owns Foxwoods, said the governors revenue projection based on sports betting and digital gambling shows a level of commitment.

Butler said the Lamont administration and casinos are really, really close in reaching agreement on legislation.

Were at the one-yard line. We just need to punt it in, he said.

James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, said said Connecticut is poised this year to modernize its gaming laws, realize significant new state revenue and grow our local economy, just as neighboring states are already doing.

Even as the tribes negotiate with Lamont, money the governor budgeted in his spending plan is very much achievable through an agreement with the tribal nations, he said.

Lamont said his administration has been in active negotiations with the tribes to bring the states gaming economy into the digital age. He said he is submitting legislation that he believes is the best bet in ending this stalemate of inaction.

The $50 million in expected revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 2022 is a conservative estimate and will likely grow with added digital gaming, he said.

Melissa McCaw, Lamonts budget director, said at a budget briefing that modernizing the industry is critically important.

We believe theres alignment with our tribal partners on that goal, she said.

The tribes say their state compacts that have resulted in more than $8 billion in slot revenue to Connecticut since the early 1990s gives them exclusive rights to gambling. Commercial operators of casinos and sports betting are fighting efforts that would block them from competing for gambling business.

Sports betting operates in 20 states, including in neighboring New York and Rhode Island and nearby New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the American Gaming Association.

Its legal, but not yet operating in five states.

In New Jersey, internet gambling generated nearly $1 billion in revenue last year, doubled from 2019, and delivered $145 million to the state, according to Howard Glaser, global head of government affairs and special initiatives at Scientific Games Corp., a Las Vegas gambling and lottery company.

In Pennsylvania, online lottery sales were $1 billion by May 2020 after its first year, he said.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Conn. expects $50M in revenue from online gambling; tribes close to deal with state - The Union Leader

The worlds richest horse race, the $20 million Saudi Cup, holds its second running on Saturday. The Kingdom have done what theyre known for, built a state of the art facility and thrown a shed-load of money at an event. The race fits into the racing calendar in the region and provides competition for the other Gulf states who hold their racing festivals at this time of the year. Its a two day meeting with a wide range of events. Were here to concentrate on Saturdays main attraction heres your Saudi Cup Gambling Analysis and Picks.

The King Abdulaziz course in Riyadh is a new track so we dont have a ton of data, but in this instance we dont really need it. Its your standard left handed dirt oval, the 9f event held around one sweeping turn. Jockeys have been very complimentary about the surface and its lack of kickback. In short, therell be no excuses here. Theres not a huge field so everybody should be able to run their race. Maximum Security won last year having stalked the pace. Midnight Misu finished second having come from way back. The nine furlong trip looked to be a true test so Id want a horse with a bit of stamina and guts. Try and give the undercard a watch if you can, therell be clues on both days and you can pivot if there is an obvious trend.

Charlatan 7/4. Trained by Bob Baffert, Charlatan is 4 for 4. Having missed the Triple Crown races through injury, he returned from an eight month layoff to win the Malibu Stakes at Gulfstream in January. That was over seven furlongs, but the horse has won over this trip and that Malibu win was impressive. He could be anything and is a worthy favorite.

Knicks Go 9/4. Brad Cox trains this Pegasus World Cup winning star. I found his Breeders Cup Dirt Mile win even more impressive, going wire to wire and setting a track record. Hell be the one to catch and sets a daunting standard.

Mishriff 6/1. He hasnt been seen since finishing down the field in the Champions Stakes at Ascot. The horse overcame traffic to win the Prix du Jockey Club impressively, and trainer John Gosden has said the hed like a wide draw in order to drop in behind and pick his position. I think the layoff and lack of big race dirt experience may prove too much to overcome here.

Tacitus 11/1. Ran in this race last year and was always near the front without getting truly competitive. The horse doesnt have a Grade 1 winning record and I think we can expect more of the same here.

Military Law 12/1. He won a Grade 2 at Meydan and won it really well, though has previously finished behind horses not good enough to take this.

Chuwa Wizard 14/1. The Japanese raider interests me. Won an invitation here by taking the Grade 1 Champions Cup over todays trip at Chukyo. He travelled well and came home from midfield to win cozily. If anything is going to come from the back this might be the one.

Max Player 16/1. (pictured) Became a SGPN darling after filling out exotic placings in last years Belmont Stakes. He was the only horse to compete in all three Triple-Crown races, running with credit each time. However, we get it now. Max Player will run well and finish fifth.

Sleepy Eyes Todd is admirable but wont win today. Bangkok has taken an interesting route having won the Lingfield Winter Derby Trial in the UK, however this is a huge leap in class and its hard to see him getting involved at the finish. British phenom Hollie Doyle rides Extra Elusive who has G2 and G3 wins, but on a form line through Mishriff is up against it here. Alzahzaah is here representing the Saudis but nothing else.

Knicks Go has the form in the book and will take some passing. The presence of Charlatan makes Knicks Go an attractive price too. I think hell scoot off the front and come home untouched. Charlatan will need to get into a drive off the turn and may get picked up by closers for a place. Military Law has shown class and a good attitude, if he doesnt try to rate with Knicks Go he could stay on for a minor prize. Chuwa Wizard represents an element of the unknown, but didnt do a lot wrong last time and if the frontrunners cut each others throats then he could fly late and run in the money. Good Luck.

1st Knicks Go 9/4

2ndMilitary Law 12/1

3rdChuwa Wizard 14/1

The Saudi Cup meeting is covered on Fox Sports (US) and Sky Sports (UK)

Related

Cheltenham Festival betting tips

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Saudi Cup Gambling Analysis and Picks - The Sports Gambling Podcast

Land-based casinos are often considered as holiday destinations for the power-packed enjoyment they offer. But not everyone is aware of this. Yes! Only a bunch of patrons who visit these establishments regularly remain accustomed with everything that is associated with the land-based casinos.

If youre one of the new casino-enthusiasts who is planning to visit a luxurious gambling destination, let us tell you what all you can do there other than gambling! Keep reading!

Attend Concerts and Theatre Shows

Most of the huge gambling houses make it a point to include stadiums or halls to host concerts and theatre shows. The owners run a series of shows from popular bands and acts. Remember, there will be a specific time for when these shows will be hosted. So, check with the management for the days schedule and get to know the timings.

Relax at the Pool or Go to Spa

Swimming pools are also common at the gambling resorts. You can swim and enjoy the cool waters on a sunny day. You can also chill with friends or family and have a blast for a while by the poolside. Alternatively, try to soak yourselves in sun rays and get that much-needed vitamin D for your body.

Furthermore, you can even get a spa treatment to relax your body!

Munch on their Exotic Foods

Land-based casinos often hire experienced chefs to cater to their foods. These chefs are absolutely indulged into cooking and bring to you some of the most exotic dishes for you to enjoy. From local foods to continental delights, these establishments have a lot to offer their guests.

Try out their list of food options for as long as you are there. Sometimes, the food is complimentary, and usually, you pay for it in advance as a part of the entire stay. So, you might as well take advantage of whatever is available to you!

Nightclubs and Bar

The bar is one more thing that is ordinarily seen at the casinos. You can meet up with new people here or even have a blast with your friends. But we suggest you not to drink too much before hitting the casino for the game.

Sip on those drinks and dance to the loud discotheque music at the nightclubs. Make the best of the clubs which are usually open through the night till morning.

Tour the Casino

The prestigious casinos generally show multi-floor establishments. They are designed and decorated like some royal palace showcasing exuberance at every corner. Take a tour of such casinos because it is an experience in itself.

You can usually find artistically-built hallways, corridors, staircases, and so on which are breathtakingly designed to bring a style to the establishment. Moreover, the other added items like paintings, fountain etc. are also worth admiring.

Watch Other Players Gamble

Yes! Watching a live game played at any table is also thoroughly entertaining if you know the game already. However, if you are new to the game, you can learn by watching others play!

Furthermore, if you are new to gambling, we suggest you practice at online casinos before visiting a land-based casino. At totokazino, you can look for some of the best online casinos to gamble at and learn the casino games!

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Things to do Other than Gambling at Land-based Casinos - The African Exponent

Gamblers globally know how rigid Thailand is regarding the countrys gambling activity.

Many Asian countries as Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and Cambodia have loosened their rules. But unlikely in Thailand, they are very, very strict, and everything is banned while leaving out horse race bets and government lotteries. Even bullfighting and cockfighting with gambling purposes are determined as illegal.

But despite the legislation being so strict, surprisingly, gambling sport has increased dynamically. It is a really big deal now. Many happen to hidingly serve the act at hotels and resorts while the biggest is going on underground.

And an estimation value of all these activities in secrecy generates about 6 USD Dollars each year. Both dwellers and tourists have contributed their part in the estimation, though gambling is strictly prohibited.

The national lottery was functional from the year 2003. Its objective was to cover up the ill practices of private lotteries and, instead, bring something official and fair.

Why local casinos are dangerous for farangs

Farangs, on the first hand, must know that Thailands governments are against gambling of any form, and even the internet versions arent so impressive to them.

There are none mortars opened freely. From the Gambling Act of Thailand, it is noted that engaging in any sort can punish you that can even go up to imprisonment. However, most of the penalties are charged with a fine. Or even both, 1000 Baht and then the jail.

Farangs mostly are fans of casinos & gambling, and Thailand knows it already. As such, being introduced to casinos might take way less time than you think. It is not even a day of arrival, and you already have locals inviting to mortars.

But these mortars are illegally confined. And almost all of them are surfacing in secrecy- resorts, hotels, underground, and dark. Or even the private office and funerals.

Thailand was the only country in the region that had not been colonized by foreigners. Perhaps, this is why foreign influence is not a mere text. As such, poker is not widely seen or played in the nation. As stated by Play Pulse, Thailand origin games have no international appeal. For example, the Hi-Lo dice game is left underrated.

Similar to Baccarat, Hi-Lo needs cards, but the government officials have ceased the manufacturing. Indeed, gambling is so strict in Thailand, and the government leaves no chance to show it.

Can you get in jail for gambling?

Yes, gambling prohibition is so serious that it can get you into some severe problems like jailing. You can also be fined up to 1000 baht or more and less according to how troubling the situation is.

Government is rigid with gambling, yet many netizens still have themselves involved in it. However, Games are contradictory in Thailand.

And no matter how hard governing bodies try to abolish gambling, none of it is effective. Rather, it has been reported that the industry has grown to an unbelievable peak.

Those who are caught gambling have their hands in punishments, while those who successfully sneak are referred to as lucky. This is why hidden casinos still have their spot. Unless and until they are caught and taken action against, the practice isnt stopping.

Even if you are lucky for the night, it carries a lot of risks. Firstly, your name and everyone who was a part is certain to get on the list when the casino head is caught. Do not trust the bookie specifically.

Second, how fair the entity is, is concluding with a big question mark? Winners are charged with no money sometimes, and there is no chance they can complain about it.

How to safeguard yourself from problems with authorities?

The internet is your savior here. Online casinos such as Gclub imitates a very safe platform. They are regulated as such that members are safe and can barely reach an offense against the legislation.

But the games and algorithm Gclub offers are to die for. No rules have been altered, neither are additional elements subjected. With the site, you can explore foreign games like poker, roulette, and blackjack. You can also check vpn-th.com to find the latest information on how to access different sites from Thailand.

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Expat's guide on gambling in Thailand - The Sports Bank

Voters in most parishes supported the legalization of sports gambling last Nov. 3, but it may be 2022 by the time bettors are legally allowed to wager in Louisiana on football and other games.

With 55 of the 64 parishes voting in favor of the proposal, legislators will use this springs session to set tax rates and create a plan for betting on sporting events.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board will then create a regulatory model for gamblers and bet takers to use. Board chairman Mike Noel says he expects the rules to be similar to ones recently approved for fantasy sports betting.

Noel says the State Polices gaming enforcement division will begin taking applications from fantasy sports operators after the rules are published Feb. 20. The gaming board decided last year that it would levy an 8% tax on the net revenue from fantasy gambling to help fund early childhood education. Louisiana was one of only seven states that did not allow fantasy sports betting in 2020.

Louisianans eager to bet on real sports hope that legislators and the board will not take as long to create the rules this time.

Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, sponsored the bill that legalized sports betting, and he expects lawmakers to have a plan before the Legislature gathers in April for a two-month session.

I will assure you that we will have an agreement between all parties before the Legislature in April with the final proposal, Johns says. There is absolutely a lot of discussion going on right now, among all parties involved.

One key decision will be whether to allow online gambling or limit betting to in-person gambling on casino grounds. If the legislators approve online gaming, the gaming board will have to set up geolocation borders, technology that would keep the apps from working in the nine parishes that did not approve the betting.

Ive personally looked at the mechanism of geofencing, and its a very safe way of regulating gaming and betting, Johns says. The technology has been proven in many other states.

In the two-and-a-half years since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 1992 ruling against state-authorized sports gambling, 20 states have legalized sports betting. Louisiana and five other states have passed legislation and are working toward taking their first bet.

This story was first published by Manship School News Service.

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Sports gamblers may have to wait until 2022 to legally bet in Louisiana - Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

This is part ofa series of articles inspired by questions from our readers. So thank you to Charlie B for prompting this piece by asking about the hidden struggle football players have with gambling/addiction.

Scott Davies was 16 years old, earning 50 a week as a scholar at Readings youth academy, when it started. Living in digs, away from friends and family, he often found himself at a loose end after training, wandering through the town centre, looking for somewhere to go or something to do. Anything to pass the time.

He wandered into a bookmaker. Legally he wasnt old enough to place a bet, but nobody batted an eyelid as he sat at one of the fixed-odds terminals. He doesnt recall how much money if any he walked out with a couple of hours later. What sticks with him is the rush of excitement he felt with each spin of the virtual roulette wheel. The machine gave me a hit, he tells The Athletic. For...

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Inspired by You: Footballers and gambling - The Athletic

Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 4, 2020.Credit: REUTERS/Steve Marcus

Supporters of expanding gaming options in Texas say they are playing a long game this legislative session and remain convinced that the GOP-led Legislature could come around on the issues they are pushing at the Capitol.

The gambling empire Las Vegas Sands, which has mounted an ambitious campaign this year to bring casinos to the state, has acknowledged the challenge in getting lawmakers on board with such a massive policy change especially after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised questions this week about whether the issue has enough support to make it far in the legislative process.

But Andy Abboud, Sands senior vice president of government affairs, told reporters Thursday that such skepticism does not impact how the company proceeds this session, and that he is confident the companys nearly 60-member team of lobbyists can change enough minds at the Legislature to at least make meaningful progress.

Well see how things feel toward the end of the session, later this spring, Abboud said, noting that gambling legislation could be filed sometime within the next month. I believe that we can change anybodys mind if we do it effectively.

Sands was founded by Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson, who died last month.

A broader gaming conversation has played out over the past few months and as the 2021 legislative session has gotten underway. Aside from casinos, a push to legalize sports betting in the state has gained attention, with several Dallas-area professional sports teams, including the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys, mounting an effort to push the issue at the Legislature, as first reported Monday by The Dallas Morning News.

Both gambling and sports betting already faced uphill climbs at the Legislature past efforts have not made it far, and since both would require a constitutional amendment, they would need two-thirds support from the 31-member Senate and 150-member House to pass before going to the voters in the state to decide.

Other wrinkles have also surfaced over the past week. Patrick, the head of the Senate, said Tuesday he did not think sports betting had enough support to make it far in the upper chamber this session. Later that day, a report that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had decided to stop playing the national anthem at home games this season sparked immediate backlash among Republicans, and soon after prompted Patrick to announce one of his top priorities this session: a bill to require the national anthem be played at all events which receive public funding.

[Cuban] just pulled the rug out from every other sports team in Texas with this stunt, Patrick told Dallas radio host Mark Davis on Wednesday. There were already people saying, Well, why would I approve sports betting, these are people who dont even make people stand for the flag, why would I do this? Again, because it doesnt generate much money for Texas, it generates a lot of money for them.

Patrick has argued that the potentially new tax revenue streams from expanding gaming would only help a fraction of the states budget, and that if casinos want to push their issue, they should sell it on tourism sell it on jobs a point Abboud agreed with Thursday.

For [Patrick] to be cautious about it makes sense, Abboud said. Because unlike other industries, we need legislative approval and we need voter approval Thats why were building a big coalition and [doing] everything we can to communicate the benefits of the jobs.

Patrick also told Davis that if the casino issue is taken to GOP voters in the state, theyre going to do it for big casinos, theyre going to go for the full monty not just sports betting.

Abboud said Sands talks with groups pushing the sports betting issue all the time sports betting is its part of the casino experience, he said and that the two will continue working together and hopefully join forces.

None of this really works if this is a pain in the neck for legislators, Abboud said. So weve worked very hard to get as many of the existing interests here in Texas in the same boat, rowing in the same direction. And we continue to do that, and I think were about there.

Abboud on Thursday said the company has also had productive meetings with other state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott and new House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont.

If they told us to skip town, we would, Abboud said. But they havent, so were here.

Abbott, for his part, said in an interview last week he wants to get a feel for where members are on the issue. And Phelan has said casinos must be treated as a long-term commitment instead of a short-term fix for the states fiscal forecast. In a statement for this story, Phelan spokesperson Enrique Marquez reiterated that position, saying the speaker has stated consistently that gambling will not plug the current budget hole.

Each Member of the Texas House will bring a distinct perspective informed by their communities when considering proposals to expand gaming and sports betting, Marquez said. Members should judge the merits of each proposal based on whether it has long-term value to the state and their districts.

Still, Abboud is bullish about the companys chances or at least progress this session.

Does it happen this legislative session? We will see, he said Thursday. Does it happen in the near future? It is inevitable.

Continued here:

GOP leaders have expressed skepticism about expanding gambling in Texas. But supporters see hope in the long run. - 550 KTSA

The pandemic has altered the behavior patterns of many Americans. It has also forced states to reexamine their thinking in several areas, especially in taxation and spending. One of the biggest winners in this process appears to be gambling.

Clearly, with most of the nations leisure activities shut down, more and more Americans are looking for something to occupy their time. At the same time, thanks to massive losses in tax revenues, states are scrambling for ways to make ends meet. Sports and other forms of online gambling are an easy answer to shoring up state budgets while satisfying the consumers demand for more action in this burgeoning leisure market.

The trend toward legalizing gambling both on and off the internet has been around for the last several years, but the pandemic has added momentum to that process. Back in 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states have the right to decide the status of sports betting for themselves. As a result, more than 24 states have legalized betting either online or at casinos or both.

Sports betting is only the latest offering in a field crowded with other gambling pastimes. Whatever your poison poker, slots, sports betting, or live casino games you can increasingly access it online. More and more Americans are doing just that.

For those veteran gamblers who enjoyed the excitement of the bricks-and-mortar atmosphere of established gambling casinos, it took the pandemic to lure them onto the internet side of things. They found that online sites offered their own brand of adrenaline rush. Slot machines, for example, tend to be much more fun than the traditional, one-armed bandits of yesteryear. If that is not your cup of tea, you can access live studios where the game and dealers are in real time and the light shows are often dazzling.

Another benefit of online sites is safety. Gamblers can feel safe because there are plenty of reliable websites that have been licensed by the state. They offer a transparent and fair game with high-security protocols. They are also open 24 hours a day, and you dont need to wear makeup or comb your hair to gamble. In addition, there are no lines, social distancing requirements, expensive dinners, hotels, or worries about costly transportation to the casino.

The nations attention was drawn to sports betting last weekend, thanks to the Super Bowl. Wagers on the game were expected to break all records in legal sports betting. The American Gaming Association predicted that as many as 23.2 million people would be wagering bets on the outcome of the game. That would be a 62 percent increase from last years wagers, totaling $4.3 million.

The nations media featured a Texas businessman and owner of a furniture store, Mattress Mack (Jim) McIngvale, who placed a $3.46 million bet on the game and won $6.18 million. It was thought to be the largest bet made at the game.

Mattress Mack placed the bet on his smartphone through DraftKings (DKNG), a public company that is one of the top betting platforms in the nation. The publicity has been good both for the furniture store, as well as for the price of DraftKings. The companys stock price has climbed substantially over the last few months, as investors became aware of just how large the betting public has become.

Worldwide, the online gambling market is valued at $59 billon, according to Statista, a data research firm, and is expected to reach $92.9 billion by next year. That has investors excited. And like so many other areas affected by the pandemic, gambling could become even bigger in the future, with online betting leading the way.

Bill Schmick is registered as an investment adviser representative of Onota Partners Inc. in the Berkshires. He can be reached at 413-347-2401, or email him at billiams1948@gmail.com.

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Bill Schmick | The Retired Investor: Gambling the vice we love - Berkshire Eagle

Last December, a Connecticut lawmaker said that You can bet on sports betting becoming a legal activity in 2021. On Wednesday, the states governor echoed those sentiments and made it seem like all forms of online gambling would be legal as well.

Gov. Ned Lamont released his two-year state budget Wednesday and he allotted $47.3 million in tax revenue from the second year of expanded gambling, according to a report from the Hartford Courant.

Based on comments made by Lamont at the time of the release of his budget proposal, it appears expanded gambling includes both retail and online sports betting, as well as online casino gaming.

Our neighboring states are moving forward with sports betting and iGaming, and Connecticut should not leave these opportunities for other states to benefit from our inaction, said Lamont. My administration has been in active negotiations with our tribal partners to bring the states gaming economy into the digital age. And I am submitting legislation which reflects what I believe to be the best bet in ending this stalemate of inaction in a way which is in the best interest of the entire state.

Both Rhode Island and New Hampshire already offer online and brick-and-mortar sports betting, and New York seems set to expand its sports betting market after recent comments made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Pennsylvania has also seen increased revenues after legalizing all forms of online gambling.

The tribal partners Lamont was referring to is the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which runs Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Tribe, which is in charge of Mohegan Sun. Currently, nearly all forms of gambling, outside of the lottery and off-track betting, runs through those two tribes.

The pandemic has hurt the brick-and-mortar revenue of those two tribes casinos, which in turn has put a dent in the state coffers. Connecticut is facing a $1 billion deficit at the time of Lamonts budget proposal.

Lamont made comments in December that seemed like he was ready for Connecticut to mirror the models in place in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

If we found out anything in the course of this horrible COVID cycle, more and more of the world is going virtual, said Lamont at the end of last year. More and more of the world is going online. Thats tele-health and tele-learning, but its also iGaming and sports betting. And I dont think you want Connecticut left behind.

With any proposed gambling expansion, those two entities will be at the center of the negotiations. The Courants report says that the governor and the tribes have been in long-running talks about whether the tribes will have exclusive rights, like they currently do, for any form of gambling expansion.

Foxwoods announced a partnership with daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings at the end of 2020, which gives the Boston-based online sportsbook a track to the Connecticut market regardless of any pending agreements.

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Connecticut Governor Has Tax Revenue From Online Gambling In Budget Proposal - CardPlayer.com

Denver Broncos (4-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

Money line: Broncos +695 (BetMGM), Chiefs -900 (FanDuel)

Spread: Chiefs - 13.5

Total: 51

The NFL didnt do the Denver Broncos any favors last week, and now the schedule isnt on their side as they have to travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. At least theyre expected to have Drew Lock back under center as he missed last week after failing to follow proper COVID-19 mask protocols.

The Broncos were forced to play practice-squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton at quarterback in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, and he was only able to complete one of his nine passes. He finished with two interceptions and 13 passing yards in the 31-3 loss. It was Denvers third loss in its past four games, putting a huge dent in its playoff hopes when you consider the matchup this week against the Chiefs, who have won six straight games.

The weather for the rematch wont be as bad as the Week 7 matchup in Denver, which saw the Broncos fall 43-16 to the Chiefs. Nonetheless, its a very tough task for the defense as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are two and three respectively in receiving yards, and theyve combined to score 20 touchdowns. Hill leads the NFL with 13 touchdowns as hes racked up nine over a five-game TD streak. He has a ridiculous 582 yards in his past four games (269 last week).

All Patrick Mahomes has done over his last four games is throw for 14 touchdowns. He has at least 348 yards in each of those four games and he leads the NFL with 3,497 passing yards. Hes third in touchdowns with 30 and hes only been picked off twice.

The backdoor cover is always in play with big spreads like this, but Denver will need Locks best effort. The Broncos QB has thrown 11 interceptions over his past six games and he has three in two games against the Chiefs, with zero passing touchdowns.

KC enters Week 13 with the highest implied team total (32.5), while the Broncos have the fourth-lowest at 18.5. Kansas City ranks first in time of possession and theyre the No. 1 team on third down. The Broncos, on the other hand, rank 26th in time of possession and third-to-last in third-down rate.

Prediction: 34-14, Kansas City

Tyreek Hill OVER 73.5 Receiving Yards -110 (FanDuel) and OVER 5.5 Receptions -120 (BetMGM)

Hill is on too big of a roll to not take a shot on his yardage prop. As mentioned, hes second in the NFL in receiving yards and hes averaging 145.5 per game over his last four contests. The Chiefs havent had a lot of success running the football lately, which has resulted in 42-plus pass attempts for Mahomes in each of his past four games.

Tim Patrick OVER 3.5 Receptions, +100 (DraftKings)

Forget last week, as Patrick only received two targets from Hinton. The Broncos wideout had 23 targets and 13 catches in his three games prior to last week. Hes the big-threat play in Denvers offense and Lock will have to throw the ball to keep pace. All we need is four grabs from Patrick and the return is pretty solid. Its a number hes had in six of his past seven games (not counting last week).

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Gambling: Take the over on the Chiefs winning vs. the Broncos and receivers faring well - Colorado Springs Gazette

The United States continues to present, implement, and overturn gambling laws as the industry grows. The relationship between gambling and society has been influenced by perception, history, religion, and economic principles. Since these aspects vary from one state to the next, law, especially those determined by the living conditions and the demographics in a particular state, you will find different laws.

Thus, while one state is legalizing gaming and creating bodies to oversee their operations, others like Hawaii do not welcome any form of betting. The latter is extreme because if you have a social activity, you need to ensure that none of the participants is gaining from it; otherwise, your action is illegal.

While all these states have different perspectives on gambling and what it means for the community, the regulatory laws focus on several aspects. Whether it is legal or illegal in a state has multiple answers, depending on where you are. Some do not condone any form of betting, while others that state gaming is illegal will allow lottery and bingo games. Since these are also forms of gaming, the question begs what defines legality.

In such cases, the morality of gambling comes to play, and it is more a matter of why people gamble and who benefits. This is reflective of a historical period when the colonizers allowed gambling to facilitate the building of towns. People in strict parts of the country that dont have these alternative options have to travel out of state to get a little excitement.

With the growing online betting industry, some people in states that term gambling illegal can access online casinos. However, this is also frowned upon. Very few have legalized online gambling. There have been attempts to establish a gambling enforcement act for online gambling. While it is easy to keep track of land-based casinos, the online world proves a little more problematic.

This is because of the unlimited access to casinos. Numerous reviews make it easy for players to find an ideal platform. You will need to define your gambling needs, and this will help you find the right casino. There are numerous options for a $10 deposit casino, so make sure you look at all aspects. Then, all you need to do is register and create an account. Once you have made your first deposit, you can start playing. Casinos offer a different number on the minimum you can start playing with $10.

Some states have legalized online gambling, while others have not. However, players from all can access games from international casinos with licensing from others. Nevada is one of the most famous gambling states. With Las Vegas, one of the biggest gambling cities in the world, this state is a little more liberal with games of chance than many others.

Although Nevada has been a gambling state for a long time in history, it was mostly run by organized crime members. As such, to reclaim the gambling industry and separate the activity from the criminals, the state established the Nevada Gaming Board. This body was tasked with regulating and breaking all ties with organized crime.

The governments established the rule that it was illegal to send money across state lines for the purpose of gambling. This law is foundational in implementing rules on online gambling.

Another aspect of gambling that varies from one state to the next is that of age. While the overall idea is that only people over the age of 21 should gamble. Some states are more flexible with the implementation. In some, you can play bingo and participate in the lottery from the age of 18.

The US has several conversations that will never receive a one-size-fits-all solution. As such, it is impossible to conclude what is next for all. However, with the growing online industry, the regulatory laws in place will not be as effective as possible. Like the sports protection act that had banned all sports betting, time might prove the need to overturn the regulation. This is mostly informed by the fact that it is impossible to control access to online casinos.

Another major motivator for legalizing casino gambling is the revenue. In 2018, the US earned more than 10.5 billion in revenue from gambling online and in brick and motor casinos. This is the same year that the district of Columbia made sports gambling legal. This financial motivation has been part of history for many states that eventually overturned laws banning gambling, which led to the establishment of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Some states that dont have a definite stance on legal online gambling or illegal gambling often have loopholes. For instance, states that have casinos on tribal land have other establishments that offer these services. Although the US has liberal laws on betting, not all states are that liberated.

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Features of Gambling Regulation in the Different States of America - South Florida Reporter

Celebrations look different this year as we make changes to keep our families and communities safe.

In addition to preventing illness, there are ways to help prevent loved ones from developing a gambling problem. Similar to substance use, gambling carries risk. Breaks from school and work provide opportunities to check in on your loved ones about their gambling activities and to talk with youth about the risks of gambling. A change in someones behavior or an increase in their gambling are both warning signs of problem gambling.

Gambling in youth is linked with other risks factors for youth. Oregon 11th graders that reported participating in gambling activities also had higher rates of skipping school, being in a physical fight, being sad for two or more weeks, and using alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. Parents or caretakers talking about the risk of gambling with teens can increase their perception of risk and can reduce their risky behaviors.

For adults that choose to gamble, you can reduce your risk of developing a gambling problem by using the following guidelines:

Dont gamble on credit or borrowed money

Dont gamble to win back lost money (also known as chasing losses)

Dont gamble to cope with negative feeling or to escape

Dont let gambling be your only social or recreational activity

Dont let youth gamble

Seek help if gambling becomes a problem for you or a loved one

In Oregon, problem gambling treatment is free and confidential. Treatment and support are available to anyone with a gambling disorder and anyone affected by someones gambling. For support and resources call or visit:

The Lincoln County Problem Gambling Treatment Program (541) 265-4196 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at 1-877-My-Limit or OPGR.org (available 24 hours a day)

Lincoln County Public Health, in collaboration with our community partners, provides leadership to assure the conditions for healthy communities.

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Preventing problem gambling this holiday season | Community - The News Guard

Nebraskans have the chance to gamble in casinos. It is now legal to gamble in little ole Nebraska.

Before you haul yourself off to the nearest casino, there are some very important questions to be answered. Specifically, the big question everyone first thinks of when thinking about gambling; is gambling a good idea, or a bad one?

I myself wondered what the answer to this question was when the recent law was passed, so I decided to research it. While I originally thought that the answer was clear, it turns out, the answer, like life, isnt just black and white.

In the article Gambling: a Controlled Substance, William Thompson discusses how gambling, while good in some aspects, is also bad in other aspects, especially unregulated. Thompson explains that in governments that dont oversee gambling, most people dont have issues with gambling. He then, however, states But another 20% overindulge. They incur debts. Four percent cannot stop without the intervention of others. Then there are the 0.5-1% (and these are conservative estimates) who fall into destructive behaviors.

Families are destroyed, friendships broken, employment disrupted. Cycles of deception and crime lead to ruined lives and in many cases, suicide. He describes gambling as a drug and shows that gambling can be very destructive and unregulated.

While the states how gambling can be harmful, he also shows how gambling can be positive, saying that he does not oppose all gambling. He lives in Las Vegas, a city notorious for economic benefits from gambling. He said his community has the fastest growing economy in the country thanks to gambling, and states Gambling provides most of the tax revenues that support our public services. Gambling is responsible for over 60% of our jobs. With William Thompsons article Gambling: a Controlled Substance, it is easy to see how gambling has two sides, much like a coin.

What I learned from my research is that there is no 100% right answer; gambling is harmful and beneficial. In short, while gambling is beneficial to the economy, it can be harmful to people when unregulated. I believe that if gambling is well regulated, then it will be a positive thing. The concern is the people who become addicted to it, which is where I think regulations will help out. Gambling is fun and good for the economy. As long as it is regulated in a way where people who have trouble stopping get help and/or are stopped, I believe that this will be a good thing for Nebraska. Who knows? Maybe when I am old enough to gamble, Ill be the next big jackpot winner. I can only dream.

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There is good and bad to states allowing gambling - Norfolk Daily News

Johanesburg - Online sports betting has seen the gambling industry growing steadily across Africa, and governments are scrambling to catch up on the regulatory front.

Head of Statistics the University of Venda in South Africa, Dr Alphonce Bere, tells The Southern Times that the proliferation of smartphones and aggressive marketing by betting companies has seen increasingly more people gambling online, with wagers on sporting events the firm favourite of punters.

Sports betting is more popular today in the continent than it was two years ago. Most African punters have user accounts on international online betting platforms that have operations in numerous jurisdictions.

Currently, sports betting in Africa mainly features bets on football and horse racing. There is a lot of interest in horse racing in North Africa that dates back to the 15th century. Africans have been betting on football for more than 70 years now, Dr Bere says.

He adds that in 2018, the gambling and gaming industry in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa reached US$40 billion. His research shows that around 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 in a country of around 150 million people - participate in different forms of sports betting, with the average wager per person at US$15 daily.

Unlike other African countries, South Africa has properly regulated gambling. The gambling laws are not very tough but tolerant for South Africans. The lenient laws have allowed international online sports betting companies to offer their services.

Unemployment has also contributed immensely to the rise of betting as people take on the odds to make a living.

The unemployment rate is very high in Africa. With the entry of foreign and local betting companies, youths engage in online sports betting for an opportunity to win big money. Unlike in developed countries, here you can make wagers with as little as US$1, or even less. That makes the playground more suitable for unemployed people.

According to studies by the South African government, over 50 percent of adults place sports bets online frequently.

Dr Bere said that the convenience of mobile money had advanced the march of gambling.

And with so many Africans keen on sports on TV, thanks to satellite television and growing Internet penetration, it is no great wonder that a lot bets are placed on football.

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Ladies, place your bets Online gambling on the rise across Africa - The Southern Times

As the UK government puts betting advertising under the microscope, the English Football League has leaped to the defence of the bookies, highlighting the importance of their sponsorships to clubs in the wake of ongoing financial troubles. Ged Colleypriest, founder of Underdog Sports Marketing, examines if football can cope with having the punting pound removed from its economy.

Much has been spoken about the responsible gambling messaging that has become more prominent since scrutiny was stepped up. SkyBet, which sponsors the EFL for example, displays messages such as Set a Deposit Limit on the sleeve badges of players in its leagues. This is, of course, a positive step, but can it really work? One need only look at Formula 1 for a word of warning. Footballs relationship with the bookies is akin to that of F1 and tobacco. While F1 banned smoking sponsors logos in 2006, the presence of big tobacco firms lingers like the smell of cigarettes on a favourite smoking jacket.

Firms like Phillip Morris replaces the Marlboro logo on the Ferraris they sponsor with slogans such as Mission Winnow. McClaren and British American Tobacco have a similar arrangement with Building a Better Tomorrow. This being their movement to create a smoke-free world, or, to put it plainly, to sell vaping products. This circumvents the F1 ban because it is not a smoked product, it still however, keeps the company at the front of mind. Of course, the tobacco firms still make huge profits through traditional products.

If football allows gambling to stay by pedalling its gamble responsibly mottos, it is in danger of making the same mistake.

Never waste a good crisis or words to that effect have been attributed to Winston Churchill. Well, its safe to say that football, specifically many of the EFL clubs, have been trying to navigate a financial crisis for some time. Bailout talks remain complicated but are in a better position than they were a month ago.

Throughout these talks, unsurprisingly, the EFL has been quick to defend the financial support that bookmakers bring. Describing their backing as important now as its ever been. This is not in doubt. Even if there is a bail-out, the 40m a season that bookies generate for the league and clubs is going to be required to weather the storm. But football is in need of complete reform. For all the talk of sustainability, as the Saving the Beautiful Game manifesto points out, too many clubs and owners have been guilty of spending hard and gambling (for want of a better word) on short term success to get the pot of gold that the Premier League brings. There is a huge danger that if the game doesnt cease this opportunity to sever its ties with bookmaking firms, then it never will.

Just because bookmaking money is there, doesnt mean its the only option. Clubs like Luton Town have a policy of not working with gambling firms because of the potential harm that could cause their fans.

The plight of Bury, Wigan, Macclesfield and numerous others have been heartbreaking for their fans. Pulling the rug from the carpet and banning betting sponsorship immediately would increase the risk of this happening to more teams. But a phased approach that allows a period of grace for clubs and governing bodies to get their house in order, is something that could work. Premier League clubs have the least reliance on bookmakers with the vast majority of their income coming from broadcast rights. Plus, it commands the most viewers, so provides bookie sponsors with the most exposure. Therefore, starting with the top-flight would be the most logical approach. The EFL could follow but be allowed more time in order to secure sponsors from other sectors.

Putting aside the moral issue, something else Covid-19 has demonstrated is the reliance on bookmaking as a category. There are more bookies than you can even imagine and nearly all of them are prepared to buy sponsorships from clubs. Many clubs are happy to take the bookie money, because its easier than looking outside the category. Which is understandable when you have a sales target over your head.

But what it doesnt do is future-proof your club as a business. If you continue to do the same style of sponsorship, largely badging exercises, just alternating which bookmaker is on your shirt, you leave yourself massively exposed when that sector dries up or is taken away. There arent many categories that are prepared to hand over money as easily as the bookies, so its going to be a much harder fix.

But this is where the good news comes in. There are some wonderful examples out there of small football teams showing outstanding creative thinking to attract sponsors that are in theory out of their league. Take Stevenage, for example. Its sponsorship with Burger King has attracted a huge amount of adulation. The team was the lowest ranked team in FIFA 20, so the club and sponsor launched the Stevenage Challenge encouraging gamers to play as The Boro. The results were outstanding as the club became the most chosen team in Career Mode resulting in loads of exposure and genuine engagement for Burger King.

Likewise, Forest Green Rovers is hardly a household name in world football. But its profile is constantly rising because of the story it tells off the pitch. The team became the worlds first vegan club in 2015 and the first to be certified carbon neutral in 2018. So, while it may still be in the bottom tier of the EFL, the team attracted investment from Arsenal star Hector Bellerin and secured a naming rights deal with Innocent.

These arent easy fixes, but more inspiration for how smaller teams can and must move away from the traditional model of sponsorship, that largely involves placing a brands logo (usually a bookies) on a shirt and hoping for the best.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport review is expected to be revealed in early 2021 and changes in regulation could be in place for the 2021/2022 season. So clubs and governing bodies dont have long to wait or to plan for the future. The changes could have a seismic impact on the sport for fans, clubs and financial directors alike. All of which means its essential that clubs start planning for a future that is different from what weve known since regulations were relaxed in 2007. But as the likes of Luton, Forest Green, Stevenage and others have shown, there is a life outside of bookmaking sponsorship but it requires a different way of thinking.

Ged Colleypriest is founder of Underdog Sports Marketing.

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Football can't take the easy route and ignore its gambling problem - The Drum

NFL Best Bets for Week 13

Please note: These are our FREE picks, not our PREMIUM picks which are reserved for MEMBERS only at SI Fantasy PRO. Members receive alert notifications immediately upon pick release.

YTD: 191-131-2 | MLB: 79-60 | NFL: 55-42-1 | CFB: 19-17 | January-March: 38-12-2 | Casey Olson's MMA PICKS: 192-80-5 (71% on all released betting plays)

Please note: These are our FREE picks, not our PREMIUM picks which are reserved for MEMBERS only at SI Fantasy PRO. Members receive alert notifications immediately upon pick release.

Check out the breakdowns for each of our analyst's picks below!

Ben Heisler (@bennyheis)

New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers (-1) | TOTAL: 47.5

I was flabbergasted when the line opened at Chargers -1.5 for this game. HOW?

L.A. cant get out of its own way with abysmal clock management and no regard for situational play calling late in games. They willfully find ways to lose, highlighted by this gem from ProFootballTalk.

The Chargers have had 20 games decided by one score since the start of the 2019 season, and they are 4-16 in those games. That is the most one-score losses in the NFL in that span.

Im not saying this years Patriots are world-beaters, but if youre going to gift a Bill Belichick coached team points vs a Chargers squad with a 25% winning percentage in one-score games over the last two years, I think youve made my decision fairly easy.

This line will move towards the Patriots the closer we get, so Id hop on early.

BEST BET: Patriots +1 (this line has since moved to Patriots -1 at DraftKings Sportsbook).

Frankie Taddeo (@Frankie_Fantasy)

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-5.5) | TOTAL: 54

Normally, when you have two 8-3 teams likely headed for the playoffs, the line should only be around a field goal. Despite only moderate support in the early wagering, the oddsmakers have made a huge move to the Titans who have gone both 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four games. In addition, how could you not be impressed with Tennessees last two quality road wins over the Colts and Ravens?

On the flip side, Baker Mayfield and the Browns (8-3 SU; 4-7 ATS) have covered just one of their last six games ATS. Talk about burning money. Finally, are you willing to get in front of the Derrick Henry train right now? Im not.

Look for the Titans to extend their winning streak to three straight overall over a Browns team that simply is overrated.

BEST BET: Titans -5.5

Corey Parson (@TheFantasyExec)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Minnesota Vikings (-10 ) | TOTAL: 51

The Jacksonville Jaguars may only have one win on the season but they are 5-6 ATS on the year, Jacksonville has also covered the number in three of their last four games. Minnesota is 6-5 ATS on the season but only 2-4 ATS in home games, that says that they are overvalued at home.

Minnesota has won four of their last five games but only one of those victories was convincing, not only do I think Jacksonville will cover I think they have a chance to pull off the upset.

BEST BET: Jaguars +10

Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano)

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-5.5) | TOTAL: 54

Its Derrick Henry season for the Titans! The big, bruising back is set to lead the Titans to the playoffs with the first of several favorable matchups, the first of which comes against the Browns. Their defense has been bad on the road, and it would be ranked lower in the league overall if not for a few bad weather games in Cleveland that shrunk their point and yardage allowed totals.

I expect the Titans to win this game easily, so Ill eat the 5.5 points and take Tennessee this weekend.

BEST BET: Titans -5.5

Bill Enright (@BillEnright)

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-13.5) | TOTAL: 50.5

We all saw Denver play without a quarterback in Week 12 and muster up just three points, but Drew Lock is expected to return for this AFC West matchup. But this number is all about the Chiefs.

The Over/Under opened at 48.5, actually came down half a point and then took off and is now at 50.5. The over has hit in 3 out of 4 games when the Chiefs play an AFC West opponent, including the last time these two teams met earlier in the season and the over covered by 13 points.

BEST BET: OVER 50.5

Roy Larking (@StatsGuru6)

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (+2.5) | TOTAL: 45

Taysom Hill and the Saints (9-3) are playing back-to-back road games following a 31-3 win in Denver last week. New Orleans is riding an eight game winning streak that includes a 24-9 win at home against Atlanta two weeks ago. Matt Ryan and the Falcons (4-7) are playing a second straight home game after they crushed Las Vegas 43-6 last week. The lopsided win is surprising on a few levels including Atlanta gaining just 304 total yards on offense. The Falcons have posted a 4-2 record under interim head coach Raheem Morris.

Its difficult to get a handle on why the point spread is so low on this NFC South rivalry rematch. The Falcons have played better recently, and they have tape on Saints starter Taysom Hill, but Julio Jones and Todd Gurley are both expected to be inactive for this contest. The Saints are playing lights out on defense and have outscored their last four opponents by a 120-28 margin. New Orleans is looking to maintain their lead in the race for the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Not overthinking the low point spread - I am siding with the Saints here.

New Orleans is a -2.5 point favorite at DraftKings. Lay the line and bet on the Saints.

BEST BET: Saints -2.5 (this line has since moved to -3 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Steve Renner (@Steve_Renner)

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (+3.5) | TOTAL: 51

I personally think the Colts are going to win by double digits running away. Houston losing Will Fuller for the season will make it even more difficult for them to move the ball consistently down the field against a good Colts defense who will be looking to bounce back after a couple down weeks. The Colts announced early Friday morning that DeForest Buckner was activated from the COVID-19 list, a huge boost for their defense against a depleted Texans offense. I love Indianapolis as the better team to cover on the road and expect them to win by double digits.

BEST BET: Colts -3.5

Ian Ritchie (@SIGambling)

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (+2.5) | TOTAL: 45

Taysom Hill, meet Tim Tebow! Sean Payton knows how to win and has limited the playbook to exploit what Hill does best, pound the football. He is averaging 10 carries per game since getting the starting job and with that limited playbook they are using, they will continue to win. I am assuming Julio Jones and Todd Gurley will be inactive and in those situations, Matt Ryan has really struggled in the past. The Saints defense has been lights out and with a Falcons team without two top weapons, it will set up exactly how Sean Payton wants it too. The Saints are chasing the top seed in the NFC and would love nothing more than a first round bye in the playoffs. The motivation for the Saints is HIGH and they will take care of business in this NFC South rivalry and cover this spread that still sits under a FG.

BEST BET: Saints -2.5 (this line has since moved to -3 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Scott Atkins (@ScottFantasy)

Buffalo Bills @ San Francisco 49ers (PK) | TOTAL: 47.5

BEST BET: 49ers (PK)

Casey Olson (@Y2CASEY)

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs -13.5 |TOTAL: 50.5

Oddsmakers have the Chiefs winning by a couple touchdowns or so, and that shouldn't be an issue here. They've won 19 of 20 dating back into last season, and Patrick Mahomes will put on a show in the primetime spot this week, showing the masses just why he leads all players in Pro Bowl votes as announced this week.

On the other side, lets just forget about last week's 31-3 loss Denver had against the Saints, where they were stuck with literally no quarterback, and consider the fact that the Broncos actually average 19 points per game, and will be motivated to bounce back. Drew Lock is slated to be ready to go, so break out the rapping memes and let's see Lock and the Broncos score enough to force KC to put up 40+ to cover the spread, as they did in week 6, where the total flew past the number and hit 59.

Primetime unders are 22-14 this season, though the last two Sunday nights we've seen 66 points put up.

BEST BET: DEN @ KC OVER 50.5

Gary Gramling, The MMQB (@GGramling_SI)

New Orleans Saints (-2.5) at Atlanta Falcons | TOTAL: 45

I know youre nervous about the Falcons getting to see Taysom Hill for the second time in three weeksI am toobut there are a couple of trends working in the Saints favor. The Falcons are coming off a blowout win over the Raiders, but theyve failed to cover the last four times they played at home following a double digit-point win.

Meanwhile, New Orleans has covered in each of their seven games against an opponent with a sub-.400 winning percentage since the start of 2018. Even if you throw out last weeks win over the QB-less Broncos, the Saints defense has dominated the past three weeks. When they met in Week 11, Atlantas receivers couldnt separate (and theyll likely be without Julio Jones for this one) and their offensive line couldnt protect Matt Ryan.

BEST BET: Saints -2.5 (this line has since moved to -3 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Mitch Goldich, The MMQB (@mitchgoldich)

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons +2.5 | TOTAL: 45

Everyone knows the story line here, with Taysom Hill starting his third game in a row and facing the Falcons for the second time in three weeks. I know that conventional wisdom points to an advantage for Atlanta herethey have film on Hill now and a full week to prepare for him after not even knowing if hed start over Jameis Winston until deep into the week last time.

I think Sean Payton also has an advantage after seeing two weeks of Hill on the field full-time. None of us really knew what a Taysom Hill-led offense would look like or what he was capable of as a 60-minute player until Payton officially gave him the keys. I think the Saints also have a better idea of what works and what doesnt, and that can help them game plan with Hill, despite Atlanta having seen him.

The Falcons are on an impressive run since Raheem Morris took over for Dan Quinn, but I think the Saints are still the better team. I expect them to win this game, so with the spread under a field goal I was happy to make it a best bet.

BEST BET: Saints -2.5 (this line has since moved to -3 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

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2020 NFL Week 13 - Best Bets Against the Spread From the SI Gambling Team - Sports Illustrated