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NYC Sports Uncategorized

Sports betting in New York: here’s what you need to know

New York is known and respected worldwide for its love of sports which has become part of the culture in the great state. Fans of all major professional sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and soccer, come from far and wide to watch teams compete, soaking up the unique atmosphere of a NY crowd on game night. In recent years, some of the biggest boxing events have also been fought out at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Just as big as the teams and players is the sports betting in New York. Millions of dollars are placed in wagers every year on sports fixtures. A growing number of those bets are placed online using home computers and smartphone devices. Some of the biggest names in the betting industry cover events in the state, offering generous odds and eye-catching promotions, including free bets.

Add some spice to your sport

Residents and visitors to New York are able to gamble online, using debit cards and e-wallets to fund their bets and withdraw their winnings. It’s fast, convenient, and user-friendly. It also helps add a little extra spice to your favorite sports, whether you are watching at the stadium or following the live TV coverage.

In this article, we have enlisted the help of an online sports betting professional who explains everything you need to know about gambling in New York. The information is presented in the style of a frequently asked question which makes it easy to follow and understand.

Is online betting legal in New York?

Yes, online betting in New York was legalized in April of 2021 following drawn-out discussions. New York became one of the states that allow sports betting, alongside the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Residents are now free to create online betting accounts and wager on the top professional sports.

 

 

Vlad Alexandru Popa Pexels

 

Why the change?

The changes to the laws regarding online betting in New York came about following an earlier decision in Washington. The US government decided to remove the blanket ban on betting and put the decision in the hands of each state. Some moved quickly, such as New Jersey. Others refused to make changes, while the likes of New York put it to a vote before adding any amendments into law.

How can I bet online?

To place online sports bets you must have a registered account with a licensed and regulated bookmaker. You can browse the options and see what is best for you, but before you can gamble, you must register. This is quick and easy to do, and you must complete the process only once. On future visits to your betting account, you can log in with your username and password.

How do I register?

The quickest, easiest, and most secure way to register an account with a licensed online betting app is by following the steps below. This process applies to all respected bookies.

 

  • Visit the homepage of your chosen bookie and click the register button
  • Fill in the registration form with all required information
  • Create a memorable but secure username and password
  • Make your first deposit and place a bet

 

There are terms and conditions attached to all online bookies, and we advise you read the small print in full before creating your account. Doing so will ensure you understand how the site works and what is expected of you as a member.

Will I receive a welcome bonus?

Many online betting sites and apps give new customers a welcome bonus. This is a promotion used by the marketing team to encourage you to choose their site over the competition. They come in many different forms, but the most popular at present is the deposit matched free bet. 

This is a free bet given to new customers upon registering and placing their first gamble. In most cases, free bets are equal in value to your first deposit and wager. For example, if you create an account, deposit $50, and bet it on an NFL match you will see a $50 free bet added to your account balance. The freebie can be used to gamble on the sports and markets of your choosing but the stake isn’t included in any winnings.

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Sports

Big Sporting Events Worth Traveling For

Speaking of traveling became a taboo of sorts during 2020 given the global pandemic the world sadly fell into. Still, the idea of traveling, especially for sports fans could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has always lingered in the minds of people. While we return to our normal way of life, or even more a “new normal” lifestyle where ideas like traveling for headlining sporting events will be more and more of a possibility let’s look at some events that should be in every sport betting fans’ bucket list.

FIFA World Cup, Soccer’s Biggest Party

If there is one thing that is veridical and true in the sporting industry is that there is no sport as popular in the world as soccer. With a following of around 3,5 to 4 billion people, the FIFA World Cup tournament has the power to bring countries to a scratching halt if their national team is playing. For soccer players, coaches and fans there is nothing bigger than being able to win the World Cup. For a whole month, the host country becomes the epicenter of all soccer-related activities and said hosts sure make a point to show the world that they are the place to be at.

Soccer fans that travel to the World Cup are treated to around-the-clock activities, concerts, meet and greets with some of the sport’s most important personalities as well as the most important event in the calendar, the games themselves. Tickets for World Cup games are usually gone in instants with tickets for the Championship game sometimes reaching price tags big enough for fans to be able to buy a car or a small house with the money.

The Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Sports’ Must-See Events!

If there are two events that can boast the claim to be able to bring the sporting world to hold without them being a one-day affair, then look no further than the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Both events which happen in selected cities every four years and span throughout a whole month bring together the best exponents of the sporting world to compete for the ultimate prize, Olympic gold.

The Summer and Winter Olympic Games are the biggest all-around sporting events on any athlete’s calendar. With competitions that span through almost all professional sports disciplines, fans are treated to a vast selection of activities, competitions and events in cities that become the sporting capital of the world for that period of time. With the Summer Olympic Games set to begin in mid-2021 in Tokyo, Japan, after having to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Winter Olympic Games to be held in early 2022 in China the hopes of health and safety protocols being strong enough to allow fans to participate are slim but not at all dead, time and precautions will give the final word.

The Super Bowl, America’s Biggest Sports Event of the Year

The NFL Super Bowl can easily be considered the most important sporting and entertainment event in the calendar in the United States. While some may consider it to be all about the actual football game, at the end of the day the Super Bowl is an event with many facets, the actual football game being one of them. With show-stopping performances featuring some of the biggest musical artists of the moment, especially the coveted halftime show which has seen the likes of Michael Jackson, Prince, the Rolling Stone and Beyoncé perform, just to name a few artists the Super Bowl is the event to be at every year.

Cities that host the Super Bowl transform themselves into football cities to be able to offer fans the best football-related experience prior to the actual game. Football fans are known to be some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the sporting world so spending a good chunk of cash in order to live the Super Bowl experience at least once in a lifetime is a definite must.

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Uncategorized

Molly’s Game The Best Poker Movie?

Despite being one of the most famous card games on the planet, the list of feature films about poker is relatively short. Filmmakers have generally steered away from the action at the felt, maybe in the belief that it doesn’t translate well to the screen. Molly’s Game goes against this theory, though, and is a highly engaging flick about Texas Hold’em. The movie from Aaron Sorkin may have flown under the radar of many, but anyone with an interest in card games should check it out. It could well be the best poker offering ever made.

About The Film

Molly’s Game is a biographical drama focusing on the life of Molly Bloom. It’s an adaptation of Bloom’s 2014 memoir, in which she details the development of her poker empire. Jessica Chastain plays the title character, and she is supported by strong performances from Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, and Jeremy Strong. Critics lauded Chastain’s performance, saying it was one of the best roles she had ever taken. Elba was also praised for his part as Molly’s lawyer.

Released After The Poker Boom

A lot of the most famous poker movies were released before the game boomed in popularity in the 2000s. Until the turn of the millennium, Texas Hold’em was a high niche game that was only played by a select few.

Nowadays, millions of people play poker all over the planet. In the initial stages of the poker boom, the game spread quickly throughout North America and Europe. Now, more people in developing countries in Asia are getting involved thanks to the increased availability of the internet. This is highlighted by the number of sites cropping up in countries like Thailand. For example, the various online poker sites with attractive signup offers for new players illustrate how there is strong competition in the industry within the Southeast Asian nation. 

Other Major Poker Offerings

Of course, for Molly’s Game to be considered the best poker movie of all time, it is important to mention what some of the other contenders are. John Dahl’s Rounders is often thought of as the greatest Texas Hold’em flick. This is because some people think that it helped to kick-start the poker boom. Others believe that it turned into a cult offering after the game had become popular. 

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Uncategorized

Technological Trends in the Online Casino Industry

3D Animation Made a Big Contribution

The phenomenal surge in popularity of online gambling and live bet placing has made them one of the fastest-growing offshoots of the entertainment industry in recent years. To meet this demand, technology is starting to evolve rapidly in line with industry demands. The goal of gambling innovation is to provide players with the most unique gaming experience and enjoyable gaming experience.

Thus, many modern technological trends have forever changed the way we think about gambling. Let’s take a look at some of the latest advances in the online casino world.

What innovations have penetrated online gambling?

3D Animation

Many players around the world prefer slot machines to other types of gambling. However, to distract the attention of clients from their home environment and enhance the feeling of the game, it was necessary to somehow unique the machines, to give them a more atmospheric and attractive look. In this case, 3D animation made a big contribution. This technology in slot machines has really changed the way we see and perceive online slots.

Mobile Gambling

Many online casinos are currently working to make their sites available for play from smartphones, tablets, and release special mobile applications. In today’s reality, casinos that do not provide access from a mobile device will soon be pushed out of business due to competition. Modern gambling companies are doing everything possible to improve the mobile gaming experience for players by implementing the latest technology trends.

A Virtual Reality

Technology is becoming more and more advanced, available all over the world, allowing players to take the experience to a whole new level. At the dawn of its development, virtual reality may seem like a dream, but now it is very actively used in online gaming.

 

With virtual reality, players can feel like they are visiting classic offline casinos – players can communicate with staff and other players. 

Blockchain

Online gambling heavily depends on the trust of the players – not only trust in the protection of payment information but also the privacy and protection of the personal data of the players. This is where blockchain technology comes in, making the transaction process anonymous and automated.

Live Gambling

This is a new trend in virtual gambling where land-based casinos have cameras and microphones installed around betting tables that allow online users to connect and play live using their computers.

 

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Finance NYC Uncategorized

Best New York Casinos to Visit in 2021

So, it’s surprising that the Big Apple has very few casinos.

New York City is home to people from nearly every country on earth. Due to that, it has restaurants, shops, and marketplaces for almost everything. So, it’s surprising that the Big Apple has very few casinos.

If you want to play slots and card games in the big city, your best bet is to visit Indian-owned casinos or take a trip to New Jersey. That’s alright, though. You can access many casinos within New York in an hour’s drive.

Big Deal Casino

Located along 28th street, Big Deal is one of the few casinos at the heart of New York City. It’s a relatively small establishment, measuring 5000 square feet in size. It uses its small space accordingly, nonetheless.

For starters, it has two gaming floors that feature a wide range of games. It has eight blackjack tables. Then it features poker, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Pai Gow games. What’s more, it has halls where you can conduct birthday parties, team-building meetings, and charity events.

Big Deal Casino also features an indoor golf facility where you can simulate golfing with the help of 15-inch screens. It also features free parking, quick Internet, and gyms. Additionally, it’s a top-rated casino with hundreds of 5-star reviews.

Empire City Casino

Located on Yonkers Avenue, Empire City is a Casino Resort, meaning you get both gambling and hotel services. The hotel aspect of the business attracts top reviews from customers. But the casino side is problematic.

The problem is not a lack of slots or card games. The casino has 5000+ games, from slots and video poker to keno and blackjack. It also features low betting limits—from one cent to $100.

The problem with Empire City’s games is that they have low payout rates. To expound more, the games are mean and take away money without letting players win.

As a result, many people don’t seem to win no matter how many times they try. If you’re one of them, read the guide to online casinos in New York at online-gambling.com. Online casinos not only have lots of games but these games payout up to 99% of wagered money.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Whether you want to feast, gamble, or lodge, Turning Stone New York has got you covered. This tribe-owned casino is located at 5218 Patrick Road, Verona. It’s pretty big, measuring 120,000 square feet in size, and houses all the amenities you can expect from a world-class casino.

You can play 32 table games, including poker tables that host up to 320 players. Or you could choose one of the 2300 slots to test your luck. On the flip side, you can play bingo, blackjack, roulette, or video poker.

What’s more, you can play golf at one of five courses—two 9-hole layouts and three 18-hole courses. If the weather is extreme, get indoors, and play virtual golf, get into the sauna, or book for a spa treatment.

Additional amenities at this casino include a nightclub, a dancehall, treatment rooms, salons, and BBQ place. Obviously, food and drinks are available too.

Jake’s 58

Jake’s 58 is a casino hotel in Long Island. It features 228 rooms on its 64,142 square feet premises, 1000+ gaming machines, and over 50 table games. On top of that, it features a sportsbook, making it a fully-fledged gambling enterprise.

Like many casino resorts, Jake’s 58 features concierge service to VIP players, smoking-free rooms, suites, and amenities. With that in mind, there are several restaurants at this casino. So, if you don’t like the food on the ground floor, walk to the first floor.

Unfortunately, Jake’s 58 features VLT and not real slot machines. As a result, they provide scratch cards, lotto, and pull-tab games—many of which have low payout rates.

Royal Flush Casino on Carnival Splendor

The Royal Flush is a cruise ship casino operated aboard the Carnival Splendor. It’s allocated a large 8000 sq/ft gaming floor and loaded with all the games modern casinos provide. The best part is that once the cruise ship moves three miles away from the Big City, it throws out New York’s gambling rules.

Instead, it lets you play real slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat games with high RTP rates. What’s more, you get access to part of the cruise ship for wining and dining purposes.

On the flip side, you can book for a spa treatment, swimming, lodging, and all forms of hotel services. Is the Royal Flush Casino expensive? Whether you want to play slots, Texas Hold’em, or have fun on a cruise ship, you’ll find the prices at this casino fairly cheap. 

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino

Based in Buffalo, Seneca is a casino resort offering 1000+ slots, over 100 table games, and a host of amenities. It’s a tribe-owned casino measuring 67, 000 sq/ft. It welcomes three million customers every year. 

That means it must be doing something right. And sure enough, Seneca is gorgeous on both the exterior and interior. Unlike many casinos in New York, Seneca has several rewards for high rollers, from comps to exclusive VIP rooms.

The food at Seneca is delicious and plentiful. The drinks are free and non-alcoholic. To spice up things, the games have relatively low payout rates compared to Internet-based casinos.

Borgata Casino

Many casinos in New York City provide low paying VLT machines and slots. But that’s not Borgata, the biggest casino in New Jersey. It is located 127.3 miles from New York, which means you can get there within two hours.

It’s magnificent, inviting, and loaded with everything New Yorkers wish they could find in a casino. First, the games come from leading software providers, meaning the payout rates are high. 

Then the food is amazing, usually prepared by professional chefs experienced in cooking different cuisines. On the flip side, you can pay for standard hotel rooms that start at $99 or up to $1500 for presidential suites.

When it comes to amenities, Borgata is packed with casino goodness, from theater halls to spas, gyms to dancehalls. There are also rooms to hold meetings, live performance shows, and gift shops.

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Sports

Life without Football

Imagine having no Jets or Giants to root for so passionately.

Imagine not preparing fabulous food for game days a tradition that brings together two things many of us are so fond of: sports and food. Imagine not getting to watch some of the world’s best athletes competing on the gridiron. That happening is a distinct possibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the NFL in its offseason, the league hasn’t been as hard hit yet by the coronavirus.

 

 

Life without Football
Photo by Joe Calomeni from Pexels

 

 

But the NFL is feeling the COVID-19 pinch nonetheless, with commissioner Roger Goodell already canceling the annual league meetings scheduled this March, as well as the 2020 draft event in Las Vegas. The NFL Draft, though, will still push through. As for the NFL season? Well, it remains to be seen. Having said that might as well prepare for life without football—in the meantime at least.

It is a possibility brought up by a Chicago Suntimes op-ed,

noting how COVID-19’s “unsympathetic alacrity” is making it harder to believe that sports will return any time soon. After all, scientists are estimating that 40–80% of the globe will be infected with the coronavirus. With a pandemic of such magnitude, in fact, any return to normalcy might take at least a year, or even longer.

That being said, it would be a shame if this season gets canceled. It was poised to be a good year with the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, looking to repeat their success from the previous season. They have kept their core, and have been installed by Bwin Sports as the slight favorites to win Super Bowl LV, followed by the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. But all the player movements this offseason have vastly changed the NFL landscape, and have made it more unpredictable. Tom Brady, a legend in New England, left the Patriots, while wideout DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, and Emmanuel Sanders all found new homes via trades

Needless to say, this NFL season has the chance to be super special,

with lots of compelling storylines to follow and a title chase that figures to be ultra-competitive and wide open. In this time of crisis, though, there are bigger things than football. And if that means a season canceled, then so be it. We’ll just have to be ready for it.

It will be for one season only—hopefully.