Daily Archives: August 9, 2021

A new gambling consumer ombudsman and a ban on sports shirt sponsorship are set to be backed by ministers, the Daily Mail reports.

An official review will also ban "VIP" schemes, which hand out cash bonuses and rewards to players with heavy gambling losses.

No stake limit online slot games will be cut to 2 ($2.77) per spin, while hundreds of high street betting shops will be closed.

"Binge gambling" will also be tackled with new limits to keep betting affordable.

A consultation was closed in March with 16,000 responses and ministers are expected to announce proposals in a White Paper later this year.

The UK is said to have 400,000 gambling addicts, including 55,000 children, although the source of this figure came from a very questionable Gambling Commission report.

More than two million people are at risk of becoming victims of gambling addiction, according to previous research.

MPs and campaigners have set their sights on what they call the "wild west" online sector, following the passing of a 2 maximum stake on fixed odd betting terminals (FOBTs), although the actual impact of this rule on problem gambling has been questionable at best.

"The Gambling-Act is an analogue act for the digital age designed two years before smartphones. Now the majority of gambling is online and on phones," Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the Mail.

"You essentially have a betting shop in your pocket. I think it's right that we look at regulations."

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New gambling laws combatting addiction to be backed by UK ministers - Gambling Insider - In-depth Analysis for the Gaming Industry

San Jose Sharks Evander Kane accused of betting on his own games

Evander Kane's wife, Ana, made the claims against her husband on social media over the weekend. The NHL player responded in his own post, denying this ever happened.

Allegations from his estranged wife that Evander Kane bet on hockey games, including his own, and tried to lose for profit have sparked an NHL investigation into the San Jose Sharks forward's gambling activities.

Just what the league will find and how quickly is anyone's guess.

If the investigation reveals Kane bet against his own team, those are uncharted waters for a league that has signed more than a half dozen partnerships with sportsbooks, data providers and other gambling-related entities since the Supreme Court cleared the way for legalized sports betting in 2018.

Q: WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS CASE?

On social media, Anna Kane wrote: "How does the NHL let a compulsive gambling addict still play when hes obviously throwing games to win money?" and "Can someone ask (Commissioner) Gary Bettman how they let a player gamble on his own games? Bet and win with bookies on his own games?" Kane vehemently denied the allegations and said he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Q: WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL PUNISHMENT?

The gambling case familiar to most U.S. sports fans is that of Pete Rose, who was banned from Major League Baseball for life. The NHL does have gambling scandals in its history, though it has been a while.

NHL coach Rick Tocchet in May 2007 pleaded guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling and was put on probation for two years for his role in an illegal gambling ring caught by the "Operation Slapshot" undercover police operation while working as an Arizona Coyotes assistant. He was allowed to return to the NHL the following February on the condition he refrained from gambling.

Boston players Don Gallinger and Billy Taylor were banned in 1948 for betting on the Bruins and reinstated in 1970. Walter Pratt was banned for nine games for betting on games, but he wound up in the Hall of Fame.

Q: WHAT IS THE NHL POLICY ON GAMBLING?

The collective bargaining agreement includes this sentence: "Gambling on any NHL Game is prohibited." This is a fairly common stance for professional leagues, including the NFL, which suspended Josh Shaw for the rest of 2019 and all of 2020 for betting on other games around the league. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the time said: "If you work in the NFL in any capacity, you may not bet on NFL football."

NHL teams can go as far as prohibiting employees from hockey operations to the business side from even joining fantasy leagues for money. There is the question of what falls under gambling, given the variety of full-season and daily fantasy gaming options.

"It absolutely has to be expanded beyond this one line," US Bets sports betting analyst Chris Altruda said of the NHL policy. "Theres a wide latitude of what a player conceivably can and cannot do to that end."

Altruda and other experts wondered if leagues will expand to preventing players from betting on any sport. Declan Hill, a professor at the University of New Haven who has written extensively about match fixing and corruption, takes it one step further.

"Part of the price of being a professional athlete should be: You're not allowed to gamble," Hill said, referring to any sport and casino wagering. "Thats going to be immensely difficult but, its one of those things that have to be done because Ive seen the credibility of sports destroyed around the world."

Q: WHAT GOES INTO AN INVESTIGATION?

The first step, Hill said, is finding out where a player is placing bets.

"Most of the action is handled by illegal sportsbooks," he said. "Get into that and get them knowing that and make sure that the player produces his phone records and his payments, so you can see where the money is going in and out and you can see where the payments are coming from."

That's easier said than done, but leagues are not alone in conducting these types of investigations.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, while declining to detail the league's playbook on investigating, said, "We have a robust monitoring and information network with multiple sources of information and substantial resources to ensure compliance with our policies and to detect and investigate improper activity." That has included security representatives in Nevada for decades and now nationwide.

Q: WHO DOES THE ACTUAL INVESTIGATING?

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said NHL officials "have a number of third-party resources that we regularly employ to monitor betting activities on our games. I expect those resources will be utilized as part and parcel of the overall investigation" of Kane.

SportRadar is the NHL's "integrity services provider," and there are other companies in that space, including Genius Sports and US Integrity. In tennis, where match-fixing and betting irregularities came to light in the past two decades, an independent integrity unit was formed to flag suspicious patterns and dole out punishments.

Like the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the NHL has agreements that in selling data to legal sportsbooks, there could be an obligation to cooperate with investigations and hand over records beyond privacy laws that are stricter in Europe than North America.

Several experts said if an athlete does all of their betting illegally or with an off-shore outlet, it could be significantly more difficult to find proof. A whistleblower could help in that department, and integrity companies often have contacts at so-called "gray market" betting outlets who could provide information.

Q: HOW OFTEN ARE INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING?

Probably more often than you think.

Seth Palansky, vice president of corporate and social responsibility at Conscious Gaming who also has worked for the NFL and Caesars Entertainment, said there are currently three insider betting investigations going on in three different jurisdictions nothing to do with Kane.

As recently as this year, Russian tennis player Yana Sizikova was arrested in Paris on suspicion of match-fixing at the 2020 French Open. The NFL investigated and punished Shaw in 2019.

NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty in 2008 to wire fraud and transmitting betting information for taking thousands of dollars from a gambler for inside tips on games, including games he worked. He was sentenced to 15 months behind bars.

Q: WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE?

McCarthy said preventative measures are the start of the NFLs efforts and Joe Bertolone, executive director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation at UNLV, believes education is the biggest key.

"Making sure that athletes understand what it is thats really going on in sport betting is hugely critical," Bertolone said. "Is it 50% of the puzzle? Is it 75% of the puzzle? I dont know. But what I do know is that when someone is smarter about something, theyre going to be able to prevent a lot of problems down the road."

Palansky's Conscious Gaming wants to take monitoring and enforcement to another level. If a league contracts with the company, it can provide the names and information of anyone who should be prevented from gambling on a given sport from placing any bets with the sportsbooks that also opt in.

"Our technology works to follow the policies of the league," Palansky said. "In Evander Kanes case, he would be able to log on. And if he wants to place a bet on Olympic track and field, he could do that. But if he tries to make a bet on hockey, he couldnt."

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Here's how the NHL investigates gambling allegations - KTVU San Francisco

The MLB Gambling Podcast brings you a new episode to get your betting week started. Malcolm Bamford and Munaf Manji drop their bi-weekly episode to get you caught up on all things happening around the diamond and their MLB Week Preview. First, the guys discuss the Ramon Laureano suspension. Next, they get into Yankees COVID news and Japan winning the baseball gold medal. In addition, the guys discuss a few injury news about Javy Baez and Chris Sale.

Later in the podcast the guys get into a discussion about the emergence of the NL East race. All of the sudden the Mets are third place in the N.L East division. Malcolm and Munaf discuss what has been the downfall for the Mets. In addition, the guys discuss if the Phillies will be able to keep up their recent white hot play. As always the guys wrap up the show with their best bets for the new week!

Make sure to subscribe to MLB Gambling Podcast onAppleandSpotify. Check Malcolm Bamford, Will Moorman, Nick Dant, and Munaf Manjis updated daily MLB picks today and EVERY DAMN DAY atSG.PN/MLBpicks.

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MLB Week Betting Preview 8.9-8.12 + NL East Division Race | MLB Gambling Podcast (Ep. 31) - The Sports Gambling Podcast

The ORBIS RESEARCH report on the global VR Gambling technology market provides a scientific and systematic research on topics pertinent to the VR Gambling technology market. The market research defines and redefines industry problems, hypothesis, and suggest reliable solutions to the market participants. The report collects, organizes, and evaluates appropriate market data that involves several ways to collect the appropriate data such as primary and secondary resources. The secondary sources involve the collection of data from resources like official company websites, government publications, annual company reports, business magazines, and proprietary databases.

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ORBIS RESEARCH report carried out exhaustive primary and secondary research for the study of global VR Gambling technology market. The ORBIS RESEARCH report has listed a list of manufacturers operating in the VR Gambling technology market across the world namely: Omnitracs, AT&T, Verizon, Trimble, Masternaut, TomTom International

The ORBIS RESEARCH report has carried out primary research surveys with the listed companies or manufacturers in the VR Gambling technology market. The foremost methodology used for primary research surveys is interview. It interviewed the expert industry groups, executives, and professional in the field of VR Gambling technology market. Through the survey the data such as competitors, market strategies, strategies to counter covid-19 challenges, future plans, and more is gathered about the manufacturers.

Market Segments:

Market bundle by Type, the product can be isolated into : Type IType IIType III

Market part by Application, split into : Application IApplication IIApplication III

>>>Read complete report along with TOC @ https://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-vr-gambling-market-2021-growth-prospects-industry-trend-analysis-status-outlook-and-forecast-2028?utm_source=ns

Through this methodology, ORBIS RESEARCH report was also able to analyze the companies which currently may have low market capitalization but are expected to rise considerably in the forthcoming years. This also included fundamental analysis of the companies. The fundamental analysis delves into the financial structure of the companies, the overall VR Gambling technology market, and health. It involves looking at the revenue, expenses, other financial aspects, competitors, and markets.

ORBIS RESEARCH report provides analysis of manufacturers, their distribution networks, calculates their market size, contribution to GDP, current and anticipated growth trends of the manufacturers. For this purpose, ORBIS RESEARCH report has employed bottom-up & top-down approach. This approaches help to record various product type segments and future forecasts. The values included in the report are validated by the interviewed professionals and executives as well as industry experts and company representatives. Also, the data is also externally validated by analyzing historical data of the product categories, distribution networks to get appropriate market size information.

The market estimates and forecasts of these product categories are based on the regions, segments, and also depending upon the region and country. The report identifies market driver and challenges that the businesses are facing.

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The ORBIS RESEARCH report involves the study of the VR Gambling technology market with the help of Porters Five force model. The Porters Five force model identifies the entry and exit barriers, competitive landscape, buyers bargaining power, suppliers bargaining power, and treat to the market participants businesses of substitutes.

About Us:Orbis Research (our website: http://www.orbisresearch.com) is the most comprehensive database of market-related research. Serious researchers from across the globe seeking up-to-date information on the latest market trends with in-depth analyses turn to Orbis Research. Our massive database boasts authentic reports published by leading authors and publications. Orbis highly motivated and expert in-house team undertakes rigorous screening of the credentials of publishers and authors before accepting their submissions. Such vetting is imperative for internal quality control.

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VR Gambling Market Growth, Share, Demand and Applications Forecast to 2028 - The Market Gossip - The Market Gossip

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Gambling Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts with Impact Analysis of COVID-19 (2021-2025 Edition)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global gambling market followed by analysis of its segments in terms of value. The report also consists of analysis of gambling market by value in regions such as Americas and Europe. The gambling markets of Italy, UK and France have been analyzed under the Europe region.

Under competitive landscape, different players in the gambling market have been compared on the basis of revenue generated and market capitalization.

The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global gambling market has also been forecasted for the period 2021-2025 taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.

The market observed moderate impact due to COVID-19 pandemic. Although, the global gambling market is forecasted to showcase positive growth through the forecast period (2021-2025). The market growth is estimated to supported by various growth drivers such as increasing spending capability, legalization of gambling in countries such as US, rising penetration of smart devices, hike in internet penetration, and overall increase in global population especially within those lying in between the ages of 20-64 years.

The market is also confronted by some challenges such as the negative perceptions surrounding the gambling market and lack of internet connectivity in developing countries. Emergence of bitcoins, growing number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), use of augmented reality to enhance gaming experience and cloud gaming are some of the major trends existing in the market.

International Games Technology Plc., Flutter Entertainment, Scientific Games Corporation and Galaxy Entertainment Group are some of the key players operating in the global gambling market whose company profiling has been done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and the business strategies of the companies are provided.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

2.1 Gambling Industry: An Overview

2.2 Regulations on Gambling: An Overview

2.3 Gambling Market Segments

2.3.1 On the Basis of Product Type

2.3.2 On the Basis of Platform Type

3. Global Market Sizing

3.1 Global Gambling Market: An Analysis

3.1.1 Global Gambling Market by Value

3.2 Global Gambling Market: Product Type Analysis

3.2.1 Global Gambling Market by Product Type (Casino, Lotteries, Gambling Machine, Betting and Others)

3.2.2 Global Casino Gambling Market by Value

3.2.3 Global Lotteries Gambling Market by Value

3.2.4 Global Gambling Machine Market by Value

3.2.5 Global Betting Market by Value

3.3 Global Gambling Market: Platform Type Analysis

3.3.1 Global Gambling Market by Platform Type (Landbased, Computer and Mobile)

3.3.2 Global Landbased Gambling Market by Value

3.3.3 Global Computer Gambling Market by Value

3.3.4 Global Mobile Gambling Market by Value

4. Regional Analysis

4.1 America Gambling Market: An Analysis

4.1.1 America Gambling Market by Value

4.2 America Gambling Market: Product Type Analysis

4.2.1 America Gambling Market by Product Type (Casino, Lotteries and Others)

4.2.2 America Casino Gambling Market by Value

4.2.3 America Lotteries Gambling Market by Value

4.3 America Gambling Market: Platform Type Analysis

4.4 Europe Gambling Market: An Analysis

4.5 Italy Gambling Market: An Analysis

4.6 UK Gambling Market: An Analysis

4.7 France Gambling Market: An Analysis

5. COVID-19

5.1 Impact of COVID-19

5.2 Response of Market Players after Spread of Pandemic

5.3 Regional Impact of COVID-19

6. Market Dynamics

6.1 Growth Drivers

6.1.1 Improving Spending Capability Globally

6.1.2 Legalization of Gambling

6.1.3 Budding Internet Penetration

6.1.4 Hiking Penetration of Smart Devices

6.1.5 Growing Global Population

6.2 Challenges

6.2.1 Lack of Internet Connectivity in Developing Countries

6.2.2 Negative Perceptions on Gambling

6.3 Market Trends

6.3.1 Potential of Augment Reality (AR) Technology in Online Gambling

6.3.2 Emergence of Bitcoin Gambling

6.3.3 Cloud Gaming

7. Competitive Landscape

7.1 Global Gambling Market Players: A Financial Comparison

8. Company Profiles

8.1 Business Overview

8.2 Financial Overview

8.3 Business Strategy

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tvtyjt

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Global Gambling Market Size, Trends & Forecasts Report 2021-2025 with Impact Analysis of COVID-19 - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The global online gambling market size is projected to reach USD 158.20 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period. This information is given by Fortune Business Insights in a new report, titled, Online Gambling Market, 2021-2028. As per the report, the market was USD 66.72 billion in 2020.

List of Key Players Covered in this Market Report:

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION:

Quick Adoption of Online Gambling amid COVID-19 to Boost the Market

The global health and economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced governments in several countries to impose strict lockdowns and social distancing measures. Companies rapidly adopted remote working models, leading to huge portions of working populations working from home. With most non-essential services and places, including casinos, being closed down, gamers and gamblers have swiftly shifted to virtual platforms, boosting the online gambling market growth in the process. For example, an article published by New York University revealed that digital gambling platforms have gained speedy momentum in Canada after the coronavirus broke out. In Australia, according to a report by Concordia University, Canada, spending on online casinos rose sharply by 67% in April 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has, thus, proved favorable for this market, enabling it to register a healthy CAGR of 11.2% and reach a value of USD 74.17 billion in 2021.

Market Segments

Based on type, the market has been classified into sports betting, casinos, poker, lottery, bingo, and others, with the lottery segment holding a share of 15.1% in the global market and a share of 15.4% in the UK market in 2020.

On the basis of devices, the market segments include desktop, mobile, and others. By region, the market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Highlights of the Report

The report offers a granular examination of the various factors shaping the growth trajectory of the market, as well as a holistic analysis of the hindrances obstructing the market. Furthermore, a microscopic study of the regional and competitive dynamics influencing the market has also been provided in the report, along with an in-depth assessment of the individual market segments. The insights contained in the report are based on industry-leading research conducted through primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

Driving Factor

Introduction of Sophisticated Technologies in Virtual Gambling to Fuel the Market

Advanced, intelligent technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, are being increasingly employed by online gambling platforms to ensure a secure and safe space for enthusiasts. Heralding this trend are startups that are developing and offering novel gambling platforms powered by smart technologies. For example, Edgeless, which was started in 2018, became the first Ethereum-based virtual casino that uses distributed ledger technology to ensure payouts. Similarly, Tombola is a popular lottery and gambling platform driven by cryptocurrency and other blockchain-enabled tools. Another example is the Canada-based startup, Quarter4, which leverages AI to offer simulations, content, and predictions for sports bettors. The incorporation of new-age solutions in digital gambling is, thus, opening new pathways of development for this market.

Regional Insights

Europe to Headline the Global Market, Forecasts Fortune Business Insights

Europe is expected to dictate the online gambling market share during the forecast period on account of the heavy investments being made by sports enthusiasts across the continent in online sports betting. Moreover, a healthy betting culture in Europe will further bolster the prospects of the market in the region. In 2020, the Europe market size stood at USD 30.92 billion.

The presence of secure connectivity infrastructure and strong gambling regulations will propel North America in the second-leading position in the market in terms of revenue generation. On the other hand, growing investments in online gambling in South America, driven by regulations in Colombia and Argentina, are anticipated to speed up the expansion of the market in this region.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players to Strengthen Businesses through Innovative Collaborations

With online gaming picking up pace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, key players in this market are entering into strategic collaborations with gambling industry giants to deepen their market footprint. These companies are engaging in developing innovative online gambling platforms to attract gamblers and gain momentum in this rapidly evolving market space.

Industry Developments:

Related

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Here's a Look at the Top Trends Shaping the Online Gambling Market - European Gaming Industry News

Valorant has the potential to become the new number one game of esports betting.

Naturally League of Legends, CS: GO, When Tsuchida 2 The king of e-sports betting. They have all been at the forefront of young business for over a decade. However, industry experts believe that these competitive game giants will lose their foothold in the market in the coming years in favor of new games and platforms.

Co-founder and CEO of Stephen Salz competition Canadian esports betting company Currently worth about $ 150 millionScheduled to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange later this year, the familiar face makes bold predictions about his industry, even if it continues to enjoy many benefits.

Salz explains it Lol, CS: GO, When Tsuchida 2 Currently, he accounts for more than 90% of esports betting on his company, and he considers it to be almost every bookmaker in the world, but Riot Games lasting success is alliance Move to the latest release, Brave, We will win the top spot in the next few years.

CEO Rivalry said that the popularity of first-person shooters in 2020 will continue to attract millions of players and viewers, and to respond to this growing interest, the worlds largest esports organization is competitive. Im making a roster.

This is clear even Newcomers like Guild Esports, Avoid the current Big Three and instead Brave Along with more traditional sports games such as FIFA Inspired by soccer Rocket league..

Steven Salz, CEO and co-founder of Rivalry.

many BraveThe expected future success of is dependent on its creators existing network. The event being held is run by Riot Games and is visited by a large audience, says Salz. As the number of viewers of sports increases, betting continues, whether its esports or not. It will inevitably bring about a sports betting ecosystem around it.

but, Brave The current big three of esports can face fierce competition with an ever-growing mobile gaming audience. Salz makes even more bold predictions about the wide range of industry shifts in which PC-based games begin to feel the threat of the platform. It is more popular.

Our prediction is that within the next couple of years, the top five esports in gambling will include at least two mobile esports titles, Salz continues. We are seeing great opportunities to bet on mobile esports, such as: Mobile Legends, Garena Free Fire, When PUBG..

CEO Rivalry believes that mobile games can be broken through by two simple factors: distribution and access. This is especially true in regions and countries where most players and fans do not own consoles or PCs. For example, many people in Asia may go to PC centers to play, he explains. But they all have mobile phones.

In certain parts of Southeast Asia, there are already stadiums full of fans watching professional mobile esports. Given the numbers here, the top mobile esports games can be the top betting opportunity. It is inevitable.

Salz cant see esports betting comparable to traditional sports gambling, but even baseball, hockey, and basketball can struggle to compete. He concludes: On a dollar basis, the top three esports games will probably outperform all other individual sports within the next decade, except for European and US football.

Esports gambling is set to big shakes. This is the reason.

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Esports gambling is set to big shakes. This is the reason. - Illinoisnewstoday.com

Gladys Knight is a highly decorated singer throughout her career. However, her remarkable career was accompanied by a tragic story that some people were unaware of.

Gladys Knight had numerous hits in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips. Unlike some of her contemporaries, Knight has never been known to throw a tantrum or fly off the handle.

As early as the age of four, Knight performed her first recital in front of the congregation at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Atlanta. However, she would have preferred making mud pies or climbing trees.

HER HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Knight competed in "Ted Mack's Amateur Hour" competition by her mother's idea and took home the $2,000 prize. The fact that Knight was just seven at the time indicates that she had already excelled at music from an early age.

After a year, Knight, her brother Bubba, sister Brenda, and two cousins, William and Elenor Guest, formed the Pips. Throughout the South, they sang at various venues. But the group's road to success wasn't smooth.

While racism was still rampant in the region in the late 1950s and early '60s, the young talents had to endure terrible hardship. However, the group did not give in to the ridicule they received from racists.

FAME AND SUCCESS

In 1959, the Pips were reconstituted following the departure of Knight's sister Brenda and cousin Elenor. Edward Patten, their distant cousin, replaced them. Later, the group was renamed Gladys Knight & the Pips.

During that time, the group achieved great success. They enjoyed 10 No. 1 R&B hits, won three Grammys, and performed countless routines during its 30-year existence. Knight went solo after the group broke up in 1989.

HEARTWRENCHING PAST

Knightgained a lot of glories, but shesuffered a great deal of pain as well. At15, she escaped an attempted rape at home. When she was 16, she married herboyfriend, James Newman, because of a pregnancy.

Unfortunately, Knight miscarried the baby in a hotel room while on tour. Meanwhile, due to her husband's abuse of drugs, the marriage disintegrated, and she believed it ultimately led to his death around the mid-1970s.

Knight had a brief second marriage to Barry Hankerson. But her son, Shanga, developed an eating disorder throughout the prolonged divorce. The star is the momof threechildren, of whom two are from her first marriage.

During the late 1970s, Knight became addicted to gambling, winning and losing thousands of dollars a night. In an interview, she described how she became involved in gambling while playing casino games. Knight said:

"One day a friend said, 'Do you want to play some blackjack?' So I played and enjoyed it. You think you can win everything but you won't."

Knight came to the realization that she had hit a low point when she realized that morning had arrived, and she should have been preparing for her son's school day. The star had a rude awakening.

Later, Knight gave a call to Gamblers Anonymous. They provided assistance to her, whence her recovery began. The legendary singer credited the divine intervention for her quick recovery.

Les Brown was Knight's third husband. In 1995, they were married, but two years later, they divorced. When Knight married her husband, William McDowell, in 2001, the star found a love that would last.

AN OUTSTANDING MUSICIAN

Knight was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, the musician was both honoring and being honored. First, at a tribute concert to Michael Jackson, followed by the 2011 Soul Train Awards.

Knight performed at a concert event called "Michael Forever" at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium with several singers, including Jennifer Hudson, Beyonc, and Smokey Robinson, in honor of the late King of Pop.

After that, Knight was presented with a "Legend Award" along with fellow recipients Earth, Wind & Fire at the BET broadcast of the 3rd annual Soul Train Awards, emceed by Cedric the Entertainer.

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Gladys Knight's Illustrious Career Was Once Marred by Gambling Addiction & Teenage Pregnancy Her Painful Past - AmoMama

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(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Deshaun Watson

Rumors of the Carolina Panthers remaining interested in Deshaun Watson despite adding Sam Darnold have surfaced, which leaves lots of questions.

For now, Sam Darnold is the Carolina Panthers starting quarterback and yet without taking a snap he is already facing rumors of being replaced.

The Panthers have been attached to the latest Deshaun Watsonspeculation, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk claiming that the organization was still keeping an eye on developments surrounding the signal-caller.

While adding Watson would be a shocking move it isnt out of the question for a team desperately searching for a franchise quarterback something the former Clemson star has proven to be with the Houston Texans.

They have seen how impossible it is to win without one and are willing to make any move to secure their future.

However, is adding Watson the right move?

There are certainly plenty of positives in adding a player as talented as Watson. But one would be remiss not to point out the obvious issues to adding the 2018 first-round pick.

It seems increasingly likely Watson will not finish the season in Houston and could be moved before Week 1.

He has demanded a trade and the Texans are obviously in a complete tear-down mode after three years of questionable moves. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of adding Watson to the Carolina roster.

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4 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers gambling on Deshaun Watson - Cat Crave

By Jason McIntyreFOX Sports Betting Analyst

Preparation is the hallmark of being a good sports bettor. And with the 2021 NFL season upon us, it's time to get prepared.

We did this exercise last summer, calling it my first annual NFL blueprint, and it had some bulls-eye hits. I was "irrationally excited" about the Washington defense and the Chase Young-led group finished third in overall defense. I cautioned against backing the Atlanta Falcons and they went 4-12 (7-9 against the spread).

Whiffs? Those happen sometimes in gambling. I said to "resist the urge" to back the Buffalo Bills and they went 12-7 ATS and made the AFC title game.

Lets do better in 2021. Here are the 10 things I'll be keeping in mind this season.

20-0? SURE, WHY CANT TOM BRADY DO THAT?

The defending Super Bowl champs return all 22 starters, something that hasnt been done in the modern era. And it gets better.

Remember: Tampa Bay had to win three straight road playoff games to reach the Super Bowl. There was uncertainty at the beginning of the season for the Bucs. They made a change after starting 7-5 more play-action and more pre-snap motion and never lost another game. The Saints, meanwhile, lost their Hall of Fame QB (Drew Brees), and New Orleans was the only team in the putrid NFC South to beat the Bucs last year.

When you look at the schedule, the Bucs are going to be favored in every game except Week 3 at the Rams. Of the six other teams with the best Super Bowl odds (Chiefs, Bills, Packers, Ravens, 49ers, Rams) the Bucs only face two of them. They get Buffalo at home in Week 14.

The last accomplishment Brady can add to his GOAT resume is an undefeated season. He's almost done it once before, and I think there's a chance he could do it this year. And the price is right: At FOX Bet specifically, that line is a whopping +22500, meaning just a $10 bet would win you $2,260 total.

Read that again. It might be the best pizza money youve spent in 2021.

BEST BET TO GO WORST TO FIRST: THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

How much do I love the Jacksonville Jaguars? Let me count the ways.

Depending on who you read, Trevor Lawrence is the best, most NFL-ready QB to enter the NFL since Andrew Luck. Remember that guy? Luck, while completing only 55% of his passes, flipped the Colts from 2-14 to 11-5 and the playoffs.

Im not sure Lawrence will get the Jaguars 11 wins, but the division is there for the taking, especially with two major injuries the Colts announced this week.

If youve followed me on social media this summer, you know Im all-in on the Jaguars to go from worst to first and win the putrid AFC South, a bet that was going off at around +800 before the Carson Wentz injury news pulled the division off the board.

According to Sharp Football, since 2000, 10 QBs have been selected No. 1 overall and started at least 10 games in their rookie year. Their average win percentage is 39%, which is equal to 6.6 wins in a 17-game season. But Lawrence will be working with offensive coordinator Darren Bevell, who guided Russell Wilson to offensive success (and two Super Bowls) in the first three seasons of his career.

As if all that wasnt enough, expect Urban Meyer to have some edges in his first year since hes never coached in the NFL. In the last decade, thats been the case for Jim Harbaugh and Chip Kelly.

Lastly, the Jags went 1-6 in one-score games last year, including losses to three playoff teams (Titans, Packers, Browns).

SHHHHH! DONT REMIND PEOPLE ABOUT THE BALTIMORE RAVENS!

Turn on a TV, doom-scroll on Twitter or listen to any football podcast, and youre going to find everyone gassing up the Bills, Browns and resurgent 49ers as the sexy teams of 2021.

Forgetting anyone? Despite having the consistency of the North Star under John Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens are getting no love when it comes to Super Bowl talk.

Following a 6-5 start, a game in which 18 players were lost to Covid, and losing their star left tackle midseason, the Ravens still managed to go 11-5 and lost in the second round of the playoffs to Buffalo. The Ravens also ended last year as the only team in the NFL in the top 11 in offense (11th), defense (ninth) and special teams (second).

So why arent they getting more love?

Reminder: Lamar Jackson is 30-7 as a starter. Baltimore got even more help for him in receivers Sammy Watkins, Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace. The Ravens are favored in 12 of their first 13 games. And if I cant hammer home the "one-score game" results enough, heres your reminder that Baltimore went 5-1 in those affairs in 2019 (when they finished 14-2) and sagged back to 2-4 in 2020 (when they went 11-5).

Give me the Ravens (+1500 to win the Super Bowl, so a $10 bet wins $160 total) in 2021.

WHAT ARE THE 49ERS DOING AT QB?

The 49ers have all the hallmarks of a bounce-back team.

They lost more games to injury than anyone else in the NFL in 2020, per Football Outsiders. Eight of the 11 defensive starters from the Super Bowl team two years ago are still on the roster. Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy, and hes 22-8 as a starter with the 49ers. Presumably, his receivers wont drop as many passes as last year (39, second-most in the league). They open on the road with two of the worst teams in the NFC (Detroit, Philadelphia).

So if you want to take a flier on their Super Bowl odds (+1400; bet $10 to win $150 total), do so before Week 1, as the odds on the 49ers will get much tighter in the first month of the season.

The big problem is that nobody has any clue what Kyle Shanahan will do at QB. Its unfathomable that hed trot out the 21-year old rookie Trey Lance, but has Kyle Shanahan ever done anything conventionally?

THIS IS PROBABLY THE YEAR FOR THE COWBOYS MAYBE?

Im contractually obligated to remind you, before writing about the Dallas Cowboys, that if you want to bet them at any point this season, just know youre paying the "Dallas tax."

The Cowboys are still Americas team, and theres an entire generation of gamblers still waiting for Jerry Jones to resurrect the 90s Cowboys team that won three Super Bowls in four years at a pivotal moment in this country the rise of the internet (it's been a little while).

Everyone who pops into Vegas for a weekend loves to bet the Cowboys, but Dallas went 5-11 ATS in 2020, the worst in the NFL Coincidentally, that ended a four-year streak of Jerry's team finishing above .500 ATS.

The Cowboys are built around offensive weapons, but thats useless if the offensive line isnt healthy. Their starting tackles played two games last year. Injury reports will be your friend when it comes to the Cowboys' OL in 2021.

Defensively, I have major questions, because if Aldon Smith and Randy Gregory cant stay out of trouble, DeMarcus Lawrence will face all the double teams, and Dan Quinns rebuilt secondary will get torched like last year.

It could be a weird year in Dallas, but if you're looking to back the Cowboys, the win total over/under (9.5 wins) might be a better option than paying the "Dallas tax" week-in and week-out.

THERES NO TOUGHER SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE

Oh, what a difference a year makes.

Here's a quote from the 2020 blueprint: "Speaking of schedules: Indianapolis Colts? Buy, buy, buy." But those halcyon days are long gone.

Instead, the Colts can thank Philip Rivers and his trip to the playoffs for this: The toughest September schedule in the NFL. They face three playoff teams from 2020 to start, and October doesnt get any easier: 10-win Miami followed by a trip to Baltimore. Did I mention that Weeks 3-5 are at Tennessee, at Miami, at Baltimore?

And theres no telling if theyll have star guard Quenton Nelson or starting QB Carson Wentz for either game. Theres still no word who the left tackle will be, since newcomer Eric Fisher is coming off surgery and may not be ready.

That stretch could should? give you an opportunity to fade Indianapolis for a few straight weeks and get some cash in your pocket early in the season. The Colts' top 10 defense which lost two starting edge rushers in free agency who finished second and third on the team in sacks will keep them in games early, but a 1-4 start is entirely possible.

NO, THE PACKERS ARENT GOING 13-3 AGAIN

The Aaron Rodgers offseason drama featured crazy swings betting on the Broncos to win the Super Bowl on the off-chance Rodgers got his wish! but ultimately ended up with a boring, "Hes staying."

After back-to-back 13-3 years, it smells like regression is on the horizon for the Packers.

Although Green Bay was 10-6 ATS last season, two things jump out at me. The loss of two starting offensive linemen from the No. 1 rated OL according to Pro Football Focus is one, plus star LT David Bakhtiari might miss the first month recovering from an ACL injury. But more than anything, it is the arduous schedule, which features an NFL-high 10 games against playoff teams from a year ago.

Theyre still clear favorites to win the NFC North (-162; bet $10 to win $16.17 total) although the Vikings will be pesky but this is not a team I want a Super Bowl futures ticket on.

THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE MOST CONFUSING TEAM IN THE AFC

Ben Roethlisberger is 39, the Steelers finished the season 1-5, and Pittsburgh suffered an embarrassing home playoff loss to the Browns in the playoffs. There's a new offensive coordinator, the defense lost edge rusher Bud Dupree, the Browns are ascending and the Bengals can only get better.

Whats there to like about the Steelers?

Wait, theres more to not like! Three offensive linemen have to be replaced, and the Steelers only have one returning lineman who graded in the top 120, per Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, a team that went 7-2 in one-score games and is bound for regression in that department has the toughest schedule in the NFL.

Fine, fine theres one positive: Pittsburgh doesnt face one DVOA top-10 pass defense until hosting the Ravens on December 5. And oh yeah, the Steelers havent had a losing season since 2003.

JUST BE READY FOR THE RYAN FITZPATRICK EXPERIENCE

Youve been warned: The 38-year old QB from Harvard is going to be the starter for Washington and Ive seen this movie before.

In Buffalo in 2010, Fitzpatrick took over for Trent Edwards and played so well, the Bills gave Fitzpatrick a six-year, $59 million contract. He proceeded to throw a league-leading 23 interceptions.

In New York in 2015, Fitzpatrick threw 31 TDs! The Jets brought him back; he threw 17 interceptions and was released.

In Miami in 2019, Fitzpatrick threw 20 TDs, and the Dolphins brought him back. He played admirably in 2020, but ultimately was pulled for first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.

Not a knock, just the facts. Ryan Fitzpatrick often delivers for a year, then reality sets in. Hes got some talent in Washington Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Logan Thomas, Antonio Gibson but Im not prepared to bet on the defense carrying them again this season.

LAST YEAR, WE HIT A BULLS EYE ON THE BROWNS. THIS YEAR

From last years preview: "This is the year you look to bet the Browns early before the market catches up." When Cleveland stepped out of the rugged AFC North, they were an impressive 7-4 ATS. Three of those wins/covers came against playoff teams (Washington, Indianapolis, Tennessee).

This year, the non-division schedule is brutal, starting with an opening night trip to Kansas City. Before Halloween, theres a three-week stretch where they face top-15 QBs Kirk Cousins, Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, which will be a tall order for a defense that may start as many as eight new defenders.

Tread cautiously with the Browns, who will be a very public team this year.

Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst, and he also writes about the NFL and NBA Draft. He joined FS1 in 2016 and has appeared on every show on the network. In 2017, McIntyre began producing gambling content on the NFL, college football and NBA for FOX Sports. He had a gambling podcast for FOX, "Coming Up Winners," in 2018 and 2019. Before arriving at FOX, he created the website The Big Lead, which he sold in 2010.

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2021 NFL Gambling Blueprint: 10 things to know betting this NFL season - FOXSports.com