Category Archives: Gambling

Welcome back to The Degenerates Gambit! Once again, please remember that these articles are for fun, and while I love writing them and gambling on football, if you or someone you know is addicted and needs help, please get help or get help for them. The national helpline number is 1-800-522-4700.

I know what youre thinking, and the answer is yes: we did watch football during my wedding. In fact, as I was giving my vows, I dedicated them to Michael Pittman, who heroically laid out to make a catch and got rocked. I hope to be as willing to sacrifice my health and safety for my loved ones in the future, but lets not bank on that. Im much more of a live to fight another day type of dude, and I know my wife loves my cost/benefit analysis mindset. Its why I make for a piss poor bettor, and why I suck at being spontaneous. Anyways, enough about me. Lets ball.

Many bones have been made about late season Jared Goff on the road, but in a dome Goff is still lights out. Minnesotas defense has made great strides from a statistical output over the past 10 weeks, but games against backup QBs in 5 of those doesnt inspire a ton of confidence in those numbers. I think theres a chance this game goes into a full on shootout, but regardless of game script, I think this one is a Lions win by more than a field goal. Take the Lions and the points.

Full disclosure: in my league of record, I lost Justin Herbert and had Kyler as my fill in. This week, however, Im rolling with Baker Mayfield to help take me to the championship; needless to say Im a little biased. The Jacksonville pass defense is atrocious (285 pass yards per game allowed since week 12), and Trevor Lawrence is (as of this writing) not going to suit up due to a concussion. Theres a chance that this Bucs team that everyone considered a top suitor for the first overall pick way back in August is going to have multiple league winners on it. Aint football crazy

Jake Browning legit? Hes come in and staved off the predicted downfall of the Cincinnati offense, while the defense isnt giving them much help at the same time. Brownings ascendency has also boosted the production of Tee Higgins (an average of 4.4/70/0.4 over the last five games). Cincy cant stop the run, but the Steelers offense is on their 3rd quarterback of the year, and they cant move the ball with any of them.

Im picking this as a fan of chaos. New Englands defense has been quietly strong when it comes to limiting explosive plays through the air and on the ground. Denvers defense cant tackle to save their lives (105 missed tackles against running backs this year, which leads the league), and their weaknesses on defense actually play to the Patriots strengths (the running game and the tight ends). I love to rip on Sean Payton, and a Denver loss here is not only objectively hilarious, but would harm the first potential pick slot for next year. I believe Bill Belichick is the type of dude to get his team fired up to screw over the next guy, and Im here for it.

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The Degenerate's Gambit: 2023 Week 16 NFL Gambling Lines with Tony - Football Absurdity

It was recently revealed that Brazil will officially debut a federal marketplace for sports wagering. In addition, when launched, it will involve modalities for the official management of online casino games.

Approval:

On December 21, at the last session of the Chamber of Deputies, legislation PL3626/23 was validated and will be sent to President Lula da Silvafor federal signature.

However, on December 13, the same bill was sent back to the aforementioned Chamber of Deputies after an indecisive consideration by the Senate, which failed to resolve long-running debates over the maintenance of online casino games, which was opposed by Liberal Party senators. In addition, after sending the legislation back, the Senate excluded online casino modalities, requiring lawmakers to consider more than 100 modifications to the bills text since it was submitted for legislative consideration of federal modalities by Senate committees.

Throughout the aforementioned last voting session, Evangelical deputies partnered with the opposition to try to remove a provision related to online games. But, the attempt didnt bear fruit, and the main reason this is that a large number of the total of 261 lawmakers formally cast their vote for the retention of online games, while just one hundred and twenty voted against.

In this regard, the Chambers camera reported: The proposal approved by the Chamber reestablished, however, the authorization of betting for virtual online gaming events, the so-called online casinos, which had been removed from the text by the senators.

Also, the aforementioned Evangelical deputies said that they would request from the President to eliminate casino modalities when legislation is sent for his federal signature. In addition, they are trying to redo the last events of last year, when Jair Bolsonaro, the previous president, rejected to officially sign sports wagering into law.

Budget, licensing and taxation:

The tax and fiscal structures suggested by the Brazilian SenatesEconomic Affairs Commission (CAE)have been kept. According to this arrangement, operators holding a license in the Brazilian federal market will have to pay a tax of 12% and the players rewards will be subject to a tax of 15%. In addition, from the total collected revenues, 2% will be set aside for social security. The tourism and sports sectors will get 5% and 6.63% of income, separately.

To obtain a federal license, operators are required to pay BRL 30m, which is roughly 5.5m, and it will be valid for the period of five years. Additionally, this specific license, permit the management of a maximum of 3 brands, according to the source.

Mandatory requirements for domestic and foreign businesses involve setting up a permanent presence in the country and naming the legal guardian.

As for wagering, it will be operated by firms approved by the Ministry of Finance, which meet certain conditions, involving a member from Brazil on their Board who owns a minimum of 20% of the share capital.

134 firms have shown interest in joining Brazils pending online gambling market:

Before the mentioned session, the Ministry notified that 134 firms submitted their pre-market ordinance measures showing their desire in joining the pending online gambling market of Brazil. On a related note, the Ministry of Finance will supervise the management of the aforementioned federal sports wagering market and the Ministry will set up a dedicated watchdog for consumer protections, standards and conduct.

Furthermore, the final procedures have resulted in the Chambers agreeing obligations on sports integrity and advertising, whereby firms have to stress responsible gambling and involve warnings indicating its possible harm. In this regard, advertising that shows gambling as something attractive in todays society is forbidden.

In order to protect the sports integrity, the bill forbids anyone younger than 18, anyone who has influence on gambling platforms or sporting events, those diagnosed with a gambling disorder as well as key sports personnel like coaches, agents, athletes, referees and directors from taking part in wagering activities.

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Brazil Green Lights Sports Betting And Online Gambling Bill - World Casino Directory

More charges, including a felony count, were filed Monday against a Twin Cities man who is accused of roaming Twin Cities-area casinos and playing slots for gamblers who paid to have their bets placed, then watched live on TikTok in hopes of striking it rich.

Blake C. Fitzgerald, 40, of Farmington, is now facing a felony charge in Goodhue County of instructing others to violate gambling laws along with three related gross misdemeanor counts. A conviction on the felony count could send Fitzgerald to prison, rather than jail or some other lesser form of detention.

Also Monday, additional gross misdemeanor illegal gambling counts were filed in Goodhue County against Fitzgerald's brother, Christopher J. Mattison, 34, of Warren, Minn.

In August, Fitzgerald was charged with three gross misdemeanors in connection with allegations he ran a remote bookie business for at least four months until January 2023 while at Mystic Lake Casino in the Scott County city of Prior Lake or Treasure Island Resort & Casino just outside of Red Wing in Goodhue County. Mattison was charged as well back in August.

Both men were charged by summons and declined to comment Monday to the Star Tribune about the latest round of charges. Fitzgerald is due on court on Wednesday, followed by Mattison on Thursday.

The new complaints note that a state investigator with the state Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division contacted Fitzgerald and Mattison in June about the initial charges. Mattison denied the allegations, while Fitzgerald asked the investigator for further specifics and then stopped responding to the agent.

Monday's criminal complaints not only cover in greater detail the allegations spelled out in the earlier charges, they also reveal that the brothers arranged bets for 81 people in that three-week period that totaled more than $48,000.

Bettors received back about a third of their money, either in winnings or refunds if the brothers ran out of time to get the wagers down, the complaints read.

Among those who turned to Fitzgerald for remote betting on slots at Treasure Island was a 53-year-old woman from southeastern Minnesota who told the state investigator that she was a gambling addict, the charges read.

The woman, who often bet at night as she struggled with insomnia and other medical difficulties, told the investigator she was "hopeful that illegal forms of gambling like Fitzgerald's would be eliminated from the Internet, as it would help limit her exposure to gambling and ease the struggle that she faced every day," the complaints continued.

According to the criminal complaints and other court documents:

Fitzgerald collected through cash apps an initial $5.99 subscription fee and then $25 that he kept for every $100 deposited for wagering, which he streamed live on TikTok.

Archived videos on his main TikTok account revealed 165,000 followers from around the world. Video highlights showed wads of cash and slot machines rolling up occasional big jackpots, including one in December that topped $15,000.

Administrators at both casinos caught on to Fitzgerald's TikTok bookie business. On Jan. 12, he livestreamed about being booted from Mystic Lake during a previous visit. That same day, he was in his car outside Treasure Island and said he had just been given a permanent trespass notice.

The American Gaming Association, which represents sports books and casinos across the country, said after the brothers were initially charged that it has never heard of such a gambling scheme.

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Minnesota brothers charged in TikTok livestream gambling scheme - Star Tribune

Exploring the Future of Online Gambling: The Rise of Cryptocurrency Casinos

Published 4:44 pm Friday, December 22, 2023

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In the dynamic realm of online gambling, a revolutionary trend is reshaping the industry: the advent of cryptocurrency casinos. This evolution is not merely a fleeting fad, but a substantial shift in how players engage with online betting platforms. Cryptocurrency, with its promise of greater security, anonymity, and faster transactions, is not just infiltrating the gambling world; its poised to overhaul it.

Blockchain technology combines traditional gaming excitement with cryptocurrency casinos as the experimental artists of gambling. This synergy has attracted a new generation of tech-savvy gamblers at Lucky 7even Casino as well as set a benchmark for online betting in the future. These casinos are redefining the norms, making waves with their innovative approaches to security, game fairness, and user experience.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into this burgeoning domain, dissecting the facets that make cryptocurrency casinos a beacon of the future. Well examine the technologies driving this change, the evolving landscape of online gambling, and how players and operators alike are navigating this new era. Our journey into the heart of this digital revolution starts here, at the crossroads of traditional gambling and the digital frontier.

Innovative Gaming Experiences: The integration of blockchain technology in games ensures fairness and transparency.

Cryptocurrency casinos are built on the bedrock of blockchain technology, a decentralized ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This technology is not just a backbone but the lifeblood of these casinos, ensuring transparency and fairness in every game. Smart contracts automate and enforce the rules of casino netiss, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the possibility of manipulation.

Cryptocurrency casinos have revolutionized the player experience in several key aspects:

Regulating cryptocurrency casinos presents a complex challenge. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies poses unique regulatory hurdles, and authorities worldwide are grappling with how to integrate these casinos into existing legal frameworks. The dynamic regulatory landscape requires operators to constantly adapt and innovate, balancing compliance with the inherent freedom of cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency casinos are not just coexisting with traditional online casinos; they are compelling them to evolve. The rise of digital currencies has sparked a technological arms race in the gambling industry, with traditional platforms increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies to stay relevant. This competition is fostering a wave of innovation, benefiting players with more choices and better experiences.

Online gambling has evolved dramatically since the rise of cryptocurrency casinos. Rather than merely integrating digital currencies, this trend heralds a new era of gaming, where traditional methods and technology come together for more immersive, fair, and secure play. Online gamblings future is here, and its more exciting than ever in this digital age.

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Exploring the Future of Online Gambling: The Rise of Cryptocurrency Casinos - Smithfield Times Exploring the Future ... - Smithfield Times

Gambling is popular in Alabama.

Despite all of the phony hand-wringing over gambling legislation during every legislative session and all of the alleged moral pushback about legalizing casino wagering, Alabama loves to gamble.

Were one of the top states in the country each year for sports wagering. Alabama gamblers are one of the top groups of users on the offshore gambling website Bovada. Our residents spend millions each year buying lottery tickets and visiting casinos in other states. The total amount of legal and illegal gambling in this state accounts for billions of dollars each year.

Its no wonder, then, that when polled on the question of legalizing gambling, implementing a lottery and allowing sports wagering, Alabama voters overwhelmingly said they wanted the chance to vote on it.

And by overwhelmingly, I mean 89 percent.

You couldnt get 89 percent of the people in this state to agree with you that the sky is blue. Thats how popular the issue is at this point.

Its not just a bunch of librals either. Gambling legalization, including a lottery, casino-style games and sports wagering, is also popular among those who consider themselves conservative voters. More than 60 percent of them, in a 2015 poll, wanted a chance to vote on the issue.

But then, what do you dopey voters know?

It doesnt matter what you want, what you think is best for yourself or for the state. No, no. The politicians theyre the ones who know better than you whats best for you.

Just ask Chris Elliott.

The Baldwin County state senator said last week, during an appearance on a Mobile-area radio station, 106.5-FM, that it doesnt matter what yall want. No, the politics matter more. The politicians matter more.

Elliott said out loud the part that elected officials are never supposed to say out loud that their job security matters more than serving you.

Elliott said that rumored legislation that would legalize a lottery, casino gambling at certain locations and sports wagering while clamping down on the thousands of illegal gambling operations around the state would be a bad idea. Not because the legislation is unpopular, or because its bad legislation that wouldnt solve the problems and increase revenue, but because putting the issue on the ballot in 2024 might drive more Democrats to the polls and result in a loss in Alabamas newly-drawn 2nd congressional district.

Three things: 1. Republicans aint winning that seat, and it doesnt matter if Ronald Reagans ghost is on the ticket; 2. Democrats in that district will NOT need a secondary issue, like gambling, to drive them to the polls to vote in a fair race that they fought all the way to the Supreme Court to get; and 3. Republicans gamble too.

You have to be living in some alternate reality to seriously believe that Democrats hold a major voter advantage on the issue of gambling in this day and age. Or maybe thats just what living inside the Republican super-conservative news bubble does for you.

About the only Republicans who are vehemently opposed to gambling legislation at this point are the ones who dont fully understand the complexities of the issue in this state and the ones who are being paid by certain interested parties (like out-of-state casino owners) to oppose the legislation.

There is no major organized opposition.

Because were talking about a business thats everywhere now. You cant watch a ballgame without 87 ads for online sportsbooks. Everyone discusses the lines on games. Half the state drives to Georgia or Tennessee or Florida to buy tickets for the big Powerball drawings. And those buses leaving for Biloxi and other casino locations are filled with active church members.

No one cares anymore. Its like being opposed to alcohol sales.

Except in this case, were still living in the prohibition era of the 1920s, where 90 percent of those sales are conducted by shady characters running shady operations and propping up other illegal activities. Thats the Alabama gambling landscape in 2023.

Which makes it hilarious to read the ridiculous study on gambling from the Alabama Policy Institute.APIs study trots out the same old ignorant-of-reality talking points and pretends once again that were living inside a gambling-free bubble where neither roads nor the internet exists.

Every phone will become a casino, the report breathlessly warns of the legalization of sports wagering. Um, excuse me, but yall do know that offshore gambling websites are accessible on phones now, as are daily fantasy wagering websites, including over/under player totals, right?

If you dont, you shouldnt be writing about gambling. If you do, everyone should question why youre trying to mislead them on the realities of gambling.

Look, Ive written about this issue a bunch. There is no solution that includes just making certain games more illegal. There is no solution that includes just legalizing a lottery. There is no solution that includes more enforcement without a wholesale change of gambling laws on the books which will require a constitutional amendment and a vote of the people.

Anyone who tells you differently is lying to you. Ill leave it up to you to figure out why theyre lying to you.

But I can assure you of one thing: None of them are lying to you for your benefit.

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Opinion | Why can't you just vote on gambling? - Alabama Political Reporter

Jeremy Gan

Published: 2023-12-23T04:26:18 Updated: 2023-12-23T04:26:30

In an exclusive interview with Dexerto, xQcs agency explains that his blockbuster Kick deal had nothing to do with Twitchs gambling ban and Stakes ownership.

When Felix xQc Lengyel penned his $100 million deal with the streaming platform Kick, it lit the entertainment world on fire. One of the largest of its kind, it drew comparisons to blockbuster sports signings which it handily dwarfed in price.

However, questions arose surrounding the nature of the deal as Kick is backed by the online casino Stake.com, and xQc has long been critical of Twitchs handling of gambling streams in the past.

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So, did xQcs Kick deal have anything to do with Twitchs gambling ban and his gambling streams?

Talking to Sbastien Delvaux, the COO of Evolved, the talent agency representing xQc, he says that the deal had nothing to do with gambling or Stake.

The actual Kick conversation, Stake was never part of that, [Kick] was very clear, and we were very clear, he said of their discussions with the streaming platform about the deal.

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They were very clear that Kick as a platform is not just an outlet for Stake, and we were very clear that Stake and deliverables around that potentially cannot be part of this contract.

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Delvaux said this was to ensure the quality of xQcs streams didnt suffer, as the experience for viewers would decline if he was made to do gambling streams.

Theres no world in which we want 100% of xQcs to be gambling, or even for fans to feel like this move is going to deteriorate the quality of their experience as to what theyre used to on Twitch.

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Rather, Delvaux says the contract allows xQc the choice to do gambling streams if he wants to, but is never obliged to do so under the deal.

Making sure that Felix has the freedom to gamble, if he wants to, because a lot of fans do enjoy those types of streams, but isnt necessarily obligated to do it in any way, was very important to us.

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So he can do it if he feels like its something that he wants to do at the time, but theres no obligation in the Kick contract for him to do that.

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Interview: xQcs blockbuster Kick deal allegedly had nothing to do with Twitchs gambling ban - Dexerto

Locks

NBA (1 Unit) Toronto Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers -8 (-110; Odds via Fanduel): 6:00 PM CT on NBCS-PHI

I finally got a live view of how good the Sixers can be against quality teams as they pulled away from the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Joel Embiid is on another level right now, carrying this team to massive blowouts, and another comfortable win should be coming here. Weve already seen these teams meet twice as well, with Philly winning and covering both matchups.

You cant ignore Philadelphias second-best ATS record at 19-8, including the leagues best margin of victory and average ATS margin. Toronto has not been able to keep up with powerful offensive teams which is what the 76ers are, so look for Philly to roll into their Christmas break with an easy win.

NBA (1 Unit) Atlanta Hawks Team Total Over 118.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 7:00 PM CT on Bally Sports FL

Ive been really impressed with Atlantas ability lately to exert their style of play on every opponent, especially on Wednesday when they did it on the road against a great defensive team. Thats sent the Hawks over this team total in 8 of their past 10 games, including 6 straight, and another should be coming here.

This is not the Miami team were used to, as the defense is not playing to the level you would expect. The Heat are just 17th in defensive efficiency on the season, and that drops to 25th for home games. Its why they have a positive record to the over at home, including the leagues second-highest plus/minus to the total for home games. But with Jimmy Butler out tonight I dont want to count on points from Miami, so Ill isolate the Hawks to continue their offensive surge against a subpar defense.

Bonus Bets (0.5 Unit Each) Trae Young Over 3.5 Made Threes & Bogdan Bogdanovic Over 2.5 Made Threes (-110; Odds via DraftKings)

Both of these excellent shooters have been red hot lately to fuel Atlantas run of high-scoring games. Theyll have another great chance to light it up from deep tonight against a Miami team that struggles with perimeter defense. The Heat are just 22nd in opponent 3-point percentage overall and 26th at home. The Hawks will have no fear of firing away all game, so I like their two best 3-point shooters to splash plenty of them tonight.

NCAA Basketball Mississippi Valley St @ Baylor -40.5 (-110; Odds via Fanduel): 6:00 PM CT on ESPN+

Im not usually in the habit of laying 40 points in college hoops, but this game has the potential for Baylor to go completely nuclear. After consecutive losses to top programs in the past week halted their momentum, the Bears have the perfect victim in front of them to take out some frustrations.

MVSU and their 355th-rated defense will politely decline to guard all game long, so Baylor should get whatever they want from everywhere on the floor. The Delta Devils have faced five power conference opponents this season, losing by 46, 39, 34, 34, and 38 point margins. Baylors anger should be enough to propel them over the 40-point threshold in this rout.

Tiny Nick is 1841-1647 ATS (+84.4 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games hes confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.

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Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/22 - Zone Coverage

Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age: What You Need to Know

Published 4:51 pm Friday, December 22, 2023

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With online betting sites and casino apps just a tap away, gambling is more convenient than ever. However, easy access can lead to compulsive behaviors and financial loss if precautions arent taken. Responsible gambling for Wild Fortune casino Australia is crucial but what are some practical ways to achieve it?

The foundation of responsible gambling is having defined financial boundaries:

Sticking to preset monetary limits requires self-control, but allows you to enjoy gambling without impacting other financial priorities.

Spending long stretches glued to betting sites often causes tunnel vision and hurried, feeling-fueled choices. Scheduling normal pauses helps give your mind a reset. For instance, after 45-90 minutes of gambling, step away for 5-10 minutes. Simple tasks like brewing tea or tackling chores reroute your attention. Also, set phone alerts to take more extended 20-30 minute breaks every few hours.

Activities completely unrelated to gambling like taking a walk, chatting with friends, or pursuing a hobby provide perspective. And regardless of hot streaks or cold spells, instituting daily or weekly limits on your total gambling time brings indispensable clarity. Enforcing these periodic breaks, both short and long, allows emotions to rebalance and helps circumvent rash, profit-shrinking decisions.

Emotions and mental state have an enormous influence on decision making. Betting when extremely elated, stressed, angry, or intoxicated ups the chances of excess.

For some, willpower alone isnt enough to step away from online gambling during heated moments or difficult life periods. But modern apps provide help:

Leverage these tools to enforce breaks from casino 10 ilmaista that overrule temptations to overspend or bet emotionally. Think of them as extra support rather than restrictions.

Keeping detailed records of when, how much, and how you gamble provides tangible insights into habits. Use an Excel sheet or journal to periodically log metrics like:

Analyzing these trends over a 3-6 month period highlights whether you gamble recreationally or exhibit compulsive tendencies requiring attention.

Letting any one activity rule your leisure time poses hazards, particularly an addictive one like gambling. Chasing an array of pastimes enriches life and shrinks obsession risks. For example, pencil in regular social outings, sports/workouts, creative quests, soothing personal time, and community service.

Also, plug calendar reminders so betting doesnt elbow out other priorities. And if you keep ditching arrangements to gamble more, that flags an issue. Ultimately, equilibrium means wagering persists as just one choice among many rather than the entirety of your universe. When balanced astutely with other passions, gamblings thrills enhance life rather than consume it.

Despite best intentions, some individuals develop unhealthy dependencies around gambling that disrupt work, relationships, finances, and more. Common symptoms include:

If these describe you, dont go it alone. Many organizations like Gamblers Anonymous provide free peer support resources and group therapy options. There are also accredited counselors who specialize in gambling addiction. The right help combined with self-awareness can successfully curb problematic gambling before it spirals out of control.

Thanks to smartphones and betting apps, recreational gambling is more easily accessible than ever in 2023. However, anything taken to extremes comes with risks. Avoid letting convenience turn into an unhealthy obsession with the practical tips described above.

Staying informed, setting boundaries, and monitoring habits allows you to participate safely. But if you see red flags, dont hesitate to seek counseling. Help is out there, and your wellbeing is worth it.

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Responsible Gambling in the Digital Age: What You Need to Know - Smithfield Times Responsible Gambling in 2023 ... - Smithfield Times

Locks

NCAA Basketball (0.75 Unit) Louisville/DePaul Over 146.5 (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 1:00 PM CT on FS1

Ive seen this total tick down from the opener of 149 on the idea that the offenses arent good enough to reach that level. But its the defenses here that have me expecting points, as DePaul in particular has simply cratered on that end of the floor. Opponents have averaged 92.3 PPG the past 3 against DePaul, good for 1.292 points per possession which is the fifth-worst mark in the country right now.

Louisville hasnt been much better defensively, ranked 180th in adjusted defensive efficiency and getting into track meets with teams that struggle on defense. KenPom has this game right at 149 and the short spread suggests a tight game with late free throws, so Ill fade the steam and go over here.

NCAA Basketball (0.75 Unit) Wisconsin/Arizona First Half Over 67.5 (-110; Odds via DraftKings): 2:15 PM CT on ESPN

This is a battle of contrasting styles, and the total here will be determined by which teams style wins out. Wisconsin comes into this game 343rd in adjusted tempo, playing at their usual glacial pace. Thats almost the polar opposite of Arizonas 8th-fastest adjusted tempo, but as the home team in a hyped spot I think they will set the pace at least early on.

The Wildcats have played two other high quality opponents in Duke and Michigan State who play slowly and have good defenses. Both games were away from the McKale Center, and cleared this total both times. Despite Wisconsin being a slow and defensive-oriented team, their offense is extremely potent at 14th in adjusted efficiency. Plus that excellent defense has clamped down more in second halves than first halves. If Arizona manages to create extra possessions early in this game, well see this total thats fairly discounted get cleared with ease.

NCAA Basketball (0.5 Unit) Gonzaga/Washington Over 160.5 (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 10:00 PM CT on ESPN2

Gonzaga has finally gotten to take their offense out on the highway the past couple of games, and I think it continues here. They just needed to face some up-tempo opponents to get things rolling, and Washington being 46th in adjusted tempo will keep the Zags in a free-flowing style tonight. The Huskies have some big time impact transfer talent on this team now, and its created an excellent offense in Seattle. Theyve gotten into some track meets this season against opponents youd expect and actually not expect it to happen with, so I think we see plenty of offense between these teams.

NBA Indiana Pacers/LA Lakers Under 242.5 (-110; Odds via Fanduel): 7:30 PM CT on ABC

LeBron James desperately wants this title for his legacy, and weve been seeing vintage defensive performances from him and Anthony Davis as a result. That will be tough to replicate against the high-flying Pacers, but I think the situation will bring out more defense from both teams. This is also a number that is high by association with Indiana, but seems a little trappy like their semi-final against Milwaukee.

All it takes to fall short of this total is a few minutes where Indiana takes defense seriously, and I think they will with title-game stakes tonight. The Lakers are a top-10 defense in just about every category, including 3rd in opponent floor percentage which will help to slow down the red-hot Pacers. With legacy, money, and bragging rights on the line, expect this game to be more tightly guarded than such a high total implies.

Tiny Nick is 1765-1553 ATS (+90.4 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games hes confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.

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Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/09 - Zone Coverage

Unlike other mobile gaming, the Chickasaw Nations app will take and pay out real money.

Friday, December 8th 2023, 5:37 pm

As the push for sports gambling ramps up in the state, the Chickasaw Nation is rolling the dice on their own mobile gaming app. It will allow people to participate in bingo-style mobile gambling on Winstar grounds.

Good for them because that's where the industry is going, said Sen. Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City). At some point you can't get on the machine at Winstar. There's so many people there. Well, you can go to your car now and gamble right there on your phone."

Coleman says this can open up a whole new revenue stream for the tribes and even the state.

What's going to be interesting is to see if this grows outside of the parking lot of Winstar to where you could make a bet anywhere in Chickasaw country, said Sen. Coleman.

The app is approved under federal law, which allows tribal nations to offer games that are bingo at their core without state approval or oversight. Those games are where players compete against other players, not the house.

Unlike other mobile gaming, the Chickasaw Nations app will take and pay out real money.

It also will track location and usage to ensure people are really on Winstar property when placing bets, and it will flag problem gambling, and help turn those people towards gambling addiction services.

With the pressure building to legalize sports gambling in Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation could be laying the groundwork.

There are people that won't play a machine that would put a sports bet down at the drop of a hat, said Sen. Coleman.

Senator Coleman has a bill that is ready to go for next session that would legalize sports gambling in the state, relying on a partnership with the tribes.

I think the most important pressing issue right now is to have a conversation. I think we're falling behind, said Sen. Coleman.

As Kansas continues to rake in millions and Texas inching closer to legalizing gambling, Senator Coleman says the pressure is on.

I know the new Choctaw casino in Durant has a nice sports area and it has windows there ready to take money from Texans, said Sen. Coleman. I just have a burning desire to get this done.

Coleman says he is open to changing or modifying his bill to ensure both the tribes and state leaders are happy.

The clock is ticking. we are losing money out of state and it's time to get sports betting in Oklahoma, said Sen. Coleman.

Governor Stitt also rolled out a sports betting plan that would allow brick-and-mortar sports betting and mobile betting.

His office sent a statement today, saying Its great that casino operators also recognize the betting market is shifting to mobile applications, which is why, under the Oklahoma plan, we would allow bets to be placed from mobile devices anywhere in the state. We hope that by opening it up to all vendors and letting the players determine which platform theyd prefer, we have a well rounded, high quality market for gaming apps going forward. I look forward to the legislature considering Senator Murdock and Rep. Caldwells proposal.

The Chickasaw Nation app is expected to be available at Winstar within the next month.

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Mobile Gaming At Casinos Could Pave The Way For Sports Gambling - news9.com KWTV