Category Archives: Gambling

In this weeks podcast, The house always wins in the long run (June 2, 2022), Walter Bradley Center director Robert J. Marks interviews mathematician, computer scientist, and engineer Salvador Cordova on a subject on which he has strong views: gambling.

Marks tells us, I teach a graduate course on probability and stochastic processes. There I teach the stupidity of casino gambling. In statistics, theres a theorem called the Law of Large Numbers. It teaches that you cant win in the long run at casino games. Period. The law of large numbers is a mathematical truth. Its a law as serious as the law of gravity. Its why casinos always get rich and the gambler always gets poor. There is a chance that you will win the lottery or win a million dollars jackpot in the casino, but theres also a chance you will get hit by falling space debris while juggling.

He adds, for good measure, I tell people its better if you give your money to me and Ill decide whether or not to give it back. You have a better chance of walking away with money in your pocket.

Cordova is, as it happens, a specialist in the Law of Large Numbers. Enjoy.

This portion begins at roughly 7:00 min. A partial transcript and notes, Show Notes, and Additional Resources follow.

Are there legitimate ways to improve ones odds in a casino?

Sal Cordova: There are laws in Las Vegas. If you actually now bring computers in and use them to beat the games, you could be prosecuted. I mean, stuff that is done now is only called cheating by law. but in my book youre not really going against the rules of how to actually play your hands or anything. So Ive really not looked much into the techniques of cheating because I just didnt want to get prosecuted

Robert J. Marks: Well, I read a book called Race Horse [whose author] maintained that he could throw dice in order to get a high probability of a seven. He literally knew how to throw the dice, but it had to do with something like sliding the dice. And you cant do that in Las Vegas anymore, right?

Sal Cordova: Not anymore. They actually passed a law. Its kind of like how gyroscopes work; you have a lot of angular momentum. It resists certain motions. So these dice sliders would throw the dice like when you throw football. You try to throw it with spin because that helps stabilize it.

And so they were throwing the dice with a lot of spin and then sliding it across the table. So it never tumbled. So whatever you set the dice, you just have like a seven on top, basically, with your two dice. If you could slide the dice, there was no randomizing.

And Las Vegas realized these people were so good at it, that they were changing the odds. First, they passed laws and then they started to pass rules within the casino.

Then you couldnt dice slide. But then on top of that, the casinos began to put down felt [on the tables] so that the dice wouldnt slide. And then they put these little pyramids on the ends and then they forced you to throw the dice in a certain fashion. So it

Robert J. Marks: Has to bounce against the back wall, at least in the movies.

Sal Cordova: So then they started to put arresting wires so that if you tried to slide it across from where you are, it would hit the arresting wire. So they forced you to basically lob it.

Robert J. Marks: So its like jumping a hurdle.

Sal Cordova: And then they made very sharp corners on the dice. They got some good physics to count as a countermeasure. But those must have been the glory days of being a crafts player. Because if youre really well practiced at this, you only needed to tilt the odds. Even you didnt even need to do it all the time, if you could just get like maybe a few percent in your favor, you could beat the game.

Cheater: Its not that I sat down one day and decided I wanted to cheat. Its just that I realized that cheating would raise my odds:

Sal Cordova: But now I do recall some instances of cheating where it was prosecuted. Its when the dealer had colluded with the players in games like blackjack or baccarat. So if the dealer reveals what they call the whole card, its the card that the players arent supposed to see.

So the player will make playing decisions based on knowledge hes not supposed to have. He has a huge advantage. In blackjack, the dealer has what they call a whole card (the card you cant see). And after youve finalized your decision as a player, then hes going to reveal it. And then you find out whether youre going to win or lose.

Robert J. Marks: And probably he didnt actually reveal it. He probably gave signs like a third base coach in baseball, touching the bureau or something.

Sal Cordova: Well actually he could subtly reveal it with his hands. He could bend the card a little bit so the player could actually peek and see it.

And in one case, it was really funny. The casino surveillance noticed that the dealer was dealing out the exact same set of cards each time. He had used the false shuffle. So somewhere

Robert J. Marks: Okay. Tell me about the false shuffle. Whats a false shuffle?

Sal Cordova: A false shuffle is where youre you look like you have actually shuffled the cards, but you didnt Theres a technique where you can make it look like you shuffled the cards, but you didnt. And so he was dealing out the same set of cards each time. Then they were realizing, why are the players so good at predicting what the next cards going to be?

All they had to do is take note of what the cards were. I dont know how they did that. And then the dealer would do a false shuffle and deal out the exact same sequence the next time. And when thats done, the player has huge advantage.

Sal Cordova: So the casino bosses began to be suspicious why a particular player was winning so well. Like he knew what the next card was going to be. They had casino surveillance and video cameras and they realized, oh wow, this is how it was being done. And the FBI came in and prosecuted the guys.

Sal Cordova: So those are the two big instances I know. And this is kind of interest to me because it starts to deal with issues of probability and kind of my areas of interest. Whats the chances that you could deal the same decor cards, the same way each time. And this relates to things in some of our interest in biology and stuff. And so I was just fascinated.

Robert J. Marks: So if I know Vegas, they had to come up with some sort of rule where the dealer doesnt shuffle or something like that. Is that true today? How are the decks shuffled for blackjack? Does the dealer shuffle them?

Sal Cordova: It depends on the casino. And in some places he would shuffle the deck and then put it in something called a shoe. And its dealt out from there There are all sorts of devices they can use to shuffle, or it can be hand shuffled. The preferred method, I think, would be machine shuffling because its faster. And it can randomize the cards to the standards that the casino would want.

Because some people are just savants, theyll actually memorize the sequence. And if they have a good understanding of the shuffling techniques they can start to in interleave it in their own brain. And then theyre able to predict.

Robert J. Marks: Do you ever watch the movie Rain Man (1988) with Dustin Hoffman? Well, hes a savant. And he goes in and theyre playing 21 and he keeps on saying Hit or Skip or something like that. So he knows whats going on.

Sal Cordova: People that can do that are called shuffle trackers. Theyre ACE trackers or card counters. And sometimes you would have teams. There are all these techniques

Sal Cordova: You mentioned the Law of Large Numbers and the casino always wins with the Law of Large Numbers. These players that are able to beat the game legally, we call advantage players. They actually turn the tables, figuratively speaking, and use the Law of Large Numbers in their favor.

Next: How advantage players at casinos use the Law of Large Numbers in their favor. They cant beat it so they join it.

Note: There is a history of mathematicians and physicists trying to beat the odds at Las Vegas casinos, perhaps largely for the fun of working with numbers. Sometimes they beat the dealer and even changed things in the long run. Watch for Claude Shannon (1916 2001), father of information theory, and probability theorist Edward Thorp (1932 ) to come up in this short account:

You may also wish to read: Does AI really get poker? Why that matters. Science journalist Maria Konnikova, also a professional poker player, explores the human side of poker and efforts to automate it. Those who hope that an algorithm can come along and solve the basic problem of uncertainty in life are kidding themselves.

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Gambling: WHY the House Always Wins in the Long Run - Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence

Numerous entrepreneurs and manufacturers currently seek a method that will maintain their businesses afloat, namely that of legalizing gambling in all legal spheres. Be that as it may, many of these businesses are not convinced that there is something they can do, legal or otherwise, to remove the wrinkles that prevent their profitability and only a few do not know that its as easy as it is to be uncovered. Get a lot more information about the legal gaming

Whether you are a single man or woman, an entrepreneur or a business proprietor, an entrepreneur or a proprietor of a business establishment, an entrepreneur or a proprietor of a platform or gaming platform or a casino, regardless of whatever issue you might be, or somebody who believes in an idealized policy, the net draw of gambling is exceptionally significant. It has been utilized as an effective way of drawing traffic to venues or shops and is additionally favored by persons who have a desire to form a group.

There are many associated advantages of legalizing gambling in your world, yet you can easily cover the benefits of gambling to help you decide whether or not to partake in legal gambling.

You are certain to get extra revenue. Legalized gambling aids those in the business to draw additional funds and bring in additional revenue with it. In this manner, youll be able to make sure that you will be able to be more financially equipped, the most probable and to accommodate the expenses that will come with the expansion of your business.

Legally, one particular can be in charge of managing every aspect of the gambling games. In this way, one particular will be in charge of what bets to place, how to place the bets, choosing the betting operators, and so on. It is likewise conceivable to be in charge of when, where, and how much you will be gambling, what wins youre in charge of what bets, the outcome of the bets, and a lot more.

It increases your credibility and popularity. If you choose to bet in a gambling entity, you will be in charge of your pot. That implies you will be the one who won or lost every bet that you are in charge of. That is said, it will make you the one who gets to decide every little thing, and that, coupled with the legitimacy that you will acquire as a result of the legality of your business, youll be a celebrity in the gambling world.

It can assist you in your investment strategy. Legalized gambling is always significantly less risky than your normal gambling venues. That is the reason why you can bet in casinos and online platforms. There are several trusted platforms like bovada,UFABET, and diamond where you can legally bet online and earn more profit.

A professional is always there to guarantee the safety of your funds. Moreover, for legal gambling, you dont have to worry about winning or losing any money as you do about placing the bets.

This is about the first advantage listed above, and it is hard to get to make sense of for those who are new to the game. Legalized gambling provides you with the assurance that youll not be hit with a big fine for unlawful gambling or regulation. No, gambling is allowed by several governing institutions. That implies you can place bets and get them paid, safely and with no long-term effect.

As its discussed previously, one of the foremost advantages of gambling is how it helps to generate traffic and revenue for your business or organization. Even though gambling may be regulated and must meet restrictions, it will not affect the profits you make by it, and it will not affect the group of people you are recruiting.

Legalized gambling doesnt only provide an added benefit to your business, it may also improve the profits from your venture.

Losses come at a higher value than expected. When it comes to gambling, there are many kinds of bets that can be made on games, events, or others. The vast majority of these bets wont win, but the overall turnover will provide you with a sum of money that you cannot get with any other method.

Loose change and traveler checks are not a powerful source of income. You have a vast number of people that visit your business, and that is frequently generous in their willingness to do a great deal in exchange for a service. Of course, the rewards you gain for this are usually worth it, but thats not going to cover your day-to-day expenses.

Building an appropriate business around gambling helps you to operate your business without having to deal with many of the obstacles and hassles that come with implementing a profit-making strategy. With legalized gambling, you will get to have a far greater number of more attractive offers. They are going to be especially irresistible to those people who love the gambling culture.

With legalized gambling, it is possible to offer all kinds of different games and events. The games or events you can offer will be different for every gambling establishment, and you will be able to attract a whole host of people all over the globe to your venue.

People are generally more relaxed and enthusiastic. That is one of the advantages of doing your business in a state or jurisdiction where gambling is illegal.

When the occasion is such that you want to engage with your customers, you are forced to deal with some of the threats that can come with gambling. Such threats include bad reputation and loss, and even some criminals. Legalized gambling provides you with a lot more certainty when it comes to planning, sales, and other important aspects.

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What Are The Benefits Of Legalized Gambling? - Boston Sports Extra

Lotto New Zealand says it could be up to five years before a third weekly draw gets underway.

A Lotto Powerball ticket. (Source: Supplied)

The organisation has filed expression of interest documents for the potential suppliers of a replacement to the gaming system.

It includes possible plans for games in the coming years, including the potential for a third draw and expanding the online offer.

The organisation says any of the changes, including to Lotto or Powerball, would take 18 months or longer to put in place if they were approved.

If it decided to launch a third draw it would take between three and five years to put in place after gaining approval, it said in a statement.

Lotto said another draw would be thoroughly scrutinised for its impact on gambling harm.

Lotto said if it decided to proceed with the changes it would consult extensively with the Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Health and that any change would be subject to ministerial approval.

rnz.co.nz

Excerpt from:

Lotto to consider gambling harm before a move to 3 weekly draws - 1News

In Summary:

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Gambling Group is doing alright and North America has a huge part to play in the present-day success of the company which reported a 70% increase in revenue over the first three months of the year ended on March 31. This puts Gambling Group in a unique position where it has once again consolidated its presence in the gambling affiliate market, and not least, has been able to make good use of its reach and clout in the North American market.

Gambling Group has been pushing hard to consolidate its reach focusing on various complementary assets over the past months. It managed to acquire RotoWire and BonusFinder, two prominent names in the B2C sector which have already been making an impact it seems, although no financial details about these two assets were offered at the time of the update.

North American revenue alone grew 544% year-over-year and ended at $10.6 million. The group operates in 15 national markets and runs no fewer than 50 websites. The quarter was strong in terms of player acquisition with some 67,000 new depositors realized over the first three months. New York and Louisiana launches have definitely contributed to this.

The overall group gross profit stood at $18.4 million. Operating profit was posted at $4.3 million, which is worse than the $5.2 million posted in the same period a year earlier. More aggressive marketing strategies may be able to explain why operating profit dropped a little.

Commenting on this, Gambling.com Group CFO Elias Mark spoke about the results and said that the present results constituted the best performance registered over a quarter in the groups history:

We saw our accelerated investments in the business during the second half of 2021 start to pay off, and grew revenue 70% to deliver the best quarterly performance in the groups history.

Mark offered a transparent overview of the companys results and what was driving them in the first place. Acquisitions have impacted results positively he admitted, and better than initial expectations. Another record year lies ahead, Mark added, confirming the groups guidance for 2022.

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Gambling Group Hits 70% Increase in Q1 2022 Revenue - GamblingNews.com

Are you thinking about getting into crypto gambling? Its a great way to have some fun and potentially win some money, but it can also be a bit daunting if youre not sure where to start.

Crypto gambling is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a number of advantages over traditional gambling. For one, its much more convenient you can do it from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night. Its also anonymous, so you dont have to worry about your personal information being shared. Also, its often cheaper than traditional gambling, as there are no fees or commissions. So, if youre interested in trying your hand at crypto gambling, here are some useful tips to get you started:

When it comes to gambling with cryptocurrency, the first thing you need to do is choose a reputable casino. There are a lot of Bitcoin casinos out there, but not all of them are created equal. There are a few things you should look for when choosing a Bitcoin casino:

If you find a Bitcoin casino that ticks all of these boxes, then you can be sure that youre in good hands. Crypto gambling can be a lot of fun, but only if you choose a reputable casino to play at. So make sure to do your research before choosing a Bitcoin casino.

Bitcoins price is notoriously volatile. In December 2017, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of almost $20,000 only to crash down to $3,200 a year later. For anyone gambling with Bitcoin, these wild swings can be both a blessing and a curse.

While Bitcoins volatility may seem like a hindrance at first, savvy gamblers can use it to their advantage. Bitcoins price is constantly changing and this can create opportunities to buy Bitcoin at a discount or sell Bitcoin for a profit.

Of course, timing is everything when it comes to trading Bitcoin. If you dont have the stomach for the volatility, you can always use Bitcoin to gamble without having to worry about the price.

Many Bitcoin casinos offer games that are provably fair. This means that the casino has no way of cheating you out of your winnings. If you didnt know, Bitcoin Slots are a great way to gamble with Bitcoin and there are many different themes and designs to choose from. When gambling with Bitcoin, always remember to gamble responsibly. Set a budget and stick to it.

The first step in gambling with cryptocurrencies is choosing your betting style. There are three main styles of betting, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The first style is called fixed odds betting. In this style, you choose an event that you think will happen, and you bet a certain amount of cryptocurrency on it. If the event happens, you win the bet. If the event doesnt happen, you lose the bet.

The second style is called spread betting. In this style, you choose an event and bet a certain amount of cryptocurrency on it happening. If the event happens, you win the cryptocurrency that you bet. If the event doesnt happen, you lose the cryptocurrency that you bet.

The third style is called betting on the house. In this style, you bet a certain amount of cryptocurrency on an event happening, and if the event happens, you win the cryptocurrency that you bet. If the event doesnt happen, you dont lose any cryptocurrency.

Each of these styles has its own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed-odds betting is the riskiest, but it can also be the most profitable. Spread betting is less risky, but it can still be quite profitable. Betting on the house is the least risky, but it can still be quite profitable. You should choose your betting style based on your risk tolerance and your goals.

Crypto gambling can be a great way to earn some extra money, but it is important to spend wisely when you are starting out. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are spending your hard-earned money on online gambling.

First, always set a budget for yourself and stick to it. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling and spend more than you can afford to lose. Second, be aware of the odds before you place your bets.

Finally, do not chase your losses. If you find yourself losing more than you can afford to, it is time to walk away. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you spend wisely when you are gambling with crypto and avoid any financial problems down the road.

It can be very tempting to stay at a casino and play for hours on end, especially when you are winning. However, it is important to remember that casinos are designed to keep people gambling for as long as possible. If you stay at a casino for too long, you are likely to spend more money than you intended to.

There are a few things you can do to avoid this trap. First, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Secondly, take frequent breaks so that you dont get too caught up in the gambling. Finally, remember that the house always has an edge, so you should never gamble with more money than you can afford to lose. If you follow these tips, youll find that crypto gambling is much more enjoyable and less expensive in the long run.

Crypto gambling can be a great way to have some fun and win some money. However, it is important to remember to gamble responsibly. Always set a budget and stick to it. Be aware of the odds before you place your bets. Do not chase your losses. And remember that the house always has an edge, so you should never gamble with more money than you can afford to lose. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you have a great time gambling with cryptocurrencies without spending more than you can afford.

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Crypto Gambling Made Easy With These Useful Tips - Salon Priv Magazine

Damone Clark isnt the first rookie linebacker to join the Cowboys and have to spend most of his rookie year worrying about an injury. But with only a 5th-round pick on the line, Clarks recovery and future create a low-risk, high-reward scenario that shows Dallas may be getting smarter with its draft gambling.

Earlier this year, Clark was diagnosed with a herniated disc in his neck which required fusion surgery. The procedure took place about a month before the 2022 NFL Draft and naturally affected Damones draft stock.

How much did it hurt? Clark fell to Dallas at the 176th pick despite being one of the better LB prospects in the class. NFL.com had Damone ranked as their fifth-best LB overall and 63rd overall at any position. The injury likely knocked Clark out of being a Day 2 pick, perhaps even a late 2nd-rounder based on pure potential.

In times past the Cowboys might have been so enticed by Clarks talent that theyd have used their 4th or even a 3rd-round pick to secure his rights. But perhaps their last experience with that kind of gamble taught them a lesson.

Of course, Im talking about Jaylon Smith. Back in 2016 Smith was one of the elite prospects of his class but suffered a devastating knee injury in his final college game. That dropped Jaylon from a potential top-five overall pick to where the Cowboys eventually scooped him up early in the 2nd Round.

To be clear, Smiths perceived talent and upside coming out of college were on another level from Clarks. The same NFL.com analyst who projected Clark would be an average starter believed that Jaylon would eventually become a perennial All-Pro.

Unfortunately, Smith never validated that hype. He was never selected once to an All-Pro team and only went to a single Pro Bowl. After a brief period of high-level play from 2018-2019, Jaylon quickly fell apart and was released by the team during the 2020 season.

Six years earlier, Dallas took Sean Lee in the 2nd Round despite recovery from a torn ACL. While Lee did prove himself as one of the top linebackers in football when healthy, he could rarely stay on the field consistently enough to help the Cowboys prosper.

There are plenty of other modern examples of 2nd-round gambles that Dallas has taken on players with red flags for physical or other reasons; Randy Gregory, DeMarcus Lawrence, Gavin Escobar, and recently Kelvin Joseph. But the lost opportunities when these guys dont work out, failing to add long-term starters and reliable contributors with your 2nd-round pick, has had a demonstrable effect on Dallas roster through the years.

Unlike when whiffing on a 2nd-rounder, nobody is going to bat an eye if Damone Clark doesnt work out. Some years 5th-round picks dont even make the team without an injury issue; the perceived loss in this scenario is dramatically different.

This is a much safer move for the Cowboys. If Clark does eventually become a starter or even just a consistent rotation player, theyve had a big win with the pick. Rather than eating the risk by taking Damone where his talent mightve dictated, Dallas mitigated it by waiting and letting him fall.

The team has stated that they think Clark return in 2022 and contribute. Hopefully they wont need him to do much with Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and Jabril Cox as their primary LB core for this season.

Thats the beauty of this situation. Damone Clark is a 5th-round flyer with no heavy expectations. Anything he provides the team now or in the future is gravy; almost all profit with minimal investment.

Hopefully its a sign of a new and safer draft philosophy for the Cowboys.

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Cowboys Gambling the Right Way With LB Damone Clark - Inside The Star

We are back! After a brief, one-week hiatus, the UFC returns this weekend for the start of a 12-week campaign that will feature four pay-per-view events, including next weeks UFC 275. But before we get to that, the UFC has a 14-fight Fight Night event at the APEX headlined by heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. While there are a couple of other interesting bouts on Saturday, most of the card is uninspiring. But there are still some fights worth paying attention to from a gambling perspective, so lets take look.

As always, all odds are courtesy of our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Alonzo Menifield, -235

Initially, this was not a fight I was circling for a bet. However, news has come out this week that makes me absolutely want to have action down against Askar Mozharov. Apparently, according to the good folks at Sherdog, Mozharov has been a bit shady with his record, attempting to pad his resume with wins and to remove losses. This week alone, Mozharov has already had several changes made to his record, and given the speed with which this is developing, more could be coming. Now, this shouldnt really affect a bet here, but how can it not?

Menifield isnt a great fighter, but hes never once had to lie about anything that has happened on his resume. Given everything at play here, Im taking a stab at Menifield, if only for the principle of it.

Alex da Silva, +145

I understand why Joe Solecki is the favorite here, but I think thats just straight up wrong. Yes, Solecki is the better wrestler, but hes an incredibly stiff striker, and da Silva is a solid grappler in his own right. I think that on the feet, da Silva can ding up Solecki, and hes a good enough wrestler and grappler in his own right to make Solecki work for anything he does get. Add in that da Silva is only 26 years old, and I think we can project a level-up for him in this fight, which gives him a great opportunity to cash an underdog ticket.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik by KO/TKO/DQ, +200

Coming off his shellacking by Tom Aspinall, I was surprised to see Volkov installed as a favorite in this bout. Volkov looked noticeably slow against Aspinall, and while Rozenstruik may not have the same speed, he is the better athlete and should still have an edge in that area. Certainly, Volkov has more tools in the belt to go to, but Rozenstruiks power, leg kicks, and general craft should make this close to a 50-50 fight.

Rozenstruik is sort of a blend between Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane, two men that Volkov has lost to, and I think he has a great chance to win this fight. That being said, why bet Rozenstruik straight when 11 of his 12 career wins have come by KO? The KO prop for Rozenstruik provides some extra value that makes it too good to pass up.

Movsar Evloev by Decision, -200

Evloev is a huge favorite in this fight for a reason: Hes one of the very best prospects in MMA. Futhermore, this is a great style matchup for him. God love Dan Ige, but hes not a tremendous wrestler, and Evloev is relentless in his takedowns and top control. That being said, Ige is tremendously durable, and thats where the value comes in here. All five of Evloevs UFC victories have come by decision, and Ige has never been stopped before. Yet the odds for Evloev by decision are still remarkably low compared to where a straight bet is. I love the value youre getting with a prop bet here, and would be fine with this serving as a parlay piece as well.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz by Decision, +165

This fight is the one Im the most concerned about, because someone has to know something I dont. Kowalkiewicz and Felice Herrig fought back in 2018, and Kowalkiewicz won that fight. Since then, neither woman has won a bout, and Herrig has been out for nearly two years. Given all that, I do not understand why this bout wouldnt either be a pickem, or Kowalkiewicz as a slight favorite. But here we are. Add in that Kowalkiewicz recently moved to American Top Team and seems to be reinvigorated, and all this lines up toward another Kowalkiewicz win. But like with the other prop bets this week, why bet Kowalkiewicz to win when you can bet her to win by decision? Nine of her 12 career wins have been by decision, and Kowalkiewicz has NEVER finished a fight inside the octagon. Im taking the extra points, and I feel great about it.

Kowalkiewicz/Herrig Goes To Decision, -280

As discussed above, Kowalkiewicz is simply not a finisher and moreover, neither is Herrig. Nine of her 15 careers wins have been by decision, and only two of those stoppages have come in the UFC. Also, both women are extremely durable, with Herrig only having one stoppage loss, and Kowalkiewicz with only three. Two women who are tough to finish and arent great finishers, adds up to one parlay leg cashed.

Erin Blanchfield, -490

This line is flirting with being a bit too high simply because JJ Aldrich is a solid fighter and Blanchfield is so young, but I think Blanchfield is a future champion in the flyweight division (once Valentina Shevchenko retires) and Im ready to strap on the boots and ride the rocket ship to the top. Blanchfield should be able to win this on the feet or on the floor, and continue her meteoric rise.

Parlay these two bets together for -158 odds.

Volkov/Rozenstruik Ends Between 00:00 and 00:59 of Round 4, +10,000

This is a total shot in the dark, but man is it a fun one. Ive never done one of these before, but for a card where there is very little value, now feels like the time to give it a whirl. Im not going to pretend to have any real reason for this time either. This is straight vibes. It probably wont hit, but the first minute of the fourth round of the main event is going to be absolutely RIVETING for me, and thats what Im in it for with this one.

It was a good week last time out, cashing three underdog tickets and netting a tidy profit. This week we are taking a few more fliers but hopefully we can still bank some units. Make sure to check out No Bets Barred for an even deeper discussion about some of these bets if you havent already. Otherwise, lets go!

Good luck yall, and gamble responsibly!

All information in this article is provided to readers of MMA Fighting for entertainment, news, and amusement purposes only. It is the responsibility of the reader to learn and abide by online gambling laws in their region before placing any online sports betting wagers.

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UFC Vegas 56 gambling preview: Jairzinho Rozenstruiks underdog chances and Long Shot of the Week - MMA Fighting

Nicki Minaj shared the news Tuesday (May 31) that shes become the global ambassador for MaximBet, the sports betting lifestyle brand launched by Maxim last year.

As part of the collaboration, the superstar rapper will become creative director for Maxim magazine and collaborate with MaximBet on merchandise, events, fan experiences, other partnerships, branding and more. She will also advise MaximBets current board of directors.

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I dont think Ive ever been prouder of a collaboration, Minaj said in a statement. Merging business savvy power moves with my natural, creative, sexy, fun, and fashion-forward expression is just so spot on as it relates to this partnership. Im ready to fully step into my potential as a young, influential queen and owner and open doors for others to dream big. Get ready for the sexy parties and remember: scared money dont make NO MONEY!!!! HA!!! Place your bets!!!! Lets GO!!!

After making the announcement, the Do We Have a Problem? rapper posted multiple carefree TikToks posing in a hot tub while wearing a pink swimsuit emblazoned with the MaximBet logo. Global Ambassador of @maximbetusa & creative director of @maximmag let the games begin, she captioned the first, and she set the second to We Go Up, her recent collab with Fivio Foreign.

Earlier this month, Minaj arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2022 Met Gala in a black leather Balenciaga baseball cap and connected with Katy Perry at the A-list party, with her Swish Swish collaborator admitting in a behind-the-scenes video that shes a self-described Barb.

Check out Minajs flurry of MaximBet announcements below.

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Nicki Minaj Named Maxim Creative Director & Global Ambassador of Sports Gambling Brand MaximBet - Billboard

Batman villains have no equal. They are the most layered and fascinating characters the comic world has to offer on par with full-blown literature, no doubt. Well, Calendar Man probably cant rub shoulders with the best, say, Tolstoy has to offer, but hes not half bad either.

NOT A PLACE YOUD WANT TO LIVE IN

And the city which they all inhabit serves as the perfect backdrop; sordid, sleazy, colored in all shades of gray, and dangerous beyond measure. So what would these nefarious individuals be up to during their leisure time?

The answer is rather simple: gambling!

The Dark Knight has no shortage of foes whod excel at poker, blackjack, slots, or any other form of gambling. Theyre all manipulative, incredibly intelligent, and shady to the highest of levels not at all the kind of folks youd want to associate with or play against.

That, however, is why theyre all so interesting. Theyre layered. They have depth. They all have an origin story that is at the very least engaging, if not flat-out mind-blowing. And so, naturally, they all warrant a bit of our attention!

The Clown Prince of Crime simply has to come in at number one. No Top 10 list of this kind would ever be complete without the most famous comic villain of all time.

A man as crafty and dextrous as he is would no doubt dominate in all forms of gambling; if things happen to go awry, were pretty certain hed have a most lethal plan B up his sleeve in case Lady Luck ends up being against him.

The days of Harvey Dent representing the justice system happened so long ago they might as well be fiction. Well, all of this is, but you get the point. Playing a game of Texas Holdem against a guy whose very name implies trouble is pretty much a recipe for disaster.

It would, however, result in a memorable experience. You have to take the good with the bad, as they say.

In any case, a very short fuse and an ill-tempered nature make Two Face a hard nut to crack one that would surely return to the poker table as many times as it takes in order to win.

Other than being a criminal mastermind, Oswald Cobblepot is also a deft businessman and the founder of the posh nightclub The Iceberg Lounge. Gambling, therefore, is nothing but a natural by-product one that ties into and permeates throughout all of his shady operations.

A BOSS

The Penguin doesnt gamble with style, but whatever he might lack in pizzazz and glamor he more than makes up for with his sprawling connections and financial might.

We can easily imagine him sitting at the head of a poker table, cracking jokes or, conversely, giving out menacing looks if the games not going his way.

Edward Nygma is one of Batmans most peculiar villains for one very simple reason: hes the only one who can engage (and often win) in a battle of wits with Gothams protector! Hes a truly fascinating character a Sherlockian baddie with a brain to match!

And so, naturally, hed excel at any and all forms of gambling. Hed count cards, pick up cues and ticks, read the body language of his opponents and dominate like so few who came before him. He might not be much of a threat physically, but compared to a brain like his, brawn seems rather redundant.

The psychology behind this peculiar villain was never really explored much to our utter dismay; there were a few stellar comic books sprinkled throughout the last three or so decades, but they never really went as deep as we had hoped.

The power dynamic between Arnold Wesker and the evil puppet by the name of Scarface has always fascinated us.

Is Scarface a sentient being with a conscience of its own or, perhaps, a conduit for the wickedness and atrocity that exist in all of us?

This duality of sorts, the yin and yang that the Ventriloquist and Scarface bring to the table would no doubt serve as quite a big boon to their gambling endeavors.

Roman Sionis alias Black Mask is actually a fair bit more popular than one would expect. His origin story, as is so often the case, is laden with trauma and tragedy. His criminal endeavors, however, are even more brutal.

NOT A GUY YOUD WANT TO CROSS

Hes not as stylish or influential as the Penguin, but his brutish methods more than make up for it. Much of the same would surely apply to his gambling methods; vicious methods with very little (if any) finesse.

Most villains have some kind of obsession and the same holds true for Jervis Tetch; his just happens to be a very strange one Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland (hence his pseudonym). And so, as far as origin stories go, The Mad Hatter doesnt really get any points for breaking new ground or uniqueness.

Be that as it may, hes still a very interesting character, one with immense intellectual prowess and a backstory so sad it can make even the most stoic heart melt.

His whole schtick revolves around mind control which, naturally, is just the kind of thing one could benefit from in a game of poker or any other form of gambling for that matter!

Ras excels at many things a by-product of him being born more than seven centuries ago. One would simply have to pick up a few things along the way, not to mention gamble throughout various different epochs and periods.

BOTH MENTOR AND ENEMY

He is one of Batmans most interesting adversaries as his agenda is one driven by an urge to create a more positive world. The means hes using to do so, however, clash with what most deem acceptable (not to mention moral).

Regardless, hes a master tactician and a martial artist unlike any other. Winning a game of poker, therefore, wouldnt be much of a challenge.

A list of this kind simply wouldnt be complete without a mention of Hugo Strange. Hes actually one of the oldest Batman villains out there; his first appearance dates all the way back to the 1940s.

Let that sink in.

Hugo is amongst the most intelligent and versatile scientists in all of Gotham, with psychology being his primary area of expertise. And so theres not a doubt in our mind: a man like Strange would be one heck of a gambler!

Last but certainly not least, we have Victor Zsasz, a small scale villain who should by no means be underestimated. He is, potentially, the most vile foe Batman went up against and thats really saying something.

Hes an unhinged serial murderer; nothing more, nothing else. And those scars and tally marks? They indicate the number of his victims a number as grotesque as it is seemingly endless. A psychopath like Zsasz would, by all means, intimidate his gambling opponents through his sheer presence alone.

A DESPICABLE HUMAN BEING

As far as Batman villains go, Victor Zsasz is one of the most deranged ones; his unpredictable nature would no doubt give him an edge, be it in a game of poker or any other form of gambling. Were just not sure how well hed swallow any potential losses his proclivity for whipping out knives and wreaking carnage could (and most certainly would) take over.

Gambling online would no doubt be the best possible option in the case of Victor Zsasz.

Here is the original post:

The Top 10 Batman Villains Who Would Make The Best Gamblers - The Sports Geek

Where did it all go wrong - when a gamble on love turns deadly serious at Garsington OperaAll images by Craig Fuller

The scene is Monte-Carlo, around the beginning of the last century: a carefully observed world of cloudless skies, glittering seas, high society and careless privilege shared with Death in Venice.

The first night on Thursday was slow to ignite, a touch clunky in transition from casino table to hotel suite, conducted by Tobias Ringborg as if dotting every i in a recording studio. It snapped together with a beautifully centred Smanie implacabili from Polly Leechs Dorabella, pitched acutely between a caricature of desperation and genuine anxiety. Leechs cry of Fuggi, fuggi, fuggi in response to nothing more than a cup of hot chocolate captures the spirit of the piece in a nutshell, as a knife-edge parody of and homage to operatic conventions (and her biscuit eating deserves an Oscar nomination). Likewise, Camilla Harris sings Fiordiligis Come scoglio with a secure command of its perilous leaps of register, and crucially without putting on airs of eternal chastity. The two officers and Albanians (pictured above) are just as finely distinguished from each other as the sisters. As a silkily Italianate Guilermo, Sen Boylan is no more wholly the brittle Casanova than Gavan Ring is the vulnerable poet, though Ferrandos Unaura amorosa lets the tension sag before the first-act finale, a serenade sung as a soliloquy. All four lovers give youthful and impetuous but fully rounded accounts of their roles.

It is at this point that Bella vita militar crisply dispatched by a well-drilled Garsington Chorus takes on graver significance than a put-up job. The sisters (temporary) reappearance as military nurses stamps a specific time and context on Don Alfonsos wager. It also charges the drama with vital and provisional tension: perhaps Don Alfonso is no more master of the situation than anyone else. Henry Waddington leaves world-weary cynicism to our imaginations and sings him as a polished chancer largely operating on the fly. The first-act finale itself comes together as a superbly musical piece of work, stage and score moving in rapid and ingenious sync. A measure of agency again temporary passes to the girls in the second act while the subtleties of staging and characterisation multiply, so much so that the big reveal and Cos has to end somehow comes as a slight let-down by throwing the fate of the lovers to chance. Sung by Ailish Tynan (pictured above) with knockout timing and brightly focused tone, Despina is left as hurt and confused as the sisters.

Full of human warmth as well as uncomfortable truths, like the pages of La Rochefoucauld come to life, its nevertheless a Cos of considerably greater charm and more lasting satisfactions than either of the current ENO and Royal Opera stagings, operating at the highest musical levels. Ringborg supplies an unfussy fortepiano continuo and secures crisp, colourful playing from The English Concert: the horns deserve special mention for their spicy obbligato support of Fiordiligis Per piet. Those of us already inclined to think of Cos fan tutte as something like the perfect opera will find every confirmation here.

@peterquantrill

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Cos fan tutte, Garsington Opera review - gambling with the highest stakes - The Arts Desk