What are the signs of a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
Every once in a while, in any sport played in the USA, there is a player who walks off the field in their final game and, metaphorically, straight into the Hall of Fame. Such players are not like Zach Thomas, who played with distinction for years in the NFL but was unfortunate to miss out repeatedly until he was inducted this year. A “first ballot” Hall of Famer, someone who after the mandatory five years of retirement is elected in his first year of eligibility, is rare - but we can be fairly sure that in 2028, Tom Brady will be one.
What is it that makes a player such an inevitable inductee into their sport’s Valhalla in this way? It differs between sports, from a statistical point of view. If people are heading to sinlicencia.org to find a betting site just so they can bet on one team, there is a fair chance it has a first ballot Hall of Famer on it. But there are certain characteristics about a player whose place in the pantheon of greats is guaranteed, and we’ll run through them here.
They can carry a team on their back
Not that they’ll usually need to, because the presence of such a player attracts other high-achievers and improves the players around them. But a player like Brady or Michael Jordan could go into a seeming fugue state where the sport happened through them, making clutch play after clutch play and delivering a team to the optimal success whenever they needed to. In 2017, Brady took the Patriots from 28-3 down at the half to win in overtime against the Falcons, securing yet another Super Bowl ring. And the scary thing about it was just how routine he made it look.
They are admired even by those who can’t like them
You could say that Brady and Jordan lacked a certain natural charisma that made people warm to them as people. This is often a trait in perfectionists and winners; they don’t always understand or value the idea of being liked. When it comes down to it, doing what they do to the highest possible degree is what matters to them. When they’re doing their thing, rival fans may be praying for them to come up short. But the main reason people are happy to see those rare failures is because they know that if a player like this gets in a groove, there’s nothing the opponent can do to stop them. We may not always love these players, but we can’t help but admire them.
They are talked about as future Hall of Famers before they’ve even retired
Zach Thomas is the perfect example of someone who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but had to wait years before he was finally inducted. There was uncertainty as to whether it would happen, because he was good, but there was a dispute over whether he was great. There is no disputing the greatness of a Brady, a Jordan, or a Wayne Gretzky. The closest thing we have to a future first ballot inductee in any sport right now is probably LeBron James - and to reach that level, look at the career he’s had to have.
Reasons that Allure you to Sign Up at Online Casinos
The feeling of gambling in a brick-and-mortar casino is influenced by the flashing lights, the constantly fascinating people staring at you, and the desire to come out on top. Gamblers can play at casinos online, sometimes referred to as online casinos. This sport has advanced with technology to include online casinos where winning money may be done anytime, anyplace. The following are the top benefits of visiting businesses:
You can access it Easily
The benefit of having a nice casino right around the corner is only available to those who live in urban areas. Online casinos like situs slot online eliminate the need to travel to and from venues, pay parking costs, locate casinos and their buildings, and play quickly. It simply takes a few seconds to upload funds, select the ideal game, and begin betting. Players may visit gambling websites at anytime, anyplace, and at the convenience of their own homes. A smartphone casino and high-speed internet connectivity would be helpful.
Beginner Friendly
Gambling sites are the best place to start if you are new to gaming. It is user-friendly for beginners, and several of the games include comprehensive explanations and help. However, it might be challenging for a trainee to keep up before entering the field where gaming masters are found. The game has tales and experiences that put pressure on you and leave you with little to no time to comprehend the game. Because there is no need to interact in person with the veterans in an online casino, there is less pressure and tension, which makes learning more enjoyable.
Bonus
Casinos make every effort to win your patronage, which leads to offers like early payment matching, entrance fee competitions, and more. Gambling gets more enjoyable as you extract more money from casino sites. Examine the guidelines governing the minimum deposit and wager amounts to make sure you benefit from eye-catching marketing.
Plenty of Games
You have a lot of options when it comes to making money at online casinos. With the several fantastic gaming possibilities offered on numerous websites, winning is achievable. Before placing a wager, you must first find the game you wish to play. You may gamble on baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and horse racing in addition to other games. Your knowledge of betting will increase if you play a range of games. The secret to winning is having a full understanding of the game you're playing.
Safety and Security
You don't need to be concerned about someone stealing your money when playing at an online casino. Your money is always assured to be secure at online casinos. Companies have teamed up with reputable online financial advisory providers to offer the safest possible environment for transactions. To make sure their customer is on a safe platform, they also use the most recent security procedures.
You need to discover a decent platform like slot online terbaik to take advantage of fantastic chances and work without stress if you want to prevent falling victim to scammers and being vulnerable. You may plan and establish objectives for your pleasure of casinos using the aforementioned advice.
The 5 Most Impactful Events In Canadian Sports History
Every nation has its formative sporting moments; those events that gather friends and family around a TV to watch the action unfold; which pick up viewers as time passes, as people call their friends and say, “have you seen what’s happening?”. These are the events that sports professionals talk about decades later when an interviewer asks them, “So, what made you want to pick up a stick/reach for a bat/grab your running shoes?”.
They are events that dominate the national conversation, at least for a week or so, and which have even been guiding smart wagers since sports betting in Canada became legal in 2021. When people say, “there’s no chance a Canadian player/team could [x]”, these are the moments people have cited to prove them wrong. So which moments have launched these revelations for a Canadian sporting audience?
Wayne Gretzky is traded to LA
Gretzky is nicknamed “The Great One”, and when you have a nickname that doesn’t reference your own name, you know you have joined the elite. No-one better has ever picked up a stick, and Edmonton Oilers fans were proud to call him their own for a decade starting in 1979. When Oilers owner Peter Pocklington traded Gretzky away to the Kings in 1988, the anger was so great that effigies of Pocklington were burned in public, and questions were asked in Parliament over whether the move could be blocked. Wounds heal, of course, and Gretzky is remembered these days simply as the best there ever was; he also - arguably single-handedly - made hockey a big deal even in warm-weather locations.
Donovan Bailey wins the Olympic 100m in 1996
Few events have been more scarring on the Canadian national sporting psyche than Ben Johnson’s 1988 Olympic win and the rapid overturning of that win due to a failed drug test. That story has been told and re-told, but redemption came for Canadian sprinting eight years later as Bailey, running in lane six, legitimately broke the world record and picked up gold. The race had been preceded by three false starts and the disqualification of defending champion Linford Christie; in the circumstances, Bailey’s focus and calm were astonishing.
The Blue Jays win the World Series in 1992. And then also in 1993.
Canadian teams were a late addition to Major League Baseball, beginning with Montreal in 1969. Toronto followed in the mid-70s, and it was the Jays who would first bring the World Series back over the border with them, knocking off perennial runners-up Atlanta in 1992. The triumph was more impressive when they repeated it the following year, defeating Philadelphia 4-2 in the series to become the first club since the Yankees in 1978 to retain the title.
Team Schmirler wins gold at the 1998 Winter Games
Curling was a medal sport for the first time at the 1998 games in Nagano, Japan. Selected after a competitive round-robin tournament, Sandra Schmirler’s rink represented the Maple Leaf in Japan. After setting the pace in the pool stages, Schmirler saw off Great Britain in the semi-final and then won in nine ends against Denmark to take gold. As a result, Schmirler became the first curler to appear on the front of the New York Times.
Paul Henderson. Moscow. 1972.
There have, as we have seen, been other moments in Canadian sports which has grabbed the hearts and minds of the nation. However, the final game of the Summit Series in Moscow had it all. With the series tied at three wins each and a single tie - and having come back from a 3-1 series deficit - Canada faced the Soviet Union one last time for the honor of being the world’s best ice hockey team. Trailing 5-3 at the entry to the final period, Canada needed something special. They got it.
Inspired by Phil Esposito, the visiting team mounted a comeback, culminating in Henderson’s rebound winner with 34 seconds left to play. Fifty years on, it is a moment that reverberates with hockey fans, including those who weren’t yet born when it happened.
NFL Teams best set for the 2023 season
The 2022 season was certainly an exciting one. However, as the Super Bowl, which serves as the pinnacle of season activities, is fast approaching, many are already setting their sights on the upcoming season. While the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs might have made it to the Super Bowl game this time around, there is no telling what could play out in the next season. For all we know, we might have a new set ofSuper Bowl teams.
Many teams underwent massive improvements in the 2022 NFL season, which could see them rise to dominance in the next season. Similarly, several teams are set to bolster their rosters with some of the best prospects at the NFL draft. This could also have them ideally positioned to contend for the title in 2023/2024.
Thus, in this article, we will explore some of the teams to pay attention to in anticipation of the 2023 season. Let's dive right in:
Chicago Bears
It might be a little strange that the Bears made this list, considering they are yet to consistently secure wins. However, a deeper look into this team confirms that it is indeed in an ideal position going into the 2023-24 season. One of the chief reasons is certainly the emergence of Justin Fields as a franchise quarterback. Fields has improved massively under the guidance of head coach Matt Eberflus as is evident in his most recent numbers. The second-year signal-caller managed a passer rating of 86.2 and seven touchdowns heading into Week 13. Undoubtedly, with a better team, Fields has the potential to become one of the most prolific QBs in the league.
With a projected cap space of $115 million, the Bears certainly have all it takes to build a better supporting cast around Fields. In addition, the team could use its first-round picks in the NFL Draft to secure an excellent receiver.
Detroit Lions
The Lions didn't have the most successful campaigns over the past season. However, those paying attention would likely have noticed the sparks indicating that this team is not far off from becoming elite. Much of this can be credited to head coach Dan Campbell who has shown an unshaken dedication to building a resilient team with a winning mentality.
This disposition is certainly yielding results, as the Lions managed a three-game winning streak until a loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 12. Central to the Lions' moderate success has been a host of young players such as Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The team may also have an opportunity to secure a more long-term QB option in the 2023 NFL Draft, which could establish them as a top contender next season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were in a building phase through the 2022 season and likely still are. However, from all indications, things are going well, and this team might only require a few more pieces to realize their full potential in the 2023-24 season. The Jaguars already have a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who is living up to his draft status. He proved himself instrumental to the Jaguars' recent comeback win over Baltimore. Similarly, many other young talents have been pulling their weight, such as Trevon Walker, Josh Allen, Christian Kirk, and Devin Lloyd.
The Jaguars might be able to further improve their team through the draft in 2023, which will certainly see them pose a problem to other teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another team slowly but steadily acquiring all that is required to become a quality top challenger in the NFL. A primary reason for this is, of course, Mike Tomlin, who has transformed the Steelers into a team that rarely has a losing season.
A major determinant of how far this team will go in the upcoming season will be Kenny Pickett. While the rookie quarterback didn't have the best of starts to the season, he has shown flashes of a franchise QB in recent weeks. Pickett's emergence, if sustained, will surely be instrumental to securing the position of the Steelers as a top team. Furthermore, if the team can manage to improve their defense, theirNFL odds are bound to improve dramatically in the 2023-24 season.
Final Thoughts
If there is anything we know about the NFL, it is that quality teams are rarely built overnight. Thus, while the teams mentioned in this article are by no means the best in the league currently, they might be making a gradual but sure march toward this status.
4 Things to Consider Before Playing Online Slots
Most online gamblers play slots to measure their luck while enjoying their time. The simplicity and convenience of playing slots have led to this great increase in online gambling. However, players need to check and verify the authenticity of the slots. Some games might be rigged. And their chances of winning are reduced, while others may be genuine.
So, before playing online slots, what factors should you consider? This article will guide you on what factors to consider before playing.
Return to Player
Each slot machine must have the expected payout rate. The advantage of situs judi slot online games are that they have a slightly higher RTP than other games. It is, therefore, easy to assume that every slot machine will have this high rate, which is only sometimes the case.
Before you play, find some information about the RTP. You can do this by searching for popular titles and their percentage payback.
Bonuses and Promotions
You will get multiple terms and promotions and bonuses. Most slot games have bonuses that help you boost your winnings. Promotions offer opportunities to try out new games before playing with real money.
It is essential to always enquire before playing to experience a fulfilling game encounter. Also, know other game requirements. This increases your chances of winning and understanding the game well.
Legitimacy
Many online casinos are free, thanks to technological inventions. Some are free and devoid of money, while others are full of fraudulent intentions. This means that many are unauthorized websites. Thus confirm the legality of a site first before playing.
Budget
A budget is a very important factor to consider before playing. Make a working budget and ensure you stick to it. Always deposit money you are willing to lose.
If you lose, you will not regret it. Jackpots can easily lure you into depositing more. With a working budget, it will be easy for you. to overcome the temptation. Alternatively, you can try the free online slot games.
A budget will also help you keep track of your spending. You can regulate how much you spend on playing daftar slot online.
Final Thoughts
Online slots are some of the best games offered online. They are easy to play, easily accessible and affordable, and they offer you a thrilling gaming experience. However, before playing, ensure you have the above considerations in mind. Don't play blindly. Choose legit online casinos, set a budget, and look for slots with the highest bonuses. Always go for slots with the highest RTP. Whichever online slot game you choose to play, put the above information in mind.
How to Place Your Bets for the Rugby World Cup 2023
As the new year reeled in, it will be another eventful for rugby aficionados. With the new games for the 2022-2023 season of rugby, fans are now trying to figure out who will be the new winner of the Rugby World Cup 2023. The league teams never fail to showcase new strategies and talents in every game each season, so fans also look forward to how their favorite teams will perform this year.
If you're a bettor and think that this year might be the year your favorite team will mark their name in rugby's history, then you might as well take the chance to participate with them.
To help you get started with sports betting online, here are a few things you must remember.
Find A Good Sportsbook
The pandemic has been a significant reason for the rise of sportsbooks. A sportsbook is similar to a bookmaker who handles your bet onsite, except that it's online. This means you can conveniently place your wagers on the internet without visiting the site location during the Rugby Cup.
Reliable gambling sites such as this website hold a license indicating their legitimacy in accepting and handling bets from their user base. It's important to note that you must look for them when trying to find a good site to bet on. This is because if a sportsbook doesn't hold any licenses, you'll risk being a victim of fraud and losing all your precious money.
You must be attentive to every sportsbook site and carefully search their interface.
Determine What Bets You Can Place
After studying the current favorites for the Rugby World Cup 2023, you should carefully decide what bets you can place. Aside from selecting the right team, you must also carefully choose the bet type you'll be playing since it can also affect the amount of money you can pay out and your winning chances.
To give you an idea of what types of bets you can place, here are the most popular ones commonly offered by most sportsbooks.
- Match Betting. As its name suggests, outright betting is a simple type of Rugby game betting type. This betting option involves choosing the team you think will win the Rugby World Cup.
- Handicap Betting. This is known as the Point Spread wager in other sports. The sportsbook will present a spread that the favorite should cover. Similarly, if you bet on the underdog, they must only lose less than what the sportsbook has presented or straight-up win the game to beat their odds. This wager might sound complicated, but it brings home a relatively good payout and becomes enjoyable over time.
- Over/Under Betting. This type of betting involves the combined final scores of the match. It's about putting stakes on whether the final scores would go beyond what the sportsbook has presented or less than that. You'll then be required to place your wager in 'over' or 'under' bets to seal your bet. However, if the sportsbook's score and the final score end up equal, then the bets will be considered a push.
Deposit to Your Bankroll
Once you're all settled on what bets to place, it's not time for you to deposit on your bankroll. The bankroll would be the money you've prepared solely for betting. In other words, it's the total amount that you're prepared to lose when things go south.
Furthermore, there are various payment channels for a sportsbook. It's best to carefully consider what payment method you'll be using because a good payment channel can serve as an extra layer of security for you.
For instance, before you can deposit to your bankroll using Visa or MasterCard, they will first ask for confirmation from the card user via inputting the OTP or your PIN. If the system deems it unsuccessful, no transaction will be processed, and sometimes they can freeze your account if there are sketchy actions.
On the other hand, if you want to protect your identity, you can consider opening your own e-wallet since many sportsbooks now accept this as their mode of payment. It's a relatively secure payment channel that requires only your name, contact number, and email (optional) upon signing up. If worse comes to worst, hackers won't be able to get important information from you.
Stop Before You Lose Anything
Most importantly, when placing your wagers, you must remember to gamble responsibly. You must not be overwhelmed by a winning streak or getting excited about the huge payout. Keep a grip on yourself and prevent losing control of yourself from betting. It's best to keep track of the wagers you placed and take a step back when you hit your limit.
Also, avoid thinking about "redeeming" yourself if you hit a losing streak and reformulate your strategy by halting your betting activities. You'll never really know when you can get back what you just lost, and playing continuously might end up exhausting your bank. Stick to your budget and stop if you reach your limit, regardless of whether you win or not.
Final Thoughts
Betting in one of the most important rugby tournaments would be a great experience as a fan. If you can participate, take it and prepare everything necessary. Remember that the preparation part is crucial because betting combines luck and skill. Luck alone would decrease your chances of winning. As such, keep tabs on the tips mentioned above to get you started with sports betting online.
What's Still Wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still relevant? Was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ever relevant? Does anyone still care about the Rock Hall except as a punching bag because his or her favorite artist has yet to be inducted? And just what kind of honorific is it to be labeled as a "Hall of Fame artist," anyway? Does it make their music more legitimate? Less legitimate?
Make no mistake: The notion of memorializing the music of the "Rock and Roll Era," popular music dating primarily from the mid-1950s and made almost exclusively in Western, English-speaking countries, is a worthwhile and even noble one. There is no disputing the enormous impact popular music has made in the last several decades, not just on popular culture but on the society that bred it, and establishing an institution, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (located in Cleveland, Ohio), to showcase its legacy would seem both logical and inevitable.
History of Poker: From the First Players to the Poker Hall of Fame
Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, loved by both casual players and passionate gamblers. It's a good bet that you've heard of it, but do you know the history behind this classic card game?
While poker has been most popular among casino attendees, it is also known by card game fans all over the world. It can now even be played at home without physical cards with the help of online casinos, like the one you can access on the Luxury Casino Login page. Read on to learn a short history of the game and some of the most famous names in the field.
Origins and Early History
Poker has been around for centuries and has had a long history in America. It dates back to the 19th century, when it was first played by Native Americans and then later by settlers who traveled westward from Texas and Louisiana into California. However, this version of the game’s origin is not final, with many researchers arguing that it may have Persian or French roots.
The earliest known reference to poker comes from English actor Joseph Cowell’s description from 1829. After that, it was mentioned in the 1837 edition of Foster's Complete Hoyle. In the course of the 19th century, the game spread across the US, gaining more popularity at the beginning of the 20th century.
First Competitions
Professional poker players have been around for just as long, with the first tournaments drawing considerable crowds.
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) began in 1970 as a small satellite tournament at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The first incarnation was a small gathering that took place at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. It was only meant to last one day, but because it was such a success, they decided to make this an annual event.
It wasn't until 1972 that it became an annual event, but by this point, people from all over were competing against one another for thousands of dollars in prize money. Now, it’s one of the largest poker tournaments in history—with more than a million entrants each year.
The formation of the World Series of Poker may have further cemented professional poker players into the public’s consciousness. The WSOP has inspired other notable tournaments that have come after its creation: The European Poker Tour, Asia Championship of Poker, and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour Macau Grand Prix all share some similarities with their predecessor, but also offer unique challenges to those who participate in them.
Poker Hall of Fame
In 1979, Benny Binion, designer of the WSOP, introduced an idea that all serious players could aspire to – induction into the Poker Hall of Fame.
Binion’s idea was to create a place where people could go and see the greats of the game. The thought that there would be an official list of players who had done something great in their careers was foreign and exciting at the time.
A number of professional players have made history by winning multiple WSOP bracelets. Some of the most notable multi-bracelet winners are Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, and Phil Ivey; all three have won more than 10 bracelets each.
In addition to these three legends, there are many other players who have been able to win multiple WSOP titles throughout their careers. For example:
- Erik Seidel won nine bracelets between 1992 and 2021;
- Daniel Negreanu won six bracelets between 1998 and 2013;
- Barry Greenstein won three bracelets in 2004-2008.
Conclusion
Poker has a rich history resulting in the Poker Hall of Fame as a way to honor the best and brightest players. There are many great professionals who deserve recognition for their contributions to the game we all love so much. Now that the game is easily accessible to everyone in their homes, whether you want to watch tournaments or play it yourself, you can join the development of its history and follow professionals in their successes.
5 Black Athletes Who Are in Favor of Gays in the Industry
Sexuality and athletics are inextricably linked. Throughout history, many black athletes have come out as gay or shown their support for gays. Their unapologetic commitment, courage, and commitment have made them social icons. They give much-needed visibility and voice to the members of the black gay community. A study by Magrath has shown that many active athletes who identify as gay are shown tremendous support and acceptance by society. Although we only know of a few black gay active athletes, there's a sea change of acceptance for black gays thanks to the increasing number of folks showing gay support in the industry.
1. Wade Davis II
Wade Allan is a writer, speaker, activist, and former football player. Nine years after the end of his career, he came out as gay. Wade shared his fears of being out while still nurturing his football career. He was always cautious with his actions and words, worrying about his teammates ever finding out his orientation.
The perspective on the community changed within the industry since Wade retired from his career. Although acceptance by the community isn't at its peak, Wade is working hard to improve it. Davis believes that everyone is responsible for creating a gender-equal and equitable world. He started working within the NFL to create a safe environment for gay players, served as an LGBTQ surrogate for President Obama, and globally addressed matters surrounding sexual orientation in different capacities. Wade insists that who you date shouldn't matter in sports.
You can clearly see throughout the best black gay dating sites that his impact positively affected the black gay community. So many gays see Wade as a role model and inspirator. Thanks to his proactive stance, thousands of black football stans can now use dating sites and social media to come out as gay and proudly date other guys without fear of being judged.
2. Seimone Augustus
Seimone is a real pioneer in basketball and was destined for greatness as a child. She realized her potential and abilities as a young lady in Minnesota. Before retiring in 2020, she had earned a legacy by winning three gold medals in one of basketball's greatest dynasties. She came out in 2012 and was supported by her family but not her community. That motivated her to become a vocal champion for LGBTQ rights and marriage equality in athletics. She speaks freely of her sexual orientation journey and openly expresses her support for gay stars.
She is a forward thinker and an outspoken and unsung activist in favor of the gay within the athletic industry. Working as an assistant coach in LA Sparks, she aims to create a safe space for LGBTQ players and lead them to find the solace and freedom they need.
3. Jason Collins
Collins is a retired professional basketball player who came out as gay in 2013 while still active in the sport. For the 13 seasons he played in the NFL, he served as a center. The reception of his sexual orientation revelation was primarily positive, making him the face of a long-awaited gay movement in athletics sports.
After retiring, he became a vocal LGBTQ equality advocate. He has inspired young gay players to embrace their sexuality and identity.
4. Fallon Fox
Fox is a retired Martial Artist transgender fighter who knows what the rumors' focus is and what hearsay feels like. Fallon was born male but now lives as female. Although Fox is still transitioning, she is the first MMA fighter to come out as transgender. She was five when she first wore a dress, and it felt right. She tried keeping it a secret for years, but eventually, her truth came out.
The sailing became less smooth with the bad reception by her parents. She has tried fighting her way through transgender rights and as a martial artist. It gave her the confidence to voice her support for gays and to participate in LGBTQ pride walks.
5. John Amaechi
John is a British-American psychologist. He played in the NBA before retiring in 2007. After his retirement, he hit the headlines for coming out as gay. As an organizational psychologist, he inspires transformative change for gay clients. John is also a NY Best-selling author, a sought-after public speaker, an executive coach, and a CEO in favor of gays. He has recently inspired gay Premier League footballers to come out by helping them feel comfortable in who they are.
Conclusion
Sports stars in any field want to be remembered for who they are and what they accomplished, not their sexual orientation. Although many players have chosen to live their truths, it does not make them deviant from any other straight player. In the past, identifying as gay in the sports world would be a huge risk to a career. The scene is slowly changing, with more LGBTQ supporters declaring their stand. We hope that in the future, many more gay athletes will come out publicly, and it will be more of the opening of floodgates compared to the current trickle. In the meantime, we have these inspiring examples that have helped many males to accept themselves, get involved in online dating websites for black singles, and enjoy their lives without looking back.
Louisiana Sports Betting: 2022 In Numbers
As each new US state passes legislation allowing online sports betting, a whole new audience gets to enjoy the pastime, and this has resulted in some staggering numbers in terms of money wagered and revenue generated by the licensed, regulated providers in the relevant territory.
Online sports betting in Louisiana went live in late January 2022, and it was not as simple a process as it has been in other states. Whereas in most states, the referendums used to dictate the possibility of legalization coming up on the docket in a state-wide referendum, in the Pelican State, the situation is broken down by county.
Of the 64 parishes that voted on the matter of online sports betting, 55 approved, and nine did not, but this led to a fairly absurd situation that meant that people in those parishes needed only to get in their vehicles and drive to a relevant neighborhood before placing their bets.
The state has eight legal sportsbook apps, including DraftKings Louisiana, which is, without doubt, one of the most popular and best available to residents, and in December, revenue hit a record $37.2 million, showing just how much potential there is in the market in the region.
This was in marked contrast to the revenue made in November, which saw the many sportsbooks take a big hit as Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale beat the bookies with a series of bets placed on the Houston Astros winning the MLB World Series.
He won a staggering $75 million from his bets, of which $58.7 million came in Louisiana, something that the providers in the state could not have possibly mitigated or predicted.
Over the course of 2022, the first year of legalization in Louisiana, the state broke the $30 million milestone for revenue four times, and December’s numbers were the highest of the whole year and a sign of things to come.
In 2022 sportsbooks accepted over $2.3 billion in bets, with $1.96 billion coming from mobile devices, which is evidence of a massive shift to mobile betting, which can be seen worldwide, not just in the sports betting world but also in the online casino industry.
The success of online sports betting hasn’t only been advantageous to the sportsbooks that are licensed to operate but also helped to bring in $33.9 million in tax receipts, with almost 40% of that total coming in the final quarter of 2022.
Those December numbers put Louisiana in seventh place in terms of sports betting handle, behind the following.
- 1) New York $1.63 billion
- 2) New Jersey $1.06 billion
- 3) Pennsylvania $754.8 million
- 4) Maryland$497.1 million
- 5) Tennessee$440.4 million
- 6) Indiana$431.4 million
- 7) Louisiana$254.3 million
- 8) Iowa$229.9 million
- 9) Kansas$182 million
- 10) West Virginia$66 million
Of the sports that attract bets in Louisiana, American football is top of the list, with basketball a distant second. Baseball lies in third.
2023 promises more of the same for Louisiana, with February likely to be a big month given the end of the NFL season and the Super Bowl on the 13th of February.
