If we were to sum up the year 2020 in five words or less, we might simply say: A Year To Remember. Or depending on how the year went for you, you’d be more inclined to say, “Forget It.” While some industries took a major hit during the pandemic, other industries thrived as people tried to keep themselves busy and entertained while following stay-at-home orders.

One of the industries that thrived during the pandemic, and continues to do well, includes online gambling and sports betting. Whether you’re an avid sports bettor or have just recently become interested in sports betting, here’s what to watch for as we close out 2020 and enter 2021.

Expanding Beyond Sports

From collegiate sports and major league teams to historical international sporting events like the Summer Olympics, the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations, postponements, and other heavy restrictions. The lack of sporting events, made sports betting a little more challenging with fewer opportunities.

In an effort to keep sports betting going, betting branched out to other less traditional events like eSports or less popular sports, particularly in other parts of the world. While major sports like football, hockey, and basketball aren’t quite back to normal we expect that sports bettors can start betting on their favorite team in 2021. Of course, it all depends on how the pandemic continues to control the sports world.

The new year will likely expand to include less traditional sports and even non-sporting events into the betting sector. Like to make a friendly bet with friends over a game of ping pong or which entertainer will win an award? Betting might expand to include anyone, not just big league sports lovers.

Continued Betting Online and Increased Digitization

Although sports betting has a long history with in-person sporting events, 2020 was the year where people tried to do as much as they could online and from the safety of their home. Even though in-person sporting events had strong restrictions throughout the year, many sports fans opted to bet online rather than to risk the crowds in public.

As different parts of the globe begin to allow people to return to sports stadiums at a limited and safe capacity, we’re likely to see a continued interest in online sports betting. As more people continue to sports bet online, we can also expect more sports betting companies to digitize and become mobile-friendly.

Not only will digitization help ensure there are fewer interruptions in the world of sports betting, but more people might consider sports betting than ever before.

More Legalization Throughout the U.S.

If you’re new to sports betting, there’s a good chance that you might not know whether or not it’s legal in your state.

As of November of 2020, there are 20 states where it’s legal to bet on sports bet, but it’s important to note that each state has its own rules. For example, sports betting is legal in Nevada and Delaware. While Nevada allows in-person and mobile betting with no restrictions, Delaware only allows in-person betting and prohibits betting on in-state college teams.

Several states, including Michigan, are predicted to legalize sports betting in 2021.

Final Thoughts

At a glance, 2021 looks to be a promising year for sports betting. The good news is, you don’t have to wait until the new year to try out sports betting online. Check out this list of best sports betting sites as you say goodbye to 2020 and usher in a brand new year.

Come 2021, Virginia is expected to join a handful of other states with legal, regulated online sportsbooks. That is because state legislators have already passed a law making online sports betting legal in the state and all that is left is wrapping up the implementation process, which should be complete by the end of January 2021 – just in time for Super Bowl LVI in February.

The move to legalize sports betting in Virginia should help the state’s economy as it’s expected to generate up to $412 million in annual revenue (once operators are up and running), which would mean Virginia would receive up to $61.8 dollars in tax revenue.

A Closer Look at Legalized Sports Betting in Virginia

In July 2020, Virginia began the process of implementing new laws that made online sportsbooks legal. Part of this process is to award up to 12 licenses to operators and to formalize the role of the Virginia Lottery, which is the governmental institution overseeing online sports betting in the state.

The Virginia Lottery will be responsible for approving the 12 licenses for online-only sports betting as well as managing up to 8 licenses for land-based casinos with sportsbooks. Online-only and land-based operators will be subjected to a 15% tax rate from the state.

Once legal sports betting is fully operational, operators are expected to generate millions in revenue. In fact, online-based sportsbooks should account for the lion's share of growth and revenue in Virginia – one projection has online sportsbooks accounting for $375 million (of the $400+ million) in annual revenue resulting in $56 million in tax revenue for the state.

Sports Betting Market is Continuing to Expand

In the November 2020 elections, Virginia voters voted to allow the construction of 4 brick-and-mortar casinos. And in 2021, voters will make a decision on a potential 5th casino in Richmond, VA.

Land-based casinos are just one part of the ever-growing sports betting and gaming market. Casinos attract walk-in traffic and hotel guests but they can also apply to operate mobile sportsbooks, which expands their reach throughout the state.

Throughout the country, major gaming players such as DraftKings, William Hill, Barstool, FoxBet, FanDuel, and BetRivers are capturing the market share of the rising online sportsbook market. Virginia is at the center of this boom as 25 operators applied for licenses (and as mentioned above only 12 licenses will be granted).

Who Will Be Granted a Sports Betting License in Virginia?

In a few week's time, we’ll officially know the 12 approved sportsbook operators in Virginia. Below is a look at a few of the major companies vying for a position in the Virginia sports betting market.

BetRivers

BetRivers is a gaming company owned by Rush Street Interactive, an online gaming company known for its several gaming companies, brands, and properties in North America.

Rush Street Gaming has already received approval to proceed with building land-based casinos in Virginia, including a casino property in Portsmouth, VA.

Virginia will likely be home to a large number of sports betting apps. Here are some of the top contenders for a Virginia launch.

DraftKings

DraftKings has quickly become a household name in gaming and sports betting and is continually expanding throughout the country. Time will tell how DraftKings will position themselves in the Virginia market but it’s likely they will focus on getting their own mobile sportsbook approved.

FanDuel

Along with DraftKings, FanDuel is another well-known sportsbook. FanDuel has expanded into states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, paving the way for a seamless transition into the Virginia sports betting market.

William Hill

William Hill is a UK-based gaming company that has emerged as a major gaming and sportsbook company in the United States, especially in Nevada.

Caesars Entertainment and William Hill are currently in a $3.7 billion dollar merger, thus bringing a William Hill owned online sportsbook to Virginia.

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Every casino game you play has an edge in favor of the house. Before you begin playing, it is essential to know what games have the best chances to win. Fortunately for gamblers, there are plenty of casino games with high chances of winning.

But this does not mean that other games are not worth playing. That’s not to suggest that the high-house edge games should always be avoided; you’re playing for fun after all, so of course, go to the game you find most enjoyable and attractive.

In reality, all casino games are built to offer the house a better profit, but some casino games are tilted more than other games. Awareness is a strength, and besides, through strategy and technique, the house edge can often be lowered, and your chances of winning increased.

Being Aware Of The House Edge

The famous saying that “the house always wins” was probably heard by many. This sentence refers to the house edge. This is the average amount of profit the gambling platform makes from a player’s wager, also known as the house advantage.

The house edge is the little upper hand that is constructed into any casino game and gives the casino a profit. This house edge is not a secret, or the players are being cheated; it is a statistical estimate reflecting the value of each bet made, and calculated as a percentage, will go directly to the house on an average time.

For instance, a coin toss’s correct odds will be 50-50. You would have a 50-50 betting chance, and if you bet a dollar on heads and the heads go out, then you’d win two dollars back (one dollar for the bet and one dollar for the win)—the factor in a house edge, you would have only had $1.95 with the five cents going to the house.

How Does House Edge Works In Online Casino Games

The idea of house edge has been around for as long as land-based casinos have been around. It has been optimized over the years to be as efficient as possible. Its sole aim is to ensure that the gaming establishments have a long-term advantage over their customers, something that’s essential for their business to operate continuously.

Of course, with any form of company, a profit margin must exist, and a proportion of money coming from their profits comes back to the betterment of their operations. It is not cheap to have high-tech online games with exhilarating graphics and a smooth display. Thus, leading online casinos such as OnlineCasino.eu also have platforms where the players can play comfortably, and it needs funds to keep that continuously.

House Edge Works In The Short And Long Run

The first thing to understand is that, under a large number of betting repetitions, all the probability figures are predictions that are supposed to be true. Anything can happen, or sometimes it will happen in the short run.

The variance gives you a headstart chances in the short term. The more hands you play, the closer you get to the average (a statistical notion called “regression to the mean”). The outcomes will differ. Often a series of wins will be put together and getting an above-average return in the short run.

The long-run is when the outcomes protected mathematically are almost likely mirrored to the real results. This is what the online casinos are counting for because some players will go home as winners.

But for every gambler who has an outstanding winning session, there’s another gambler who is almost sure to have an exceptional losing session too. Mainly when over the year, online casinos were dealing with thousands of players. And since they have an unlimited bankroll, they can afford to wait for the house edge to kick in.

Getting The House Edge As Your Advantage

Online casinos have the power to work the odds in their favor, but so do you too. There are mathematically correct moves for games you play and so the incorrect ones too. Outside bets are a great way to deal with the odds for those who don’t want to be exposed to much bigger risks.

The best thing about the house edge (from a player’s viewpoint) is that it can be used as a guide to tell you which games are the most lucrative. In contrast to those casino games with a lower house edge, games with a higher house edge would likely pay out less on the average amount of time.

So you can avoid being stung by casino games that offer a huge advantage for the casino over the player by using your knowledge with data-which is already accessible.

Takeaway

It is necessary to remember that it will not guarantee you a profit, but the house edge is simply based on the numbers that can be modified. For a gambler, the safest strategy is to recognize that the odds are stacked against them. You should focus on enjoying the game by itself until the realization sets in, which is the primary reason you are playing games at the casino in the first place.

Are you shopping for a batting tee? This baseball training aid is beneficial for individuals who wish to give this sport a try for the very first time, as well as those looking to improve their swing.

Batting tees consist of a base, post, and a ball holder. Nowadays, the post of most models can be adjusted to the height of the user, thus raising the ball to any height the player finds convenient. These training tools should be heavy enough to offer the required stability but not overly bulky to affect portability.

When looking for the right bat tee, these are the main features to consider.

Material

An essential factor to consider when shopping for such a product is the material of this baseball training tool. In order for the device to withstand the everyday wear and tear caused by swinging the bat, it should be made from high-quality, sturdy materials. Otherwise, the hitting tee will crack after using it for a surprisingly short time period.
The structure of this training aid is supposed to be made from durable materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, whereas the base can be coated with rubber. Anyhow, look for heavy-duty rubber models, not those made with low-end rubber. These tools are expected to have a metal collar at the bottom in order not to break easily. Unless the base of batting tees is reinforced, the likelihood of breaking is rather high.

Weight

The weight of this baseball training aid is an indispensable element to take into account, even though an optimal weight isn’t yet recommended to players. The choice of weight isn’t universal but depends on the training conditions across baseball enthusiasts. Heavy models provide excellent stability, essential for wind-prone areas where high winds are likely to blow the tee away. Nevertheless, purchasing an anti-tip model means giving up on portability.

Light hitting tees, on the other hand, are more convenient to adjust, move, and store. These are a perfect solution for baseball enthusiasts who are constantly on the road or practice together with other players. However, these models aren’t the best alternative for players looking for stability while trying to perfect their swings.

For better stability, buyers are suggested to shop for a model with tripod legs coated with rubber. As a result, your batting tee can be kept outside instead of storing it inside after each training. This type of design enables players to enjoy greater stability, as the weight of the tool is distributed equally. See this page for a description of different types of tees used in various sports.

Portability

Players planning to carry their batting tees around are encouraged to look for a portable model. Opting for a lightweight variant isn’t enough for a hitting tee to be considered highly portable. It has to be collapsible in order for users to fold it easily once done with the training. These tools can be more than one meter long when expanded in comparison with twenty-five centimeters when folded.

Moreover, make sure the model you choose has no plastic buttons or fasteners for the purpose of locking, as these are believed to break easily. The most convenient batting tees only require a slight push for the legs to fold, hence allowing users to transport them immediately.

Adjustability

Adjustability is probably the most significant feature to take into consideration, enabling players to adjust the height of this baseball training aid to their own height. Even though the majority of older batting tees weren’t adjustable, virtually all new models employ a tubing method for the purpose of making adjustments.

Furthermore, adjustable models provide players with the opportunity to adjust their height from a minimum of fifty centimeters to one meter. Some manufacturers produce separate models for youngsters, which are of shorter height, as well as separate variants for adults. However, the adjustable batting tees are the most preferred alternative, as users can make changes to the height any time they need. Stay away from products made from low-quality materials, as these aren’t very convenient in terms of adjustability.

This feature is of the utmost importance for young players who need short batting tees to practice baseball. Anyhow, the greatest number of models in the market are too high for youngsters to use unless the training tool comes with height adjustability. Therefore, parents are advised to invest in an adjustable batting tee for their children, given the height of the tool can be adapted to the height of the kid as he/she grows up. Visit this link, https://mommyuniversitynj.com/2017/04/03/10-benefits-of-playing-baseball/#:~:text=Enhances%20Gross%20Motor%20Skills,skill%20and%20level%20of%20success., to get familiar with the benefits of playing baseball for kids.

Base design

The design of the base is a vital feature to consider when buying such a product. In order for the tool to remain stable throughout the practice, make sure you select a model with a solid, not weak base. Otherwise, most of your practice will be wasted on picking the tool up from the ground, which isn’t productive at all. Hence, look for a device whose base is strong enough to stay upright when using all your strength to hit the ball.

Warranty

Another thing you shouldn’t neglect when purchasing this type of equipment is the warranty period. Although most low-end models come with a short warranty period, those of higher price are equipped with longer guarantee periods.

Baseball enthusiasts who plan to use this training aid in the long term are recommended to invest in a product with a long warranty. It’s important for buyers to analyze the terms of the warranty prior to making the purchase. Keep in mind that some manufacturers void the warranty in case the product is used by multiple players. Therefore, take a detailed look at the guarantee in order not to end up surprised in the event of asking the manufacturers to replace the product.

Bottom line

Purchase a durable, stable, adjustable, and portable model with a long warranty period.

Settle for nothing less!

Many of the things we use today have a fascinating history. There's often a lot of creativity involved when one person gets the idea for a new game. Most of the things we enjoy now are more than 500 years old. That includes playing pool too.

It might surprise you to find out that billiards was first played in Europe at the start of the 15th century. Many of the rules have evolved into the ones we know today. The origin of the name is fascinating too. Historians presume that it comes from the French, but there are two different sides to the story. Click here to read more.

First, the world “bille” means ball, so that may be the origin. Secondly, the word “billart” was used to describe the wooden sticks used to hit the ball. It may be either one of these, or maybe a combination of both. Either way, most of the information we have today comes from games that were played by aristocratic families.

They were both nobles and royalty, and this game was considered as one of the best pastimes. Fast forward to 300 years after the 15th century, and everyone was playing it. During that time it became massively popular. Even Shakespeare mentions the game in one of his most famous plays, “Antony and Cleopatra.”

The pool table

Initially, the billiard table had flat walls. Their primary purpose was to prevent the balls from falling down. Immediately people started to realize that they could aim the ball into one of the walls, and it would bounce back.

That was how the bank shot was invented. Wood was mainly used as the table bed all the way until the 1830s. Then, with the advancement of industrialization, manufacturers discovered that slate is more durable and it won't warp in the long run.

Soon after, rubber vulcanization was invented, and they started making cushions. The main design for a pool table was simple. The width had to be double of the length. Before this standard was introduced, every place had a different one. It was after 1850 when the pool table became what we know today.

Trick shots were something that everyone wanted to see. That still holds true today. The ability of a player to spin the ball and curve its direction amazes us to this day. You may have wondered why pool tables are green and not a different color. Well, when the game was first invented, people wanted to have a surface that resembled grass. Since grass is green, the answer was to make the surface the same color.

The pool cue

Back in the 1500s, people didn't use cues, which was developed a century later. In the beginning, players used a mace to shove the balls. This wasn't an effective method to hit the ball because the stick had a large head at the end, and it was quite inconvenient to make a good hit if the ball was near the rail.

Whenever this happened, the players turned the mace over and hit it with the handle, which was a pointy stick. This part of the mace was called a queue, which later evolved into the word cue which we use today. In the royal circles, men started to play with the cue, and women had to use the mace.

That's because the dresses at that time had a lot of cloth hanging out, and the cue could rip apart their clothing. No one knows precisely when someone first put chalk on the tip of the cue, but their main idea must have been to increase the friction between the two objects. Follow this link for more info https://www.history.co.uk/history-of-sports/history-of-snooker-and-pool.

Their performance got better, and soon people started to mimic it. It wasn't long until manufacturers developed leather tips that allowed a backspin, topspin, or a side-spin to be performed.

How did it become so popular?

Billiard became the staple of the 60s and 70s because of the movie “The Hustler.” It was a black and white movie that was about the life of Paul Newman, who played the character of a pool hustler. The film was such a success, and many tables were put all over the country. The movie had a sequel in the following years, and the game has been a staple ever since.

Play.casino was a project initially launched in 2018 but then it was put on hold until now. In 2020, a team of casino enthusiasts from Scanteam.pro have decided to restart the project. You might ask why now? Because as more and more players joined the online casino scene, Play.casino will be beneficial in helping casino players through their journey in the world of iGaming. On top of that, UK casino players will have access to up-to-date and complete information about the best casinos to play at.

During the project relaunch, the content on the site has been updated to give players more reliable information on the iGaming industry. The site's design and functionality have been upgraded to provide access to a more user-friendly platform. Moreover, the site will be fully optimised for all mobile devices so users can have access to a wealth of casino information from anywhere and anytime they wish. With Play.casino at its peak, players can gain access to honest reviews that can help them make informed decisions, thereby taking their gambling experience to a whole new level.

Innovation from Play.casino

The project relaunch is a smart move. The site aims to provide UK players with a goldmine of information on online casinos such as casino guides, reviews, and the best online casino lists. This will make players' journey in the iGaming world easier and more entertaining. Besides reviews from experts, the site lets other players share their opinions. As such, UK players will also have access to casino sites that are rated by real players who have played at the casino.

The Play.casino site will also remain one of the most up-to-date out there with reviews about new casinos and slots as well as the latest bonuses and promotions that are available at British online casinos. Players will have access to the mechanics and gameplay details created by game testers who have played the game from several casino sites. The site's designer also researches the best UK online casinos to report considering features like usability, colour scheme, graphics, and mobile compatibility.

Social Networks Launch

Putting more effort to bring its services to every gambler around the world, Play.casino is also launching a few social media channels for players to engage with. These include YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest. On these social platforms, players will find Play.casino's team of experts discussing all the things required to succeed in your journey to the iGaming world. There will be access to the latest news so you can keep abreast of the happenings in the iGaming world. On top of that, you can read unbiased reviews of online casinos, slots, payment methods, and many more.

The team of experts will find the best UK online casinos and review them so that you can have access to the best online gambling experiences. There are tons of benefits to gain from these social networks as they were developed to create one large community for players to come together and interact. There will be a chance for players to bring up subject matters for upcoming videos or articles, ask questions, or even request reviews on a particular UK casino – it's not limited to online casinos, but will cover other iGaming related topics too.

What does Play.casino entail?

The team behind Play.casino encompasses expert and professional gamblers with years of experience in the iGaming industry. They are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with the rest of the world and have been working hard on the platform to make this a success. The site provides unbiased and high standard information – the site does not recommend casinos or games that are not reliable. Instead, all recommended games, casino, or software have been created through carefully examined reviews, voting, and comments made by you and other players. With this, players will have access to reliable information.

PlayCasino's team of experts pay attention to the casino's reputation, software providers, customer support, and many other aspects of trustworthy casinos. The site only features licensed casinos, and you will find information about all licenses that a casino has obtained. The team does not only provide reviews about casinos, but they also monitor the casino to stay up-to-date with any updates in terms of payment options, changes in the license, customer support details, bonus offers, and many more. This innovative project was presented by ScanTeam.pro.