Monthly Archives: April 2022

How to regulate emerging markets to combat problem gambling

The governments no longer see gambling as a vice in their countries; instead, most countries have embraced it and are promoting it as a way of economic development. Supporters say it provides jobs for job seekers and the underemployed. What's your concept? Is gambling a social problem or an economic development strategy?

The gambling problem can affect anyone from any country from all social classes. It starts with gambling as entertainment to an unhealthy obsession that may cause severe damage. That's why all gambling sites should be regulated to avoid serious consequences. That's why these responsible sites are setting an excellent example, like Indian betting sites with low deposit minimum, which helps regular gamblers not to overspend.

Here are possible measures that can be taken to manage gambling in emerging markets.

How to fight Gambling Problems in Emerging Economies

Gambling critics contend that gambling's economic benefits do not measure its social damage, and mostly you will find negative life choices associated with pathological gambling. The social problems associated with gambling are drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, divorce, neglect, and low grades among adolescents. Two-thirds of those addicted to gambling responded to a survey they had contemplated suicide, while 77% wanted to die.

So, what can be done to help to control the menace? Stick around and learn how gambling can be regulated, especially in developing economies.

Introducing Deposit limits

Some companies offer their customers tools that can help them gamble responsibly. Some of these tools allow the gambler to set gambling time and money limits, but these kinds of tools' results are not as fulfilling as expected since the limits are voluntary and not mandatory.

A survey was carried out on people with a gambling problem in Norsk Tipping in Norway. A mandatory deposit limit was introduced to them, and at the end of the survey, few people gambled on some other platform when they reached their limit. The survey showed people had a positive attitude toward reduced deposit limits.

So, if all companies introduced voluntary deposit limits on their client's deposits, many gamblers would gamble less, which would be positive socially. Some responsible gambling operators have introduced:

● Play limit means the maximum amount of money a gambler can wager for a specific time.
● The deposit limit is the maximum amount that a gamer can deposit in their account within a particular time.
● Bet limit this is the maximum amount a bettor can spend on a specific game
● A loss limit is the maximum amount of money a gambler can lose at a time.

Setting the Loss Limit

Some companies have set a personal global loss limit for online gaming sites. If a gambler exceeds 80% of their loss limit, you have a remainder through a pop-up message. The message comes with a link that reminds the player about the monthly budget balance.

The voluntary loss limit has a positive outcome on players. The strategy prevents the gamer from losing much more money than they can comfortably part with and helps fight addictive gambling. The self-imposed loss limit can be applied on all sites; it will be beneficial to avoid excessive gambling. The loss limit has improved player performance and reduced casino profits.

Avoid Adolescent Gambling

It is impossible to make sure that minors don't gamble, at least for now, but maybe with the advancement of technology, it will be achievable in days to come. Did you know gambling among underage is severe, and others start as early as 10? A survey shows most teenagers have gambled by the age of 15. Most of them gamble using card games, scratchy cards, and lottery tickets.

The media heavily promotes gambling sites where children can access and engage in car racing and sports betting.

There are no strict measures to prevent minors from gambling, including in developing economies. There should be sanctions to regulate implemented that should effectively prevent adolescents from gambling.

It will be advisable to talk to your child about the harm of gambling and encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities that might keep them busy. If you gamble, you can help your child in making wise decisions.

Fairness of Games

Online sites that offer casino games like slot machines and other games should demonstrate that the games they offer are fair and that customers have fair chances of winning. This can only be tested and verified by a third party to make sure all the software's in good condition, and the test should be done regularly.

Doing regular check-ups will reduce the risks of money laundering. Players should be alert against false advertising that will harm them but should look for regulated sites that have correct and legible information.

Suitability of Gambling Sites Official and Owner

The gambling industry fetches a lot of money. And a business that involves such huge profits will attract investors, including the wrong people. The licensing authorities should be stricter on those operating the gambling industry.

Owners get assessed, and the company's top officials make sure they are fit to hold such sites. People with criminal records, primarily finance-related, are not allowed to operate the sites. People with clean financial records and trustworthiness are given a chance to run the sites since they cannot steal from their clients.

Accounting Procedures

Every gambling site should assure their clients of the safe deposits where the deposit money should be separate from all other funds on the site. The stakes should be protected so that the
client may safely withdraw it even if the site goes out of business.

Conclusion

Gambling regulation can be achievable, but it takes two to tango; the developing economies can do everything to fight this speedily growing industry, but it takes personal discipline to walk away from gambling addiction.

The gaming sites have limits that help the player not excessively gamble, but all the regulations will be for nothing without facing the underlying issue. Take care of underlying issues because you will be free of addictive gambling if you address them.

3 Reasons why you Shouldn’t Bet on Foreign Betting Markets

Most sports betting websites are geo-locked, and you will not be able to access them from certain countries; for example, you cannot bet on UK sites when you are in Hungary. As a traveler, you get frustrated and look for a way to bet when abroad or think of ways to bet on foreign markets.

You will find information on different sites trying to advise you on how to sneak into the geo-locked territories to place your bet; they will not specify the troubles that follow once you try. The sites will tell you with VPN encryption, you can bet without struggle, missing out that not all VPNs are compatible with betting, fantasy sports, and gambling sites.

Save yourself the trouble and bet within Hungary, where you will have an excellent betting experience. Check out OnlineSportfogadás and get competitive odds from the best bookies. I have dug out why you shouldn't bet on foreign bookies.

Don't Bet on foreign Bookies

You will find different territories have different attitudes toward gambling; some warmly allow it, while in some countries, it is taboo. For example, UAE opposes betting, so you will not be able to log in to gambling and betting sites. Bookies have to get a license to meet gambling law regulations in other jurisdictions. It might be too much for an operator, especially when they have different markets with flexible terms.

Let's get down and look at why it wouldn't be advisable to bet abroad.

Different tax variations

Note that betting on a foreign site could be challenging because of licensing and different tax laws. For example, before betting on UK sites, you should know tax applies to all licensed operators. Depending on the country, the punter may pay the tax directly from their winnings, and for others, the betting site pays on your behalf.

The different tax applies in countries like Germany where licensing is required. A 5% deduction is made from your stake and winning. The rule applies to all German residents, punters, and anyone betting in German territory. If your bookie allows you to access your account in Germany, you will be disappointed when your winnings get deducted 5%.

Another pressing issue is the currency; you will have to use its local currency if you are betting on an offshore site. Unless you have an e-wallet using your bank account, you will be liable for currency exchange fees. And if you are an expat currently in that country, you need to have a local bank account with local currency.

Regulated and Unregulated Markets

Most countries don't have rules for betting online, which makes them unregulated markets, while other countries have regulations, but their operators do not require licenses in regulated markets. There is also an illegal market where betting and online gambling is highly prohibited.

You may think that your bet will stand because you can access and login in abroad betting site, but that's not the case. Where you are betting from really matters; if you are betting in an illegal market, you may lose your bet and account or have trouble with authorities where you can part with a hefty fine or worse.

Betting abroad is riskier since your bets may get avoided and your account suspended. Why knowingly register an account that could fortify your winning? It is advisable to bet local bookies where you know it's safe and the chances of your bet getting voided are minimal.

Difficulty in Matching Bets

When betting from a foreign market, you will experience less money than your local sites due to difficulty in matching bets. Your local bookie may have odds for less popular sports like fencing or a few longshots. The foreign site may not have odds that you are not satisfied with your local market and have a wider variety of local and international sports you can choose from every time.

If there is a dispute, an offshore operator will not protect you as a foreigner, and you will be at the risk of losing your stake or winning. So, whenever you think of betting or gambling abroad, expect the risk of betting in other jurisdictions.

Is it Worth Betting Abroad?

Most betting sites are geo-locked and are restricted to residents, although you will find many bettors willing to bet on foreign markets. There are few options like betting shops or land-based casinos. Most punters will bet using VPN, which contravenes terms and online betting sites.

You will find some sites that will accept clients from anywhere without thorough checking, but you should know it's unsafe, and mostly the sites are linked with criminal activity. So, if you dare bet abroad, make sure the site you are betting from is legitimately operating in that country.

When opening an account, you have to give out your address and bank information, and if you are a foreigner, you might have difficulties registering with the foreign bookmaker, so you will not be able to place your bets.

How Safe is VPN?

You might have heard that using a VPN (virtual private network) is a success when betting in foreign markets. Note that it is illegal since the foreign bookie doesn't know where you are. So, when using the VPN, you disguise your whereabouts and change the location of your server to fool your bookie you are in their country to access the site.

Although it's highly effective, you will be breaching the terms and conditions you agreed with your bookmaker. If found, you will take full responsibility for your actions; the account will shut down, and a revoke of your winnings may not be enough.

Conclusion

Instead of getting in trouble, why not use the local bookies to place your bet? If traveling, place your wager before leaving to avoid all the risks of betting from another jurisdiction. Betting offshore comes with its troubles, including account closure, void bets, and having problems with authorities.

On the other hand, local bookies have much to offer, like using the same currency, wider varieties of odds, and safety. It is self-explanatory that betting on local sites is way better than betting abroad, but the choice is yours to make.

The Reasons Why Sports Betting is Growing in Popularity

Since the beginning of this decade, sports betting has grown in popularity and more and more people are getting into it due to the various sports that are available to bet on, because of the fact that there are many sports to bet on, this has helped the development of sports betting and has attracted new gamblers to the online gambling scene. Sports betting is a popular activity for millions of people right now and when looking online for sites, you can also join the growing population.

Sporting Events are Daily and Exciting

While there are many different types of sports to choose from when betting on them, some have become more popular than others in recent years. For example, football and horse racing have become some of the most popular sports to bet on in recent years, owing to the large number of football matches and horse racing events taking place, as well as the fact that each of these sports frequently shows matches and races on each day of the week.

Golf, cricket, basketball, and other sports are among the most popular to bet on in the world. Because sports betting is so exciting to try and win money on, it's easy to see why it's starting to take over from online casinos and the games that are available. This is especially true if you are watching the sport live, which makes it even more exciting to see whether your bet will be a winner or not.

Sports Betting Will Continue to Grow in the Future

It appears that the future of sports betting will be bright, with more sports being added to online casinos and betting platforms in order to ensure that there are a variety of options to choose from. This has assisted in the growth of the sports betting industry, with thousands if not millions more sports fans turning their attention to sports bets in order to win some money.

Over the next few years, it is projected that more gamblers will try their luck on sports bets rather than trying their luck at online casino games such as roulette and poker, which will continue to increase in popularity. Sports bets have swiftly gained popularity, and it seems that they will continue to dominate online casinos for many years to come, however, better technology is being implemented within online casinos such as virtual reality so who knows what the future holds.

Three talking points from City’s draw with Liverpool

Manchester City and Liverpool remain a point apart in the race for the Premier League title. With seven matches left to play, it is all still to play for. Both teams are still yet to play each other in the semi-final of the FA Cup, and could potentially meet in an all-English final in this season’s Champions League. However, as far as the Premier League is concerned, there could well be a twist in the plot to come.

While Pep Guardiola’s side squandered their lead twice at the Etihad last weekend, to draw 2-2, the football betting odds still fall in their favour when it comes to defending their title. Let’s recap the weekend’s action and which way the pendulum could well swing.

1. How you start is vital

Manchester City were straight out of the traps, and deservedly took the lead in the opening five minutes, when Kevin De Bruyne’s mazy run and deflected shot hit the back of the net. The hosts could have been two goals to the good by that point, and while Liverpool equalised only minutes later – through Diogo Jota’s swift reactions from close range – the visitors had been very slow in the opening 10 minutes.

Statistics show that Liverpool have scored their fewest goals in the first 15 minutes of each half, and in the weekend’s encounter had been off the pace and nervous. Those nerves continued during the first half, as City dominated but failed to convert a whole host of chances. While they restored their lead just before the break, with Gabriel Jesus’ flick from João Cancelo’s cross, their margin of victory could have been greater going into the break – and Liverpool duly capitalised early in the second period.

2. Liverpool relentless

Form is everything, and going into this one, Liverpool were in exceptional form. Jürgen Klopp’s side haven’t lost a Premier League game this calendar year, with their last defeat coming against Leicester City on December 28th. Since then, they have only dropped points against Chelsea and Manchester City – closing the gap at the top of the table from 14 points to just a solitary point.

And while during that fixture at the turn of the year, Liverpool had gone ahead twice to be pegged back by the west London outfit, against City, they showed resilience and fighting spirit to come from behind to snatch a crucial point. The selection of Jota was completely justified, and it will be interesting to see if Klopp continues with the Portuguese forward in his three-prong attack in future matches.

3. Going down to the wire

While ahead of their encounter, the match was being billed as a ‘title race decider’, there’s still seven fixtures to go, and with the gap only a solitary point, there’s bound to be more twists and turns to come. Neither side will want to drop points and while the advantage is still with City – just – it’s the most exciting title race the English top flight has seen for a while.

Liverpool can go top with victory in their next Premier League fixture against Manchester United – with City not playing until the following day, when they host Brighton & Hove Albion. And looking at their remaining fixtures, it’s fair to say that Guardiola’s side have the easier run-in.

As well as hosting the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool also play three of the top eight – with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers all travelling to Anfield. By stark contrast, City play five teams in the bottom half of the table, including relegation-threatened Watford, as well as Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Guardiola summed it up perfectly, when he said post-match:

“Now both teams know [there are] seven games left, you have to win or it will all be over.”

The Biggest Sports Stories Of Early 2022

If you are like many sports enthusiasts from around the world, you are likely still reeling from the absence of your favorite teams, games, and highlights. Many people are still reeling from the loss, and despite being back for several months now, the industry still doesn’t seem the same. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on. You’d be surprised at everything that’s occurred in just the past few months in the sports world. Keeping up on these stories not only makes you a more informed fan, but they could possibly give you the betting edge.

The Perfect Storm Of Deshaun Watson

Football players have grown notorious for sexual assaults, misconduct, and domestic batteries over the years. It seems like every year there is some big story of a football superstar standing trial for a sexual assault or spousal abuse. However, no one could have possibly seen the perfect storm of Deshaun Watson coming. 22 civil lawsuit allegations of sexual misconduct?

The more troubling part of the whole scenario is that this is coming from such a talented and gifted player. Deshaun essentially had the option of choosing where he wanted to play. With the potential to become one of the highest-paid athletes in the league, he was hit with these charges. It certainly was a shock to the NFL.

The Bank Got Broke With AFC Teams

Speaking of major payouts, the Bills just recently signed 33-year-old former Broncos and Rams Von Miller. It wasn’t a decision that came lightly or cheap. It ran the team $120 million. As if in a bidding war, the Charges nearly matched this purchase with the acquisition of ex-Patriots cornerback JC Jackson. The team scooped him up for an $82.5 million, five-year deal.

The Jaguars seemed to go all out and dropped a bunch of money on a who’s who of players. Most notably, however, was former Cardinal wide receiver Christian Kirk, who the team picked up for a whopping $72 million, four-year deal. The AFC did their fair share of spending this year.

A New Deal Demanded By Kyler Murray

Big things happen on social media these days. And there wasn't much that could have been more shocking than when Pro Bowl QB replaced all his Cardinal’s photos on Instagram. Fans, players, and managers knew immediately this was a sign of big problems to come. It wasn’t all that shocking when he had his agent release a detailed statement demanding the team extend his already big-money contract. Even though he’s just participated in one single playoff game, he has two years left on his deal.

Calvin Ridley Suspended For Gambling

เว็บสล็อตใหญ่ ๆ and online gambling have reached new heights in 2022. Heck, it seems like every year gambling breaks some previous record. Well, gambling certainly set the sports world on fire when it was announced that the Falcons’ star receiver was suspended for gambling fraud accusations. The star receiver stepped away from the game in 2021 claiming that he was taking time for personal reasons.

He was later then abruptly suspended by the league for the entire 2022 season after the NFL initiated an investigation into his gambling proclivities. He is suspected of placing bets on several NFL games, including some of his own team games. This supposedly took place during his absence away from the team.

Colts Make Major Replacement

The Colts have been a talked-about team over the last few years. It is pretty easy to understand why this was so. However, it seems they are being noticed for other things now. With that said, it wasn’t all that surprising to see the team cut ties with Wentz, even though they just purchased him a year ago. All the team’s owner, Jim Irsay, would say was that he personally drove the player out of town after a late-season flop.

It's always a big deal when a team makes an abrupt player change, but when they change quarterbacks at the drop of a hat, it is sure to raise some eyebrows. The Colts have made a good choice of replacing him with former Falconer Matt Ryan. They picked him up on a third-round pick in the draft and gave themselves a real potential-jump ahead on the 2022 season.

2021 MLB Stats To Know

2021 MLB Stats To Know

2021 MLB stats can get your new season started right.

Key Points

— There are a few 2021 MLB stats that will help bettors as they prepare for the 2022 season.

— Unlike other sports such as football and basketball, baseball is a moneyline sport. Bettors pick winners primarily though point spread betting, aka run line betting, is available for MLB games.

Knowing what to bet and how to bet MLB games comes down to a variety of factors. There are a number of 2021 MLB stats to know that can help bettors in 2022.

Here are some of them.

MLB BETTING STRATEGIES FOR 2022

2021 MLB Stats – wRC+

So, you’re not familiar with wRC+? The wRC+ stands for “weighted runs created plus” and it is a metric that adjusts for things like ballparks and other external factors. 

When you adjust for things like that, you get a clearer picture of what a hitter actually contributes to his team’s run production. 

The 2021 leader? Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper with a wRC+ of 170. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was second at 166 and the Nationals Juan Soto was third at 163. No other MLB player was over 160. Will these stats affect your MLB moneyline wagers?

The league average is 100. So, Harper creates runs at a pace 70 percent better than the average player in the league.

Not surprisingly, all three hitters batted over .300 and all had at least 29 homers and 101 RBIs. Soto may be the best young hitter in the game and Philadelphia and Toronto are both playoff favorites in 2022. The Blue Jays are among the World Series favorites.

ICYMI: What is a Sports Handicapper?

Rockies at Home

Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, almost always has some weird statistical quirks in any given season. It’s known as one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in baseball.

Coors Field was a huge advantage in 2021

Coors Field was a huge advantage in 2021

Last year, it offered a true home-field advantage to the Rockies. Colorado went 43-22 at home. Their road record? The 13th-worst road record in MLB history since 1969 – 17-48. 

How is that for a 2021 MLB stats? Will that carry over into 2022?

What Wins Championships

Some say it’s pitching that wins World Series titles. Others claim it's a strong hitting lineup with plenty of power. For Atlanta in 2021, it was neither…or it was both.

During the regular season, Atlanta batted .244 which was ninth in MLB. They were third in home runs though with 239. Only San Francisco and Toronto hit more.

Braves pitchers produced a collective ERA of 3.88 during the regular season. That was only eighth-best in all of baseball. That ERA did drop during the playoffs to 3.28, but that was still only fourth among playoff teams. Atlanta’s World Series opponent Houston had a playoff ERA of 4.44.

Atlanta had just the right combination of quality pitching and hitting to take home the 2021 World Series.

2021 MLB Stats – Score!

Baseball is a game of runs. Just look at the baseball odds. The more runs you score, the more likely you are to win. One of the reasons why Toronto is among the favorites to win the 2022 World Series is because they can score.

Last season, two of the top five run-scorers were Blue Jays – Guerrero was No. 1 and teammate Bo Bichette was third. Their old teammate Marcus Semien was fifth. 

If Guerrerro, Bichette, and the rest of the Blue Jays continue to score as they did a year ago, that World Series title is within reach.

Which is Better? Sports Betting or Online Casinos

The continued development in technology also continues to influence how we live in the modern world. Even the realms of gambling have been touched by the Internet, allowing one to be able to engage in this recreational activity from anywhere and at any time.

Some forms of online gambling are online sports betting and online casinos. But which of these two is the better choice? Let’s find out.

Sports betting and Online Casinos in a nutshell

Sports betting has been around since the early days of horse racing. It involves betting on the odds of a horse winning a race. It has since expanded to cover most competitive sports including football, soccer, basketball, motorsports, and others.

Online casinos such as Goldenslot are simply making an online version of a casino. This takes games such as slot machines, card games, and others into a virtual experience.

Both online sports betting and online casinos aim to offer the same level of experience that in-person players would have. Of course, this can only be done to a certain extent, but different operators have various gimmicks that make the online gambling experience worth it.

Pros and Cons of Sports Betting

Sports betting is more recommended for fans for a certain sport. Otherwise, one would blindly bet on a team with zero knowledge to back up such a bet. With technical understanding of the sport being played, sports bettors would be able to make a more calculated decision.

Aside from knowing the sport, one would also need to know the teams playing in order to assess which of them are more likely to win. True enough, sports betting requires a lot of prior knowledge in order to increase one’s chances of winning. If you have it, then sports betting is for you

However, sports betting is not as flexible as they are reliant on the schedule of games or matches. You will have to adjust to the schedule of competitions.

Pros and Cons of Online Casino

Meanwhile, online casinos are really just a digitization of our brick-and-mortar casinos. There are a lot of casino games that you can also see in an online casino. Some of the most popular are slot machines and the usual card games. Online casinos usually have different versions of these two games in order to provide players with a variety.

Unlike sports betting, online casinos are available to players at any time, opening up the opportunity to play more often. However, such opportunities can be abused if the player does not have self-control. With something very accessible, self-discipline is critical.

So which is better?

There is no straight answer as to which option is the absolute better choice. It really depends on what kind of player you are. If you are a sports fan, and have been following different teams play in different competitions, then sports betting is highly-recommended for you. Take your sports watching into the next level, and show support to your favorite team by putting your bet on them.

On the other hand, online casinos work with even first-time casino players. Slot machines don’t need any prior knowledge. Simply set the reels of the slot machine in motion by clicking a button, then you may already win the prize.

Whether it is sports betting or online casino that is better for you is ultimately about what appeals to you as a gambler. Both offer a great experience, and your particular preference is what determines everything. In any case, there’s no harm in trying both of them so give them a little test to see which one appeals to you more.

The Difference Between Sports Betting and Online Casino Gaming

Gambling has been around for a very long time, and it comes in many forms. With modern-day technology, gambling can even be done while at home, but retaining a similar level of experience as gambling in-person. Some of the most prominent forms of online gambling are sports betting and online casino gaming.

But what really are they and are they really great alternatives to more traditional gambling options? This guide will help us understand sports betting and online casino gaming.

Sports Betting and Online Casino Gaming defined

Sports betting and online casino gaming are both recreational gaming that involve a great understanding of odds and chance.

Sports betting involves placing a wager on games of any sport. It takes support for your favorite team to the next level as this involves placing your bet on a team that you believe would more likely win the game. Sports betting can be done for various sports, but this is something that has been made popular by betting on horse racing, but is also common for basketball, football, motorsports, and other competitive sports for that matter.

Meanwhile online casinos are simply putting our casinos on a digital space. Online casinos like XOslot offer a variety of casino games such as slot machines or card games. It really is just making a digital casino experience.

Difference Between Sports Betting and Online Casino Gaming

If you’re not sure about which form of recreational gaming is for you, here are some key differences between sports betting and online casino gaming:

1. Need for Knowledge or Skills

Sports betting is best for fans of a certain sport because this will help objectively assess a team, reaching at a calculated approach as to which team is best to take your chances on. If you know nothing about the sport, it’s hard to determine which team to bet on as you will blindly do so.

Meanwhile, online casinos offer games that don’t need specialized skills. Slot machines, some of the most common online casino games, would just need you to set the reels in motion, which can be done with the click of a button. Of course, there are card games that would need a working knowledge of the rules on how to win, but if you’re new into both sports betting and online casino, then you are more likely to find something to play in an online casino.

2. Frequency of playing

Another key difference is when you will be able to play. Online casinos will allow you to play at any time and from anywhere. Meanwhile sports betting is dependent on when sports competitions would be. There’s less flexibility with sports betting as you rely on the schedule of sporting events. Of course, online casino players would need a high level of self-control as this may urge them to play very frequently. Self-control and discipline are important for both cases, but more so for online casinos.

3. Chances of winning

Online casinos are highly based on luck. While some casino games involve some level of strategy, a huge share of games are based on pure luck.
Meanwhile, knowledge of the sports, and knowing a team’s history can help you decide which team to wager on for sports betting. The more knowledgeable you are about a sport, you will be able to gauge players better, allowing you to come up with a better rationale for your choice.

Sports betting and online casino, which one is for you?

Sports betting and online casinos really are two different forms of recreation. As to which one is a better choice really depends on you and what kind of player you are. In any case, both online casinos and sports betting can be a great choice.

NBA Championship Favorites Entering the Playoffs

Below is a table of the favorite(s) to win the NBA Championship heading into the playoffs and how they have performed. Also listed are the pre-playoffs odds of the eventual champion.

Summary: since 1976 the favorite to win the NBA Championship heading into the playoffs has won the title 24 times; lost in the Finals 9 times; lost in the Conference Finals 6 times; lost in the Conference Semifinals 6 times and lost in round 1 three times. Note that if there were multiple favorites in a single season then we counted the team that went further in the playoffs.

Round abbreviations: R1 = Round 1, CS = Conference Semifinals, CF = Conference Finals

Year NBA Champion
Favorite
Team(s)		 NBA Champion
Favorite
Seed(s)		 NBA Champion
Favorite
Odds		 NBA Champion
Favorite
Result(s)		 NBA
Champion		 NBA Champion
Seed		 NBA Champion
Odds		 NBA Champion
Odds Rank
2024 Boston 1 +160 ? ? ? ? ?
2023 Milwaukee 1 +275 Lost R1 Denver 1 +1000 5th
2022 Phoenix 1 +260 Lost CS Golden State 3 +1000 4th
2021 Brooklyn 2 +200 Lost CS Milwaukee 3 +850 6th
2020 LA Clippers 2 +238 Lost CS LA Lakers 1 +280 2nd
2019 Golden State 1 -178 Lost Finals Toronto 2 +975 4th
2018 Golden State 2 +137 Won Finals Golden State 2 +137 1st
2017 Golden State 1 -173 Won Finals Golden State 1 -173 1st
2016 Golden State 1 -135 Lost Finals Cleveland 1 +475 3rd
2015 Golden State 1 +175 Won Finals Golden State 1 +175 1st
2014 Miami 2 +200 Lost Finals San Antonio 1 +330 2nd
2013 Miami 1 -125 Won Finals Miami 1 -125 1st
2012 Miami 2 +200 Won Finals Miami 2 +200 1st
2011 LA Lakers 2 +275 Lost CS Dallas 3 +1800 7th
2010 Cleveland 1 +160 Lost CS LA Lakers 1 +225 2nd
2009 LA Lakers
Cleveland		 1
1 		+160 Won Finals
Lost CF		 LA Lakers 1 +160 1st
2008 Boston 1 +180 Won Finals Boston 1 +180 1st
2007 Dallas 1 +200 Lost R1 San Antonio 3 +400 3rd
2006 Detroit 1 +100 Lost CF Miami 2 +500 3rd
2005 San Antonio
Miami		 2
1 		+250 Won Finals
Lost CF		 San Antonio 2 +250 1st
2004 LA Lakers 2 +140 Lost Finals Detroit 3 +700 5th
2003 San Antonio 1 +250 Won Finals San Antonio 1 +250 1st
2002 LA Lakers 3 +140 Won Finals LA Lakers 3 +140 1st
2001 San Antonio 1 +200 Lost CF LA Lakers 2 +300 2nd
2000 LA Lakers 1 -125 Won Finals LA Lakers 1 -125 1st
1999 San Antonio 1 +350 Won Finals San Antonio 1 +350 1st
1998 Chicago 1 +140 Won Finals Chicago 1 +140 1st
1997 Chicago 1 -200 Won Finals Chicago 1 -200 1st
1996 Chicago 1 -400 Won Finals Chicago 1 -400 1st
1995 San Antonio 1 +400 Lost CF Houston 6 +1800 9th
1994 Seattle 1 +180 Lost R1 Houston 2 +600 3rd
1993 Phoenix 1 +200 Lost Finals Chicago 2 +300 2nd
1992 Chicago 1 -200 Won Finals Chicago 1 -200 1st
1991 Chicago
Portland		 1
1 		+250 Won Finals
Lost CS		 Chicago 1 +250 1st
1990 LA Lakers 1 +120 Lost CS Detroit 1 +200 2nd
1989 Detroit 1 +160 Won Finals Detroit 1 +160 1st
1988 LA Lakers 1 -167 Won Finals LA Lakers 1 -167 1st
1987 LA Lakers 1 -250 Won Finals LA Lakers 1 -250 1st
1986 Boston 1 -167 Won Finals Boston 1 -167 1st
1985 Boston 1 +100 Lost Finals LA Lakers 1 +120 2nd
1984 LA Lakers 1 +180 Lost Finals Boston 1 +200 2nd
1983 Philadelphia 1 +140 Won Finals Philadelphia 1 +140 1st
1982 Boston 1 +140 Lost CF LA Lakers 1 +250 2nd
1981 Boston 1 +300 Won Finals Boston 1 +300 1st
1980 LA Lakers
Boston		 1
1		 +200 Won Finals
Lost CF		 LA Lakers 1 +200 1st
1979 Washington 1 +240 Lost Finals Seattle 1 +300 2nd
1978 Philadelphia 1 +200 Lost CF Washington 3 +800 5th
1977 Philadelphia 1 +300 Lost Finals Portland 3 +500 3rd
1976 Golden State 1 +150 Lost CF Boston 1 +200 2nd

The Beginner’s Guide To Online Poker

Introduction

Online poker is truly the game for all. If you are on a budget, this game can still be enjoyed for free or played with a minimal cost with the help of bonuses and referral codes. If you’re looking for bonuses, beat the fish talks about this code that new players to maximize their winnings.

While thrill-seekers with a bigger bankroll can find themselves in poker tournaments virtually. On top of its diverse nature, online poker is also extremely accessible too — you can play poker anywhere as long as there is a smart device and an internet connection.

Fortunately, online poker is beginner-friendly and all players regardless of their experience can enjoy gambling together! To kick start your poker experience, we’ve prepared a beginner’s guide that contains everything you need to know about this game.

An introduction to online poker

Online poker is essentially the traditional poker game that is played online. But unlike physical poker, online poker boasts a myriad of variations of the same game that makes every experience so special and unique.

The rules of poker are universal across the medium of the game, but there are several key differences between the two. The pace of the game tends to be faster in online casinos and they are usually less risky and more accessible than their physical alternative. However, this does not imply online casinos are flawless. Because the game will be played with anonymous strangers through the screen, it can be challenging to spot a bluff as we cannot study the opponent’s expression here.

The minimum budget to gamble

Online poker is an inclusive game, so players do not have to worry about preparing loads of funds beforehand. In fact, players can get a taste of poker by visiting free play sites before registering for an actual online casino site.

An average poker player deposits 50 to 200 dollars into their account and these funds can be sustained over a long period of time. The key to a sustainable online experience is to use your e-credits sparingly. So instead of spending all your funds at tournaments, one should be mindful of their budget and opt for smaller stakes games until they accumulate a surplus. An alternative method is to bet really low when playing cash games, so a 50 dollar bankroll can go a long way.

Aside from deposits, beginners should check out the casino site’s welcome bonus as these generous sums can help boost your bankroll too.

Types of online poker games available

While there are numerous online poker variations, each casino site differs in its offerings. But universally popular poker classics like No-Limit Texas Hold’em should be accessible regardless of site. As the title suggests, this game has no restrictions in terms of their stake levels. Players are given two cards and they have to form a winning combination based on the five community cards laid on the table. Texas Hold’em is an easy game to learn, but not everyone can master it.

Different formats of online poker

Online poker tournaments

Live or virtual, poker tournaments boast a huge following thanks to television series like World Poker Tour. In a tournament, participants pay to buy-in a standardized set of chips and are disqualified when out of chips. To obtain the title of champion, one needs to collect all the chips through a series of games.

Participating in tournaments is the quickest way to win big. For a $10 buy-in virtual tournament, the champion can win a grand total of $200,000! This prize money will increase further as you progress to higher-stakes tournaments.

Most major tournaments are held during the weekends. Because of their accessibility, online tournaments have been attracting more players than physical ones. Big-name poker organizers hold a weekly tournament with a million-dollar prize pool with a buy-in as low as $100.

Sit & Go

Sit & Go refers to smaller-scale tournaments that are played with a few tables that begin as soon as there are enough participants. With the massive pool of players, Sit & Gos starts instantaneously with minimal wait time. Since this is a small competition, it can be completed quickly but the rewards are not as grand as tournaments.

Cash games

Also referred to as ring games, these are the classic poker games now played on the web. Just like in casinos, players buy chips in exchange for cash and players will choose their desired poker tables that offer their preferred betting limit.

Cash games are considered “table stakes” games where the maximum bet of each hand is determined by the total quantity of chips on the poker table. Since the games are online, players can conveniently top up for more chips mid-game or choose to leave the site when their stacks are low.

Additionally, cash games allow players to cash out their winnings anytime. Hence, players who value convenience may prefer cash games over tournaments.

Finding the right poker site

Choosing a poker site to register can be a headache when you are just spoiled for choices. Bigger sites have a larger player pool, so you can expect a bigger jackpot alongside a wider range of games offered. Meanwhile, smaller sites have better welcome bonuses and player perks too. Moreover, smaller sites tend to attract weaker players so they are good places to hone your poker skills before participating in large-scale tournaments.

Getting bonuses

While welcome bonuses seem to be offered at every poker site, try looking for sites that also reward you with a deposit bonus too! These poker sites will match your deposit and award you with additional e-credits that can be used for games. Every poker site offers a different type of bonus, so beginners should do their due diligence to research them prior to registering.

Conclusion

Online poker is an interesting game that is well-loved by many. This article covered the important aspects of online poker: the minimum budget, available poker games, different online poker formats, tips on finding a good poker site, and the various bonuses offered on poker sites. Now that you are all ready, we wish you the best of luck as you begin your remarkable journey in the world of poker!