Tag: sports

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NYC Sports Uncategorized

Sports betting in New York: here’s what you need to know

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New York is known and respected worldwide for its love of sports which has become part of the culture in the great state. Fans of all major professional sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and soccer, come from far and wide to watch teams compete, soaking up the unique atmosphere of a NY crowd on game night. In recent years, some of the biggest boxing events have also been fought out at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Just as big as the teams and players is the sports betting in New York. Millions of dollars are placed in wagers every year on sports fixtures. A growing number of those bets are placed online using home computers and smartphone devices. Some of the biggest names in the betting industry cover events in the state, offering generous odds and eye-catching promotions, including free bets.

Add some spice to your sport

Residents and visitors to New York are able to gamble online, using debit cards and e-wallets to fund their bets and withdraw their winnings. It’s fast, convenient, and user-friendly. It also helps add a little extra spice to your favorite sports, whether you are watching at the stadium or following the live TV coverage.

In this article, we have enlisted the help of an online sports betting professional who explains everything you need to know about gambling in New York. The information is presented in the style of a frequently asked question which makes it easy to follow and understand.

Is online betting legal in New York?

Yes, online betting in New York was legalized in April of 2021 following drawn-out discussions. New York became one of the states that allow sports betting, alongside the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Residents are now free to create online betting accounts and wager on the top professional sports.

 

 

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Why the change?

The changes to the laws regarding online betting in New York came about following an earlier decision in Washington. The US government decided to remove the blanket ban on betting and put the decision in the hands of each state. Some moved quickly, such as New Jersey. Others refused to make changes, while the likes of New York put it to a vote before adding any amendments into law.

How can I bet online?

To place online sports bets you must have a registered account with a licensed and regulated bookmaker. You can browse the options and see what is best for you, but before you can gamble, you must register. This is quick and easy to do, and you must complete the process only once. On future visits to your betting account, you can log in with your username and password.

How do I register?

The quickest, easiest, and most secure way to register an account with a licensed online betting app is by following the steps below. This process applies to all respected bookies.

 

  • Visit the homepage of your chosen bookie and click the register button
  • Fill in the registration form with all required information
  • Create a memorable but secure username and password
  • Make your first deposit and place a bet

 

There are terms and conditions attached to all online bookies, and we advise you read the small print in full before creating your account. Doing so will ensure you understand how the site works and what is expected of you as a member.

Will I receive a welcome bonus?

Many online betting sites and apps give new customers a welcome bonus. This is a promotion used by the marketing team to encourage you to choose their site over the competition. They come in many different forms, but the most popular at present is the deposit matched free bet. 

This is a free bet given to new customers upon registering and placing their first gamble. In most cases, free bets are equal in value to your first deposit and wager. For example, if you create an account, deposit $50, and bet it on an NFL match you will see a $50 free bet added to your account balance. The freebie can be used to gamble on the sports and markets of your choosing but the stake isn’t included in any winnings.

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NYC Sports

As New York Edges closer towards mobile sports betting, should Atlantic City be worried? 

Samuel Walker

 

As part of their annual revenue bill, online sports betting has been made legal by the New York State Legislature, meaning that with certain restrictions, mobile sports betting within the New York area will now be allowed. As other states have begun to open their doors to legalized gaming, many within New York view the call to allow online sports betting as a long time coming.

 

What Does This Mean For New York?

 

Details of the exact agreement have yet to be released, so it is not 100% certain how the plan will be implemented. It is thought that there will be some limits to what can and can’t take place within online betting. However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been championing the movement to make sports betting legal – earlier this year Cuomo talked publicly about the need for New York to benefit financially from a deal to legalize sports betting being made. He mentioned how many states allow casinos to take care of their own operations, which brings in big money for companies but not necessarily the same for the state. Instead, he talked about a desire to run the operation in a similar way to the New York Lottery. This would mean that revenues from sports betting would go to the state. In order to make this happen, it is thought that only a handful of mobile betting operators would be given the go-ahead to operate sports betting – although they could license this out to other operators if they wish. Cuomo is keen on the move to bring money into New York as a whole rather than just to make one gaming company rich. 

 

The move to operate sports betting in this way is very different from other states, such as New Jersey who allow for lots of casinos, which some argue allows for good deals for consumers due to the amount of competition there is for their custom.

 

What Effect Will This Have on Land-Based Casinos within New York?

 

Currently, there are a handful of casinos that operate within New York that offer sports betting, although none of them have been allowed to offer it online so far. This has meant that people who wish to bet on sporting events in New York have had to visit a land-based casino to do so. 

Over recent years there has definitely been a shift in the way that people in other states place sporting bets following legislation, with an estimated 80% of New Jersey sporting bets now being placed online. Many predict a high take-up of online sports betting opportunities when they occur because it is something that is brand new to residents of New York.

 

Land-based casinos in other states are used to having to compete with the mobile market and it seems that those in New York will need to do the same.  This will mean making sure that they pull out all the stops to encourage people to visit them to place bets rather than be tempted to place them online.  This isn’t impossible, but it does mean that they’ll need to make sure they offer something above and beyond betting online. Making a trip to the bookmakers an experience is one way to do this – offering refreshments and other sources of entertainment are a great way to keep people visiting because no one is going to offer you an ice-cold beverage if you’re placing bets at home on your sofa from your mobile phone.

 

What Will New Jersey Bookmakers Hope Happens?

 

The activities in the NY state legislature have been monitored closely by NJ bookmakers, who will be keen to see what effect this has on their land-based casinos too. Currently, there is quite a pull for tourists visiting New York to take a separate trip to New Jersey to visit bookmakers in places such as Atlantic City. This allows tourists to see a different part of America as well as place any sporting bets they want. NJ bookmakers will be keen for the relaxation of New York sports betting laws not to affect this tourist trade, which results in revenue for their businesses every single year.

 

As the change has not yet happened it is impossible to guess what effect this will have, but bookmakers nearby to New York are likely to be expecting this to have some effect on their trade. New Jersey Bookmakers will be hoping that the legislation in New York doesn’t override anything that they are able to offer in New Jersey. They will be hopeful that the new laws will still allow them to offer something more to tourists and therefore people will still be encouraged to visit.

 

The Overall Future of Land-Based Casinos

 

With mobile betting popularity on the increase, the future of land-based casinos is already one that is being talked about. The events of the last 15 months certainly have caused the future of any physical establishment like this to be discussed. Although in many ways we are seeing an end to restrictions caused by Coronavirus, it is likely that the public won’t all be quick to visit places full of people again. This is definitely something that physical casinos should be keeping in mind, making sure that they do everything they can to make sure they are catering to the needs of their customers. 

 

It is estimated that 91% of all legal sports bets in New Jersey were placed online between January and October 2020; which means a lot of people are now used to placing bets online rather than needing to visit a physical building. In order for land-based casinos certainly have some thinking to do in terms of customer retention. This will be especially true once mobile sports betting is allowed in New York.

 

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Entertainment

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

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The ongoing pandemic has put massive dents in the revenues of several industries this year, especially in the entertainment segment – and one of the hardest-hit was the gambling industry. Casinos across the country shut down in the spring, then reopened at a reduced capacity, making it harder for them to recover. To do so, the industry will need a helping hand from the government, American Gaming Association President Bill Miller says.

The worst year in ages

The year 2020 started out promising for the US gambling industry, with its revenues showing double-digit growth in the first two months of the year compared to the similar time period of 2019. Then the pandemic hit, shutting down virtually the entire industry, reducing revenues by more than 90%. While the revenues do show some recovery as we speak, with 90% of casinos across the country reopened, they are still way beyond last year’s levels. 

The AGA’s August revenue tracker report shows that the industry’s total revenue is still almost 40% below last year’s level, with both slots and table games feeling the pressure of reduced attendance.

 

 

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

 

Sports and online soar

Sports betting has followed pretty much the same curve – with sports across the world shutting down for the better part of spring and early summer – but recovered as sports returned, growing by more than 30% this year. Sports betting handle has nearly doubled in August due to the month’s busy schedule.

Online casinos, in turn, have seen perhaps their best year in the US yet, with their revenues soaring by a staggering 203.3% year-on-year, to close to $1 billion. Online gaming outlets like the JackpotCity online casino are pandemic-proof as they don’t rely on in-person attendance at all. The JackpotCity offers its users a game variety comparable to those of brick-and-mortar casinos while allowing players to stay safe and virus-free at home.

iGaming has already shown some growth early in the year but with the lockdowns, it truly found its place, serving as a viable alternative for many.

In need of a helping hand

“Gaming has never experienced a disruption like COVID-19,” AGA President Bill Miller said in his State of the Casinos speech at the 2020 G2E conference (held online-only because of the ongoing pandemic). Not only the businesses that have seen their revenues drop significantly this year that have suffered because of this massive disruption but also the 1.8 million-strong workforce supported by the industry, not to mention the small businesses that depend on the industry to survive. 

The casino industry has managed to access some pandemic relief funds this year, Miller said, but it’s vital for it to be included in similar schemes in the future. Also, casinos need liability protection and tax relief to help save jobs and a faster switch to digital payments that would help further reduce the risk their visitors are exposed to by reducing their contact with cash – the item hardest to disinfect.

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Sports

Life without Football

Imagine having no Jets or Giants to root for so passionately.

Imagine not preparing fabulous food for game days a tradition that brings together two things many of us are so fond of: sports and food. Imagine not getting to watch some of the world’s best athletes competing on the gridiron. That happening is a distinct possibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the NFL in its offseason, the league hasn’t been as hard hit yet by the coronavirus.

 

 

Life without Football
Photo by Joe Calomeni from Pexels

 

 

But the NFL is feeling the COVID-19 pinch nonetheless, with commissioner Roger Goodell already canceling the annual league meetings scheduled this March, as well as the 2020 draft event in Las Vegas. The NFL Draft, though, will still push through. As for the NFL season? Well, it remains to be seen. Having said that might as well prepare for life without football—in the meantime at least.

It is a possibility brought up by a Chicago Suntimes op-ed,

noting how COVID-19’s “unsympathetic alacrity” is making it harder to believe that sports will return any time soon. After all, scientists are estimating that 40–80% of the globe will be infected with the coronavirus. With a pandemic of such magnitude, in fact, any return to normalcy might take at least a year, or even longer.

That being said, it would be a shame if this season gets canceled. It was poised to be a good year with the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, looking to repeat their success from the previous season. They have kept their core, and have been installed by Bwin Sports as the slight favorites to win Super Bowl LV, followed by the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers. But all the player movements this offseason have vastly changed the NFL landscape, and have made it more unpredictable. Tom Brady, a legend in New England, left the Patriots, while wideout DeAndre Hopkins, Stefon Diggs, and Emmanuel Sanders all found new homes via trades

Needless to say, this NFL season has the chance to be super special,

with lots of compelling storylines to follow and a title chase that figures to be ultra-competitive and wide open. In this time of crisis, though, there are bigger things than football. And if that means a season canceled, then so be it. We’ll just have to be ready for it.

It will be for one season only—hopefully.
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Health Lifestyle

US Athletes Should Jump on the Craze of Tea as a Sports Drink

US Athletes Should Jump on the Craze of Tea as a Sports Drink

 

In the United States, there are two go-to drinks to get a boost-

coffee and sports drinks. Major league sports are feature players of the highest level, so athletes will often turn to a sports drink like Gatorade or coffee to get the extra boost needed to train harder or keep their level of play at the highest possible level. 

However, there is a craze sweeping across other huge sports in the world that offers a far superior way for athletes to get a boost, and it’s been in the US for decades. The drinking of tea is viewed as an activity for the health-nut in America, and yet it’s seldom used as a part of an athlete’s diet. 

Pro athletes around the world feature certain types of tea as a staple of their diet, and they’re reaping the benefits of doing so. 

The benefits of tea over coffee and sports drinks

US Athletes Should Jump on the Craze of Tea as a Sports Drink
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There’s no doubt that coffee and electrolyte-filled sports drinks give you a boost in the morning, throughout the day, while training, and during games. Caffeine, which is in abundance in both drinks, is one of the most-used and trusted performance-enhancing substances known to sports stars. However, coffee and especially sports drinks are also filled with elements that negatively impact your body, including sugar, additives, and, of course, excessive amounts of caffeine. 

Tea, on the other hand, is low in sugar and lower in caffeine, but the key is that is has enough of the latter substance to provide the benefits without the drawbacks – such as sleeplessness, addiction, and crashes. The moderate amount of caffeine is plenty to give athletes a boost and can be wildly beneficial as it gives a subtle kick, keeps you hydrated, and it has also been found to increase endurance capacity. 

Being a professional athlete in the United States is a big deal, with people all over the country watching and betting on outcomes at WSN for the major leagues of football, hockey, soccer, baseball, and basketball. As such, every sports star has to perform at their highest level on every occasion. To do that, they need to drink the best drinks, with tea proving to be a much better option than the current standard. 

Athletes all over the world are benefitting from drinking tea

 

US Athletes Should Jump on the Craze of Tea as a Sports Drink
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When thinking of potential tea-drinking athletes, of course, the mind immediately wanders to the English. Mug, tea bag, a bit of sugar, hot water, tea bag out, and then a splash of milk: it’s a simple and often-turned-to drink in Great Britain for a nice boost, but athletes have stepped up their tea game by drinking mate (pronounced mah-teh). 

Mate has already impressed a great number of soccer players, with England and Tottenham Hotspur stars Eric Dier, Danny Rose, and Dele Alli guzzling up this infusion. The English are particularly susceptible to the allures of tea, but the traditional South American drink has spread like wildfire across the global soccer scene. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba, Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, Gonzalo Higuain, Douglas Costa, and Rodrigo Bentancur all incorporate mate into their diet. 

Being heavily reliant on stamina and being at the peak level of performance for 90 minutes twice a week, it’s easy to understand why soccer players would turn to tea for its health and performance benefits. But it’s not just soccer stars who are turning to tea, with big wave surfer Mark Healey also using mate to give him the early morning boost that he needs. 

Tea offers the benefits of coffee or sports drinks but without all of the pitfalls. So, perhaps it’s time that more US-based athletes started to switch out that morning coffee for a cup of tea. 

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Business Featured Fitness Health

The Business of Sport at The DOGPOUND

The Business of Sport
Photo credit Jade Gomez

By Matt Tralli, a personal trainer at The DOGPOUND

Monday Motivation

Dogpound
Matt Tralli. Photo credit Walter Savage

I played many sports growing up in a small town in Westchester County, NY. Each season was a different sport: football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. I loved playing sports for various reasons. It helped me stay active as a young kid, make new friends, thrive in a competitive environment, and most importantly it helped me develop essential core values through teamwork. The sport that I fell in love with the most was Football. 

I was fortunate enough to play football at a very high level. Playing at the collegiate level for Marist College and then continuing at the Professional level for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in the National Arena Football League. I truly believe football is the best TEAM sport. When you join a football team it is like joining a family. The comradery amongst football teammates is second to none. Unlike many other sports, football is truly a team sport because you need EVERYONE to do their part in order for the team as a whole to be successful. Tom Brady (quarterback for the New England Patriots) would not be the great quarterback he is if it wasn’t for his offensive linemen who protect him when he drops back for a pass. He needs his wide receivers to catch the ball from him when he throws it their way. The running back needs to block and run the ball to help set up the next passing play. All of those things make the offense successful. I didn’t even mention the defense yet, without which championships cannot be won. A football team needs all 65 players to do their part to the best of their abilities to be a winning team. And, who doesn’t want to be part of a winning team?

The Business of Fitness
A winning team. Photo credit Jade Gomez

I believe this mantra is the same for any successful company. That value of “teamwork” was one of the first things I loved about DOGPOUND when I was hired two years ago. The DOGPOUND is a family. Just like a football team, everyone has to do their part in order for DOGPOUND to be the successful company that it is. Trainers have to work together to help achieve a client’s fitness goals. From the front desk to the trainers to the maintenance and upper management, everyone has to be on point to be successful. These core values and teamwork are what make The DOGPOUND unlike any other gym. We are a family and more importantly a community. Clients and staff feel this every time they step foot in the gym. This feeling of unity, working at DOGPOUND, is the same feeling I had at a young age playing sports, especially football. It makes you want to work for everyone on the team so everyone gets that winning feeling. Teamwork is one of the most important parts of any successful business. I believe it is essential for the youth to learn this tool so that when they are ready to start a company or join a company it is built like a football team. It all starts from the top down. Kirk Myers has built The DOGPOUND like a football team and we are an unstoppable force that will not only achieve your fitness goals but help change your life completely.