Chasing history

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is potentially a few months away from becoming the first back-to-back-to-back NBA MVP winner since the 1980s.

an accomplishment that even greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James never achieved

Jokić, the 41st draft pick in the 2014 draft, is already the lowest draft pick ever to win the award. If he succeeds in capturing the MVP for a third straight season, he will tick off an accomplishment that even greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James never achieved.

Jokić’s MVP odds have shortened over the past couple of weeks, and he is now the odds-on favorite to win the award. Even with the inevitable effects of voter fatigue, his unadulterated excellence this season is undeniable. 

Nikola Jokić: Three-time MVP?

Starting with the basics: Jokić this season is averaging 25.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game, ranking him 16th, 6th, and 2nd, respectively. He is also shooting a ridiculous 62.6% from the field on over 15 attempts per game.

To put that in perspective, the player with the highest scoring average that is also shooting better from the field than Jokić is Jarrett Allen, who is 84th in scoring (13.9 points per game). 

The seven-foot Serbian also has a monopoly on advanced analytics. He ranks first in player efficiency rating (and second all-time behind the 2021-22 version of himself), value added, and estimated wins added. 

his team is 32-13 and has the best record in the Western Conference

Above all, Jokić has the greatest influence on winning basketball games. His +/-, which measures how many points a team wins or loses by when a player is on the court, is the best in the league and nearly 1.6x better than fellow MVP candidate, Luka Dončić. It’s also no surprise that his team is 32-13 and has the best record in the Western Conference.

Awards races often come down to standout moments in a season. In college football, the “Heisman moment” is a much-needed part of every candidate’s case – well, Jokić has those in spades.

Earlier this year, Denver’s star dropped 40 points, 27 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Just a few days before that, he hung 43 points on 85% shooting, 14 rebounds, and eight assists on the Washington Wizards, and he also dropped 36/12/10 on 93% shooting against the Boston Celtics earlier this week.

Long story short, his numbers are unimpeachable. 

Overcoming history

The historical precedent that would be set if Jokić won his third straight MVP would be enormous. There have only been three players to win the award three straight times: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird (the most recent). 

Giving Jokić a third MVP would also defy traditional voting logic. LeBron James was the undisputed best player in the league for at least ten years, yet he only won four MVPs and never received three in a row. All-time greats like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Durant (still active) also only won one MVP in their careers, already half of Jokić’s total.

Jokić has a 69.9% chance of winning the award

Both NBA.com and Basketball Reference have Denver’s point center leading their MVP ladder. According to the latter, Jokić has a 69.9% chance of winning the award, while Dončić and Joel Embiid both have a 7.5% chance.

But while one part of history is beckoning, another has already been set. Wednesday night, Jokić became the Nuggets’ all-time assist leader after dishing 13 in a 122-118 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“To be honest, maybe that’s the first thing I’m kind of proud of, just because hopefully my teammates love to play with me because I share the ball,” Jokić said after the game. “So maybe, that’s the first time I was kind of proud, probably.”

There are still 37 games left in the season, but Jokić has produced one of the most impressive first halves of a season in league history, and one that has him firmly in place to make history.

Player profile: Nikola Jokić

Where is Nikola Jokić from? Nikola Jokić was born in Sombor, Serbia, where he lived with his parents, grandmother, and two brothers.

How tall is Nikola Jokić? Nikola Jokić is six feet and 11 inches tall. He plays center for the Denver Nuggets but is not the typical big man, and instead plays like a guard.

How old is Nikola Jokić? Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, making him 27 years old and in the heart of his athletic prime.

How many MVPs does Nikola Jokić have? At the time of writing, Nikola Jokić has won the MVP twice. He won the award in 2020-21 and again in 2021-22, outperforming Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, and other top candidates.

What team does Nikola Jokić play for? Nikola Jokić plays for the Denver Nuggets, the current top seed in the Western Conference.

The post Nikola Jokić Continues to Deliver, Favored to Win Third Straight MVP Award appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.

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Taking a stand

It’s fair to say Station Casinos and the Culinary Union are not the best of friends. The two bodies have repeatedly locked horns over the past few years, and 2023 already seems no different.

Hundreds of people gathered outside Station Casinos’ corporate headquarters

Disgruntled Station Casinos staff members took to the streets on Thursday to draw attention to their grievances with their employer. Hundreds of people gathered outside Station Casinos’ corporate headquarters in Las Vegas carrying large signs demanding union contracts.

The signs deemed the gaming operator – which owns Red Rock Resort, Palace Station, Green Valley Ranch Resort, and other properties – “unfair.” Culinary secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge said the aim of Thurday’s picket was to draw attention to the company’s lack of “good faith” in bargaining over contracts.

A list of demands

After the Culinary Union pushed for representation votes at multiple Station Properties, National Labor eventually ordered Station Casinos parent Red Rock Resorts to bargain with the body in 2021. Those discussions are ongoing, but the Culinary Union believes its demands are not being given the attention they deserve.

Among its demands, the Union wants hiring priority for the workers who were laid off when Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, and Fiesta Henderson permanently closed. While the company said it did retain about a third of the employees, other workers said Station Casinos chose other candidates over them. The union also wants Station Casinos employees to have the same benefits, training opportunities, and job security as held by other union members across the Las Vegas valley.

Pappageorge has pushed forward the union’s action against Station Casinos since taking over the reins for the body last year. Commenting this week, he said: “It’s really a shame that this company claims to be a beneficial part of this community to take on its own workers like this.” He went on to urge the business to “sit down and negotiate a fair contract.”

The knives are out

The Culinary Union has made very clear its disapproval of the way Station Casinos runs its business.

failed to adhere to federal labor law

In March last year, this all came to a head when the union issued a statement urging the Nevada Gaming Control Board to investigate the casino company. It argued that Station Casinos had failed to adhere to federal labor law and should have its license suitability assessed as a result. Pappageorge cited ample documentation evidence of the firm’s offenses.

A Station Casinos spokesperson fired back by questioning the union’s alleged inability to “win the hearts and minds of our team members.” The Culinary Union “just continue with their harassment and their thuggish attempts to intimidate Station Casinos,” the email response read.

The post Station Casinos Picketed by Disgruntled Employees Demanding Union Contracts appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.

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It has been officially announced that there are new payment methods available at operator, Betstro, an online casino and betting platform! The fast-growing brand has entered a partnership with Sofort and Zimpler payment companies to facilitate safe, easy, and prompt transactions for its players!

About the Operator:

Betstro, a dynamic and innovative newcomer to the casino and betting market, boasts the best sports betting experience with competitive odds, as well as pre-match and in-play wagering facilities. The ambitious operator hosts more than 35,000 monthly sports events and offers advanced features to help players control their betting activity.

With the platform powered by the prominent developer Nexto Gaming, Betstro also offers all-time classic live casino games sourced from a wide range of gaming providers, such as Play‘n GO and Pragmatic Play, to offer an unparalleled experience to its players.

Secure playing environment:

This high-end performing digital portal creates seamless user experiences and journeys with an MGA license and guarantees a fair, responsible, and secure environment for bettor’s online transactions. Its latest deal with the leading fintech companies, Sofort and Zimpler, will ensure smooth player deposits and withdrawals in a secure online environment provided through the operator’s partnership with these reputable brands.

Banking Options Detailed:

SOFORT Banking facilitates real-time online payments for players with bank accounts in Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. This payment method is convenient as players do not need to open a separate account but use the existing corresponding bank account. Also, players do not have to submit their banking information to Betstro or any third party – Sofort simply checks the balance and acts as a payor.  Funds are instantly transferred and the transfer is safe, secure, and anonymous. The transfer may exclusively be made in euros whereas the company charges a fee of 0.9% plus €0.25 per transaction.

Zimpler is a fintech company offering a mobile payment solution for online gamblers. All payments and withdrawals can be made with a mobile phone. The players need to add all of the card data, bank info, and bill payment information connected to their phone numbers. In this way, Zimpler is available as a total spending management facility and represents a mobile wallet for more than 100,000 users. The company’s Dutch branch has entered the latest partnership with Betstro to increase these figures.

First-class player experience:

With the addition of two new payment methods to its platform, Betstro offers customers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland smooth and customized payment services along with a first-class player experience.

Card counting is a strategy used in blackjack to try to predict whether the next hand is likely to provide the player an edge or disadvantage over the dealer.

To do this, card counters keep track of the high and low cards that have been dealt. They then use this knowledge to modify their bets and playing styles.

Although card counting is legal, casinos are typically opposed to it. Indeed, some may even prohibit players that they believe are doing it. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about card counting.

Is Card Counting Legal?

Card counting is not illegal, but there are loads of grey areas in the rule book. Many casinos view it as cheating, and they have the authority to ban anyone they believe to be employing this method. Gambling houses both online and offline can refuse players if they have justifiable grounds to do so. A player could even be charged with trespassing if they refuse to leave a casino after being discovered counting cards.

It’s important to note that while card counting itself is not prohibited, some card counting techniques might be. For instance, in some situations, people trying to scam casinos use a tool to aid with card counting. This could be a tiny camera or computer program. If they are caught using one of these methods, they could be subject to criminal proceedings.

How do Casinos Respond to Card Counting?

There are various ways that casinos have adapted to the issue of card counting, and their methods have evolved. If operators manage to identify a counter, they can ban them. However, they need systems in place to make it more difficult for people to do it in the first place.

Shuffling the Deck More Frequently

One of the most effective ways to combat card counting is to shuffle the deck more frequently. This makes it more difficult for the card counter to keep track of the cards that have been played and can significantly reduce the accuracy of their count.

Using Multiple Decks

Most casinos now use multiple decks in a single game to mitigate against card counters. Whenever you play a game of blackjack, you can check the rules to find out how many decks are in play.

Automatic Shufflers

Many gambling houses use machines to shuffle the cards, and this can make it harder for card counters to keep track of the cards. This is especially true with virtual games at online casinos, as these rely on random number generators rather than shuffles.

Collaborating with Other Casinos

When casinos ban card counters that they have identified, they may sometimes collaborate with other establishments, so they are prepared to deal with them. This means that when someone is discovered, they may find it difficult to pull the same trick at another casino.

Bad Kissingen Casino’s History – From Private to Public

The Bad Kissingen Casino has an interesting history, as it was initially also a bathhouse similar to the Kurhaus Wiesbaden casino. While it offered games, such as roulette and hazard, in the 19th century, it was eventually shut down as King Max II outlawed all gambling across the state. It would take a full century for gambling to return in Germany.

On the 21st of April 1955, casinos could once again receive licences and operate in Bavaria. However, this decision was met with controversy that was only resolved when the government nationalised the casino in 1965.

These days, the Casino Bad Kissingen in Germany is owned by Spielbanke Bayern, a public company of the State Lottery and Casino Administration in Bavaria. As such, you can be confident they are entirely legal and safe for players from Bavaria, similar to the best Bavarian online casinos.

These days the casino has expanded to include a great Cuban-themed restaurant with a stage for live music and other special events. You can join casino events with your ticket and play various games. Note that you must be 21 years or older to play, and you should mind the dress code.

List of Games at the Casino Bad Kissingen in Germany

Bad Kissingen Casino’s Fascinating Electronic Games

The slots and electronic tables are the most popular among the many excellent Bad Kissingen Casino games. Players can play more than 80 slots ranging from classic machines to video slots rivalling the games at the best German slot casinos. The games can be played for as low as €0.50, making them ideal for low rollers.

While casual players can try video slots with fun features and graphics, high rollers can also try the various fixed and progressive jackpots. For example, the Bayern Jackpot is a progressive jackpot with four connected slots so that you can compete with players from all over Germany. Alternatively, the local progressive jackpot can be won through one of five connected games, with prizes beyond €20,000.

Those who want something different can also play video poker games or try electronic tables. For example, you can play an electronic game of classic roulette or connect to one of the live dealer tables. Even fans of bingo games can have fun with these e-tables, so players can be certain there is no shortage of varied experiences.

The Bad Kissingen Table Games

Aside from the Casino Bad Kissingen restaurant, players can also relax with some table games rivalling the games at the top online blackjack casinos in Germany. The blackjack tables are played with several decks, allowing players to sit at the table or bet behind other players with stakes between €5 and €500. Aside from classic functions, such as doubling and splitting, players can place insurance and play various side bets.

The roulette selection features French and American roulette, which can also be accessed through the electronic tables, with bet limits from €1 to €12,000. Experienced players can utilise the full range of betting options to form strategies. Newcomers can even attend demo games or special events where dealers explain how the games work.

Bad Kissingen Casino’s Unique Dice Game

Casino Bad Kissingen also features a unique game called Dice52. Similar to the games at the best German live online casinos, you place a €5 mandatory bet at the start and a bet on one of the red squares marked with odds. The goal is to reach those squares and get the equivalent payout, while the €5 chip acts as a game piece. You do this by rolling two dice and getting any number except seven.

Players and standing players can also bet on side games, one with black fields (where you bet after every roll) and one with white fields (where you bet at the start of the round). You can predict the dice result, bet on the shooter getting a seven, etc. Lastly, if the shooter makes it to the end, they can earn a decent shooter bonus of €5000.

This game is interesting because everyone can win while only one person rolls the dice. As soon as the chips reach the squares with odds, everyone who bets on it wins. That allows all players to share in the excitement of a long streak.

Poker Games and Tournaments at Bad Kissingen Casino

Fans of poker games can also play a game at any time, whether against other players or a dealer. Unique Bavarian Texas Hold’em is a casino poker game similar to the ones at the best German poker sites. You receive two cards and must use the community cards to beat the dealer’s hand. There is also a side bet for getting a specific combination of hole cards.

Those looking for a more traditional experience can try the Texas Hold ’em cash games. Up to ten players can participate, each being dealt two cards, and they must form a hand using the hole cards and the community cards. After several betting rounds (the flop, turn and river), all remaining players have a showdown. The Bad Kissingen Casino also features detailed rule explanations on its website.

Finally, players at the Casino Bad Kissingen in Germany can also participate in various tournaments. Many of these feature unique additional rules, such as Crazy Pineapple, where players receive three hole cards and must discard one before the turn card. Tournaments are announced in advance, so players can sign up and try a thrilling game against other experienced players.

Amenities and Events at the Bad Kissingen Casino

You can visit the Casino Bad Kissingen restaurant whenever you wish to take a break from the exciting games. La Canchanchara features a fantastic Cuban theme, with stylish decorations, and provides an excellent selection of drinks and food for a relaxing experience. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and you can visit special live events.

The Comedy Royal stage is part of the restaurant and hosts various live shows, such as comedy shows, music performances and more. Stage parts are added, and the restaurant’s seating is rearranged to immerse visitors further as they enjoy the show. New events are scheduled regularly, so it’s always a good idea to check the Bad Kissingen Casino program in advance for what’s available.

Finally, you can find plenty of other special events at the casino throughout the year. That includes Christmas events, New Year’s parties and promotions for regular customers that match the top online casino bonuses in Germany. You can even participate in demo games at the casino, get birthday bonuses, or watch your favourite sports matches. There are plenty of entertainment opportunities at the Casino Bad Kissingen in Germany.

Casino Bad Kissingen Conclusion

Overall, the Casino Bad Kissingen is an excellent place for all types of players. You can find various games ranging from casual slots to exciting table games. There are also unique titles and plenty of poker tournaments for experienced players seeking something completely different. The restaurant and live stage are also excellent, allowing visitors to relax with a live performance and a good meal.

As the government owns this casino, you can be sure it follows all the gambling laws in Germany strictly. The quality of the games can impress even the most experienced players and equals the top online casinos in Germany.

Casino Bad Kissingen FAQ

Before we finish our Casino Bad Kissingen review, we will answer all your pressing questions regarding this land-based establishment. You can learn more about its history, game selection, and other unique titles. We will also briefly cover the casino’s other amenities and special events, such as the casino demo games.