For gamblers used to online slots, casino tables, and coffee-klatch poker games, the world of cockfighting seems like a mere blood-boltered shambles. However, from underground fights in the US to a national pastime in the Philippines, gambling on cockfighting remains a multibillion-dollar industry.
This week, for example, has seen a glut of cockfighting-related headlines as law enforcement and activists attempt to battle the blood sport.
activists in Mississippi claim to have discovered three cockfighting rings
In just the US this week, the FBI confiscated 120 cockfighting spurs from a UPS shipment center, Texas law enforcement arrested a man with 16 fighting roosters on his property, and activists in Mississippi claim to have discovered three cockfighting rings using a network of informants.
A global issue
Cockfighting isn’t just taking place in the US either. On Monday, police took in six people for running cockfights in Rangoo, Pakistan. On Tuesday, a dozen people were arrested in Cambodia for the same crime.
Justice doesn’t always come from by way of the law when it comes to cockfighting. Three weeks ago, two men in India were killed by a fighting rooster.
In 2007, Louisiana became the last state to criminalize cockfighting and it is a felony offence in 42 of the other states. In India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act made cockfighting illegal in 1960. Cambodia did the same in 2009.
Cockfighting pits roosters against each other in a ring, often to the death. Roosters often fight each other for dominance and territory using a claw at the back of their foot called a spur. In cockfighting, this natural spur is usually augmented with a metal blade called a “gaff” or “slasher.” Owners often amputate the bird’s fighting claw to better fit the metal spurs and will cut off a rooster’s combs and wattle to prevent them from being ripped off in a fight.
A profitable industry
There are also plenty of places where cockfighting remains legal.
Cuba has state sponsored-arenas for the sport and in Madagascar and the Philippines cockfighting has a popularity equivalent to soccer in Europe.
Last year, Charlie Ang, the CEO of Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., told the Filipino regulators that his company earned about ₱60bn ($57m) per month from its 5% vig on cockfighting bets. Lucky 8 is just one of many companies serving this market.
trainers are even the semi-regular targets of kidnappings
The gambling on cockfights in the Philippines alone is worth billions of US dollars per month, You can watch matches live-streamed on gaming sites. The stakes are so high that trainers are even the semi-regular targets of kidnappings.
Even so, activists in the Philippines are fighting to ban the sport, but getting regulation in place requires a laborious effort from community leaders.
Fighting back
If you want to be part of the effort to fight cockfighting, a good place to start is donating or volunteering with local or national animal rights charities.
In the US, the Humane Society works with lawmakers to toughen up existing laws and provide training and specialist support to local and federal law enforcement.
In the UK the RSPCA serves a similar role.
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Boyd Gaming has used digital to enhance its land-based operations in recent years. The Las Vegas (Paradise) Nevada-based company is still owned by family members of founder Sam Boyd who opened his first casino in 1975.
The last week has revealed success in the company’s focus on local Las Vegas gamblers through properties such as the iconic Fremont Hotel & Casino located Downtown in the heart of the Fremont Street Experience and other locals-friendly venues like Gold Coast, Main Street Station, and Sam’s Town.
The company posted Q4 2022 revenues of $922.9m, beating out its $879.8m take for the same quarter last year. The Las Vegas locals market drove the earnings. Net income was up more than 57% with fourth-quarter earnings of $172.7m compared to $109.8m for the fourth quarter of 2021.
Digital Growth Supports Land-based Sector
Keith Smith focused on future earnings opportunities in a recent investor call saying that the company will continue with a strategy of increasing growth in the digital sector in order to further support the land-based casinos.
“We took an important step forward in our online growth strategy with our recent acquisition of Pala Interactive, which gives us the talent and technology to begin building our regional online casino business,” Smith said.
“While online casinos are now limited to just a few states, we believe in the long-term potential from igaming. Owning and operating our own igaming operation will allow us to leverage our nationwide portfolio and extensive customer database to create a profitable online casino business,” he added.
Total Boyd Gaming revenue for the year was up 3.8% to $3.56b, outshining the company’s previous record of $3.70b.
While gaming costs were up and revenue was down slightly, the company more than made up for it in other metrics including food and beverage revenue up 20%, rooms revenue rose 22.7%, and other revenue was up 48.2%.
Focusing on continued organic growth, Smith said: “While the opportunities from online and land-based reinvestments are compelling, we also believe there is upside from continued organic growth in our existing operations, particularly in hotel revenues, meeting, and convention business, and other non-gaming revenues,” Smith said.
Official Exclusive Sponsor of Las Vegas Raiders
Boyd Gaming’s 10 casinos in the Las Vegas Valley were named as the Official and Exclusive Local Casinos of the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium, according to the official website of the LV Raiders, Raider Nation. Boyd Gaming was a Founding Partner of Allegiant Stadium, and the company will get prominent signage and brand placement at Allegiant, including rebranding the west side of the stadium’s upper deck with the company’s brands.
Boyd will be the “presenting partner” of one home game each year, and the weekly radio show will be “Presented by Boyd.” Fans can also expect to see the operator’s name on regular customer promotions, communications, and advertisements.
Keith Smith, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming said: “Since arriving in Las Vegas, the Raiders have greatly enhanced and strengthened our city’s reputation as the Entertainment and Sports Capital of the World, giving fans across the country another reason to visit southern Nevada. The Raiders have been equally committed to our community off the field, giving back generously to nonprofit organizations and charitable causes across the Las Vegas Valley. Boyd is proud to partner with an organization and team that share our long-standing commitment to the well-being of the southern Nevada community.”
Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan added: “We are proud to partner with Boyd Gaming, who share our values of integrity and commitment to community. We know that with this respected partner, we will be able to provide Raider Nation with even more exciting activations and experiences.”
Source: Boyd Gaming named Official and Exclusive Local Casinos of the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium, Raider Nation, February 3, 2023
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Genius Sports Limited, a leading London-based provider of technology solutions such as sports data technology, distribution and commercialization services, has extended its partnership with the New York-based National Football League (NFL) to capture the attention of NFL fans by debuting various free-to-play games suite in chosen global markets.
But that’s not all; as the provider also reported the official debut of the Genius Marketing Suite, a special engagement driver particularly created to convert the way its partners identify, attract and sustain the interest of sports fans.
Description of the NFL Free Games Suite:
As Genius Sports is the sole distributor of official NFL data, with this partnership, the provider will supply NFL fans in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and the UK with knowledge-based predictor, bracket and personality quiz-style games to increase their interest.
These games will fuel the competitive spirit among fans while testing their NFL knowledge via draft prediction games, game day score predictions and Playoff and Super Bowl bracket choices.
Also, these custom game products will enhance the overall NFL fan experience and generate continued interest for a whole year of multilingual content.
Players will be motivated to sign up for popular NFL games, which will provide a platform for them to contend against other NFL fans worldwide and provide an opportunity for the NFL to better understand its global fans and improve the fan experience by listening to their feedback.
However, for this season, Genius Sports has introduced the NFL Free Games Suite for several NFL teams, involving the Ram, Colts, Broncos and Raiders.
Commenting on the newest product, Josh Linforth, Chief Revenue Officer at Genius Sports, said: “Extending our partnership to deliver immersive free-to-play games is the latest example of Genius Sports expanding our role at the heart of the NFL ecosystem.
“The NFL’s global audience is growing rapidly and our bespoke games including the highly popular NFL Super Bowl Challenge, will be central to the league’s strategy to capture new audiences from around the world.”
Description of Genius Marketing Suite:
The Genius Marketing Suite empowers sponsors, brands, leagues, teams , and sportsbooks to meet sports fans’ expectations for a more customized and individualized experience. Moreover, it encourages each stage of that process.
Each Genius Marketing Suite product contains a mix of sports media buying service, that gives marketing teams access to millions of fans worldwide, with an innovative solution that makes the whole process of creating, automating and distributing custom video much easier.
Additionally, the suite consists of a full line of digital engagement devices that assist brands form long-lasting relationships with fans.
The Suite integrates:
Genius Media Buying – one of a kind media buying service, with sports as the main focus. It assists advertisers to locate, tranform and sustain the interest of sports fans via high-quality and reputable campaigns;
Genius Creative – a one-stop shop for developing, personalizing and enhancing high-quality dynamic video, display and CTV ads;
Genius Games – created to measure gamification solutions, involving fantasy, trivia and predictor games to attract fans and analyze first-party data;
Genius Data and Content – interesting and engaging media tools that involve easily embedded widgets, abundant data visualizations and sports data APIs.
In addition to the above tasks, one of the main tasks of Genius Marketing Suite is to assist brands and sports organizations such as such as Coca-Cola, Diageo, Cadbury, Heineken, Jersey Mike’s, the NFL, MLB, European Tour, DraftKings, FanDuel, Betway and Bet365 to design memorable and highly successful sports activations.
Commenting on the latest product, Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports, said: “With the launch of the Genius Marketing Suite, we are integrating the acquisitions of FanHub and Spirable alongside our proven media buying solutions to better serve any brand looking to engage sports fans.
“Our understanding of sports fans, and how and when to engage them, is unrivalled. As a leader in sports data, we can create authentic and real-time experiences at every step of the marketing funnel. Whether you’re a sports team trying to sell more tickets, a clothing brand targeting NFL fans or a sportsbook looking for sign-ups, the Genius Marketing Suite has the answer.”
A number of bettors who believe they have insider information have wagered on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. Not only that, they have specifically picked a 37-34 scoreline because of a tweet which supposedly revealed the ‘script’ for the February 12 game.
Nah someone just leaked the Super Bowl script”
A tweet from a now-suspended account featured the caption: “Nah someone just leaked the Super Bowl script.” Attached to that tweet was an image showing the Eagles coming out on top in Sunday’s championship game with a 37-34 score line.
The tweet had more than 12 million views by the time Twitter suspended the account.
Betting patterns
A 37-34 result is the most bet-upon Super Bowl LVII scoreline at the BetMGM Sportsbook, with the odds of this wager dropping from +25000 to +8000 due to all the action.
BetMGM data analyst John Ewing shared the pattern along with the image that seems to have started the betting frenzy:
The sportsbook has reportedly taken five times more bets on this correct score than any other. It is also currently the operator’s fourth-most-popular prop bet for the game.
Conspiracy theorists
After some poor officiating in the recent AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, many Bengals fans claimed the NFL had rigged the outcome to ensure that the Chiefs won. This conspiracy theory got plenty of air time across social media.
Speaking on the Barstool Sports-sponsored podcast “Macrodosing,” retired running back Arian Foster sarcastically mocked the recent outcry by claiming the league does in fact have scripts that determine how the season will play out.
It is not the first time either that bettors have jumped on seemingly bizarre indicators of the final score line of a Super Bowl. Just last year, many bet on a Bengals victory with an exact score of 34-31 after seeing an edited screenshot from The Simpsons television show. The game ultimately ended with the LA Rams winning 23-20.
The post Bettors Lump on 37-34 Super Bowl Scoreline After Seeing Supposed ‘Script’ appeared first on VegasSlotsOnline News.
As the popularity level of sports betting in the US continues to climb, the total handle for Super Bowl LVII is expected to be almost double last year’s figure. In a report released Tuesday, the American Gaming Association (AGA) lays out projections for Sunday’s big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
a 61% year-on-year increase
The AGA estimates that over 50 million Americans will place a wager on Super Bowl LVII, which would be a 61% year-on-year increase.
The total projected betting handle this time around is $16bn. Bettors appear to be divided on who they think will win the big game, with 44% going for the Eagles and 44% going for the Chiefs. Most sportsbooks currently have the Eagles as the slight favorite.
Increasing engagement levels
The AGA report estimates that 30 million adult Americans will place a sports bet either through a bookie or an online or retail sportsbook. About 28 million people plan to make a casual bet with friends or take part in some sort of pool contest. Legal sports betting appears to be increasing interest in NFL games, with 34% of NFL fans saying that games are more exciting thanks to the regulated pastime.
To compile its estimates for the upcoming Super Bowl, the AGA commissioned Morning Consult to carry out an online survey of 2,199 adults nationwide.
The Super Bowl is the biggest annual sporting event for US sportsbooks, with many of them running lucrative promotions for bettors to encourage them to sign up for a sportsbook account. One of the more exciting promotions sees FanDuel bettors potentially receiving a share of $10m in free bets if former star tight end Rob Gronkowski scores a field goal during a live FanDuel Super Bowl commercial.
Expansion of the legal sports betting sector
Talking about the challenges that the industry faces with continued sports betting expansion, AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said: “….the gaming industry remains committed to responsibly delivering world class entertainment, educating consumers about how to bet responsibly, and combating illegal gambling.”
While the major US sportsbook operators have been spending a lot of money to acquire customers, some of them are hoping to start turning a profit this year.
Legal sports betting markets are up and running in 33 states and in Washington D.C at the moment. Another three states have legalized the activity, but sportsbooks have not yet gone live. About 57% of the US population now lives in a state with a legal sports betting market.
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The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events annually, but it’s not just the football people tune in for.
Each year, A-list performers put on the show of their lives to the NFL halftime crowd, bringing a bunch of memorable – and shocking – moments with them.
Global pop superstar and self-proclaimed ‘bad gal’ Rihanna has got the job for Super Bowl LVII, taking place in sunny Arizona in February 2023.
This got us thinking about some of the most iconic halftime shows over the years. One thing is for sure, they’re never dull.
Read our 10 most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows and get ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
10. Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII
Image: Constru-centro/Wikimedia Commons
The standards are high when it comes to memorable Super Bowl halftime shows. That’s why the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, only makes it to number 10 on our list.
This performance stands out because for the first 90 seconds Jackson stood utterly still, staring out into the frenzied crowd. At first, it was cool, but after the first minute, many viewers began to wonder if this MJ was actually a waxwork after all.
Luckily, he eventually started his act and treated his adoring fans to classics including “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” before a finale of “Heal the World.”
He was joined by a choir of 3,500 children from LA – yep, this doesn’t age well…
It was certainly a memorable close to the show that took place less than a year after the 1992 LA riots.
9. Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX
Image: Dena Flows
Paul McCartney has done almost everything a musician could do. He had the call up for the Super Bowl back in 2005, cementing his now five-decade reign at the top.
The NFL wanted a controversy-free halftime show after the scandal in 2004 (more on this later), and Macca didn’t disappoint. He tore through the classics “Drive My Car,” “Get Back,” and “Live and Let Die” before closing with “Hey Jude.”
This Beatle took the crowd along for an epic show, and one we’ll never forget.
8. Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI
Image: MTV International/Wikimedia Commons
Unsurprisingly, this list is full of huge names, and Madonna can hang with the best of them.
The Queen of Pop has had many memorable TV moments over the years, including kissing Britney Spears at the 2003 VMAs and falling on stage at the 2015 Brit awards.
Still, it was actually one of her guests that caused a big stir at the Super Bowl in 2012.
Madonna was joined on stage by Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee Lo Green and M.I.A., with the latter causing controversy for sticking her middle finger up to the camera during the song “Give Me All Your Luvin’.”
Despite M.I.A. grabbing a lot of the headlines and making the performance particularly memorable, Madonna still broke viewing figures as the most-viewed Super Bowl halftime show at that point.
7. Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV
Image: Julio Aprea/Wikimedia Commons
If you didn’t see this halftime show, you could be forgiven for thinking there was a typo here.
Yes, Aerosmith, Britney, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (just for good measure) really did perform together.
Oh, and Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock got in on the act, too, as part of a pre-recorded sketch before the performance.
The cross-section of fans who love all these artists must have been pretty small, but somehow, they made it work. Or at least they made it memorable.
After ‘NSync kicked off the performance, rock legends Aerosmith took over and delivered a great rendition of their unforgettable ballad “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”
A short while later, things started getting pretty strange.
In a group performance of Aerosmith’s classic “Walk This Way,” ‘NSync, Britney, Mary J Blige, and Nelly paced around the stage and took turns strutting, screaming and shouting into the mic with varying levels of skill.
There was also a bizarre but thankfully short dance-off between Steven Tyler and Justin Timberlake.
I need to lie down just writing about it.
6. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII
Image: Takahiro Kyono/Wikimedia Commons
What do you get when you combine an American rock legend with a packed stadium and massive TV audience? An unforgettable show for everyone, that’s what.
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, but the Boss wanted to ensure everyone at home was just as involved.
As the band started playing the intro to “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” (including obligatory fireworks), Bruce grabbed the mic and told the TV audience, “I want you to step back from the guacamole dip! I want you to put those chicken fingers down! And turn your television all the way up!”
If the American public were going to listen to anyone, it would be the Boss.
The chicken fingers were promptly discarded, and people were rocking in their living rooms from Washington to Florida.
Apparently, Springsteen had previously turned the show down, so fans worldwide were ecstatic he finally came to his senses. His performance at Super Bowl XLIII will live long in the memory.
👉 9 Stars Who Refused The Super Bowl Halftime Show
5. Beyonce – Super Bowl XLVII
Image: Twitter/beyoncepress
Who runs the world?
Well, it was undoubtedly Queen B on Super Bowl Sunday back in 2013. The pop superstar took to the stage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, racing through hits including “Love on Top,” “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.”
She was then joined on stage by former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams to sing classics “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women.”
Finally, Kelly and Michelle left the stage and let Beyonce have the limelight again. She closed the show with her heartfelt anthem “Halo” which left fans in the stadium and at home reeling.
How can one person have that amount of energy, talent, and charisma? Who knows, but God, it’s fun to watch.
4. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, and Nelly – Super Bowl XXXVIII
Image: J0 anna/Wikimedia Commons
You were promised there would be the good, the bad, and the ugly in this list – and here you have it.
This Super Bowl halftime performance by Janet Jackson is arguably the most infamous of all time. The fallout from an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction was extremely ugly and frankly ridiculous.
At the end of an otherwise regular halftime show, Justin Timberlake tore off part of Janet Jackson’s outfit as he sang the rather fitting lyric “better have you naked by the end of this song” from his 2002 hit “Rock Your Body.”
Whether intentional or not, this resulted in Janet Jackson’s nipple being revealed (for half a second) to the TV audience. Yes, 500 whole milliseconds.
Times were different in 2004, and this probably accidental reveal caused an epic fallout.
Jackson’s music was shockingly barred on several platforms, NASCAR, and the NFL tightened indecency rules.
CBS, the parent company of the production, was fined a record $550,000 for indecency, and just months later, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the maximum fine for indecency.
Many commentators also suggested that “nipplegate,” as it became known, even influenced the 2004 Democratic Party primaries. Jackson herself said the incident was used by George W Bush as a distraction technique.
With hindsight, the whole debacle was blown way out of proportion, but it was definitely memorable.
3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson Paak – Super Bowl LVI
Image: Jason Persse/Wikimedia Commons
Recency bias? Maybe. Hip-Hop fan? Definitely.
But those issues aside, this iconic Super Bowl halftime performance was memorable for the sheer amount of talent on stage, if nothing else. Some halftime shows have one fantastic artist. This show had seven.
It was also a perfect celebration of Los Angeles, where the Super Bowl was being held. The LA Rams completed the party when they closed out a 23-20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dr. Dre was the headline act here, but the supporting cast and outstanding visuals were what really stood out and made the performance unforgettable.
2. U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI
Image: U2start/Wikimedia Commons
America and the rest of the world were still in shock when U2 took to the stage at the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002.
Less than six months after the September 11 attacks, the Irish rock superstars delivered one of the most memorable live music performances ever.
In a moment of pure beauty, U2 performed their hit “Where the Streets Have No Name” while the names of the victims were projected behind them.
In the song’s climax, lead singer Bono revealed the inside of his jacket adorned with the star-spangled banner.
A truly memorable performance and an amazing tribute to the victims of 9/11.
1. Prince – Super Bowl XLI
Image: Twitter/whoxmike
What could be more memorable than the iconic and incomparable Prince performing an epic version of his classic “Purple Rain” as the actual rain hammered down onto adoring fans in Miami?
Well, in terms of Super Bowl halftime shows, nothing.
Widely regarded as the best Super Bowl halftime performance from one of the greatest performers ever, there was really only going to be one winner on this list.
Prince’s set included covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.”
But the magic moment came at the end of his set when he played his most famous track, “Purple Rain.”
As the unrelenting rain came down, Prince did his thing on the guitar then whipped the crowd up into a sing-along crescendo that will live long in the memories of NFL and music fans alike.
Despite a valiant effort to reform to legal US sports betting, the former giant of offshore sportsbooks will not be making a triumphant entry into Ontario after all, sources close to the firm claim.
was supposedly about to gain a license to operate sports betting in Ontario
Instead, a Costigan Media news site reported on Friday that 5Dimes owner Laura Varela is planning on shuttering the sportsbook ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. The company was supposedly about to gain a license to operate sports betting in Ontario.
Sources close to Laura Varela, owner of 5Dimes and the widow of murdered American bookmaker William Sean “5Dimes” Creighton, report her as having “had it” with the “incompetence” and is on the “verge of a nervous breakdown.”
Redemption denied
Judging by the calls to “pour one out” on Twitter, the potential demise of 5Dimes is being met with a fond toast, a sign of the sportsbook’s popularity. Ultimately, however, popularity cuts no dice with the cash-thirsty nature of the industry.
Even though 5Dimes set up a new corporate entity in Delaware, got itself fully Gaming Labs International certified, and applied for a New Jersey sports betting license, in the end, sources say, Varela’s firm was “ill-prepared to spend any additional money on other aspects of the regulatory process.”
The news source also claims 5Dimes had big legal fees to pay. There are three law firms representing 5Dimes and some attorneys are allegedly “stringing [Varela] along.”
The sources said Valera has “worked tirelessly” to keep the 5Dimes brand going, but now “can do no more” and is planning to return to the US after Sunday’s Super Bowl.
End of an era
The end of 5Dimes has been ringing through the Costa Rica sports betting industry like a death knell in recent days. The insider source even states that “5Dimes has already notified Ontario regulators of its decision to pull the plug.”
While the sportsbook is said to have around 1,000 customers, the source revealed in the event of its closing, all of them “should be made whole.”
Twitter user Zoz Claxton called the news “the end of an era.” It’s certainly a sad ending to the story of one man and his team of technical wizards who built one of the world’s most popular offshore sportsbooks, servicing US clients for over two decades.
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Citigroup Global Markets Inc. has completed a research paper on Macau gambling that covers the recently ended week-long Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations. Some of the numbers draw direct comparisons between CNY 2019, the last pre-Covid tally, and CNY 2023 the first time the government has allowed free travel since the start of the pandemic.
The number of gamblers was not as high this year as it was in the same period in 2019, but according to a GGRAsia report on the gambling survey and analysis, the amount bet on each hand was “much higher” than in the previous period.
The surveys focused on premium mass gambling floors and mass gambling, rather than VIP rooms and junket tables.
One player observed in the survey reportedly bet about US$92,500 (HKD 725,000) on a baccarat bet at MGM Macau’s premium mass area.
Fat Stacks of Chips – Big Bets
In Cotai at Wynn Palace, Citigroup surveyors reported that one gambler was observed with “an approximately HKD 6-million chip stack in front of him, and he was betting HKD 300,000 a hand,” according to the report.
January 27th was the last day of the seven-day Chinese holiday marking the lunar new year and celebrated all over the world. However, most CNY celebrations outside of mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong – which are special administrative districts of China – only saw local revelers as mainland Chinese failed to travel outside of areas administered by the Chinese government as citizens reorient themselves to a world without draconian health controls.
Government data counted nearly half a million visitors to Macau over the Chinese New Year week, nearly 3x as many as visited last year, but only about a third as many as in pre-pandemic 2019 CNY. The official numbers showed 451,047 visitors arrived throughout the so-called Golden Week, an increase year-on-year of 297%.
Gross gaming revenue in Macau reportedly swelled over 232% over the previous month with the explosion of travel, gambling, and revenues coinciding with the mainland government ending its zero-Covid policies.
Comparing the number of players observed in “premium mass” areas, the report indicated that just under 500 players were observed over the course of the week. That was a little more than half as many as were found around high-limit table games in the 2019 survey.
Fewer Players Betting More
While there were fewer players at the premium tables, the players were betting more this year than during the comparable period in early 2019. The 490 players observed over the week gambling at premium mass tables bet an average of just over $3,000 per hand (US$3082/HKD 24,178). The average bet was 45% higher this year than it was in 2019.
The obvious takeaway from those two topline observations is that player numbers were down, but higher-quality players visited the premium mass gaming areas in Macau for the holidays during this period.
Across the mass gaming floors of 15 major Macau casinos, the average minimum bet observed was about $285 (HKD 2,235), roughly in line with the average minimum bets of February 2019. While close to the value of 2019 bets, it’s important to note that this year’s numbers were up about 2% but only 1% shy of the record average minimum bet observed a few months before the 2019 survey period. Some hotels in Macau were sold out during CNY in 2019.
Source: Jaw-dropping wagers in Macau CNY survey: Citigroup, GGRAsia, February 2, 2023
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Although the event has long since concluded in 2021, YouTubers and TikTokers still organise matches between each other and broadcast them. As such, you should check your favourite sports betting sites carefully for information on upcoming events. On our website, you can find a list of some of the most popular betting sites for YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting odds.
Rest assured, these sites are fully licenced by the UKGC and have great encryption technology to protect your data. Some of them are even among the best sports betting sites in the world, so you can be sure of their quality. Remember to gamble responsibly and read the terms before claiming a bonus.
YouTube vs TikTok Boxing Betting – Event Background
For those unfamiliar, YouTube vs TikTok: Battle of the Platforms was an amateur boxing event featuring Youtubers and TikTokers. It is part of a recent trend, where internet celebrities and influencers face off in boxing matches for charity and profit, popularised by the KSI vs Logan Paul match in 2018. It is the new version of the widely popular celebrity boxing matches.
Interesting fact:
One of the first influencer boxing matches was between British YouTubers KSI and Joe Weller on the 3rd of February 2018, after multiple arguments on social media. KSI won the match by TKO and challenged Logan and Jake Paul.
While the fights aren’t as impressive as boxing vs MMA matches, fans delight in YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting in the UK as they get to see their favourite celebrities duke it out. This event began when YouTuber Austin McBroom, part of The ACE Family channel, began feuding with TikToker Bryce Hall on social media. They organised a boxing event with a full card on the 12th of June, 2021.
The lead-up to the event involved fans choosing opponents for some celebrities, and several fighters, such as Danny Duncan and Nick Austin, were replaced after leaving. McBroom and Hall also began a fight during a press conference, and one of the fighters argued with a commentator over being unfit. Nevertheless, the event proceeded without issues, with matches lasting five rounds, 2 minutes each.
TikTok vs YouTube – Clinching a Main Event
Those interested in TikTok vs Youtube betting could watch the first two undercard fights for free on social media, and the other matches were streamed on LivexLive. The main event was highly anticipated as the tension between Hall and McBroom was constantly building. McBroom was a former college basketball player, similar to the best basketball players in history, but neither had participated in boxing.
As such, most sites gave them similar odds, though some favoured Hall with -125 and McBroom had -105. Once the match began, it became clear that McBroom had more control over the fight, being able to get many clean hits. Meanwhile, Hall would often clinch to stop the blows, which is a valid tactic and is why boxers hug during a match.
Despite this, Hall could not overcome the powerful blows and even got some points deducted for trying to get hits when the referee broke his clinches. McBroom ultimately won by a TKO, proving that even betting on YouTube vs TikTok boxing can be unpredictable and fun for all players.
The Exciting Youtube vs TikTok Undercards
Aside from the main event, TikTok vs YouTube boxing betting fans would experience six more matches featuring people from both platforms. Some celebrities even had experience with such fights, including Deji Olatunji and AnEsonGib. Below, you can find a list of the undercard fights and their results:
🥊 AnEsonGib vs Tayler Holder
🏆 Draw (later ruled as a win for Gib)
🥊 Vinnie Hacker vs Deji Olatunji
🏆 Hacker Win
🥊 DDG vs Nate Wyatt
🏆 DDG Win
🥊 FaZe Jarvis vs Michael Le
🏆 Jarvis Win
🥊 Landon McBroom vs Ben Azelart
🏆 McBroom Win
🥊 Ryan Johnston vs Cale Saurage
🏆 Johnston Win
One of the most exciting fights was between AnEsonGib and Tayler Holder, as both had boxing experience. While YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting odds favoured Holder for his training, Gib proved extremely capable, utilising techniques and movement similar to pro boxers.
Although the match was initially ruled a draw after five rounds, eventually changed to a win for Gib, it was just as exciting as events at the best live betting sites. Gib fought aggressively and could land more hits, while Holder was too cautious.
In the end, the YouTubers beat the TikTokers by 6-1, with the only win for TikTok coming from Vinnie Hacker, who exhibited great sportsmanship alongside his technique. Some participants would even organise future fights with each other, so you can expect to see even more influencer fights in the future.
TikTok vs YouTube – Rivalry of the Platforms
Outside of TikTok vs YouTube boxing betting, the two sites have a rivalry that matches some of the greatest rivalries in sports. While TikTok has only been around since 2016, compared to Youtube, launching in 2005, it has quickly garnered popularity for its short videos among young people. Below, we have covered some critical differences between the sites, including the pros and cons.
🎵 TikTok
🖥️ YouTube
15-60 Second Videos
Up to 12-hour Videos
Social Media Focus
Video Sharing Focus
No Professional Equipment Required
Community Post Feature
React and Duet Features
Downloadable Videos
Less Video Diversity
Obtuse Rules
No Resolution Adjustment
No Virtual Items
As can be seen, TikTok is focused on users sharing 15 to 60-second videos, typically performing a dance or lip-syncing a song. Influencers usually use the site to promote products, keep in touch with their communities or post vlogs. However, the variety of video types is limited, primarily due to the length.
Meanwhile, YouTube is more suited for live streams and long videos such as reviews or essays. As it has been around for longer, it has more features, such as resolution adjustment and annotations. However, the rules for content creators are more obtuse, and it can sometimes be challenging to find relevant content.
Nevertheless, both sites continue to improve and add features, such as TikTok adding live streams and YouTube creating a separate feature for short videos. Their rivalry won’t end with one boxing match, so you can expect more of these fights to occur in the future.
How to Participate in Youtube vs TikTok Boxing Betting
Although the YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting event is over, the age of YouTube boxing has only just begun, so you can find plenty of exciting matches. However, newcomers may be unfamiliar with how to place bets on their favourite matches. That is why we have prepared the following guide to help make the process smoother:
Create an Account – Choose a boxing sportsbook and register your account.
Make a Deposit – Select a payment method and deposit some funds.
Browse the Markets – Carefully check the schedule for current events and what bet types are available.
Build a Bet – Choose suitable odds and check if parlays or round robins can be formed.
Watch the Match – Many sites have live streams so that you can watch directly from them.
Collect Winnings – Any winnings will be automatically transferred to your account.
Remember that TikTok vs YouTube betting should be fun above all else, and use the provided responsible gambling tools if you need to. It is also a good idea to prepare a budget and check statistics to form a strategy, which includes knowing which bet type suits your needs. Most sites also have betting guides for each sport so that you can read them for more detailed information.
Finally, always remember to compare odds. While live betting has odds shift frequently and locks certain bets, the regular odds are static. Check each site before you register to find the ideal ones. If you’re interested in other sports or wish to get a better idea of how sports betting works, you can check our article on Showstar boxing betting.
TikTok vs YouTube Conclusion – The Final Bell
Betting on YouTube vs TikTok boxing matches can provide a unique experience for even the biggest sports betting veterans. The fights tend to be more unpredictable, so even underdogs have a good chance of winning, while the shorter rounds mean you can catch all the events without dedicating time.
Even the undercards can be thrilling due to the unpredictable nature of amateur boxing matches. As influencer and YouTube boxing matches are becoming more popular, you can expect to see more events in the future, with some even being currently planned. This level of excitement can only be matched by events at the top horse racing sites.
TikTok vs YouTube FAQ
Before we wrap up our article, we will answer all your pressing questions regarding YouTube vs TikTok. Learn more about the best sites for YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting in the UK, including the fights. We will also cover how to place bets and details on the boxing event’s structure.
1️⃣ Where can I participate in YouTube vs TikTok betting?
Although TikTok vs YouTube betting is available at many sites, you should try some of the top Youtube vs TikTok betting sites. These are completely safe, with excellent encryption technology, responsible gambling tools and licences from the UKGC. You can also find the best odds and bonuses to enhance your betting experience further.
2️⃣ How long were the rounds in YouTube vs TikTok?
As mentioned in our overview of the event, matches consisted of five rounds with 2 minutes each. They are amateur boxing matches, and many participants had never boxed before. The rules were also much stricter, with the matches quickly ending if the fighters were too injured, but YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting fans had plenty of excitement.
3️⃣ Who won the main TikTok vs YouTube event?
The main event, which was between Bryce Hall and Austin McBroom, was won by McBroom. Despite YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting odds favouring Hall, McBroom proved to be more athletic and easily overpowered Hall. After three rounds, McBroom won through a technical knockout, while Hall could only defend himself and clinch for breaks.
4️⃣ What other fights occurred at TikTok vs YouTube?
Unlike other celebrity boxing matches, this event had a full card with seven matches. Some of the most exciting ones for YouTube vs TikTok boxing betting fans in the UK include AnEsonGib vs Tayler Holder, which came close to a professional boxing match. Hacker vs Deji was also important for being the only TikTok win.
5️⃣ How can I participate in TikTok vs YouTube betting?
If you are new to TikTok vs YouTube betting, it is a good idea to consult a guide on proper TikTok vs YouTube betting. Remember to prepare a budget, carefully plan your bets, and browse through the available odds. Sites typically have guides and accommodate players of all budgets so that you can bet on the games without worries.
According to Israeli security company Security Joes, the gambling sector has been the victim of a series of cyber attacks that started in September. Since then, the company has tracked the attacks under the codename: “IceBreaker APT.”
made the company reps hack themselves
In poker, there is a time-sanded platitude that one must “play the player, not the cards.” The black hats have taken this approach in this instance, targeting the company’s human wetware instead of using a technology-based approach. To avoid pitting their software against the gaming companies’ digital defenses, the hackers contacted customer service directly and made the company reps hack themselves.
“The threat actor was well aware of the fact that the customer service is human-operated,” Security Joes explained.
How the attacks work
During the attack, the hackers posed as customers and contacted customer service agents at the target iGaming sites. While on the phone or in the live chat, the hacker sent the agents “screenshots” of the problem, either by chat or via Dropbox.
installed a backdoor on the agents’ computers
When the agents opened the download, instead of bringing up an image, the file installed a backdoor on the agents’ computers. The download contains two payloads. The first is an LNK file that installs a piece of software called IceBreaker Backdoor, a totally new piece of malware. The second payload acts as a backup and contains a much older Trojan horse called Houdini RAT.
Once installed, the hackers can steal cookies and login info, take screenshots, install plugins that provide greater access to the system, and copy files from the target’s servers.
Finding the hackers
Security Joes is tracking these black hats using methods that range from reverse engineering Icebreaker Backdoor’s code to analyzing the quirks of the hackers’ English in the customer service chat. For example, previous hackers have been identified as Russian because they used the Russian word “sever” in place of the English “server.”
The codename IceBreaker plays on two breakdowns of the acronym ICE. In the world of cyberpunk fiction, ICE stands for Intruder Countermeasures Electronics—cybersecurity programs that protect servers from hackers. In the gambling industry, ICE is the International Casinos Exhibition, a major industry convention.
The Security Joes team reported the first IceBreaker attacks in the run-up to the 2023 ICE London event which is now underway.
The name might be a light-hearted pun, but the threat is real enough and iGaming companies will need to find a way to raise the stakes if they want to make the IceBreaker hackers throw away their hand.
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