NetBet Italy, a leading operator of online casino and slot games in the Italian market, partners with the reputable content provider Espresso Games to bring its innovative content to the growing Italian online gambling community. The partnership will launch the provider’s unique portfolio on the NetBet Italy platform to expand the operator’s offerings. At the same time, the deal will help Espresso Games to extend its reach in the regulated Italian market.
Cutting-Edge Content Supply
Espresso Games has been improving its in-house software development capabilities and competencies since the foundation to become one of the leading providers of the cutting-edge gaming experience. The latest content supply deal will enable the Italian customers to get acquainted and prospectively accustomed to the supplier’s outstanding portfolio of titles employing high-end solutions to offer an immersive game play and the unique gaming feel.
Increasing Italian Foothold
The supplier is committed to gaming excellence and thrives for continuous improvement of its development practices and solutions. Its innovative approach drives the industry to constantly seek for improvements across technology and content to meet the most selective customer requirements. The content supply deal with the renowned Italian online casino corporation represents another chance for Espresso Games to increase its foothold in Italy.
Such a commitment is completely in line with the NetBet Italy business principles. The operator exclusively partners with industry leaders to secure a wide range of high-quality games to its players at all times. Therefore the partnership with Espresso Games represents an excellent opportunity for NetBet Italy to expand its platform’s offerings and include another industry-leading provider into the supplier portfolio.
Win-Win Partnership
The content supply deal will enable NetBet Italy to access Espresso Games’ library and source the popular titles like Apple Temptation, Rooster Booster, Angel or Joker, and more. The partners’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is set to make the latest deal a win-win situation.
Commenting on the deal, Claudia Georgevici, PR manager at NetBet Italy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Espresso Games to the NetBet Italy family. Espresso Games’ innovative approach to gaming aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment to our players. We are eager to introduce our Italian players to Espresso Games’ exceptional titles and look forward to a fruitful partnership.”
Tiziana Cannizzaro, Italian Commercial Director at Espresso Games, added: “We are excited to collaborate with NetBet which is a brand of great fame in the world and with a high potential in the Italian market. This partnership will allow Espresso Games to conquer a new network of players in Italy and to increase our brand awareness. We have made available our best selection of games and we will make this a fruitful partnership.”
Source: “NetBet Italy Partners with Espresso Games”. European Gaming. February 13, 2024.
The post NetBet Italy Signs Espresso Games to Expand Innovative Content Offerings appeared first on Casino News Daily.
For many, love is in the air this month. However, it may be difficult to feel love for others if you don’t feel love for yourself first – no matter the occasion. This is especially true for someone living with a partner or family member who is suffering from a gambling problem. In addiction, the person who is struggling with alcohol, drugs, or problem gambling can take away any feelings of love through their behaviors. When you, the loved one, loses connection with your values and beliefs in the process, you too begin behaving in ways that go against these principles. You can lose your self-worth and self-esteem as a result!
When involved in a relationship with someone addicted to gambling, it is very easy to forget about yourself while always putting the other person first, all in hopes it will help the situation. This never works out! It only reinforces the destructive and addictive behavior and does nothing to help you or the relationship. You have to help yourself before you can help others.
What lies behind us and lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Self-worth is a reflection of how you treat yourself. Self-esteem reflects how you feel about yourself. There are three ways to look at the self:
Self-Ideal: Who we would like to be or become.
Self-Image: The way we see ourselves or our behavior.
Self-Esteem: How we feel about ourselves, our abilities, and our self-worth.
Our self-esteem starts early after birth as do our value and belief systems. It is created by our environment and what we believe others say about us is true. In other words, how we are raised can shape us to have a high self-esteem or low self-esteem. Here are some possible causes of low self-esteem:
Overly critical parents
Parental over-protectiveness
Experiencing physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse
Suffering from the impacts of addiction, such as to gambling, alcohol, or drugs
Parental neglect
Parental rejection
Interactions with any other unsupportive authority figures
All of these have the power to shape our relationships and internal dialogues (or recurring thoughts about the self) as we age. Negative self-talk can be persistent and build up over time. Many listen to thoughts like these and others on repeat without ever confronting them:
“I am not worthy of love.”
“I will never be good at anything.”
“I don’t deserve a good relationship.”
None of these things are true. It is important to break your comfort zone, challenge these negative thoughts, and reassure yourself that you deserve all the good things you can get in your life from others, like trust, respect, love, and compassion!
Valentine’s Day Secret: Love Yourself First
Only after learning to love yourself will you then know how to expect and receive it from others. On Valentine’s Day and every other day of the year, YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED. The next time one of those negative thoughts comes to mind, remember to challenge it out loud or write in a journal to help internalize a positive self-reflection: “No, that is not true. I am not lazy! I work every day and take care of the household.”
Confidential and multilingual help and hope for problem gambling are available 24/7 in Florida – for both loved ones and gamblers. Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT now if your or someone you know is in need. The HelpLine can also be reached via live chat at gamblinghelp.org, by emailing [email protected], with the 888-ADMIT-IT mobile app, or by connecting with the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling on social media.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme is Shine the Light on Problem Gambling: 888-ADMIT-IT Fills in the Blanks! If you or someone you know are seeking answers to questions left by gambling addiction, help and hope are always available. Learn more at problemgamblingawarenessmonth.org and share this important campaign.
The Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia has cancelled the licenses of three Crown Perth employees following a police raid on an illegal gambling den.
police charged an unnamed 35-year-old man for allegedly organizing the game
According to a report by Deniliquin Pastoral Times on Wednesday, a bust in April 2023 netted over AU$128,000 ($86,131). At the time, police charged an unnamed 35-year-old man for allegedly organizing the game and money laundering.
Investigators also seized casino-style gaming chips and discovered a baccarat table cover, playing cards, and several people allegedly “playing and wagering in an unlawful game.”
After the raid, the three Crown employees subsequently lost their jobs after the GWC hit them and others allegedly involved in the gambling den with fines.
Then in December, another raid in Perth netted over AU$60,000 ($38,856) in cash and gaming chips, with police discovering 16 people at the alleged illegal gambling den. Western Australia’s Minister for Racing and Gaming Paul Papalia said the raids resulted in authorities shuttering the two illegal gambling venues.
“At the first raid, three casino employees were found to be working illegally,” Papalia stated Wednesday.
The Minister also warned those running and participating in “unlicensed gaming events are now on notice that their activities will be investigated and action taken.”
The post Three Crown Perth Employees Caught Up in Gambling Den Raid appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.
Sin City, where stakes are high and so are the number of visitors! With over 3 million tourists flying into the global entertainment hub each month, it’s no secret that they aim to dodge scams in order to get the best Vegas experience. Google Trends spills the burning questions Vegas-bound travelers ask, such as “best buffet in Las Vegas,” “best shows in Vegas,” and countless resort names for the best stay.
To make sure visitors are snagging the best deals, we’ve scraped over 1.5 million Tripadvisor reviews of every Vegas resort, entertainment show, and restaurant and bar, to calculate the percentage of reviews that past visitors flagged as scams. We focused on keywords like ‘scam’, ‘rip-off’, ‘waste’, and ‘misleading’, to separate the real deal from deceivers.
Key Findings:
The Blue Man Group is deemed the biggest scam in Vegas, overall and within the show category – with 5.5% of Tripadvisor reviews associated with all-things ‘scam’ related
Resort: Blue Vacations Club 36 ranks #1 in resort scams, with 4.2% of reviews pointing to hidden fees and shady package deals
Restaurant and Bar: Minus5 ICEBAR left 5% of diners feeling deceived, making it the top rip-off in Vegas
Sin Scam City:Top 10 biggest scams, according to reviews
Whether you’re on a budget or looking to maximize your Vegas experience, steer clear of the top 10 ranked shows, restaurants, and resorts based on our findings and past visitors’ feedback.
Painting themselves blue and as the biggest scam in Vegas, the Blue Man Group steals the spotlight as the ultimate swindle, ranking #1 in our top 10 list. According to 5.5% of past visitors’ reviews, this iconic entertainment show left attendees feeling less dazzled and drained in the wallets. Viewers dubbed their show as “a waste of time and money”, and “a complete rip-off” in the review section. One disappointed showgoer even said, “you are better off gambling your money.” Your $70 might be better spent elsewhere – definitely not here!
Serving a shot of ice-cold deception, Minus5 ICEBAR ranks 2nd overall – with a cool 5% of visitors feeling deceived. Although many found the concept to be cool, they left with their wallets feeling frostbitten. Take this reviewer’s frosty comment, for example: “Tourist trap rip-off…standing in a meat locker for $17 bucks? No thanks.” Talk about a chilling experience…?
Don’t be fooled by the word ‘vacation’ in Bluegreen Vacations Club 36 – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! With 4.2% of reviews deemed as scams, it ranks 3rd in Vegas’s biggest scams list (and #1 in resorts). A whopping 59% of their scam-related reviews specifically mention the keyword ‘scam’ – the highest among the top 10 list. Some of their shady scams include their time-share program, vacation incentives, and cleanliness concerns. You might want to go sipping martinis someplace else.
Completing the top 5 rankings, Pampas Las Vegas and Criss Angel Mindfreak, tied for 4th, each with 3.9% of scam-related reviews. In 5th place is Saltgrass Steakhouse with 3% of scam-related reviews.
Resorts with the highest ‘scam’ mentions, according to their reviews
To check-in, or to check out?That is the question when it comes to booking overnight stays at some of Vegas’s resorts. For a stress-free stay, you might want to stay clear of these spots, as they’ve racked up the highest number of scam-related reviews on Tripadvisor.
As mentioned earlier, Bluegreen Vacations Club 35 ranks #1 as Vegas’s most scam-dalous stay, according to 4.2% of Tripadvisor reviews.
Coming in hot at 2nd place is the Jockey Club, with 2.8% of deceitful-related reviews. One unfortunate guest wrote, “We’ve poured over $12,000 into their services. DON’T FALL FOR IT! Dreadful service, zero availability. SCAM, BIG SCAM!” If that’s not enough, nearly half (47%) of their scam-related reviews hold the keyword ‘waste’ – whether it’s a waste of money and/or time. Check out, don’t check-in here!
In the resort scam stakes, Club Wyndham Grand Desert secures 3rd place, due to their 2.7% share of scam-related reviews. Despite flaunting their “Five-Time Winner of the Certificate of Excellence” on Tripadvisor, some would disagree. Previous guests have labeled their timeshare salespeople as “walking scams” and ‘rip-offs’, and their timeshare presentation full of misleading information. While their hospitality seems to be excellent, indeed, it seems their Achilles’ heel lies in their timeshare program.
Wrapping up the top 5 rankings, Hilton Vacation Club Cancun Resort (4th) clocks in 2.6% of scam-related reviews. While the Golden Nugget and Palms Casino Resort tied for 5th, both with 2% of scam-related reviews.
Scam-biz: 10 shows with the highest ‘scam’ mentions, according to reviews
Did you really go to Las Vegas if you didn’t see a show or two? With jaw-dropping shows such as Absinthe, O by Cirque du Soleil, or MJ Live, the city sure does offer an array of entertainment. But before you splash your cash, watch out for the overhyped shows. Save yourself a Benjamin or three, and avoid these shows – as recommended by countless of previous showgoers.
As mentioned earlier, Blue Man Group takes the stage as Vegas’s #1 showtime scam, according to the 5.5% of their reviews that resonate with scam-related keywords.
Considering attending the Criss Angel MINDFREAK show? Prepare to have your mind-blown by…nothing? This magician spectacle ranks as Vegas’s 2nd biggest showbiz scam, with 3.9% of reviews claiming to feel tricked. From their swindle-related reviews, a staggering 95% labeled the show as a ‘waste’, with complaints ranging from ‘waste of time’ to ‘poor magic and pure waste of money.’ Others have dubbed it as a “marketing scam” and a “mindfreakin rip-off”. If you’re a magic fanatic, you might want to pull a disappearing act on this show.
Penn & Teller are pulling off more than tricks, but also securing 3rd place in Vegas’s showbiz scam rankings – according to the 2.9% of their Tripadvisor scam-related reviews. Mirroring the sentiments of Criss Angel’s MINDFREAK show, a whopping 93% of their scam-related mentions also felt the comedy magic show was a waste. Guests found the performance to be underwhelming, and a ‘waste of money’ (they spent $160)! Other displeased visitors labeled the show’s bar a rip-off. One patron shelled out $60 for a beer, coke, and 2 rum and cokes – that’s approximately $20 a drink! Now that’s a (magic) trick no one wants to see.
Completing the top 5 rankings, Ka by Cirque du Soleil ranks 4th place, with 2.4% of scam-related keywords appearing in their reviews. Jabbawockeez comes in 5th, with 2.3% of its reviews holding scam-related sentiments.
10 Vegas bars and restaurants that are serving scams
Las Vegas is the hub for foodies and celebrity chefs, making every dish a star! With countless Instagrammable bites and fine dining options, every visitors’ taste buds will be satisfied. But for those with refined palettes or serious foodie critics, perhaps skip some of these restaurants and bars.
As previously mentioned, Minus5 ICEBAR is chilling in its 2nd place ranking in our top 10 scam. Due to their 5% of swindle-related reviews from past visitors, they also earn the top spot in the Vegas restaurant industry.
Pampas Las Vegas, a Brazilian Steakhouse located on the Strip, has definitely cooked up a swindled-storm, as it lands itself in 2nd place for the most scam-related mentions. From their 3.9% of visitors that felt deceived, a whopping 61% found their dining experience to be a waste of money. Another 17% felt they fell into a tourist trap or local rip-off; while 12% claimed the restaurant a scam as they didn’t accept coupons or gift cards from hotels. So if you’re not willing to roll the dice on these high-steaks, perhaps book your reservation elsewhere.
Adding another steakhouse in the mix, Saltgrass Steakhouse (based in The Golden Nugget), claims 3rd place on our top 10 list – with 3% of scam-related mentions, overall. Previous patrons claimed the price didn’t match the quality expectations or portion sizes, dubbing it a rip-off. Due to its overpriced food and questionable quality, multiple warnings echoed the ‘don’t waste your money and time’ sentiment once again.
Finishing the top 5 rankings, Circus Circus Buffet and Bacchanal Buffet both tie for 4th place – with 2.7% of scam mentions. Keeping the buffet theme rolling, MGM Grand Buffet finishes in 5th, thanks to its 2.6% of swindled-related Tripadvisor reviews.
Honorable Mentions: Attraction and Transportation scams
The biggest attraction scam in Vegas, according to Tripadvisor reviews, by a long run is Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum. With 4% of their reviews filled with scam-related mentions, over half (53%) of these reviews labeled the museum as a rip-off. Other previous visitors labeled the museum as “a hauntingly good tourist trap” or a “tacky fake money-grubbing tourist trap”. Try saying that three times fast!
If you’re looking to ride in style, steer clear of the gondola rides at the Venetian. While it may look like a serene journey, 3.7% of their reviews claimed that paying a minimum of $70 for only 10-15 minutes was a major rip-off. Especially when they charge you an additional $30 for photos! So much for smooth sailing.
Conclusion
With all the glitz and glamour that is Las Vegas, we understand that navigating the countless options of resorts, shows, and restaurants can feel like a high-stakes game. With our guide to the biggest scams and luckiest casinos in Vegas, let them serve as guides to get the best bang for your buck.
Methodology
To determine the biggest ‘scams’ in Las Vegas, we conducted a thorough keyword search across all of Vegas’s Tripadvisor pages. The following terms were searched and tallied: scam, rip-off, waste, and misleading. We ensured there was no duplication of keywords within the same person’s review.
After scraping over 1,500,280 reviews and tallying the numbers, we calculated the percentage of scam-related mentions in each of their respective Tripadvisor reviews.
This data was collected in February 2024.
Fair use
Feel free to use the data or visuals on this page for non-commercial purposes. Please be sure to include proper attribution linking back to this page to give credit to the authors.
For any press questions, please contact rhiannon.odonohoe[at]casino.org
The first gambling impact study of its kind in Connecticut since legalizing online gambling highlights some serious concerns about the state’s residents. It found that despite problem gamblers only making up less than 2% of the population, they account for half of all sports wagers.
Online casinos and sports betting became legal in Connecticut in 2021 and the study results show that about two-thirds of people gamble in some form. The majority of this is through the state’s various lottery products, with just 10% engaging in online casino games or sports betting.
over 70% of revenue from legal gambling comes from at-risk or problem gamblers
The last impact study in the state was in 2009 and it showed that over 8% of people were using illegal options to place sports bets, so legalization didn’t lead to a dramatic rise in participation numbers. The study that Gemini Research carried out showed that over 70% of revenue from legal gambling comes from at-risk or problem gamblers.
Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services commissioned the research as it was a requirement from the General Assembly.
Genesis concluded that the current forms of gambling addiction prevention and treatment in the state are “quite proactive and provides a good model for the rest of the country.” More work is necessary on this front, according to the research company.
The post New Study Finds That Problem Gamblers Place 50% of Sports Bets in Connecticut appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.
Following the recent problem gambling and money laundering allegations that costed SkyCity Entertainment Group millions of dollars, a leading casino corporation in Oceania is facing legal consequences again. The latest civil case involving the company and referring to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act will reportedly see the Australian State Department of Internal Affairs taking the managerial position in SkyCity.
Five Separate Legal Actions Filed:
SkyCity Entertainment Group holds casino licenses to operate the SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, and SkyCity Queenstown casinos in New Zealand. As RNZ reports, the company is to appear before the High Court on February 16, 2024 to attend the hearings on five separate legal actions on the AML and CFT allegations. The action is requested a week after SkyCity reached an agreement with Australian authorities about the alleged breach of the AML and CFT laws related to its casino property at Adelaide. According to the source, the company paid a $75 million fine within the scope of the agreement.
Ongoing Investigations:
The same source reports that this case is still open as Australian state authorities continue investigations into SkyCity’s Adelaide casino license. At the same time, the New Zealand Gambling Commission investigates into a complaint about a breach of host responsibility committed between August 2017 and February 2021. SkyCity reportedly stated that the allegations from the New Zealand competent authorities include significant compliance issues. As reported, these issues are considered rather – but not exclusively – historical. SkyCity reportedly said in a statement: “Some matters relate to incidents of non-compliance which have previously been self-reported to the department.”
Constructive Engagement:
The company also stated that it had been addressing those issues since late 2021, according to RNZ. “This has involved, and continues to involve, significant investment in people and technology, and various reviews of SkyCity’s processes and systems to identify areas which require improvement,” it reportedly said. SkyCity reportedly continued that it was “disappointed” for the failure to meet the standard it needed to hold itself. The company reportedly stated that it was constructively engaged with the Internal Affairs Department to follow the proposed procedure and resolve the issues in an expeditious manner. The company refrained from further comments stating: “Given that the matter will be before the court, it would be inappropriate for SkyCity to comment further at this stage,” according to the source. RZN reports that the five claims filed against SkyCity Entertainment Group are estimated to potentially impose a maximum liability of around $8m in total.
As one of the biggest sports betting days of the year, the Super Bowl garners a lot of attention. Unlike wagering at a casino throughout the year, placing a huge bet on the Super Bowl is bound to garner a bit of attention.
There were some large bets on the big game this year, but there is one that stands out from the rest. One gambler went all-in on the San Fransisco 49ers to walk away with the Lombardi Trophy. How big? Try $1 million dollars.
The Million-Dollar Bet
Before we talk about the other major bets happening, it is hard to focus on anything other than the biggest wager of all. Imagine that you are playing online slots, but your next wager has a cool seven figures attached to it.
That is the kind of pressure that one bettor was feeling before the big game. That bettor in Michigan placed a $1 million wager on the 49ers to win. That bettor was given -120 odds at Caesars Sportsbook. A win would have brought an additional $833,333.33 back, bringing the grand total to $1,833,333.33. However, as well know now, that bet lost.
Other Big Bettors
Though that one bettor felt strongly about the 49ers, a lot of the money – both for money line and points spread – was on the Chiefs. One such better, who made the wager at FanDuel Sportsbook, put $200,000 on the Chiefs to win outright (+100).
There was a large volume of money bet on the defending Super Bowl champions in the last week leading up to the Super Bowl. Bettors had no doubts about the Chiefs after they went into Buffalo and Baltimore, ultimately leaving victorious. One bettor at BetMGM managed to swing the odds a bit. He put $30,000 on the Chiefs to win. The odds then shifted from +500 to +380. Another bettor got in at +500 odds on a wager of $100,000.
The Line Movement
One of the most discussed aspects of the past week before the Super Bowl was the movement of the line. The 49ers opened as 3.5-point favorites. That number then crept down to around one point, depending on the sportsbook. It then settled at two points in favor of the NFC Champion.
Conclusion
The big bet was ultimately a loser and that gambler will walk away with nothing. That is the risk that you take when you put it all on the line.
The post $1 Million Wager on Super Bowl 58 Lost appeared first on Casino.com Blog.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has revealed bettors wagered a record $185.6m on Super Bowl LVIII in Nevada’s casinos.
smashed 2022’s Super Bowl record of $179.8m
According to NGCB Senior Economic Analyst Michael Lawton, the unaudited figures show the sportsbooks’ handle earned them a hold of $6.8m, a win percentage of just 3.7%. The $185.6m handle smashed 2022’s Super Bowl record of $179.8m.
The NGCB took to X Tuesday with a news release detailing the record-breaking sum wagered in Nevada’s 182 sportsbooks:
The Kansas City Chiefs memorably fought back for a 25-22 win over the favorites San Francisco 49ers in overtime at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday. NGCB Chairman Kirk Hendrick congratulated “all the stakeholders involved for delivering such a spectacular event” for the state.
Viva Las Vegas
Although the Chiefs went into Sunday’s game as 2-point underdogs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes steered his franchise to its third Super Bowl win in five years, its second Vince Lombardi trophy in a row.
The Las Vegas Review Journal cited Westgate SuperBook Vice President Jay Kornegay as stating Nevada’s all-time high handle made sense since “the first Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas should break the record.”
Lawton said the wagering met the NGCB’s expectations. He added the drivers behind this included Vegas hosting the Super Bowl, the defending champions the Chiefs taking part, and “having a West Coast team from the No. 2 feeder market for Las Vegas.”
Triumphant Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce fittingly roared out ‘Viva Las Vegas’ as CBS’s Jim Nantz interviewed him post game in the Allegiant.
The hold of 3.7% was, however, the fourth-lowest win percentage for Nevada’s sportsbooks in the past decade. Bettors backing the Chiefs won millions on the overtime prop, with +900 odds on Mahomes’ side. Others, such as high stakes poker player Sean Perry, didn’t fare so good on the day.
Felt it coming
Red Rock Resort Sportsbook Director Chuck Esposito stated he “really felt” Sunday’s Super Bowl was going to smash the record, with his firm “seeing six-figure wagers two weeks out.”
Esposito added: “There was just a different feel with the game being here from the crowds and the atmosphere in every one of our books.”
The Red Rock exec said the record handle for the Super Bowl tallies with what his firm sees in games featuring the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aces, plus prize fights, and UFC bouts.
“When they’re here, the handle on any of those events is always the highest,” Esposito said.
The post Nevada Casinos Smash Records as $185.6m Wagered on Super Bowl appeared first on Vegas Slots Online News.
Luke Garrison is a professional writer who grew up just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He currently works at the Canadian Press and enjoys the outdoors in his free time.
Following that is the ‘First Four’ play-in round that takes place on Tuesday March 19th and Wednesday March 20th. The bottom-eight teams compete against one another in a one-game playoff, with the winner of each game (four total) earning a spot in the top 64 teams.
Read on to learn more about how to bet on March Madness in Canada and good luck if you decide to place any wagers! Be sure to refer back to this guide if you have any questions.
When and Where to Watch March Madness in Canada
In Canada, TSN has exclusive March Madness broadcasting rights. If you already have a cable package that includes TSN then you’re all set but if not, there are streaming plans available via TSN direct.
Once you’ve established a way to access TSN, you should be able to access most games. With five different channels at its disposal, there are literally games on at all hours every single day.
Those who have regular cable packages and live near American borders may also be able to watch certain games on American channels. For example, those in southern Ontario sometimes get Buffalo sports networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
For more information about March Madness dates and times, please refer to the table below.
March Madness Event
Date(s)
Selection Sunday
March 17
First Four
March 19-20
First Round
March 21-22
Second Round
March 23-24
Sweet 16
March 28-29
Elite Eight
March 30-31
Final Four
April 6
NCAA Championship Game
April 8
Popular Ways to Bet on March Madness in Canada
There are certainly some unique ways to bet on March Madness compared to other basketball leagues. Here are the bet types that Canadians typically focus on during March Madness.
Filling Out A Bracket
A staple of March Madness betting is filling out what’s called a tournament bracket. Essentially, the 64 teams chosen to participate are strategically subdivided into four 16-team divisions – South, East, West, and Midwest.
It’s called a ‘bracket’ because two divisions (16 teams) are placed on each side, with each winning team advancing to the next stage (refer to the table in the previous section for a refresher on the stages and when they occur).
Many Canadians fill out brackets every year despite not following much college basketball outside of March Madness. It’s a fun way for every fan to get involved, whether casual or hardcore, because brackets are unpredictable and upsets happen all the time.
In fact, no one has EVER filled out a perfect bracket in the history of the tournament. Perhaps this will be the year, and perhaps it will be you! Look below for an example of a March Madness bracket.
Futures Betting
Futures betting concerns wagers attached to the outcome of future events. Often times, this pertains to a championship or some kind of individual award. For example, ‘Outright Championship Winner’ and ‘MVP’ would be futures markets.
This variety of bet is often placed before the tournament, but they can be placed any time before the Final Four. Technically they can be placed ahead of the championship game as well, but there’s little point as the odds will be exactly the same as the moneyline (outright single-game winner) market.
Prop Betting
A prop bet usually focuses on a statistic of an individual player. For example, betting markets such as “First Basket Scorer” or “Zac Edey Over/Under 22.5 Points”.
When it comes to NCAA basketball, the most popular props usually concern points, rebounds, and assists. For those looking to wager on defensive metrics, there are blocks and steals.
Which Team is Most Likely to Win March Madness?
Predicting the winner of March Madness is a very difficult task, with a variety of different schools viewed as championship contenders. That said, there are a handful of teams that have established themselves as perennial powerhouses and are often amongst the most likely to win in terms of March Madness betting odds.
One example of this is last year’s winners – the University of Connecticut Huskies. The team’s championship win during the finals of March Madness 2023 marked the school’s fifth since 1999. This season, the Huskies have only lost a pair of games and look well-positioned to win in consecutive years.
Another team that’s firmly in the mix is the Purdue Boilermakers. Last season, the school suffered a devastating loss as then-ranked No. 1 Purdue fell to No. 16 FDU in the first round. The Boilermakers current roster, led by Toronto-born Zach Edey, is raring to show the NCAA that they have what it takes to win it all.
What Else Should I Know About Betting on March Madness in Canada?
If you’ve read all of the previous sections (feel free to refer back to them any time for guidance), you’re now well on your way to betting on March Madness from Canada. The only thing left to consider is limiting yourself, as you should never spend outside your financial means when it comes to sports betting.
Some of Canada’s main sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, and others have equipped their sports betting sites and apps with responsible gaming tools. If you find yourself struggling to withhold from excessive betting, be sure to use these tools to set limits on daily/weekly spending and/or total spending.
Another key piece of advice is to make a habit of doing a quick news check before placing any bets. Sportsbooks will sometimes refund bets that fall short due to an early game injury, but not always, and certainly not if a player has been deemed ‘injured’ or ‘suspended’ prior to tipoff. Stay in the know, place smart bets, and enjoy the tournament!
Venturing into the world of online gaming can feel overwhelming for beginners. With thousands of games out there, it’s hard to know where to start. This article will guide you through a handpicked selection of the best online games perfectly suited for newcomers, ensuring a fun and accessible experience.
Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite game!
Top 5 Multiplayer Games for Beginners
Stardew Valley, Pokémon Go, Fortnite, Mario Kart, and Among Us are some of the best multiplayer games for beginners to jump into. These longrunning multiplayer games offer a variety of gameplay experiences on different platforms such as PC and mobile.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley invites beginners to a calming world of farming and adventure. Players create their own character and take over an old farm. They plant crops, raise animals, and explore caves.
The game moves at your pace, making it great for new gamers. Multiplayer mode lets you farm with friends online.
Next up is Pokémon Go where you step outside and catch virtual creatures in real places!
Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go, a widely popular mobile game, combines virtual reality with the real world. Players use their smartphones to explore their surroundings and catch Pokémon characters in different locations.
The game encourages outdoor activity and social interaction as players can team up to battle at gyms or join forces to conquer raids. With its easy gameplay and nostalgic appeal for long-time Pokémon fans, this beginner-friendly game offers an enjoyable experience for both new and seasoned gamers.
For beginners starting out on their gaming journey, Pokémon Go provides a great introduction to the world of online gaming while promoting physical activity. As one of the best free online games available for mobile devices, it serves as an excellent option for those looking to immerse themselves in the gaming community without feeling overwhelmed by complex controls or competitive environments.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular multiplayer video game available on various platforms like PC, consoles, and mobile devices. Players can team up with friends or play solo to battle it out in an ever-shrinking map until only one player or team remains standing.
The game’s fast-paced action, building mechanics, and constantly evolving gameplay make it an exciting choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of online gaming. With its colorful graphics and engaging challenges, Fortnite offers a thrilling experience for newbies venturing into the realm of multiplayer video games.
– 53 characters
Mario Kart
Mario Kart is a popular multiplayer racing game available on various gaming platforms, including Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. It offers beginner-friendly gameplay with simple controls, making it an excellent choice for those new to gaming.
With its colorful graphics and iconic characters from the Mario franchise, Mario Kart provides an enjoyable and lighthearted experience for beginners looking to dive into online multiplayer games.
Whether playing against friends or AI opponents, this game offers fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.
Among Us
Among Us is a popular multiplayer game for beginners that involves teamwork and strategy. It’s available on mobile devices and can be played with friends online. This game is perfect for those new to gaming as it’s easy to pick up and offers an exciting platform where players must work together to identify the impostor among the crew while completing tasks.
Among Us provides an immersive experience that encourages communication and problem-solving, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to enjoy online gaming with friends.
With its simple gameplay mechanics, Among Us is an excellent entry-level game, providing a thrilling experience for beginners entering the world of online gaming.
Top 5 Online Games for Beginners to Play with Friends
If you’re looking to play online games with your friends, there are plenty of options available. From the popular Jackbox Games to the thrilling challenges of The Escape Game, and even classic mobile games like Uno & Friends or Words with Friends 2, there’s something for everyone.
So gather your friends and start gaming today!
Jackbox Games
Jackbox Games offers a wide variety of entertaining and interactive multiplayer games suitable for beginners. With its user-friendly interface and compatibility across multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and gaming consoles, Jackbox Games provides an accessible option for gamers of all skill levels.
The party pack series features easy-to-understand gameplay and supports large groups, making it perfect for playing with friends or family gatherings. Additionally, the diverse range of game genres available ensures that there is something enjoyable for everyone to partake in.
Moving on to “The Escape Game”..
The Escape Game
Transitioning from Jackbox Games to The Escape Game, another exciting online multiplayer option for beginners to enjoy with friends is through immersive escape room experiences. The Escape Game offers a variety of virtual escape rooms that challenge players to work together to solve puzzles and uncover clues in order to “escape” within a set time limit.
With themes ranging from adventure and mystery to espionage and heist, these interactive games provide an engaging and thrilling experience for both new and experienced gamers alike.
Whether playing with friends or joining forces with other online players, The Escape Game offers an exciting opportunity for beginners to delve into the world of online gaming while honing their problem-solving skills.
Tabletopia
Transitioning to Tabletopia, for those who enjoy classic board games, this platform offers a virtual space to engage in over 1000 board games. With beginner-friendly options like Catan and Carcassonne, as well as more advanced titles for when you’re ready to level up your skills, Tabletopia provides a diverse range of multiplayer experiences for players of all levels.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to navigate through different game options and get started with friends or other players online. Whether you are looking to learn something new or indulge in familiar favorites, Tabletopia has something for every novice player eager to explore the world of online gaming.
Mobile games: Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends, Draw Something
Fortnite, the action-packed battle royale game, is a must-try for beginners. Thrilling gameplay and vibrant graphics make it perfect for entry-level gaming. Words with Friends 2 and Scrabble GO are ideal for word enthusiasts looking to challenge friends or meet new opponents online.
Uno & Friends offers classic card game fun while Draw Something tests creative skills in a Pictionary-style showdown. These mobile games provide diverse options catering to different gaming preferences.
For beginners looking to dive into mobile gaming, Fortnite introduces high-energy gameplay, while Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends, and Draw Something offer engaging experiences in words and art.
Pokemon Unite
Pokemon Unite, a free-to-play multiplayer online battle game, offers an exciting gaming experience for beginners. As a beginner-friendly option, it allows players to team up with friends and compete in 5-on-5 battles.
With its easy-to-understand mechanics and familiar Pokemon characters, it provides an entry-level opportunity for newbies to delve into the world of online gaming.
The game’s strategic gameplay and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for those looking to start their online gaming journey. Its availability on both PC and mobile platforms widens the accessibility for beginners seeking engaging multiplayer video games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous engaging and beginner-friendly online games available for players to enjoy. Whether it’s the relaxing farm life in Stardew Valley or the thrill of Fortnite battles, there’s something for everyone.
With options like Pokémon Go, Mario Kart, Jackbox Games, and Tabletopia, beginners have a wide array of choices to explore. These games offer an excellent introduction to the world of online gaming and provide endless fun for both solo players and groups of friends.
