Culture

America’s Sports Betting Bonanza Explained

Published

5 months ago

March 28, 2024

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Until quite recently, Americans could only legally bet on sports by traveling to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Nevada and exchanging physical currency for a slip detailing their wagers. That was then.

In a landmark 2018 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which previously restricted wagering on sports other than horse and dog racing (which employ parimutuel systems akin to peer-to-peer pools) to Las Vegas, Reno, and other Nevada locales. The court’s decision cleared the way for every state to legalize sports betting. New Jersey was the first to do so in 2018 and, since then, about 30 more have followed suit.

But as with marijuana laws, sports betting takes on different shapes, depending on the state. Some, like Washington, restrict such betting to tribal gaming properties. Others, like Tennessee, only offer mobile sports wagering, with bettors forced to use their phones or computers to get bets down instead of visiting a retail sportsbook. Most fall somewhere in between, and some really big ones, like California and Texas, have yet to legalize sports betting. (Naturally, Florida continues to be a nanny state.)

If you live in a state where sports betting’s not legal, it’s perfectly permissible to hit the interstate until you cross into a state where such wagering is legal, pull off at the first exit, download an authorized sportsbook app like DraftKings or FanDuel, place bets on your phone, and drive back home. That really, truly happens — a lot. And until New York launched mobile sports wagering shortly last month, Big Apple residents often biked to the middle of the George Washington Bridge, where they were technically in New Jersey, to get their bets down in a de facto al fresco sportsbook before pedaling back to their abodes.

As for the betting itself, it’s best to crawl before you (hopefully) sprint to the bank. In fact, if you have the mobility and means, it’s probably best to place your first bet in person at a sportsbook — namely Circa or the Westgate SuperBook — in Las Vegas, where patient, professional oddsmakers and tellers will be happy to walk you through the process and what all those numbers mean. Short of that, if you have access to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook within driving distance of your home, head there and have someone show you the ropes.

But if you’re determined to shun the IRL experience and bust out your phone to bet on the Super Bowl, remember that “risk-free bets” are typically anything but. By all means, take advantage of the plethora of mobile sportsbook promotions; they’re in the midst of a massive customer-acquisition cockfight, and unafraid to dole out free money to bludgeon rival birds. But if you don’t know what you’re doing — like, if you make a parlay bet without knowing what a parlay is, or wager with an offshore sportsbook without realizing you’ve just entered a very gray (bordering on black) market — it’ll soon be your money, not theirs, that you’re sacrificing.

Some helpful pointers heading in: Plus money — i.e., taking the Bengals on the moneyline at +170 — will pay far more handsomely than negative juice (i.e., taking either side of the Bengals-Rams spread at -110). And if you’re picking the moneyline, you’re picking the Bengals to win the game, period, regardless of what the point spread (Rams by 4 to 4.5, depending on what sportsbook you visit) is. That’s why you’re getting the plus money, because betting on the underdog to win is riskier than betting on them to lose by less than four points.

Parlays — where two or more betting events have to happen in order for your ticket to cash — might be where the big bucks are made, but smart money always wins. Start slow, be responsible, and don’t chase your losses. Predetermine how much money you’re willing to lose in one sitting and stop wagering when you reach that amount. Study what you’re betting on before you bet on it.

Do all this and, eventually, sports betting could become a lucrative hobby or, at worst, a fun, low-cost diversion on par with a Friday-night bar tab. Today, roughly 43% of Canadian and Americans do it.

Mike Seely is an associate editor with Better Collective, which owns several sports betting websites, including Sports Handle and US Bets.

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The Best Refreshing Cocktails

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

admin

Sometimes you want something light that tickles the taste buds but doesn’t weigh down your stomach….here are some refreshing cocktails.

Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a fresh perspective. Whether a change of seasons, hard day, or just want need some cheer, you need a little fun boost. Well here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten your spirits!

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Cucumber Martini

Spa water usually has cucumbers in it because it is so refreshing. They are healthy with a mild but distinctly crisp and exhilarating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?

Ingredients

3 thick slices cucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
2 1/2 ounces vodka or gin
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1 cup ice

Create

Put thick cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle to bring out flavor
Add vodka and vermouth
Add ice
Put the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
Strain the mixture into a martini glass
Garnish with a few thin slices cucumber

Brown Derby

Leaning into the great vintage cocktails, this 1930s drink will be a treat to your taste buds. The pairing of bourbon and grapefruit adds complexity and mellow undertones to the flavor.

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Splash of honey

Create

Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simply syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill it with ice and then shake until very cold
Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
Garnish with grapefruit slice

Whiskey Sour

This historic drink has saved lives. While the recipe first popped up in 1862, believed to have been consumed much earlier. Sea travel was difficult and like of fresh good and clean water lead to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease that was caused, in part, by a lack of vitamin C. It was safe to drink whisky, rum and other spirits on trips and sailors would take vast amounts of citrus food. Cominbing them was natural and a healthy option to avoid disease, now it is just a happy drink!

2 oz whiskey
1 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed is best
1 oz simple syrup
1 cocktail cherry for garnish

Create

Combine whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Add ice and shake until cold, about 30 seconds
Strain into a lowball glass with ice
Garnish with a cocktail cherry

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Tequila Smash

Smash drinks have been around for over a century and include the famed Mint Julep. First noted in Jerry Thomas’s bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known to be perfect to provide good spirits and cooling atmospheres.

Ingredients

5 fl oz Sauza Gold Tequila
2 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
.5 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
3 fl oz honey simple syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water
8-10 mint leaves torn into small pieces
2 cups crushed ice

Create

Make simple syrup by mixing 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves into water (about 1 minute), cool before adding to cocktail shaker
In a cocktail shaker add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup
Shake for 30 seconds
Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture
Garnish with fresh lime or lemon

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Biden

Key Tips For Consuming Marijuana At The Local Fair

Published

1 day ago

September 6, 2024

admin

Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana

September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?

RELATED: The Best Refreshing Cocktails

With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.

Key Tips For Consuming Marijuana At The Local Fair

Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.

The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.

If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.

The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.

Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.

Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

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adventure

5 Weed Friendly Last Of Summer Activities

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

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Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.

Hit the trail for a hike or long walk

heres what you should do if you want to hike with marijuana — Photo by Colton Duke via Unsplash

A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.

Relax at the beach or lake

5 ways to add cannabis to outdoor summer fun — Photo by Chanikarn Thongsupa via rawpixel.com

While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.

Lose yourself in a film

Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.

Emerse yourself in art

5 Summer Activities To Do While High — Photo by Igor Miske via Unsplash

Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.

Enjoy a picnic feast

Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.

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