Month: February 2023

Gambling is so addictive that it creates problems, and various studies have shown young gamblers aged between 13 and 20 have exhibited criminal behaviors. Although in the Philippines, the legal age is 18, there are reasons why adolescents engage in such activities, thus becoming society’s problem. We will discuss this in this OKBET blog post.

There are more young gamblers than adults.

Due to the development of new forms of gambling (online casinos), the internet has been plagued by platforms unregulated by the government. Teens can easily access these sites and, as a result, have been introduced to the world of betting. While it is recreational to those with money, young gamblers who are not yet part of the working force will have to find other means to continue their bad habit.

It is also important to note that families also play a significant role in the child’s upbringing. Parents who frequent casinos and take up betting as a hobby can instill it in their children. Peers can also influence them to take up the game of chance, even if it is just “for fun.”

A 2020 study argued that a child’s teenage years are more vulnerable to criminal behavior if not guided by their family. A survey even showed that although the game of chance is age-restricted, teens still engage in such an activity.

“Despite the fact that in many countries gambling is forbidden to minors, in recent years, there has been a marked increase in this behavior among younger people so that from surveys conducted in different cultural contexts, it emerges that a percentage between 60 and 99% of boys and between 12 and 20 years have gambled at least once,” said clinical psychologist Katie Splevins in her 2019 study.

Teenagers prefer social games like cards and sports betting. However, there is a small percentage of the youth involved in illegal age gambling activities. Mostly, those involved were entertained by unregulated gambling operators with no age restrictions in betting.

Gambling is already inherent in adolescence.

Splevins argued the game of chance is already buried deep in the subconscious of adolescents. However, it needs further analysis, she said.

“In fact, the lowering of the age of onset of problematic behaviors related to pathological gambling raises a question about the presence of gambling in preadolescents, as more [exposure] to the use of the Internet, smartphones, and tablets as tools that could encourage this type of conduct.

“A series of studies have highlighted how adult pathological players started playing significantly earlier from a non-pathological player’s chronological point of view.”

Young gamblers have the potential but are… justified?

A 2020 study by Gemma Mestre-Bach et al. discovered that teenagers involved in gambling at a young age were prone to committing criminal activities. Although not grave offenses, the acts committed by them were concerning enough.

Mestre-Bach found out that adolescents with gambling problems commit crimes that are “income-producing” or “property-related.” They commit fraud, forgery, robbery, and theft to sustain their gambling habit.

Researchers argued that it is sort of a “band-aid solution” to their financial problems.

But while their actions are criminal offenses, Mestre-Bach did not agree. She justified the behaviors as a reflection of their “desperation” to reacquire their losses due to gambling.

A criminal theory by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay suggests that these are the reasons:

1. Social network is not supportive enough.
2. Pro-criminal values have been acquired before they reach adolescence.
3. In a society or community where the game of chance is not frowned upon.

What can parents do?

It is the responsibility of the parents to sit them down and talk about the dangers of gambling addiction.

Parents must fully explain the consequences of the game of chance. This includes financial problems, relationship problems, and more to prevent children from becoming potential young gamblers.

To ensure that a child will not explore the Internet and discover online gambling, Alberta listed down the things parents must do:

• Change passwords on applications regularly.
• Manage pop-ups, or better, disable them.
• Internet access should be limited, and web access should be under the supervision of an adult.

Read more: Top Expensive Sports 99% of People Cannot Play

Professional F1 drivers sit and drive a car that is basically going around 360 km/h. Sounds easy, right? But have you wondered why they are required to be fit?

A Formula 1 fanboy would argue that the sport, like any other sport, needs its athletes to be physically and mentally ready. Do they really need it?

We will answer that question for this blog post, but first, a little background.

F1’s Origin

A dangerous sport, F1 racing has been around since the 1920s. OKBET players, if you didn’t know, compared to the present, the cars and the technologies used in the early days are much more improved. Why? Because car manufacturers try to avoid accidents that were very common more than 100 years ago.

In 1904, an association of national motor clubs was formed. It was named the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR). But after World War II, it became Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

As the one responsible for overseeing Formula 1, 2, and 3, FIA created the rules and regulations that F1 drivers and their respective teams should adhere to. Part of the policy is that the cars and the racers should be fit.

Because of this requirement, the world has witnessed the best car makers like Ferrari and Mercedes. Fans also saw the making of F1 greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton.

These names have shown that apart from extreme driving skills, they must be ultra-focused on the track while their body and mind are constantly pressured.

The Answer to Your Question

During the 1950s, F1 cars could reach a 100 km/hr speed in four seconds. The cars of old have a maximum speed of 290 km/hr.

But because of the evolution of technology and cars, race cars can easily hit the 100 km/hr mark in just 2.9 seconds. Their max speed also increased, hitting a 360 km/hr cap.

Driving and reaching the speeds mentioned above need capable F1 drivers. But no one can complete such a feat without proper training unless they are a genius.

According to Playo, going 360 km/hr has certain effects on the body, making Formula 1 one of the most mentally and physically demanding sports. Apart from the tremendous strain, an aspiring driver also needs deep pockets ($190,000 just to enter an F1 race!).

According to One Stop Racing, the elements that prompt F1 drivers to have proper training and body condition are:

Heat

Imagine a car going over 300 km/hr, with the driver’s seat near the engine, almost over 60 degrees Celsius. The heat emitting from that engine, paired with a sunny day and a tracksuit, can easily make any inexperienced driver suffer a heat stroke. Moreover, professionals have been doing races for an hour or more. Can you stay inside a sauna-like cockpit for hours?

G Force

To explain, G force is the measure of acceleration. The force that keeps inhabitants of Earth from floating is gravity having 1G.

1G means you are just carrying your weight and nothing more. But in the case of Formula 1 driver, they experience up to 6Gs during a race. In Layman’s terms, an average driver weighing around 80kg will carry his weight six times, or 480kg.

Also, the intense G force prevents drivers from generally breathing due to elevated heart rates of 40 BPM to 170 BPM.

Physical and Mental Fatigue

Every race, F1 drivers lose up to four kilograms because of sweat. Body nutrients are excreted through sweat glands and are followed by extreme dehydration. 

But since drivers are driving a car going at least 300km/hr, they must have a clear head. A single mistake on the track may cost millions and even lives. Hence, they have a massive responsibility while trying to complete the track.

I Want to Be an F1 Driver. How Should I Train?

G Force is the factor that requires physical fitness vital whenever an F1 driver is on a track. The body and the mind must be prepared to carry an imaginary weight of at least 400kg.

Professional F1 drivers train their strength and endurance, focusing on body parts like the neck, torso, and legs.

Neck

Training the neck is critical for drivers to counter the G force. Without a muscular nape, severe neck fatigue will be experienced in just a couple of laps. Hence the racer can’t complete the race.

Torso

The upper body of a driver should be strengthened because they frequently cut corners while being at high speeds. A Formula 1 driver will have better stability and control of the wheel by having a solid torso.

Legs

Training the legs is as important as training the neck and torso. Why? Because professional drivers hit the brakes at least 1200 times during a race.

Furthermore, it is not your average car brake. A race car requires a lot of force to decelerate or put the vehicle to a complete stop.

Conclusion

Becoming an F1 driver is not easy and not for the faint-hearted. To be one requires extreme discipline, both of the body and the mind.

Read more: Top Expensive Sports 99% of People Cannot Play

Twenty-eight-year-old Tim Tszyu will take on 32-year-old Tony Harrison on March 12, with a promise that he will be “putting pressure” on his opponent when they meet inside the ring in Sydney, Australia.

The two boxers will be battling for the vacant WBO Interim World Super Welter title.

Tszyu, who has a record of 21 wins and 0 losses, assured that the former WBC junior middleweight champion would have no air to breathe in their fight. However, many boxing fans doubted his skills, especially when facing a boxer like Harrison, who had 29 wins, 3 losses, and one draw.

Nevertheless, Harrison has not been his usual self in the last three fights we have seen him. In his most recent bout against Sergio Garcia last April 19, 2022, to acquire the WBC Silver Super Welterweight title, it reached 12 rounds. His victory also relied on the judges’ scorecard.

His defeat was via knockout by Jermell Charlo last December 21, 2019, and he had a draw against Bryant Perrella on April 17, 2021.

Meanwhile, Tszyu was splendid in his last three fights. After putting Steve Spark on the canvas, he acquired the Commonwealth Boxing Council Welterweight title. The Australian boxer also successfully defended his title against Naoya Inoue’s younger brother, Takeshi.

Lacks boxing knowledge? We’ll see — Tim Tszyu

Harrison talked smack on Tszyu, claiming that his opponent “lacks boxing knowledge.”

The Australian responded by saying, “He’ll be in shock.”

Moreover, the Australian boxer said he is prepared to take on his opponent, especially with his body’s condition.

“I’m not too sure, but I’m definitely not 165. I’m a big boy. I’m getting bigger & bigger. I’m eating cleanly. Everything is on track. I’ve hired a chef now. My food’s on point, and I don’t have much body fat, either.

“168. My game plan is pretty simple. Get him in the water and drown him. If he wants air, he won’t be allowed any air, and he’ll sink. Make him sink. That’s quite simple,” he told Fighthype.

Tszyu vs. Harrison comparison

Standing at 5’8”, Tim Tszyu has a reach of 72 inches. In his 21 bouts, he had 15 knockouts making his knockout percentage a staggering 71.43%.

Meanwhile, Harrison has the height advantage, standing at 6’1”. His reach is also longer compared to his opponent, with 76.5 inches.

Though he is longer than Tszyu, Harrison only has a knockout percentage of 63.64%, which is lower than his opponent. But in terms of experience, the American boxer has the advantage.

With height and reach, Harrison would take on Tszyu in the distance. But his inactivity could be his downfall once he gets it on in the ring with a younger Tszyu.

Boxing fans of OKBET will surely anticipate the match between these two fighters. Tszyu is eager to fight anyone, particularly after taking a break following his 12-round unanimous decision victory against Terrell Gausha earlier on March 26, 2022.

“I think Australia is going to erupt. I haven’t fought for almost a year and a half back home, and I know it’s going to be the biggest show yet. But the biggest problem he’s running into isn’t the fans; it’s me. He (Harrison) was the next best available option. I’m at that stage of my career where I don’t care who is in front of me. I’m ready to take them all out.”

Read: Fury ‘Wants’ Pound-for-Pound Usyk

A looming question surrounds the upcoming match-up of Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon in the sixth and last window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers:

Can Gilas win against the towering giants?

With five wins and three losses, the Philippine basketball team faces Lebanon, the third runner-up in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup Indonesia. The Lebanese are towering over their group for the World Cup qualifiers, having seven wins with only one loss.

In their meeting last August 26, Gilas fell short despite having NBA player Jordan Clarkson and future star Kai Sotto leading the team. Despite having a roster of PBA stars and Japan B. League players, the team failed to make the cut. They lost by an inch to Lebanon, 85-81.

Meanwhile, Lebanon is incomplete going into the game. Lebanese star Wael Arakji was not included in Coach Jad El Hajj’s lineup due to undisclosed reasons.

However, the Philippine team is also going to the game without their two biggest players—Sotto and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Japeth Aguilar. 

The remainder of Gilas now includes PBA’s reigning MVP, Scottie Thompson, along with PBA stars Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, and Roosevelt Adams. Japan B. League players Bobby Parks, Dwight Ramos, and brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena are also part of Coach Chot Reyes’ lineup.

Gilas to go hard on Lebanon

According to Reyes, the Philippines will not take for granted the absence of Arakji because they too, have lost valuable pieces.

“We’re playing the best team in Asia,” he said. “Lebanon finished second in the last FIBA Asia Cup against Australia, and Australia is not in Asia, so for me, the No. 1 team in Asia today is Lebanon. This is a good test for us.”

The Philippines, as a host country, is automatically qualified for the World Cup. The world tournament will begin on August 25 and until September 10.

Apart from 7’2 Sotto, Clarkson will also not be playing. Also, Carl Tamayo, Roger Pogoy, Raymond Almazan, and Poy Erram are no longer with the team.

“We have a different team then, facing Lebanon, we have Kai (Sotto), we have Jordan (Clarkson), and now, we don’t have any of those guys. It’s going to be a good test for the rest of the guys,” Reyes pointed out.

What do you think OKBET players? Will Gilas triumph over Lebanon? Or will this be another case of Deja Vu?

Read more: 2023 NBA Slam Dunk: Mac McClung, Others Did Not Disappoint

“The sign of truly great parenting is the parent’s behavior.” — Andy Smithson.

Problem gamblers can be a headache to families, affecting those close to them, even their own children.

A parenting mistake is letting children see adults gamble. Letting them know the world of betting at such a young age could create attitude problems in the future.

According to a 2014 study, the common issues visible in a family with a problematic gambler are: financial hardship, impaired family relationships, diminished emotional and physical health, family conflict, mistrust, family neglect, communication breakdown, and confusion about family roles and responsibilities.

Various research has also shown that gambling can be associated with family violence. A 2021 study stressed that there were reports of emotional disturbances, physical complaints, behavioral problems, and forms of neglect linked to parents who cannot hide their gambling addiction.

NCP Gambling even listed the effects that children suffer when their parents have a gambling addiction. These are:

Lack of Emotional Validation

Children do not feel appreciated, and their parents do not notice their feelings and thoughts. Hence, they will find it difficult to express themselves fully; their perception of the world is misconstrued; struggling to judge, evaluate, and cope with events; and they are insecure and fearful due to a lack of confidence.

Lack of Environmental Stability

Good parenting is securing a stable family routine and establishing the importance of roles to children. But if a parent falls prey to gambling, the children will be in a household with financial problems and legal separations.

Lack of Emotional Predictability

An important parenting aspect is to show affection to their children. Parents should respond to their kids with approval and with love. 

If their parents are gamblers, their offspring often were discarded. As a result, the child would learn a bettor’s way of thinking to get the parents’ attention. Another is that a lack of attention from their mother or father would result in anxiety or depression.

Be aware of your children’s difficulties

Parents need to be sensitive to their kids. Spotting a gambling problem among the young is critical to prevent future problems.

Signs include:

The Child Becomes Extremely Quick to Spend Money

Have you wondered why your kid is acting like a one-day millionaire? The reason is that you, as parents, are also squandering your money.

Children see their mother or their father as their models. If either of their parents is a gambler who cannot control their spending, it is most likely that the kid will also pick up the bad habit.

Kid Knows How to Borrow Money

Borrowing money is the beginning of the end for gamblers. It is a bad habit that a child can easily adapt, especially if the parents are habitual borrowers.

When a child asks for a loan, they follow in their parent’s footsteps. However, their aim could be (1) to help financially or (2) to sustain childish needs like toys, gadgets, etc., which parents fail to sustain.

The downside is that it prevents children from learning to be financially independent. Instead of learning to manage their finances, their mindset is that they can borrow more.

Poorer School Performance

Poor performance from a kid results from the parent’s lack of attention. Children need constant appreciation and intimacy. A poor school performance could also be the beginning of a child’s rebellious phase.

Becomes Socially Awkward All Of a Sudden

Gambling addiction of parents affects their children so much that it can influence them socially—and negatively. For instance, a kid becomes insecure and overly conscious. It is because their mother is not communicating with them daily. The child cannot build their confidence if no one is going to encourage them, particularly their parents, who are busy betting.

Takes an Interest in Gambling, or any of its Forms

Is your child interested in casino games or sports betting? Does he love to wager?

Like his mother or father, a kid who likes gambling would grow up to be a gambler. Again, children see their parents as their models. Thus, it would mold their behavior from what they see from their mother or father.

Claims Gambling is not ‘Dangerous’

Since parents are unafraid of the consequences of gambling, so does their child. A child would learn not to fear the vice’s negative impacts and become a high-risk gambler in the future.

Teaching Kids about Gambling Awareness

At an early age, it is best to teach children about gambling. According to the Australian parenting website Raising Children, it can be tricky. But with enough patience, parents can educate their children regarding the advantages and disadvantages of gambling.

Make them understand

Explaining how gambling works gives children the idea of betting. It should be one of your parenting priorities.

From a young age, a child is always curious, trying to explore things they have yet to explore.

Communicate with them and enlighten them about the pros and cons of gambling.

Teach them about picking quality media choices instead of practicing gambling skills through online gambling and gaming. It is also critical to promote balanced screen use to avoid children stumbling with gambling content on the internet.

Make Them Practice Positive Activities

Stress can be a factor in why a child develops a gambling habit. To prevent them from becoming a gambler at a very young age, make them occupied. When we say occupied, encourage your children to engage in positive extracurricular activities like exercise, sports, and art.

Conclusion

Gambling can be dangerous if not limited. It can have a severe impact on your kids, affecting their future. Online casinos like OKBET can help you control your urge to gamble. Government bodies like the Philippines’ Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) can keep you from betting.

Read: Secrets Casinos Keep From Us

Gambling is innate among mere mortals, and gods love an old-fashioned game of chance. This is why humans place their faith in various deities believing that those they worship or believe in would take risks on them by granting them incredible success in life.

Those who wage with the gods in the old days only ask for good hunting and fruitful harvests. But as gambling evolved, so did the stakes.

There were even mentioned tales of individuals staking their lives against gods. However, for this blog, we will discuss the ones revered to be responsible for luck and fortune.

Hermes

The Trickster God, the Greek God Hermes, is usually described as someone holding a winged staff with two snakes. He also wears a herald’s wand or caduceus and has tiny wings on his ankles. Hermes is the god of travelers, athletes, thieves, merchants, messengers, and many more.

Some of his sacred duties are guiding souls to the underworld and as the gods’ messenger. However, he also loves playing tricks on the other gods.

He would often deceive his brothers and sisters to either help humans or for selfish gain. Hermes is also believed to be the inventor of dice or knucklebones. According to Greek mythology, his dice decided the domains that Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades would rule.

Known to gamblers as the “bringer of good luck,” ancient bettors would often seek Hermes’ blessings before playing a game.

Fortuna

Romans were fans of gambling, although it was prohibited in Rome. To be able to play, they invented chips to replace money as bets.

However, a day called Fors Fortuna was dedicated to their goddess of fortune—Fortuna. It is celebrated every June 24, with people from different empires would gather and drinking wine, gambling, and worshiping this goddess.

As one of the gambling gods, Fortuna was hailed by enslaved people and commoners. But since she is the goddess of luck, her alter egos (good luck, bad luck, fickle fortune, and doubtful fortune) are responsible for all kinds of luck.

Unfortunately, her influence was not recognized, even by OKBET players, since people, up until now, still rely upon Lady Luck for good fortune.

Kangiten

There are also gods of fortune in the far east. Kangiten is the Buddhist equivalent of the Hindu god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of good fortune. However, for Kangiten, this particular deity was believed to be a former demonic creature full of rage. All those pent-up anger is said to be only quelled by his female counterpart.

This Japanese god is claimed to be a “giver.” Anything can be wished upon Kangiten, even the impossible. However, in exchange for immediate success, they will meet an inevitable tragedy in the future.

Also, this Buddhist god is considered to be “too sacred to be seen publicly.” This is why he cannot be seen in temples, and monks secretly perform their rituals.

As for his role as a gambler’s god, it is a 50-50 chance. Anyone seeking his help would be granted extremely good fortune or misfortune.

Macuilxochitl

Macuilxochitl is the Aztec god of games. He is the early form of responsible gambling because he severely punishes those who gamble excessively. 

Also, the god was vital to the Aztec race/war game patolli. Bets vary from blankets to precious stones; in extreme cases, the player’s home, family, or freedom are among the wages. Whoever wins the game will receive all the stakes as a “gift” from Macuilxochitl himself.

Thot

He is the Egyptian god of wisdom. Gamblers seek his help because he is fair and just.

However, he is a busy god. He was the hieroglyph inventor and the scribe of the gods. Thot also serves as the judge of the deceased while being the moon god of magic and science.

So how was he one of the gambling gods? Apparently, Thot helped the goddess Nut have children by playing a betting game with the moon. He did so for five days until he won, eventually giving Nut a chance to have children.

Nezha

Nezha is the Chinese god of gambling. According to stories, his luck began when his father, Li Jing, mistook him for a demon and attempted to murder him. He survived and became a hero for slaying demons and serving as the Earth’s protector.

Nezha is believed to be the revealer of winning lottery numbers.

Nohoipili

Not every gambling god is good. This is what the Navajo god Nohoipili proved to be. According to the legend, he came to Earth to teach people the rules of different gambling games.

But because betting is addictive, Navajo became greedy. He beat tribes and enslaved them, forcing them to build a home for him.

Fortunately, the other gods took the side of humans and gave a random person gambling powers to beat the god. Navajo lost and returned to the sky to rule over his people—the Mexicans.

Lakshmi

The wife of the Hindu god Vishnu, Lakshmi, is the most potent betting god. She is so powerful that she gave fellow god Indra 1000 years of bad luck.

The goddess despises materialism. She only favors those who seriously wish for it. Gamblers who want her blessing should remember not to be greedy and treat gambling as fun.

Gefjon 

Despite their brutal strength and barbaric ways, the Vikings also believe in luck. They have their goddess, Gefjon, to bring them good fortune.

Described to have a plow, the Norse God has four oxen—her sons—to bring a good harvest.

Gefjon also has the power to see everyone’s destinies. This unique power is probably why gamblers want to know what fate lies ahead in their game. Such ability would be beneficial, especially when playing roulette at OKBET.

Seven Lucky Japanese Gods

Last but not least, Japan’s seven lucky gods. Originally worshipped separately, they, as gambling gods, were adored as a group. Their followers believe they can bring wealth to specific professions.

Below are the gods and the areas they bless:

As for gamblers, they tend to pray for Fukurokuju’s blessings because he has power over luck.

Conclusion

There are many gambling gods to choose from. However, it is better to rely on something other than the blessings of these deities. The best winning strategy is always to trust your skills and knowledge of the game. Lady Luck or any betting gods would sometimes fail you, but skills and experience will not.

Read: Basketball, a Winter Diversion?

Out of all the money casinos make daily, they still keep secrets from players—and most are hidden in plain sight.

They do not want you to know, but we are, revealing them to you, our faithful OKBET readers.

Without further ado, here are the secrets casinos keep from us:

Slot Locations are Part of the “Plan”

Before the opening of a casino, managers and casino owners spend months, if not years, planning the casino floors to determine which area of the establishment will drive the most traffic. Once the location is identified, premium slot machines will be placed.

The reason is that you find popular slot machines near the casino entrance to parts that interconnect the entire place because it is where most people pass. We all know those who enter a gambling house are not there for the sights but to play and earn money. Thus, the machines that make more profit are more visible than those that get few wagers.

No Distractions Inside a Casino

Yes, that is true. Enter any casino in the world, and you will not be distracted from betting on your favorite game. You will not see any windows or clocks inside. That way, your perception of time will fade, and you will spend more time inside.

You cannot see a window as well since it will give you an idea of how much time has gone by. Hence, you will keep playing, and your odds of losing your bankroll increase.

Distractions affect the establishment’s revenue, and looking at mobile phones is discouraged. If you look at your phone for a long time, security will even politely ask you to hide your device.

The famous Casino de Monte-Carlo is the only casino with a clock.

Sounds and Animations Play Mind Games

Notice how a certain animation or sound makes you feel close to hitting the jackpot? That is the casino’s way of tricking your mind, thanks to the help of game developers.

If you are observant enough, the animations and sounds will entice you to keep spinning until you hit the jackpot.

Slots are in the Same Musical Key

Despite all the noise inside a casino, paired with the jingles, soundtracks, and chimes, you were not annoyed. But why? It is because all of the sounds were written in C Major.

Because the “noise” is on the same note, players remain in a good mood and will keep on playing.

You Are Not Allowed to Win Too Much

If Lady Luck is beside you while gambling, expect that security personnel will be too. Casinos are not too keen on having a player who is a winner at every game. Once the bankroll hits “suspiciously too much,” a casino staff will warn that if you keep winning, you will be asked to leave the gambling floor.

Though totally legal, your ban does not mean you will forfeit all your winnings.

Less Security in Poker Rooms

Based on an article by Fox News, the least watched part of a casino is the poker room/s. Derk Boss, an expert in gaming security, said that poker is a player-versus-player game, meaning the house has fewer investments than other casino games like Roulette.

“The players really police themselves,” he said. “When you get people who play poker all the time, they know when someone is screwing off or trying to take advantage of something, and they’ll say something. They pay attention to it better than anybody.”

Online Casinos’ Amazing Bonuses are a Scam

Online casinos, authorized or not, tend to attract players through bonuses designed to motivate them to spend more money on the games. While casino bonuses seem that you have a high bankroll, be aware. Because you still have to bet the bonuses you received before being allowed to claim them.

However, not every online casino does such a thing. OKBET, for instance, does not scam its players with big bonuses. 

At Night, Dealers are Faster

Have you ever wondered why you are pressed to make faster decisions when gambling at night in a casino? They change dealers, that’s why!

Faster dealers are on the night shift so that they can close out tables much more quicker. Bet and Beat “insiders” claim that one of the secrets casinos keep is that these dealers are at night because there are more patrons to cater to. Because of the number of players and a rapid game, bettors usually make wrong decisions. Hence, more money for the casinos.

You Cannot Steal, Copy a Casino Chip

Casino chips are embedded with radio-frequency identification (RFID), allowing the establishment to track its chips’ whereabouts and movements. Once stolen, the casino can easily deactivate the chips, making them useless.

Moreso, RFID allows the management to monitor key patrons who are roaming the gaming floor. Staff can signal their superior via the chips if they see any suspicious pattern or behavior.

Additionally, the incentives that high-rollers receive are done through the RFID-embedded chips they have.

Casinos are Mostly Haunted

On Reddit, casino employees have shared their personal experiences of the macabre and the unexplained.

Redditors have posted the gruesome deaths they saw at casinos, like players dying at the slots and table games.

When someone passed away, other players tried stealing the chips of the deceased, and this Redditor witnessed it:

“Oh my God, where do I begin……I’ve seen a man inject himself in the leg with insulin and then leave the syringe sticking out of his leg for an hour because he won a jackpot when he injected himself, so, therefore, it must be a lucky charm. 

“I have seen people piss and shit themselves because they didn’t want to leave the table/slot machine. I’ve seen people pass out after having sat chain-smoking at a slot machine for 36 hours straight, and I’ve seen other customers get mad because the paramedics interrupted their winning streak. And I’ve seen a man die of a heart attack at a poker table and then watched as the rest of the players try to steal his winnings before security could get there.”

Afterthought

Casinos keep secrets from their players, and for good reasons. The gambling industry is there for a reason—to bring joy and entertainment to people. To continue doing so, they gatekeep things to prevent them from escalating.

Moreover, the point of gambling is to make money and to keep people happy. Derk even argued that casinos are “fun” since they can be someone’s happy place.

Read: A Gambler’s Worst Nightmare: To Drown in Gambling Debt

The 2023 NBA Slam Dunk featuring Mac McClung and other young dunkers was not, per se, the first choice of fans and sports analysts. However, they delivered a fantastic performance last Sunday, February 19, stunning the whole world.

McClung, 24, was hailed as the Slam Dunk champion, scoring 50 points in all three rounds. He became the first slam dunk champ of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The former G-league player awed fans and players alike. His attempts were “out-of-this-world,” particularly his first dunk. McClung dunked on two people and tapped the backboard before ending it with an electrifying reverse slam.

OVER 2 PEOPLE. TAP OFF THE BACKBOARD.

GOODNESS, MAC MCCLUNG.#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday
📺: Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/kEzCbDofEd

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

For his second dunk, NBA described him as “crazy.” McClung went for a 360 before ending it with another reverse dunk.

360 AND THE REVERSE 🥶

Mac McClung went crazy for round 2.#ATTSlamDunk x #StateFarmSaturday
📺: Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/zwaM1N6SXC

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

McClung’s third dunk could be as well put into the dunk history books. From the baseline, the 76ers player whipped out an outrageous slam that sent the commentators, judges, OKBET players, and all in attendance screaming with delight.

Mac's pause on the double-pump reverse is even crazier in #PhantomCam! 🤯#ATTSlamDunk #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/PqYBr1Ol9q

— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2023

While McClung stole the show, participants like Kenyon Martin Jr.(Houston Rockets), Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans), and Jericho Sims (New York Knicks) also showed why they deserve to be contestants of the said All-Star Weekend category.

Mac McClung, Others Delivered

Days before the Slam Dunk contest, many fans, including many sports analysts, disagreed with the organization’s choice of contestants.

In an article by USAToday, they even made a list of who deserved to make an appearance in the competition. Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Trailblazers), Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) were the picks.

Although the favorites were not in said competition, Mac McClung and others did not disappoint.

In his first dunk, Murphy III accumulated a 46.6 after a 360 dunk courtesy of a “steal” from teammate Jose Alvarado.

On the other hand, Sims showcased his jumping ability in the first round. The Knicks center dunked the ball and his hands (both of them!) to get a score of 47.6.

Martin Jr. saved his first dunk by doing a reverse dunk from the baseline. He took a score of 46.

In his second attempt, Martin Jr made a reverse, between-the-knees dunk to get 47.2. The Rockets small forward even got help from his legendary father, Kenyon Martin.

Murphy wowed the attendees in the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City by going for a cockback, reverse jam to give himself 49.4 points.

McClung, who recently signed a two-way contract with the 76ers, also became the first player to be a dunk champion and the second player besides Spud Webb to be at least 6’2” or shorter. He also achieved it while just playing two games, becoming the first titleholder with the least games.

Read: Jon Jones versus Ciryl Gane Fight Odds, Predictions

The upcoming heavyweight fight between Jon “Bones” Jones and Ciryl “Bon Gamin” Gane is expected to favor the former in terms of odds, but can he live up to the expectation?

Bones was supposed to fight former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. But a disagreement about his contract prompted the organization to release him from the agreement and cost him his belt.

Instead of facing Ngannou, Jones will be fighting former interim champion and SportsNaut’s top-ranked fighter, Ciryl Gane, for the now-vacant heavyweight title. They will be the main event of the UFC 285 on March 5 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

OKBET players may have expected a slugfest between Bones and Ngannou, but this match will be exciting, especially with Gane’s uniqueness in his weight category.

Jon Jones versus Ciryl Gane Comparison

The Favorite

The former UFC Light-Heavyweight champion was considered the “greatest fighter of all time.” He has 26 wins, with one loss due to disqualification because of downward elbows.

But other than that, he was considered by Evolve MMA to be an undefeated fighter. A relentless fighter, who showed no mercy to every opponent he faced in the cage, Jones has earned a spot in UFC’s Hall of Fame. 

At age 35, Bones decimates his enemies through his natural fighting style. He does not force anything and instead waits for an opportunity he can take advantage of.

Jones is one of the taller UFC fighters to step into the octagon. He also has extra-long arms. 

While his legs are not gigantic for a heavyweight, looks can be deceiving. Bones is an expert on defensive wrestling, unorthodox Muay Thai, and Jeet Kun Do. He uses all those influences to inflict damage on anyone brave enough to face him.

What makes him special and the favorite of the upcoming fight is that he can mix all his mastered fighting styles and turn them into his own. Bones is also unpredictable, transitioning from wrestling to strikes in a blink of an eye.

Take for example, his fight against Daniel Cormier. No one believed Bones would attempt takedowns, and yet he did. As a result, his opponent was surprised by the former champion’s game plan.

He was able to execute his surprise attack thanks to his incredible wrestling skills. Once he takes an opponent down, his game control widens, not to mention how nasty his ground-and-pound skills were.

The Underdog

The reason why the Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane match is an exciting one is that the underdog is not totally at a disadvantage. Despite going up to probably the best UFC fighter, as per MMA Mania, Gane is also a monster of his own.

For a heavyweight, he is light on his feet and can switch from Southpaw to Orthodox simultaneously, which is probably why he withstood Ngannou for five rounds. In Muay Thai, the French was undefeated. His strikes were also powerful and impossible to read, especially with how cunning his hip feints are.

Bon Gamin (11-1) is an expert in misdirection. One simple mistake of biting his bait could be fatal, particularly once he lets go of his left leg.

For instance, his fight against boxer Junior dos Santos. Gane had set up a variety of moves, flustering his opponent. Even a simple hand movement from the French was enough for dos Santos to hesitate, thus opening himself for a ripping left kick.

While he is known for his kicks, Bon Gamin can also box. He highlighted his boxing ability during his fight against Don’Tale Mayes.

The French showed interesting moves in his boxing game. He incorporated feinting kicks and stance changes before swinging a big hook.

Bon Gamin also knows when he could outbox an opponent. His fight against dos Santos was an example of how intelligent of a fighter the French is.

Rather than exchanging blows with dos Santos, he used his hands to set up his devastating kicks. Gane would throw jabs before a low kick or flash a big swing to make him back down.

The French can also be lethal at close-range, especially with his Muay Thai. His elbow strikes are terrifying, thanks to his excellent positioning.

Conclusion

Although Jon Jones is the favored fighter to win the match, Ciryl Gane is not an easy opponent to take down. Moreover, Jones has been on hiatus for two years, and the match marks his comeback. Compared to the French, he recently fought Tai Tuivasa and knocked out his opponent.

Both fighters are built like fortresses. However, Gane will have a harder time taking down Jones, who has a takedown defense of 95%. But when it comes to striking, the French has better accuracy, landing 5.11 significant strikes per minute.

So in terms of the odds favoring Jones (1.77) over Gane (2.00), there is a huge possibility that they are evenly matched.

But if Jones wins, he will seal his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

What do you think, OKBET players? Will Bones make a spectacular comeback? Or will he fall in the hands of Gane?

Read: Ja Morant and the Grizzlies No Longer Safe in the West?

Some sports are not made for everyone, and throughout the world, there are at least four most expensive games, definitely not made for the commoners—proving that the separation between the rich and the poor can also exist in an activity that binds people together.

Although there is a disparity, there are explanations as to why the sports listed here cannot be played by those with ‘limited’ resources. We will explain it further as we go along this OKBET post.

Equestrian

The first on our list involves riding a horse. Called Equestrian, this sport, according to Playo, involves running, steeple chasing, and vaulting while on a horse. This is among the top expensive sports in the world because a powerful animal, like a horse, can only be enjoyed by those who have deep pockets.

As per the website White Rose Equestrian Center, the annual maintenance cost of a single horse is an average of $23,903. If it includes boarding in a show barn, it goes up to $48,480.

But if someone includes the training and the travel expense, it can balloon to $200,000 per year.

The value of a performance horse also depends on its pedigree. Some may be around $500, but they can go up to $1 million.

Participants in equestrian are extremely wealthy, just like business magnate Bill Gates’ daughter, Jennifer. The late Steve Jobs’ daughter is also taking up the sport; so does Georgina Bloomberg, the child of Bloomberg’s CEO, Michael.

Formula 1

Before having sponsors from major car manufacturers like Ferrari or Mercedes, a Formula One driver has to use their own money to acquire a vehicle suitable for F1 racing.

An F1 race car is about $12 million to $15 million, said the website En San. Furthermore, professional drivers must consider that their lives are always at risk whenever they are on track.

Also, an aspiring pro driver should have at least invested a million dollars, provided the registration fee for a car is priced at $190,000.

Sailing 

This sport is probably the easiest to manage once you acquire a boat. Annual maintenance, including docking and insurance fees, as per the website Improve Sailing, is around $2000 to $7000. But sailing is one the most expensive sports there is, especially how much a boat costs.

An ordinary boat costs about $50,000 to $100,000. However, it could also reach a great price of $50 million to $100 million, meaning players of this sport must be at least billionaires.

Also, the sport is seasonal in most countries. So the boat stays docked for almost the rest of the year.

Festival of Speed

A native sport in New Zealand, Festival of Speed is only innate in Whitianga, and it is not your typical sport. It is because the matchups in the race are bizarre: jet skis versus helicopters or even parachutes against powerboats.

The vehicles in the Festival of Speed make it part of this list. According to Rarest, the cost of playing this sport is millions of dollars.

Conclusion

There are many sports all around the world. However, some games are not meant to be played by ordinary people because of their cost. This is why 99% of the population will only stick to games that do not burn a pocket in their holes.

Read: Is MMA Boring People?