Sports Strategy

An estimated $95 billion is wagered on football each season. (Photo Credit: MPH Photos/Shutterstock)

BETTING FOOTBALL & ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES

by STEVE SIMMONS

Now that online gambling legislation has begun to loosen up, it is becoming easier to place wagers on sports, especially the NFL. It has become so accepted that during televised games, many commercials feature some of the largest online betting sites, and even segments of pre and post-game shows are dedicated to discussing point spreads and underdogs.

While navigating the world of online gaming may be confusing, if you stay patient and smart about it, you will prevail. There are a myriad of web sites and apps to use and even more betting options to play, however, even the most seasoned players may find it overwhelming sometimes. Rest assured that betting online today is much safer and more secure than the days of relying on your ‘buddy’s friend who takes bets’ or playing a poorly run office pool and being armed with some basic knowledge can go a long way towards an enjoyable betting experience.

To loosely quote the famous Homer Simpson when referring to betting on football, “Don’t you like ice cream better when it’s covered in hot fudge? And mounds of whipped cream? That’s what betting is to football.”

So, we hope you enjoy our overview of betting football and where to place your wagers. Good Luck!

PICK A SITE… ANY SITE

When finding your preferred place to wager, the most logical place to start is Google, and finding a site or app that fits your personality and has features that are easy to use, offers game information to help you make an educated wager, and any legitimate sign-up bonuses that are attractive. There are hundreds of online sites and apps to choose from yet only a few seem to warrant themselves trustworthy. While it might be tempting to run to the ones with the flashiest online profiles touting the greatest signup bonuses and other incentives, it is always best to stick with those sites who have been established for a while and have a history of smooth payouts to their

The key to any online gambling site is their ability to not only gain, but also retain players. They can do this in several ways but the most common is through sign-up bonuses or free bets. While it is not uncommon to get more than twice your initial deposit back in extra betting money as a sign-up bonus, usually you will need to bet the total account amount several times (the rollover) before you are able to cash out. The rollover can be as much as ten times the deposit. For example, you may deposit $100, and get a matching $100 bonus, but before you can cash out any winning wagers, you need to have wagered at least $2,000 (10 times the initial account amount.) This is one of the ways they lure you in (and protect themselves!)

Another popular promotion many sites use to both gain and retain customers are “freeplays,” which don’t come with the same restrictions. These mean exactly what the name implies, a free, no strings attached bet. Freeplays are a great way to help pad your new account, so it is always great to pick a “safe” bet that has a better than average chance of winning. Also be on the lookout for being named a sites “V.I.P.” If you start making frequent bets, or adding money to your account, you will get special bonuses that are not necessarily available to the casual player. This may come in the form of free entries into various weekly “game pick ‘ems” or ‘waived losses’ where you can literally have lost bets forgiven, and the original bet amount refunded back to your account.

YOU PICKED A SITE…NOW WHAT?

Once you find a site you like, next you will open and fund your account. It is important that you review the site carefully to see what the funding AND redemption options are, to make sure it is compatible with your banking institution. If you can fund the account and claim whatever sign up bonus is reflected in your account, you are good to go!

THAT’S GREAT! HOW DO I BET?

Once you find your site or app, and then open and fund your new account, it is time for some fun. Do your research, find your picks and making the best is the easy part. Usually, sites and sportsbooks will offer various ways to wager from Money Line Bets to Parlays and other prop bets including who will score first, who win the coin toss and even in game wagering on what the next play will be. We are excited to highlight a few of our favorite bets that will keep you engaged and ready to win big!

MONEY LINE BETS

A money line bet is the most basic bet you can make. You are simply betting that one team will beat the other straight up, not against a point spread. If you win, your payout is determined by how much of a favorite, or underdog, the team is that you are wagering on. The team that is the favorite is represented by a number that has a minus (-) sign in front of it and indicates the amount of money you need to risk to win $100. The underdog will have a plus (+) sign and indicates the money you will win for every $100 risked. For example, say the New York Jets are playing the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are the favorite and listed at -315 and the Jets are the underdog listed at +240. If you took the Chiefs at -315, the ratio would be wagering $315 to win $100 if they win. On the other side, if you took the Jets at +240, you would risk $100 to win $240. Weigh your options and see what feels like the right play.

SPREAD BETS

When you bet a game using the spread, you are again picking one team to beat another, however your wager is determined by the amount of points given to an underdog, or subtracted from the favorite, to even out the betting odds. Sticking with the example of the Jets and Chiefs, say the Chiefs are a 14-point favorite. This would be represented as Chiefs (-14) and the Jets (+14), meaning that if you bet on the Chiefs, they must win by more than 14 points. If you bet the Jets, they can still lose, and you win, but they cannot lose by more than 14 points.

If took the Chiefs and the 14 points, and the Chiefs beat the Jets 21-10, you were correct in assuming they would win, but they didn’t win by more than the 14-point spread, therefore you would lose the bet. Remember, spreads are meant to even out a game; just because a team is getting a ton of points does not guarantee they will win.

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TEASERS

Sticking with the idea of getting and giving points, “teasers” are also a popular betting option where you can adjust, or tease, an existing point spread to be more in your favor. Basically, you are paying to increase or decrease a point spread by adding or subtracting points. The paying part comes in the form of lessening your payout if you win. Additionally, teasers usually require a minimum of two bets, or two games, although the most popular teaser is usually a three-team teaser where you are usually given ten points to add or subtract from any line. It may sound to good to be true, but there is a reason these bets exist. You must win ALL three games in your wager to win the bet. Losing just one game voids all of the bets. Using the Jets/Chiefs example, if the line was 14, with the 10-point tease, the line becomes the Chiefs giving 4, or the Jets getting 24. In both cases, the options seem tempting. You then get to add the same 10 points to the lines of two other games. Also keep in mind as you are contemplating these “gifts”, a $50 wager may only pay $35 if you win ALL three games so the tradeoff is getting less back if you win.

PARLAYS

A “parlay bet” is when you string together a series of bets and the more you get right, the more you will win. Parlay bets are one of the easiest ways to maximize your returns on winning bets. Unlike a teaser, you are not adjusting the spread, you are simply picking two or more games, and betting that ALL of your picks win. For every game you add to your betting ticket, your payout increases significantly. For example, if you pick two games in a parlay bet, and win them both, a $50 wager will typically payout around $130. The more teams you parlay, the higher the payout will be. If you add a third bet to the ticket, a $50 bet could pay $280. The payout goes up significantly as you add picks to your ticket but remember, it is hard enough to pick one game, much less three or more!

We hope this overview on how to find a solid betting platform and a few betting options to get you started will provide many successful wagering opportunities. Good luck!

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT: RHYTHM CITY CASINO RESORT: DAVENPORT, IOWA

A Mix Of Entertainment And Lavish Luxury

by JAMES CORPORON

Rhythm City Casino Resort is a mix of the best parts of hospitality. Reopening the land-based operations in 2016, the resort is located on the eastern border of Iowa in Davenport and has some of the best amenities for guests to enjoy. The resort is primarily owned by the Kehl family, who are known for customer service after a long tenure in the hospitality business.

The Kehl’s got their start in restaurant business the 1960’s with a small café, by the 1970’s they had expanded and started offering dinner cruises and by 1986, they had a 1,000 passenger boat and were filling up the cruises nightly. So, when the talks of expanded gambling on the riverside in Iowa started to get serious, the Kehls were among the first to get in on the new industry.

This brings us to now and the glory of the lavish Rhythm City Casino Resort that was acquired and brought landbased by the Kehl’s and being rededicated to the family’s hospitality mentality. The resort now offers an array of amenities and services that showcase something for everyone that visits the property. Everything from fine dining at on-site restaurants to watching your favorite teams in the sportsbook has a fresh feel and a great reason to check it out on your next gaming getaway.

CLASSY ROOMS, PACKAGES AND AMENITIES

Filled with amazing views, comfortable beds, and plenty of in-room amenities, the resort offers a variety of packages and different tiers of rooms designed for the guest’s maximum comfort and convenience. The Spa Package includes an overnight stay, two one-hour spa services, and a food credit for $299 for a weekday stay. Another popular option is the Special Occasion Package that is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays or just a quick getaway and includes an overnight stay, bottle of champagne, a sweet treat, and a $50-$75 food credit depending on the day of your stay. Rates start at $199 for a standard room with upgrade options for suites and other amenities to be included. Check out the website for more packages including golf and seasonal special offerings.

If you are a live music fan, look no further than the Event Center at Rhythm City. Having hosted some of the biggest headliners including Clint Black, Wayne Newton, Air Supply and more, guests will experience a state-of-the-art sound system and comfortable seating in the auditorium that will accommodate 1,600 seated guests, and over 2,000 for standing room. The Rhythm Room also provides budget friendly acts as well as free entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to check out the website for upcoming events and be sure to get your tickets, book your room and let the good times roll.

Other property amenities include a luxurious spa, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and multiple dining outlets for guests to chose from. With

the convenience layout of the property, guests will enjoy the proximity of the rooms near the casino floor, that is near the dining options and other popular amenities so they won’t need to stray to far for just about anything they might need.

GREAT GAMBLING OPTIONS

When it comes time for the casino, Rhythm City has you covered. The massive gaming floor boasts over 32,000 square-feet featuring over a thousand machines and all of your favorite casino games including craps, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, blackjack and roulette just to name a few.

The layout of the casino floor offers plenty of space to move around and also has a Feature Bar that provides a great spot to enjoy a cocktail if you need a break from the tables or your favorite slot machine.

When it’s game day, it’s game on at Draft Day, the properties pub and ELITE sportsbook. Enjoy a variety of craft and domestic brews as well as your favorite pub grub and more with the best sports watching and wagering around. With a 360-degree screen with the tops games and an additional 18-screens for your viewing pleasure, this serves as a great place to spend a Saturday or Sunday watching your favorite teams.

FINE DINING AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE

Every great resort has multiple dining options for their guests, and Rhythm City has that covered too. Guests can choose from a fine dining experience with Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood or more casual options that include Robert’s Buffet or Draft Day Sports Lounge.

For fine dining, look no further than the award-winning Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood located on the top floor of the property. Guests will enjoy amazing views and exquisite steaks and seafood in a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere. Chef D’Cuisine, Peter Sedlak, has put twenty-seven years of cooking experience into the menu that features clever items including Filet Lollipops (baconwrapped beef filet with Maytag blue cheese, demi-glace and Bearnaise); Filet Medallions & Shrimp, Maryland Ribeye (topped with lump crab meat, grilled broccolini and hollandaise) and seafood selections of Seared Scallops, Atlantic Salmon and Lobster Tails and King Crab Legs. The wine selection is among the best in Quad Cities area and when paired with the perfect steak or seafood selection, guests can expect an experience to remember. For a more relaxed atmosphere and price point, Robert’s Buffet offers guests a variety of cuisines that range from the classic Italian and Asian options to the traditional American fare. Led by Chef D’Cuisine, Carina Fleetwood and her twenty-eight years of culinary experience, guests enjoy the best options including the house favorites like prime rib, housemade gelato and an omelet bar where you can load up for favorite breakfast concoctions. The decor is bright and modern and offers plenty of space to comfortably dine and feel relaxed and not overcrowded. And last, but certainly not least, Draft Day Sports Lounge is the spot to be when your favorite sports teams are playing, or you have the cravings of pub food and a variety of beer and cocktail creations. Draft Day is an ideal option if you are looking for something casual with great food, good prices and an energetic atmosphere. They bar and dining areas features twenty-nine screens including fifteen, eighty-five-inch TV’s and a 360-degree projection TV ensuring you won’t miss a play while in Draft Day.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Rhythm City Casino Resort, in their own words, is your ‘Escape to the Exceptional’. With many high-class luxuries from hotel rooms and amenities to dining and gaming, it is clear the owners and team members work hard to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for their guests. Their dedication to hospitality and customer service shows they live up to their word and guests can expect a great experience on every visit.

For more information and reservations, visit RhythmCtiyCasino.com or call 1-844-852-4386.

SLOT SPOTLIGHT: ALL ABOARD RUSHES FULL STEAM AHEAD ACROSS AMERICA

Casinos around the world are evolving daily with new games showcasing the latest features and technology for players. Konami Gaming has always been on the forefront of the latest game themes featuring crisp graphics, clear sounds and entertaining game play, and their latest product line is no exception. Their newest video slot theme, All Aboard, is quickly amassing incredible energy and momentum and you can expect to see it at your favorite casino soon!

This original linked progressive game is a locomotive train themed game with a unique Stay & Spin feature where you can collect a growing screen of instant credit prizes and jackpots up to nine times in the same bonus. All Aboard started arriving at casino locations over the summer and was well-received right away with players lining up to play the game.

All Aboard was first debuted in Australia and quickly outpaced some of the other top video slots, and soon thereafter, there were over 3,500 All Aboard games

nationwide. This proven player-favorite is now coming across the pond with a freight load of popularity and payout opportunities for expanding frontiers and is available at early launch locations from Florida to California. The game machine itself is entirely new from Konami, with relaxed slant-top, dual cup holders, dual spin buttons, handbag hook, and wired and wireless phone chargers. All Aboard stands out on the gaming floor, as each machine is surrounded by brilliant LED animation and scenes from the game. The game is also expanding across online gaming sites. This July it arrived for the first time to players on My KONAMI Slots in a special Railroad Riches promotion; and it will reach even more social and for-wager gaming sites through the rest of the year. This gives fans a great opportunity to enjoy All Aboard both online and at their favorite casinos. Week after week, All Aboard continues to pick up steam, as more and more players embark on the one-of-a-kind journey to jackpots. Be sure to check it out on your next casino visit. For more information on All Aboard and other games from Konami, visit KonamiGaming.com