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May Madness: Offshore Betting Giant Bovada Debuts NFL Sim Classic Tournament
A majority of the United States is preparing to reopen for business after a lengthy COVID-19 shutdown, but major sports are still on hold for at least the next few weeks. During this pause in the action, odds on video game simulations have been given the spotlight at top-rated offshore betting sites.
One of the largest and most trusted offshore sportsbooks in the industry, Bovada, has jumped into the video game sims betting ocean with both feet, presenting The Sim Classic, a tournament of simulated NFL games using Madden 20 as the software.
The Sim Classic began on May 9th and will last until the 24th. There will be a minimum of sixty simulated NFL contests that can be seen in the Sim Classic section of Bovada’s sportsbook. Links will also be provided in the betting line to view the stream directly on Twitch.
Futures odds on which teams will advance to the round of 16, division winners, and which team will be declared the champion of the Sim Bowl are offered. Live in-game betting is an option, as well as parlays for multi-game action.
The style of play is similar to that of FIFA World Cup Soccer tournaments. Each four-team NFL division will compete amongst themselves, with the top two teams advancing to the sweet 16 where it becomes a loser-goes-home, winner-take-all tournament.
Last season’s rosters will be used, with the game skill setting at rookie level. The contests will be quite lengthy with fifteen-minute quarters but will be slightly accelerated with a 20-second play clock. Weather will not play a factor in these matchups as conditions for each game will be set to partly cloudy.
The games at regulated offshore casinos are run by software that is held to the highest industry standards and offer glitch-free play. The same cannot be said for Madden 20 as glitches can occur that affect final outcomes. If any glitches occur during Sim Classic matchups, it will be considered a game occurrence and will not void any betting odds.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans +7.0
- Straight: Jaguars +215, Texans -295
- Total: 55.0
Just like in the real NFL playoffs, all contests must feature a winner. Since there is no human involvement in these simulated games, there is the potential for lengthy matches that last for multiple overtimes.
The Sims Classic is ongoing for the next two weeks, so there is ample opportunity to wager on several games, but don’t wait too long. Below are more examples of the betting lines offered for the tournament.
Sim Bowl Winner
- Baltimore Ravens +650
- Kansas City Chiefs +650
- Green Bay Packers +725
- Dallas Cowboys +750
- New England Patriots +750
- San Francisco 49ers +800
- New Orleans Saints +850
- Seattle Seahawks +1400
- Minnesota Vikings +1600
- Pittsburgh Steelers +1600
- Philadelphia Eagles +2200
- Houston Texans +2800
- Tennessee Titans +3300
- Atlanta Falcons +5000
- Indianapolis Colts +5000
- Los Angeles Chargers +5000
- Los Angeles Rams +6600
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6600
- Carolina Panthers +8000
- Chicago Bears +8000
- New York Jets +8000
- Buffalo Bills +10000
- Oakland Raiders +10000
- Cleveland Browns +12500
- Denver Broncos +12500
- Jacksonville Jaguars +15000
- New York Giants +75000
- Arizona Cardinals +100000
- Cincinnati Bengals +100000
- Detroit Lions +100000
- Miami Dolphins +100000
- Washington Redskins +100000
AFC Conference Winner
- Baltimore Ravens +325
- Kansas City Chiefs +325
- New England Patriots +375
- Pittsburgh Steelers +750
- Houston Texans +1200
- Tennessee Titans +1400
- Indianapolis Colts +2000
- Los Angeles Chargers +2200
- Buffalo Bills +3300
- New York Jets +3300
- Oakland Raiders +3300
- Denver Broncos +4000
- Cleveland Browns +5000
- Jacksonville Jaguars +5000
- Miami Dolphins +25000
- Cincinnati Bengals +30000
Division of Sim Bowl Winner
- AFC East +650
- AFC North +450
- AFC South +1200
- AFC West +550
- NFC East +600
- NFC North +500
- NFC South +650
- NFC West +450
AFC East Winner
- New England Patriots -200
- New York Jets +210
- Buffalo Bills +1000
- Miami Dolphins +4000
To Advance from Division
- Arizona Cardinals +750
- Atlanta Falcons EVEN
- Baltimore Ravens -800
- Buffalo Bills +225
- Carolina Panthers +175
- Chicago Bears +300
- Cincinnati Bengals +750
- Cleveland Browns +350
- Dallas Cowboys -1200
- Denver Broncos +175
- Detroit Lions +1000
- Green Bay Packers -700
- Houston Texans -225
- Indianapolis Colts +115
- Jacksonville Jaguars +185
- Kansas City Chiefs -650
- Los Angeles Chargers +120
- Los Angeles Rams +375
- Miami Dolphins +550
- Minnesota Vikings -600
- New England Patriots -900
- New Orleans Saints -500
- New York Giants +550
- New York Jets -275
- Oakland Raiders +150
- Philadelphia Eagles -600
- Pittsburgh Steelers -650
- San Francisco 49ers -700
- Seattle Seahawks -800
- Tennessee Titans -145
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +135
- Washington Redskins +700
AFC East – Division Exacta
- Patriots, 2. Bills +1000
- Patriots, 2. Jets +125
- Patriots, 2. Dolphins +600
- Bills, 2. Patriots +1200
- Bills, 2. Jets +4000
- Jets, 2. Patriots +375
- Jets, 2. Bills +750
- Jets, 2. Dolphins +8000
- Dolphins, 2. Patriots +20000
- Dolphins, 2. Jets +6600
headlines
Monday Night Football Odds From Offshore Sportsbook Sites
The 2024-25 NFL season is in full swing, and betting odds for this Monday Night Football contest are already posted.
This Monday will host two NFL games featuring an NFC vs. AFC team: the Ravens vs. the Buccaneers and the Chargers vs. the Cardinals.
NFL betting odds are available for games and games that will be played later this week. Game line odds are often available a few days before the match, whereas futures and props are available all year.
Below, we will discuss the game line odds for tonight’s matchups and discuss why the odds favor each team.
NFL Game Lines
NFL game lines are probably the most popular sportsbook odds in existence. They offer three ways to bet on the game. The money line or win is the most straightforward bet, as it is essentially picking who will win the contest.
Below, you will see that the Ravens and Chargers are favorites, as their win and spread line odds offer little value. However, if the Bucs or the Cardinals can win tonight, some good money could be made if the bet hits.
Ravens vs. Buccaneers
Both the Ravens and Bucs are looking towards the NFL postseason with current winning records. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, alongside RB Derrick Henry, has been an almost unstoppable force on the ground attack. Most critics believe the Buccaneers have been playing above their expected ability and have relied heavily on the hot hand of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has played well this season.
Odds from trusted offshore sportsbooks believe that the Buc’s defense will struggle against the Raven’s ground attack. With Lamar’s ability to create plays, it will be a tough fight, win or lose.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Spread: -3.5 (-115), +3.5 (-105)
- Win: -200, +170
- Total: O50.0 (-115), U50.0 (-105)
Chargers vs. Cardinals
Both the Chargers and the Cardinals have struggled this year. The Chargers are currently 3-2; a loss would take them to .500 for the season. The Cardinals are currently 2-4, and a win could set them up for a late-season playoff run.
Odds indicate the Chargers should win this competition, but anything could happen on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Spread: -1.0 (-115), +1.0 (-105)
- Win: -125, +105
- Total: O44.0 (-115), U44.0 (-105)
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New Zealand Pursues Online Casinos To Combat Offshore Betting Sites
The New Zealand government has taken the initiative to pursue legal online casinos, and many people believe this is to combat offshore betting sites.
New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Brooke van Velden, confirmed that the country is looking at a regulatory framework to issue online iGaming licenses by 2026. However, license holders will be subject to sustainability checks, taxes on revenue, and to provide customer protections. There will also only be a select few license holders selected if new legislation passes into law.
Currently, the only online gambling provided by the country is sports and parimutuel gambling. However, Tabcorp is the sole beneficiary as it is the only company in the country with an online sports betting license.
The Internal Affairs Department, led by Hon. Brooke van Velden, regulates all forms of gambling in the country.
Domestic New Zealand Casinos
SkyCity Entertainment Group is one of the few companies in New Zealand with a domestic casino license. It owns resorts in three cities: Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown. Earnings reports confirmed that SkyCity generated retail gross gaming revenue of USD 229 million for 2023.
Full NZ Casino List
- SkyCity Auckland – 1800+ gaming machines, 150 gaming tables.
- Christchurch Casino – 500 gaming machines, 36 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Hamilton – 339 gaming machines, 23 gaming tables.
- Dunedin Casino – 180 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Queenstown – 86 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
Offshore Casinos In New Zealand
Offshore betting sites have offered their services to New Zealand since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted source for many gamblers. While they are legal outside of the country, New Zealand itself has not authorized the use of these sites. However, the government has yet to forbid offshore gaming sites successfully.
Online, you will find numerous casino games that offer real money payouts, including blackjack gambling, roulette, slots, video poker, and more. In addition to a more extensive selection of games, online casinos also offer digital currency banking options, player-specific bonus options, progressive jackpot slots, and sometimes live dealer games.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Safe?
Licensed offshore betting sites are generally safe if a trusted gaming agency regulates them. Offshore regulators are often government agencies tasked with taxing and enforcing regulations to assure players are secure and that the games are fair.
To ensure that online casino sites are legit, check for licensing and compliance records that indicate they operate with oversight. Our online reviews will help you discover our recommended sites for 2024.
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MGM Resorts CEO Confirms Abu Dhabi License Pursuit
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle has confirmed that the Vegas-based company is seeking a casino license in Abu Dhabi.
At a recent Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle stated, “Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” before expressing optimism about obtaining the license. Hornbuckle then explained that the federal government would have the final say, as each emirate would cast a vote to grant or deny casino operations.
MGM owns and operates 31 properties globally, including resorts in the USA, China, and Macau. They are also building a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers and over 1,500 rooms. The resort is reported to mirror their properties in Vegas, such as the MGM Grand and the Bellagio.
MGM also confirmed a Dubai Sphere at the Global Forum, which will rival the new Las Vegas Sphere, which has already gained global recognition in its short existence.
After a 2006 non-gaming project failed to materialize, the company veered away from Abu Dhabi. Hornbuckle now says that MGM will not venture into Abu Dhabi without a casino license: “That’s the business MGM is in.”
Are Offshore Casinos Safe?
Yes, offshore casinos are generally safe, whether in person or online. In-person, each casino typically has a security team that ensures patrons are safe when coming to and from the casino. However, sometimes criminals outsmart security, and casinos are known locations for some sketchy characters.
With offshore online casinos, you must ensure the site you are playing is legit. The best way to determine if a site is safe and fair to play is to check online reviews, verify the site is licensed, and verify that the community trusts the jurisdiction. Some of the biggest names in the game, like MGM and Caesars, also have offshore licensing for their properties.
Is Gambling Legal In Abu Dhabi?
No, gambling, either in person or online, is illegal and punishable by up to 2 years in prison in Abu Dhabi. There are currently no casinos in operation, but MGM hopes to change that, having recently applied for a casino license.
The MGM is currently working on its most ambitious Dubai project, which will host numerous hotel towers, a sphere, dining, and shopping. However, there are no plans for a casino at the Dubai location. Those plans would likely change if the company is granted the casino license they recently applied for.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The U.S.?
In the United States, there are no federal gambling laws that make online casino gambling illegal. Individual states have the power to enact their rules, but many states have failed to pass legislation concerning online ventures. U.S. gambling states include all continental states, D.C., Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico to various degrees.
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