Can Rafael Nadal end his career with the most Grand Slam titles?

"I always say the same, that I would love to finish my career being the player with more Grand Slams." Those were the words of Rafael Nadal after his French Open victory last year, and if it was the case that all four of tennis' Grand Slams were played on clay, then we are sure there would be no competition for the 34-year-old. However, unfortunately for the Spaniard, they are not, and that is why he is up against it if he truly wants to finish his career with the most major titles.

Last year, Nadal's record-extending 13th French Open triumph brought him level with Roger Federer on an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles. But, whilst Nadal excels on the clay courts of Paris' Roland Garros, he arguably lacks the skill of his counterparts, namely Federer and Novak Djokovic, on the other surfaces.

In his career, which spells back to 2003, Nadal has won the Australian Open just once, Wimbledon twice and the US Open four times. Of course, that is nothing to turn your nose up at, many professionals would love to boast that haul of Slams, let alone the whopping 13 French Opens on top of that. But for someone of Nadal's standards, it is disappointing that he has not been able to get as good a grip on the other tournaments as he has on the French Open.

2010 was the last time he won at Wimbledon, whilst the following year was his last outing in the final of the English championship. His sole victory in Melbourne came way back in 2009, and with four finals since then, it is hard to believe that he has not added to that victory 12 years ago. But with defeat coming to Federer and Djokovic (x2) in three of those four finals, it shows their superior ability on that surface over Nadal, just as the Spaniard's recent 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 triumph over Djokovic at Roland Garros proves his dominance on clay.

Flushing Meadows is somewhere that Nadal has found a bit of form in recent years, however. In the last decade, he has won the US Open four times, with his two most recent victories coming in 2017 and 2019, whilst a run to the semi-finals was shoved in between. Last year, the Spaniard chose not to defend his American Grand Slam crown due to safety concerns around the coronavirus pandemic, but this year he'll certainly be hoping to regain his title.

With the Australian Open approaching, Nadal is the second favourite behind Djokovic - according to Betdaq. But it is going to take something special from the World No.2 if he wants to stop the Serbian from winning his record-extending ninth title, and his third successive victory Down Under. With the news that his coach won't be making the trip to Melbourne due to covid travel restrictions, that task is made even harder for Nadal.

Another triumph for Djokovic at Melbourne Park would really have Federer and Nadal sweating. That would take the Serbian to 18 Grand Slam titles, whilst he would fancy his chances of reaching 20 by the end of the year, given his recent success at Wimbledon and previous victories at Flushing Meadows. That aside, the World No.1 also has an age advantage over both Federer and Nadal. So, in the long run, you would have to fancy his chances of overtaking the pair in terms of Grand Slam titles.

The long-awaited return of Federer also poses a threat to Nadal's Grand Slam hopes. The Swiss legend is set to miss the Aussie Open but should return for the other three Grand Slams later in the year. However, just four Grand Slam victories since 2011 will provide a glimmer of hope for both Djokovic and Nadal.

If Nadal wants the GOAT status and to finish his career with the most Grand Slam titles, then there is no question that he will need to win more than just the French Open throughout the next couple of years.

If he can do that, then there is no reason why he can't retire with the greatest haul of major trophies. From there, if Djokovic does overtake him, then it doesn't really matter, as the goal is to retire with the most!

Six English footballers currently playing abroad

While the English Premier League has long been a stomping ground for the best talent from all over the world, it's significantly rarer to see English players make the move from their home nation and home leagues to the many different leagues the world has to offer. But, if you're willing to put in the research, you'll find that there are a number of once household names who now find themselves playing abroad. Read on, as we look at six players, you'll recognise from their Premier League days, who are now playing abroad

Kieran Trippier (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Having performed well at the 2018 World Cup in Russia for England, it's fair to say that Kieran Trippier caught the eye. With the right-back struggling for a regular starting position in the Tottenham Hotspur line-up, Trippier made the move to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019, and since then he has made himself a regular under coach Diego Simeone. Atlético are one of the favourites to win La Liga in the football betting, and Tripper's contributions are a part of that.

Chris Smalling (Roma, Italy)
Chris Smalling had become a figure of mockery at Manchester United by the time he was granted a loan move to Seria A side Roma. But the centre-back impressed greatly at the Italian club, who made the transfer permanent in the summer of 2020. Smalling is proof that although a player may struggle in the Premier League, a move abroad can often have a revitalising effect.

Ashley Young (Inter, Italy)
Staying with the theme of former Manchester United players, Ashley Young also made the move to Serie A in January 2020. Young was a valuable player for United over the years, but similar to Smalling, the former England international eventually became a source of ire for Manchester United fans, and a move to Inter brought him out of the spotlight, and gave him a fresh start in a new league.

Steven Taylor (Odisha, India)
Fans of English football may be surprised to learn that former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is still playing, but the now 34-year-old is plying his trade in the Indian Super League with Odisha. After leaving Newastle in 2016, Taylor has been on a footballing odyssey around the world, which has included spells in the USA, New Zealand and now India.

Jay Bothroyd (Consadole Sapporo, Japan)
Cardiff City supporters will be interested to learn of the progress of Jay Bothroyd, who is currently to be found playing for Japanese side Consadole Sapporo in the J1 League. Now at the ripe old age of 38, Bothroyd was once a solid English league player, making the biggest mark at the south-Wales club, where he endeared himself to supporters with his work rate and goals.

Jordon Mutch (Aalesand, Norway)
After enjoying Premier League football with Cardiff City, QPR and Crystal Palace, Jordon Mutch is now plying his trade in Scandinavia, having signed for Norwegian club Aalesand earlier this year. This move followed spells with Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada, and South Korean side Gyeongnam.

The biggest Scottish Cup Final shocks

The 2020 Scottish Cup Final is set to take place on December 20th, and there's no shocks when it comes to Celtic's involvement. The Bhoys have been finalists and winners over the last three years, and the latest Scottish FA Cup odds are firmly in their favour, as they take on Hearts at Hampden Park. You can usually guarantee that either Celtic or Rangers, or both Glaswegian clubs will contest the final – so we've trawled through the archives to the times that neither side made it all the way, ultimately providing a huge shock.

2014-15: Falkirk 1-2 Inverness CT
Inverness sprung a massive surprise in the semi-finals, beating Celtic after extra time to secure their place in the Scottish Cup final, for the first time in their history. By beating Falkirk within 90 minutes, they also won their first ever title, and thanks to their league position, were already rewarded with a place in the Europa League second qualifying round, prior to their cup success.

Inverness had taken the lead in the 38th minute through Marley Williams, and after Carl Tremarco was dismissed with 15 minutes remaining and Peter Grant equalised for Falkirk, it looked as though it wouldn't be their day. But when James Vincent pounced on a loose ball from six yards out, Inverness stole a later winner and celebrated their first major trophy.

2013-14: St Johnstone 2-0 Dundee United
The season before, a new name was engraved on the trophy, with St Johnstone reaching the final for the first time in their 130-year history, and winning the Scottish Cup. Their opponents Dundee were playing in their tenth final, but defeat culminated in an eighth loss for them. Both sides entered at the fourth-round stage, and Dundee had beaten Rangers in the semi-final 3-1, to secure their place. Celtic had taken an early exit in the fifth round.

A goal late on in each half secured the win for The Saints. A whipped corner from David Wotherspoon saw centre-back Steven Anderson jump highest and head the ball into the back of an empty net to open the scoring. There was just enough time to restart play before the referee blew up for half time. A one-goal lead is always a narrow one and tensions increased throughout the second half. The result was sealed five minutes from time, when Steven MacLean slid in to challenge keeper Radosław Cierzniak, before punting the ball over the line.

2011-12: Hibernian 1-5 Heart of Midlothian
Two Edinburgh rivals met in the 2012 Scottish Cup final, and it was the first time that Hibs and Hearts had faced each other in the tournament final since 1896. The match took place at Hampden Park, rather than Murrayfield, which is where their previous final was contested. Hibs had sailed through the rounds en route to the final, while Hearts needed replays in both the fifth round and quarter-final, before beating Celtic in the semis.

Hearts put in a dominant display to annihilate their city rivals, although things could have been different, but for injury to Hibs' first-choice goalkeeper Graham Stack, who also missed the semi-final win. It proved to be a frantic first half, and within 50 minutes, five goals were scored.

First, Darren Barr opened the scoring for Hearts, before Rudi Skacel's deflected shot made it 2-0. Hibs pulled one back before halftime, but Hearts regained their two-goal advantage. A second bookable offence for Hibs' defender Pa Kajubi saw a penalty awarded and Danny Grainger duly put it away. Ryan McGowan added a fourth on 50 minutes, and Skacel got his brace with 15 minutes of the match remaining, to complete the rout – and deliver the biggest winning margin since 1999-2000.

Does Jordan Henderson have an outside chance of winning SPOTY?

As the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award draws ever closer, the debate is hotting up as to who might scoop the prize this year. It's been a strange year for sport in many ways, mainly due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sporting calendar. But there have still been plenty of sportspeople who have achieved great things in 2020, and there are a number of contenders listed in the Sports Personality of the Year odds.

Someone who is a little lower down in the list of favourites is Jordan Henderson, captain of last season's Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds' success under German manager Jürgen Klopp over the last few seasons has been remarkable, and Henderson is a player who has been at the forefront of all the club's recent achievements. As captain, he is the player who will perhaps be most associated with Liverpool's Champions League and Premier League triumphs. After all, he is the man who had the honour of lifting the trophy on both occasions, and it's his delighted expression that will linger in the minds of so many football fans as the years go by.

Henderson's character is one of the main reasons he has a chance at winning the Sports Personality of the Year award. His tenacity and the passion he brings to Liverpool's midfield is one of the main reasons Liverpool have enjoyed such success over the years. He has been criticised on a regular basis for not being up to the task of captaining Liverpool, by those who suggest that he doesn't have the supreme quality required to play for the Anfield club. He has proven those doubters wrong, his star quality justified by winning the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award.

The title of Sports Personality of the Year would not be ill-fitting for Henderson. His distinct vocal presence at the club means he is often the driving force for the team when the chips are down, and his footballing ability is valued immensely by Klopp. It must also be remembered that Henderson came so close to leaving Anfield after just one season at the club. When Brendan Rodgers arrived at Liverpool as manager in 2012, he sanctioned the departure of Henderson to Fulham in exchange for American attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey, but Henderson stood his ground and remained at the club to fight for his place. Since then, the former Sunderland man has more than proven his worth, becoming an iconic figure in Liverpool's recent history.

Off the pitch, Henderson was one of the loudest voices during the coronavirus pandemic, as Premier League players came up with ways to defer their wages in order to help club employees whose jobs were at risk as a result of the lockdown. He is a man who, despite his passionate presence on the pitch, is a kind and gentle person off it, eager to use his position of influence as a force for good.

He may not be one of the hot favourites to win the award, and it's perhaps a long shot to suggest he should win it for certain when there are so many deserving athletes out there, but Henderson has made a big impact in 2020. Indeed, his story is one that did not begin and end in 2020, but rather it began in the cold and rain in Sunderland's youth setup back in the late 1990s, and has reached a glorious and deserved crescendo after more than 20 years of toil and hard work.

Looking for adventure-themed slots to try out?

From epic adventures in fantastical lands, to adrenaline-rush chases, there's plenty that the reels can offer by way of excitement. So with that in mind, we set out to find the top 5 most popular and highly rated adventure-themed slots of the year. To help us along on our quest, we asked bgo casino, one of the UK's most popular casinos, to help out.

So take a look at our infographic below for a few slot suggestions to try out in your next playing session! 

We travel all the way to the Amazonian jungle in Gonzo's Quest MegaWays, take to the high seas in search of treasure in Adventure Trail Fire Blaze, and go all the way back to ancient Egypt in the newly released Book of Dead slot. No matter what you're in the mood for, we're sure at least one of the slots in our list will work its way to your top favourites. Read on...

Did you know that these celebrities are bonkers for Blackjack?

Blackjack, or '21' as it's also commonly referred too, is one of the world's most popular, and favourite, casino games. And, thanks to online Blackjack, we can play a few hands of the ever-popular game whenever, and wherever, we want. Still, nothing will take away the thrill of playing the age-old game at a land-based establishment, and the possibility of pulling up a pew next to a celebrity simply adds to the excitement!

With that in mind, let's take a look at a number of celebrities who are bonkers for Blackjack. Read on to find out more!

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
Hollywood A-listers Ben Affleck and Matt Damon share a lot of things in common. They grew up as best friends in Massachusetts, living together in Los Angeles when they were both trying to make the big time, and they have starred in a whole host of films together since – starting with Good Will Hunting. But, what's more, they also share a love for gambling!

The acting duo, who often take part in World Series of Poker events around the United States, took to gambling after they starred in the film Rounders, and can often be seen in Las Vegas' and Atlantic City's casinos – so you could well be rubbing shoulders with them in the future! The pair once played Blackjack in the Hard Rock casino in Florida and walked away with $1 million. It is believed that were staking over $20,000 a hand and tipped the staff roughly $150,000 before leaving with their hefty winnings.

Prince Harry
Prince Harry's boisterous antics have landed him in the headlines for years – most of which we won't even bother going into! Her Majesty the Queen's grandson, who now resides in LA with his wife Meghan Markle and son, can also often be seen in Sin City's mega casinos. A few years ago, Harry was seen playing blackjack at the strip's Wynn Encore Casino, obviously attracting a massive crowd of onlookers. It is believed that the member of the Royal Family lost $300, which doesn't sound like a lot, especially for a Royal! However, he, and his entourage racked up an eye-watering $30,000 bill. It's also reported that when Harry is in the VIP rooms, and away from the public-eye, that he likes to stake the real mega-bucks!

50 Cent
Rapper Curtis Jackson, a.k.a. 50 Cent, is pretty much known for any type of gambling, especially high-stakes sportsbook bets on American sports and boxing – which he often flaunts on his official social media pages. However, the Candy Shop singer is also an avid Blackjack player. Jackson often bets around $5,000 per hand and can gamble up to $70,000 in a single sitting. In fact, 'Fiddy' loves Blackjack so much that he even released his own app; 50 Cents Blackjack. However, it failed to take off.

Paris Hilton
Friend of the stars and heir to one of the biggest, and best known, hotel brands in the world, Paris Hilton is also known to have a love for gambling. The singer/actor/businesswomen, if you want to actually classify her as any of those things, is a Las Vegas regular, and has actually been quite successful in the Sin City casinos! The 39-year-old was, reportedly, paid $100,000 for DJing at a popular Vegas nightclub. However, she decided to take the money straight to the Blackjack tables. It is believed that Paris walked away $50,000 up – not that it really mattered, given her enormous wealth!

Be the best at Bingo – check out these strategies

We know what you're thinking, Bingo isn't a game of skill and it's all about the luck of the ball calls, so how can there be strategy involved? Well, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned player, there are many tips and tricks to consider if you want to be the best at Bingo – or at least, stand the best chance of winning. Next time you're sat at home and ready to log in to your favourite online Bingo site, why not bear these pointers in mind.

1. Learn the rules
This might seem obvious, especially if you're new to the game, but there are many variations of Bingo games, all with their own rules and unique differences. For example, you may only be familiar with the traditional 90-ball game, much loved by British players in dedicated Bingo halls. Well the 75-ball variant is different in many ways, not least in the design of the Bingo card. Whereas 90-ball Bingo has three prizes on offer (for winning a single line, a double line and then a full house), 75-ball Bingo only has one dedicated prize, given to whichever player completes the pre-determined pattern first. There are many other variations online too – 80-ball Bingo, as well as themed games – so it's best to know what you're doing before you start to stand a good chance of winning.

2. Know when to play
This all depends on why you're playing in the first place – do you want to play in games with a lot of people, to socialise and to be in with the chance of landing a larger cash prize? Or are you happy participating in the smaller rooms where there are fewer people so a smaller jackpot, but more chance of winning? Whichever your preference, it's best to know what kind of time to play. If you're looking to play in ‘off-peak' games, your best bet is to play in the morning, when most people are getting ready for work or on the school run, or early evening when the same people are returning home for the day and putting the dinner on. If you want to be a peak player, the evening is the most popular time to play – with 6pm onwards often when most players log in.

3. Take advantage of free games and BOGOF offers
While there's no denying that both of these promotions will be among the most popular games, with players not having to part too much with their hard-earned cash, you'd be silly not to take advantage of these offers. The thrill of playing Bingo and winning the cash prize is what lures so many players in and to win without having to physically purchase a ticket is a bonus. With the BOGOF offer, players will receive double the number of tickets that they have paid for – giving them double the chance of winning. It's best to take advantage of any promotions, including chat games which are run by the chat host and played alongside the main Bingo game. Winning a chat game will see you rewarded with a free ticket or some extra funds to play with, while socialising at the same time.

4. Buy more tickets
While we always recommend playing within your means, buying more tickets will ultimately stand you in better stead of winning. Say for example you're playing with 50 other players, all of whom have six tickets (or one strip of six tickets) each, if you then buy an additional 18 tickets (or three strips of six), you'll stand a better chance of winning. Of course, there is no guarantee that you'll win, but the odds would certainly be in your favour, which leads us nicely on to our final tip.

5. Calculate those odds
It's ever so simple to calculate your chances of winning and that information could stand you in good stead over your fellow players. All you need to do is divide the number of cards you have purchased by the number of cards in the whole game (this information is usually displayed on the game's interface) – so say for example, you've got five cards out of 100, your chances of winning are 5%. Purchase more tickets and that percentage will increase. While it's possible to calculate your odds for a standard Bingo game, if you're playing for a progressive jackpot, it's impossible to work out your chances as there's never a guaranteed winner.

Are you ready to go on and master the Bingo world? Here's a quick summary of all you need to know:

• Play low-value games
• Play at off-peak times
• Play more tickets (if you can)
• Don't miss promotions and play chat games, free games and BOGOF games
• Know your basic odds
• Know the rules
• Always have fun!

Ways to Sneak Food into a Movie

Going to see a movie is a fun but expensive experience. While not as pricey as going to a music festival or flying to a different country, many people feel that going to see a movie is just not a lot for the price. Unless they're going to a midnight premiere or a 3D movie, many people feel that they might as well wait a few months and then stream the movie from home.

In some states a single movie ticket runs upwards of $10, adding in snacks and drinks for two can push the price to around $50, easily. Spending around $10 for popcorn is such a rip-off, and since many theatres don't allow outside food or drinks, it can seem like there's no other choice but to shell out the cash.

But despite such high prices, going to the movies is a staple of many cultures. Nowadays people are always talking about the latest blockbuster hits, the celebrities that star in them, and sometimes even the academy award nominations.

Movie theatres have a long history of being a primary form of entertainment. Before the recording was made possible, people enjoyed going to see live theatre. But since film recording, movies have become vital both inside and outside of the home.

People own movie collections and some even have their own theatre rooms in their homes. And just a few decades ago, drive-in movies were popular too. Drive-in movies combined the luxury of watching on a giant screen while getting to sit in your own personal space.

But of course, people still flock to the theatres, especially since movies don't become available for at-home watching for a few months.

Movie-going is also an experience in itself. It's a place for everyone: families, couples, and even people who just need to take themselves out for the night.

So even though most people feel that going to the movies is a rip-off, it seems that there won't be any decline in its popularity any time soon.

But this doesn't mean that people should still be paying so much for a movie. And let's face it, seeing a movie without a snack or drink in hand is a dry experience. And the food and drinks offered at movie theatres are rarely that good.

So, the question then becomes, how do we get more out of every movie-going experience? How do we enjoy seeing a movie without paying such steep prices for things that won't really satisfy us?

Well, the most common way that people get more out of going to the movie is by bringing in their own snacks. As mentioned before, movie theatres don't typically allow outside food or drinks, people sneak them in.

Now, there may be many different reasons why theatres don't allow outside food and drinks. Some important ones to note might include the profits that the theatre makes and also because the theatre itself is responsible for abiding by all health codes, which might be broken if people are bringing in all kinds of unaccounted for food.

But sneaking in food and drinks isn't anything new. People have been doing it for ages. Especially in a culture so heavily dependent on a variety of entertainment, people have been coming up with many different ways to get the most out of their experiences.

So, what's the best way to bring in your own food? Here are some tips:

1. Bring a large bag
Of course one of the things you'll need is something to carry your good in discretely. A large purse or tote bag will typically do the trick. Backpacks will also work, but it seems a bit more sketchy and obvious.

According to Kate Huber at NJGamblingFun, A large purse is typically a go-to. But you should make sure your theatre will allow large bags more generally. For a time, there were scares about people bringing dangerous items into theatres including guns. So, make sure that your theatre won't search your bags (and also don't bring in dangerous items).

Large bags will allow you to bring in anything from your own bags of candy to fast food from nearby. But you might not need it if you're bringing in smaller food items or drinks.

2. Reusable Bottles
For drinks or even smaller snacks, you could pack them inside a reusable bottle. But of course, the best kind of bottle to get is one that's not transparent. If they can see that what's in your water bottle isn't water, they're not going to let you bring it in.

But reusable water bottles are great! First of all, they're great for the environment. And now, they can even help prevent you from getting ripped off by expensive movie theatre concessions.

There are lots of reusable bottles to choose from. But generally, for these purposes, bigger is better. And if you don't have one at the ready, check out GiftWits' guide to the best water bottles.

3. Wear a large jacket
For an even more discrete sneak in, wear a large jacket. A large jacket will probably become useful anyways since movie theatres can be pretty cold.

During the winter, a long jacket with inside pockets is perfect. Inside pockets are better than outside ones, but usually, either will work. And speaking of pockets, that brings us to the next tip.

4. Wear clothes with large pockets
If you don't want to hold onto a jacket while at the movies, make sure you wear something with large pockets. But watch out, because it can be easy to spot candy bulging out from someone's pocket.

Although cargo pants aren't typically the most fashionable, their large bulky pockets make it a lot less obvious when you're trying to sneak in food.

5. Do your research
As mentioned before, the rules about bringing in food into theatres may change from theatre to theatre. Some theatres actually might just let you bring in whatever you want, so in that case, you don't even have to worry about sneaking in food.

But on the other hand, if a theatre is more or less strict about bringing in food, you should be prepared. So, ask around or look it up online.

So, if you want to eat better, cheaper food while watching a movie in theatres, you can save a lot of money by sneaking in your own. Though it's typically easier to bring in food than drinks, any of the four tips above or even combinations of the tips will ensure a better movie-going experience.

After hearing about the amazing movies online and from commercials, you can still jump straight to the theatres as soon as it comes out and enjoys the fun of going to the movies. But now, if you follow these tips, you don't have to worry as much about spending all of your paychecks on a two-hour experience.

How TV and Movies Have Shaped the Gambling Industry

The entertainment industry has long been an influence over much of society. People are always looking for new forms of entertainment, leading to advancements in nearly all fields. The gambling industry is no different.

Gambling has been around for decades, even centuries. Though gambling hasn't always taken on the form that it does now, games that wagered money have been important parts of culture and society since their conception.

The kinds of gambling that we think of nowadays have been dated to just a few centuries ago. For example, the earliest predecessor to today's poker includes As Nas, a Persian card game from the 16th century and even Poque, from France in the 17th century. A domino card game played during the 10th century in China also shares some resemblance.

Slots, however, are a more recent development. The first slot machines are said to have been invented in the late 1800s. Though they were simple and didn't come in such a wide variety, the early slot machines were a hit. Their mechanical design and simple shapes and pictures were new and exciting to everyone.

But of course, novel toys and technology, no matter how fun, can get old. This is where room for innovation and advancements come to play. And this is why so many of our games today resemble ones from the past.

It's rare for brand new designs and developments to arise. Most new games come about by the evolution of previous games that had become outdated.

Take slot machines for example. The first slot machine was a standard three-reeled machine called the “Liberty Bell.” Developed by Charles Fey, the Liberty Bell had five main symbols: diamonds, spades, horseshoes, hearts, and of course, a liberty bell.

But the slot machines we often think of today, with their bright lights and loud noises that resound throughout casinos, are rarely so simple and ‘mundane.' Nowadays you can find slot machines that feature anything from Egyptian runes to Wizard of Oz or even Lord of the Rings characters.

This is one of the more obvious ways in which TVs and movies have snuck their way into the gambling industry. TV and movies have influenced gambling in other ways too.

In addition to influencing the gambling games themselves, the entertainment industry has also facilitated the development of culture around gambling. There are many stereotypes that have been reaffirmed in movies and television that have influenced how people view gambling and thus have also impacted gambling's popularity as games and as an industry.

For example, while you can find the character of James Bond in many slot machines, gambling itself is also featured in many of the Bond movies. In fact, the cross-over between gambling and cool spy action has helped certain kinds of gambling gain a certain kind of feeling of mystery and awe.

The action and intense atmosphere around these kinds of movies really captures the feelings that a lot of gamblers feel when they play. Beating a bunch of other players in poker or winning the jackpot on a slot machine gives players quite the rush. It's almost as if they'd escaped a shower of bullets or cracked the code to a safe full of money.

In a review for Mississippi Grind, the New York Times called gambling, “where the iron laws of probability collide with the human propensity for magical thinking.” It's a beautiful way to put it, and the quote really captures why there are so many movies that use gambling as a backdrop or even a plot driver.

From movies like the Bond series and other classics like The Cincinnati Kid and Mississippi Grind, poker has also become especially known for being a game of high intelligence and skill. They make it seem like a lot more than a game that can be played by just anyone.

But of course, it's not just fiction that creates these ideals around poker. Poker's highly competitive side is broadcasted on live television, such as in the World Series of Poker. Since poker's become more than just for professionals, many people have enjoyed the thrill of poker playing themselves from their very own homes. It's no wonder that poker is also such a popular game among friends and family during times of leisure and fun.

Like movies and television, the technological advancements that have facilitated the expansion from live entertainment to remote entertainment have also played a role in expanding gambling platforms. Now, you can enjoy many of your favorite games through online casinos. If this is something you're interested in, you should check out Online Casino Gems.

Another form of gambling that's become intertwined with the movie and television industry is sports betting. It's not usually the first thing that comes to mind, but it's undeniable how impactful movies and television have become on sports betting's popularity.

Modern sports betting takes place in nearly all kinds of sports, especially those that are broadcasted on television. Sports like basketball, football, and even baseball involve sports betting, and since they're broadcasted for all to see, people from nearly anywhere can participate.

In movies, a common sports betting trope involves horse racing. Though sports racing is still a common form of entertainment today, it's not as popular in modern culture as others like basketball and football. Many horse racing movies also double as period pieces, since organized racing became especially popular in America in the late 1800s.

Since horse racing first began, it has also evolved with the advancing technology that has allowed for movies and TV to really burst into today's society. Like with typical casino games, the popularity and access to horse racing have expanded since high-tech wagering was introduced.

With the endless advancement of technology and the ever-changing culture that's always coming up with innovative ways to entertain, it seems that the gambling industry will continue to evolve to catch up. The relationship between movies and TV and the gambling industry seems to go both ways, with each influencing the other.

With that in mind, if you're interested in trying to figure out where gambling will go in the future, maybe you should look to what's going on, on TV or in film. It wouldn't be surprising if they continued to shape the future of gambling as it has in the past.

CBD vs. Caffeine: Which is Better for Gaming

Gaming culture is always expanding. With the help of new innovations in technology, the world of gaming is constantly moving forward.

From arcades to consoles and even to virtual reality, gaming has come a long way, and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. But of course, with new gaming platforms and styles being released, the culture of gaming has evolved too.

Gaming fans everywhere nearly always wish they could be spending even more time with their games. And now that gaming is mostly done from one's own computer, kids and adults everywhere can log in and play with their friends from nearly anywhere and at nearly any time of day.

And though it's not 'healthy' to be staying up all night or even to sit in a chair all day long, it hasn't stopped whole generations of people from fueling their gaming addiction.

But gaming isn't just for fun and play. There's a whole industry that surrounds the competitive nature of online gaming. You can find professional competitive players and even professional players who just play to let others watch.

And though many non-gamers think that gaming is an easy business (I mean, they sit all day and do something they love!), it's not as easy as it looks. To go pro in the gaming world it takes sacrifice and dedication.

Many gamers spend nearly all their time working on the skills and strategies in the gaming world. And even if it's something they love doing, it can still be draining and exhausting. Gamers play for hours at a time, and if they're not prepared for it, their gaming careers can take a hit.

To keep up with the demands of their industry, many gamers have to take something to help them stay healthy and awake.

The demand for energy drinks and other caffeinated products has also skyrocketed. But energy drinks are typically pretty unhealthy, especially for young, still-developing gamers. But that hasn't stopped many energy drink companies from advertising directly to young gamers and building their demand around the gaming industry.

So, while caffeine is one common substance taken by gamers, another is CBD.

CBD, though lesser-known, has been making waves all around the world. And even though many are still skeptical about its actual health benefits, there are also many who swear by its properties.

Caffeine, on the other hand, is a very common substance that most people ingest on a daily basis, even if they're not gamers. Caffeine is a compound present in things like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even some chocolates.

So between the two, what do each provide to its consumers, and which is better for gamers?

Let's find out.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from cannabis plants. But even though it can be found in marijuana and is sometimes derived from marijuana plants, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. Many CBD products also use CBD taken from hemp, another type of cannabis plant and relative of marijuana.

According to Cool Things Chicago, the most popular form of CBD consumed is as an oil. Oils are typically ingested orally, and there are a variety of potencies, flavors, and spectrum-types to match any kind of gamer.

Aside from oils, other popular forms of CBD include tinctures, creams, edibles, and even vapes. While gamers won't typically influence their gaming skills directly through creams, vaping is typically seen as an alternative to oils.

Vaping is one of the most efficient ways to consume CBD. Per CBD Kyro, vaping CBD increases the rate of absorption into the body. So you'll feel the effects more quickly.

Most people use CBD to combat things like anxiety and depression, which can be very useful for gamers. Though not an FDA approved medical treatment, CBD is often used alongside other prescribed medications and lifestyle changes that are meant to address these kinds of symptoms.

The gaming experience can sometimes be lonely, considering the late nights and that most gamers sit by themselves, even though they are technically playing with people through the internet. Aside from that, the competitiveness can be a lot, especially when there's a lot on the line.

CBD may provide some refuge from these negative aspects of the gaming lifestyle. Though research has not concluded that CBD does combat anxiety and depression, many people have attested to its effects.

CBD is also often used to address sleeping problems. But typically it doesn't help you stay awake. In many cases, CBD can actually make you more sleepy, which isn't what most gamers are looking for.

Gaming is a culture, and to a lot of gamers, it essentially comprises their lives and values. So, staying at the best and being able to continue doing what they do is vital.

To address sleepiness, many gamers turn to caffeine instead. Whether they're consuming caffeine supplements, coffee, or energy drinks, one of the most prolific problems among gamers is not being able to stay up and stay awake to play at their best.

Caffeine is popular among nearly everyone. Especially since it's present in coffee and available in a large variety of products.

Compared to CBD, caffeine is typically cheaper and more widely available. Also, since caffeine is a stimulant, sometimes too much can lead to anxiety as well as stomach, respiratory, and heart problems.

So, while both CBD and caffeine can be beneficial to gamers, the best one depends on the gamer's lifestyle. If a gamer takes better care of themselves pretty regularly, caffeine might be all they need. But on the other hand, if a gamer needs a broader and more well-rounded supplement, CBD might be preferable.

CBD is typically held as a safe substance. It has fewer and less serious side effects than caffeine. But then again, it's not especially useful for staying awake. But CBD also has far more potential benefits.

So which is better for gamers, CBD or caffeine? It's really up to each gamer to decide for themselves. But in consuming either, it's good practice to stay wary. Typically, too much of anything can have adverse effects.