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The ultimate 2022 Preakness betting guide

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The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it always takes place on the third Saturday in May. The race is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles, and it is open to horses that are three years old or older.

While it’s not as well-known as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness is still a significant race in the world of horse racing. In fact, many people consider it to be the most challenging leg of the Triple Crown, as it is run just two weeks after the Derby. It can be a tough ask for any horse, let alone a three-year-old.

Nevertheless, this year’s race is shaping up to be a good one, with several top contenders vying for the victory. If you’re looking to place a bet, then be sure to check out our ultimate betting guide for the 2022 Preakness.

Types of bets

You can place many different types of bets on the Preakness Stakes. But here are a few of the most popular:

  • Win: You pick the horse you think will cross the finish line first.
  • Place: You pick the horse you think will finish first or second.
  • Show: You pick the horse you think will finish first, second, or third.
  • Exacta: You pick two horses, and they must finish in the exact order you choose for your bet to win.
  • Quinella: Similar to an Exacta, but three horses instead of two.
  • Trifecta: Pick the top three finishers in any order.
  • Superfecta: Pick the top four finishers in any order.

You can place many other types of bets on the Preakness Stakes, as well, such as betting on which horse will have the longest odds or which jockey will have the most wins. No matter which type of bet you choose, be sure to do your research and place your bets early to get the best odds!

Understanding the odds

Take note that Preakness bets go into a betting pool, which is different from how you bet on other horse races. The odds fluctuate as people place their bets and aren’t set until shortly before the race begins. So if you like a horse early on, it’s best to lock in your bet sooner rather than later.

The odds you’ll see on the sportsbooks reflect how much money has been bet on each horse. The more money that’s been bet on a horse, the lower the odds will be. And vice versa, if not many people are betting on a horse, the higher the odds will be.

For example, if you bet on the favorite and the horse wins, you’ll win less money than if you bet on a long shot, and that horse wins. That’s why it’s essential to understand what the odds mean before placing your bets.

If you ignore the odds, you could end up losing money even if your horse wins. So make sure you know what the odds represent and how they work before placing any bets at Preakness. Get live preakness stakes updates and info to help you make informed betting decisions.

Choosing the horse to bet on

When it comes to betting on a horse race, there are a few different factors you need to consider. One of the most important is figuring out which horse is the most likely to win. You can do this by looking at the horses’ odds and past performances. Plus, trainers and jockeys can also play a role in your decision-making process.

Another thing you need to consider is how much money you’re willing to risk. If you’re only betting a small amount, then you can afford to take a bit more of a risk. But if you’re betting a large amount, then you’ll want to be more conservative and choose a horse with a better chance of winning.

Finally, it’s essential to know the track and conditions the race will run, whether muddy or dry. Be sure to also know the weather forecast. All of these factors can affect a horse’s performance.

By taking all of these factors into account, you’ll be able to choose the horse that you think has the best chance of winning the race. And with a bit of luck, you could end up winning some money!

Takeaway

The Preakness Stakes is indeed one of the most-awaited horse races of the year. Every year, people from all over the world flock to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, to witness this event.

It can be the deciding factor whether there’ll be a Triple Crown champion this year or not. Bettors should do their due diligence and research the horses and jockeys competing. Or else, they might end up losing a lot of money. And you don’t want that.

Best European cities for casino lovers

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Many people travel to Europe to enjoy the pleasant weather and other benefits such as culture and food. Another reason that many European destinations are so popular is that they are great for visitors and vacationers who enjoy casino gaming.

Enjoy your European stay with online casino games

It’s also worth noting that online casinos let you play your favourite casino games from any European destination where you choose to visit at any time. To play the slots and table games, visit spcasinos list of EU casino sites, where you will find casinos that provide the best online games.

Although this has made accessing and playing casino games much easier, a large percentage of gamblers still prefer to spend their time at a brick-and-mortar casino.

Best holiday locations for casino lovers

There are several casinos throughout Europe. However, certain countries’ casino scenes shine brighter than others. The following are the best and most popular holiday locations for casino enthusiasts within Europe.

1.     Monaco, France

When it comes to casinos, Monaco is a world-renowned city. They even composed a song about it. Monaco is a beautiful city in the south-eastern part of France. It is well-known for its opulent lifestyle and for being one of the world’s largest gaming towns.

In Monaco, there are four casinos where you can try out over 86 different table-based games and over a thousand different slot machine games. If you want to experience what it’s like to live a life of sheer luxury and snobbery, head to Monte Carlo.

Not to mention the major attraction, the Monte Carlo Casino, which has crowned Monaco the reigning gambling capital of Europe.

2.     Madrid, Spain

Madrid has a more tropical la Vida Loca attitude than the previously described, snobbish affluent 007 lifestyle Monaco has to offer. However, it is still one of the most popular gambling destinations in the world.

Even though Spain is not as wealthy as France, Madrid has a world-class infrastructure. It has a combination of inventive, attractive modern architecture and a plethora of intriguing monuments that remind us of the city’s rich history.

With a total of 6 casinos, you’ll have plenty of gaming opportunities on your vacation around Madrid. You will also have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful tropical Mediterranean atmosphere and a great beverage while playing poker in your swimming trunks.

3.     Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s most unusual cities, with an equal mix of old-school baroque and new revolutionary architecture. The amazing vistas of Prague, also recognized as one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, are not to be missed.

Prague is also renowned as Central Europe’s social, cultural, political, and economic centre. Prague has 14 main casinos, with a total of 350 slot machines and 50 table games. The largest and most well-known is Casino Happy Day, which is a famous site for staging international high-stake poker tournaments.

4.     Paris, France

The city is known for its love, amazing coffee, and incredible culinary delights also offer a thriving casino scene.

Paris has eight casinos, but the Paris Club Elysees is the most highly regarded. The Paris Club Elysees is considered to be France’s first local gaming club to open its doors. Everything you’d expect from a French casino is here.

The décor is stunning, and it claims a remarkable gaming experience. You will enjoy valet service, bar service, catering, lounge spaces, and 23 tables of circle and matching games, to name a few amenities.

Guests have access to games such as Punto Banco, Omaha Poker, Ultimate Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker, and Caribbean Stud Poker available.

What makes Paris Elysees Club such an attraction among casino tourists? The restaurant, which serves excellent French and international food, does not require reservations.

5.     London, UK

The Hippodrome Casino London’s tagline is “Life Can Be Extraordinary.” As a result, it should come as no surprise that this casino has a lot to offer.

The facility was originally developed as a circus theatre and first opened in 1900. It’s such a sight at night, with a beautiful view of the London skyline.

There are regular entertainment shows, 8 bars, an award-winning teak house, and a three-story outdoor patio at the casino, in addition to gambling. It’s a worthwhile destination for everyone, gamblers and non-gamblers alike.

What are the benefits of visiting The Hippodrome Casino London? It contains five gaming floors and three themed casinos, as well as an entire level dedicated to poker.

6.     Vienna, Austria

The City of Music is also home to some of the world’s most stunning casino establishments.

Casino Wien takes pride in its relaxed but classy ambience. Its fine-dining restaurant, Red & Grey Salon, has a delectable meal as well as interesting beverages.

The Jackpot Casino is located on the main floor and caters to casual players; the higher floors are dedicated to Macau Baccarat, Black Jack, and Roulette. Their packages combine meals and beverages with casino games.

7.     Riga, Latvia

Olympic Voodoo Casino is a must-visit if you want to tour the largest casino in the Baltic nations. The proximity of the premium Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel completes the entire experience.

Olympic Voodoo Casino has luxurious and comfortable lounge rooms, as well as a cocktail bar and the Voodoo Grill Restaurant.

If you enjoy switching between slots and poker, the 80 slot machines from major suppliers are great. The Olympic Voodo Casino has daily cash games and tournaments, broadcasts, and takes bets on all major sporting events. It also has a huge selection of table games.

Conclusion

Europe boasts some of the most liberal and diverse gaming alternatives. Sports betting, horse racing, poker, bingo, and slots are just a handful of the many alternatives accessible.

Since the laws are designed to safeguard the players, locals and tourists may safely enjoy everything the gaming market has to offer – unlike many other continents, where gaming opportunities are limited.

Even though individual EU nations are accountable for their legislation, they follow the European Union’s freedom advice. Since no single game service is preferred over another, players have a plethora of options. All you have to do is determine where you want to go on your next trip.

Avocado horrified at being offered for sale in Aldi

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avocado in aldi

An avocado has spoken of her horror after ending up in the grocery section of Aldi.

Tasty tree fruit Lorraine Fisher, 34 months, said she had expected to be made available in Waitrose or, at worst, Sainsbury.

But to her dismay she found herself being stared at by confused customers at the Aldi store in Ipswich, Suffolk.

“This is a terrible black mark against my family name,” she explained from a box in aisle B.

“I was brought up to expect a noble send-off in a lavish middle-class family home.

“I yearned to be displayed in Waitrose where yummy mummies could give me a gentle squeeze and say how perfect I was.

“Then I would sit in a bowl in a beautiful £30,000 bespoke kitchen before being consumed as part of some extravagant salad.

“I wouldn’t even have minded if I had been liquidised with some spinach and kale for a healthy smoothie.

“Instead I am stuck here in Aldi where nobody gives a toss about me, understands me, or even knows what I am.

“This morning one large woman in an ill-fitting tracksuit laughed as she told her friend, ‘That apple looks faaking crap’.”

Ms Fisher said she had sat in the Aldi store for four days with no takers, and the end couldn’t come soon enough.

“But maybe I’m just getting soft in my old age,” she said.

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A staycation in Suffolk is a must

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Suffolk is known as an impressive and ceremonial county of England that has a great reputation as a place to visit. It is an excellent option for anyone looking for a calm and peaceful environment for a small vacation. Let’s take a look at what Suffolk has to offer for a British staycation.

Suffolk should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you want to have slow-paced surroundings for your perfect getaway. It has a fascinating history and today it is known for its wonderful villages and fine market towns. Suffolk also has plenty of cultural offerings, too. For cultural spots outside of this county, check out the UK’s Top Cultural Cities ranking on Holidu.

Something for almost everyone

Suffolk has something to offer to almost everyone. If you have travelled around Europe you might see some influences from different cities that Suffolk brings together perfectly. Not only for its beauty and marvellous spots, but Suffolk is also an excellent base for discovering the wonderful coast. Additionally, you can check Norfolk, the next county to the north. 

Suffolk is located in East Anglia and it certainly has something to offer for every traveller. The options for accommodation vary a lot and you can choose almost anything based on your preferences. 

The selection consists of cute and traditional cottages that can be decorated by exposed beams. If you prefer bigger, you can check the alternatives for farmhouses that come with large outdoor space and elegant barn conversions. This is a great option if you want to have a little luxury in your staycation. 

Towns to explore in Suffolk

Suffolk is definitely the home of some amazing places in the United Kingdom. It provides adventures for all tastes whether you want to take it easy, get close to nature, get active with sports or flow in the urban bliss. If you are a bookworm and happened to be a fan of Harry Potter, you will be covered. 

The charming vibe of a market town comes from Bury St Edmunds which will make your time fly. The historic atmosphere boasts a fine selection of shopping and cuisine opportunities, and in the meantime, you can discover some local attractions. Lavenham is famous for its streets that take you to the world of Harry Potter.

If you are in need of fresh air, check Aldeburgh and Woodbridge. Aldeburgh is a place for a beach holiday and is known for its incredible waves and wide single. Woodbridge is also an environment of incredible natural beauty that will give you an adventure of a lifetime.

5 essential tools for every small business

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Running a small business can be a real challenge, especially if you’re doing it alone. It’s for this reason that technology experts have designed tools to make day-to-day processes much easier and quicker. But getting started with tools requires a little bit of decision making and oftentimes entrepreneurs simply don’t know what options they have. If you’re interested in learning more about the types of tools that are out there, then this blog is for you. Here are five tools that most business owners would do well to invest in as soon as they can.

VAT calculator

If you have trouble with taxes, then add VAT calculator to the top of your tool list. Understanding VAT is hard enough without adding calculations into the mix. After all, you’ll need to register your business, identify which of your goods and services are taxed at a standard rate and then issue a receipt to your customers. A VAT calculator takes some of the weight off your shoulders by crunching numbers quickly and efficiently. Pair this with your accounting software solution and your tax return will be a breeze.

Time management app

It’s incredibly important to use your time wisely when starting your new venture, but if you don’t know where your time is going then it can be hard to make your processes more efficient. A time management app can help you to understand which tasks are taking you longer, when you’re losing focus, and whether you need to consider hiring an extra pair of hands. Try to find an app that doesn’t take up too much time and you can easily access at any time of day. If you spend too long logging your time, then you definitely won’t be improving your efficiency.

Social media scheduler

If your marketing involves using social media then a scheduler is an absolute must. Creating content in advance in batches can save you a lot of time and also means you’ll never miss another post. You’ll be able to post at any time of day, even when you’re asleep or in a business meeting. What’s more, you’ll be able to easily visualise your long-term plan and feel more secure in the way that your marketing strategy is panning out.

E-mail software

E-mail newsletters are a great way of retaining existing customers and encouraging future conversions. You’ll be able to share discount codes, inform customers of new products and celebrate wins. However, in order to do this, you’ll need an e-mail management tool, like Mailchimp. Here you’ll be able to design and schedule e-mails, sending them to a list of hundreds or thousands of people. E-mail software also helps you to keep all this customer information safe and ensures you never miss a single person off of your regular newsletters.

Communication system

Finally, every small business owner needs some way of communicating with clients and business partners digitally. There are lots of options out there, including the likes of Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. What’s more, most communication platforms are free to use, so try out a few to find the one that works for you.

Britain recognises Australia’s New South Wales as an independent state

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Britain has declared that New South Wales is now an independent state, free from tyrannical Australian rule.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said history proves Australia should have no sovereignty of its own.

Millions of British-heritage people live in the disputed New South Wales region, which includes Sydney, Melbourne and, of course, Wagga Wagga.

They have never recognised their evil Australian rulers and now yearn for the peace-loving motherland to provide security and stability.

Boris Johnson announced New South Wales would be annexed in a rambling speech last night before signing the decree recognising the independent nature of the state.

He has appointed Nigel Farage as a puppet ruler of the region.

Leaders around the world fear this is just a first step to British troops marching across the whole of Australia.

“It shouldn’t be too difficult,” explained military-strategic expert, Lt Col Lorraine Fisher, 34.

“You can easily catch the Australians off guard as they are out enjoying barbecues, surfing and drinking cold tinnies.”

Intelligence officers in the White House believe Britain’s move breaks international law.

“We fear for the countries of India, Canada and huge swathes of the Far East and Africa, where many people with British roots live since the days of Empire.”

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A look at why Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is being ghosted in Suffolk

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Image by Arbeiderpartiet under CC

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is at an increasingly loose end nowadays after Manchester United sacked him in November, so much so, the stir-crazy sensation has driven the 48-year-old to even apply to become the next Metropolitan Police Chief after Cressida Dick stood down. As a devout Liverpool fan who has lived in London his whole life, London Mayor Sadiq Khan quickly dismissed his application which led the baby-faced assassin to quickly move on and apply for the head of the England men’s rugby team despite no vacancy actually being open.

It was reported that the Norwegian felt he could take to the sport quite easily after being an expert in what constitutes a rugby game, having accused Manchester United’s opponents of playing the robust sport against his team in August 2021. Carrying on, Solskjaer stated that he felt he could lead England to World Cup glory in 2023 where the side is at just 9/2 in the latest rugby union odds to go all the way in France.

When asked by bemused doorstepping journalists why he had applied for a job he knows nothing about and quite clearly hasn’t got the skills for, Solskjaer reminded those present that these same barriers didn’t stop him from getting the Manchester United job a few years back. The gathered press nodded along in complete agreement as Solskjaer quipped with a wink,  ‘a mere technicality’ before closing his Range Rover’s window and setting off for Ipswich.

In short, the 48-year-old had eventually decided to head to Suffolk because new Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna had blocked Solskjaer on all his social media channels. Going back for a minute, McKenna was obviously Solskjaer’s number two at Old Trafford during the time that the Norwegian was manager of the club, but left when Ralf Rangnick was appointed to take up the Ipswich managerial job

Now, when news got back to an incensed Solskjaer that his old mate had landed on his feet after the band at Old Trafford broke up, he immediately rang the Ipswich Town chairman and asked if the Tractor Boys would like Ole at the wheel instead. The club kindly informed him they were ok for glorified PE teachers as things stood before hanging up.

Nevertheless, ambitious chairman Mike O’Leary decided to pass on the contents of the conversation to McKenna who he felt should know about his old boss’s Game of Thrones type betrayal which led to the 48-year-old being blocked on all social media.

Naturally, after being ghosted for months by McKenna, the Norwegian decided to drive to Portman Road to patch things up but he only got as far as Norwich after deciding to pop his head in en route at the Carrow Road canteen to ask if they wanted him to manage the club. A shocked Delia Smith at the sight of the grinning Solskjaer in the doorway would go on to drop her signature pavlova onto Josh Sargent’s foot which ultimately ruled Norwich’s record transfer signing out for the rest of the season, condemning Norwich to certain relegation.

Following that, the last anybody saw of  Solskjaer was Dean Smith putting him in the boot of his car before heading off in the direction of the Norfolk Broads.

Blackjack online: tips to win while having fun

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Online casinos have been a game-changer, not just in how gambling is perceived but also in the popularity of certain games.

A decade ago, slot machines were hugely more popular than table games in land-based casinos. This was partially due to the fact that tables were usually crowded out. There always have been also different factors like jackpots, casino bonuses etc. To learn more about top free spins bonuses in Australia, visit newcasinos-au.com/bonuses/free-spins.

However, there are no crowded tables in online casinos, and once you factor out the numerous free slots online, you’re left with two close frontrunners for the most popular casino games; slot games and blackjack.

This boom in popularity of blackjack is due to its attractiveness as regards ease of learning and the possibility of skill playing a role in your fortunes. The choice for most people has become simple; play the slots and stand the chance of winning a jackpot or play blackjack and bet on yourself.

Rules for playing blackjack

Regardless of the choice that is made, you are most likely to have fun. This likelihood increases if you do know how to play the game you select. If your choice is Blackjack, this list of primary rules should be a great starting point:

  1. Blackjack is a game between a player and the house (not another player).
  2. Every game of blackjack begins with the dealer at the table dealing each player and themselves two cards. Both cards of every player are face up while one of the dealer’s cards is placed face up.
  3. After the initial deal, every player has a choice: stand (hold onto the two cards as they are) or hit (be dealt another card). The goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer.
  4. Based on this, the dealer checks their other card to see if they have a better hand than the player. If the player does, that’s a win for them; if the dealer has a better hand than the player, it’s a win for the house.

What tips and tricks are helpful in backjack?

This is where blackjack differs from most games. Live poker is a game of skill because you are going to be weighing your hand and gauging those of others based on a variety of factors. Roulette is plain luck with the opportunity to bet in a wide variety of ways. Slots are… slots. Blackjack, on the other hand, effectively combines the unpredictability of slots, the weighing/probability of poker and the plain luck of roulette. Those are not the only casino games that exist, but they fit our purpose best. Now, you can consider the little tips below to improve the fun factor in blackjack:

  1. Decide on a bankroll. The difference between a degenerate gambler on the road to financial ruin and a player having fun is in having an effective bankroll. The ideal way to structure a bankroll would be to set aside a maximum amount of money you’re comfortable losing. This lump sum would then be divided into multiple parts depending on the size of each bet you would be taking. Such a move would extend the number of hands you could have and increase the playing time. Be ready to win and get to know more about how to withdraw your winnings without delay.
  2. Decide on the number of hands you’re willing to play beforehand. Bankroll or no bankroll, it is a good idea to have decided on a maximum number of hands before you start playing. A better applicable variation of this tip is to have a maximum number of consecutive losing hands you can take. For example, it might be a good idea to stop playing after 5 or 10 straight losing hands.
  3. Try out all possible variations of the game. It is not uncommon for certain casinos to offer variations of the game that implement different types of bets. If your casino of choice allows such variations, try them out; there’s no fun in monotony when there is an alternative.

What is the blackjack basic strategy?

There is a blackjack strategy that is universally accepted as being intelligent in the application. Furthermore, it doesn’t require years of training. However, it does require a fair bit of studying, practice, memory and the knowledge that it is not infallible. What it does bring to the table, though, is a drastic reduction in the house edge on blackjack if you can master it. The strategy is called the “basic strategy” and was developed by Julian Braun. This strategy is widely available today in the form of charts showing the statistically advantageous move to make at every juncture of a blackjack game. The basic strategy essentially increases your chances of victory and, consequently, fun. Even when online gambling growth slows while betting shops rebounding, your blackjack strategy will work efficiently.

Are there other ways to secure an advantage in blackjack?

It seems that humans are always seeking to beat the system others have created, and the same happens in blackjack. The above basic strategy grants advantages to players that can do the studying and have memory. However, there are less legal but surer ways to secure an advantage. Some of these are:

  1. Counting cards. This isn’t particularly illegal, but it is frowned on by many casinos. That said, the strategy does well if you know it well.
  2. Shuffle tracking. This is more difficult than counting but can be applied effectively throughout a game, unlike counting.
  3. Spying and identification of cards. This tactic is self-explanatory.

Are side bets allowed in blackjack?

Well, this was one of the reasons for the crowded tables at land-based blackjack games. You would be surprised at how many casino goers simply played on side bets alone. They can be lucrative, and blackjack is one of those games that draw side bettors. Ironically (or expectedly; we don’t know which) side bets could range from the perfectly logical to the impossible lucky. Some examples of side bets in blackjack are:

  • Lucky Lucky
  • Bust It
  • Royal Match
  • Lucky Ladies
  • In Bet
  • Perfect Pairs
  • Match the Dealer
  • 21+3

Final thoughts

Blackjack is interesting to play, but it is still a gambling game that involves money. When playing in an online casino, the singular most important trick to having fun and saving money is to always walk away from the tables when there is less fun and more pressure. With all we have shared, you should have a swell time when next you play.