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The players to watch at this summer’s European Championships

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Every major international tournament brings a chance for players to strut their stuff on the biggest stage, and there is a plethora of stars set to grace Euro 2020, which takes place this summer after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With every tournament, there are players who light up the competition, and others who fail to live up to expectations. It’s no surprise that the biggest names in football are always the ones tipped to deliver on an international stage like the European Championships, so let’s take a look at some of the European stars hoping to do themselves justice this summer.

Kylian Mbappé

As one of the most exciting players in the world at the moment, it’s no surprise that football fans are looking forward to the performances of Kylian Mbappé at Euro 2020. The French forward is the favourite in the Euro 2021 player of the tournament odds, and will be hoping to fire France to successive major international titles.

Mbappé is blessed with a unique blend of skill and speed, capable of bamboozling defenders with his raw pace and ability to think quickly under pressure. His finishing skills are perhaps not quite as well-rounded as some of the great international strikers of the past, but he is still improving at the age of just 22.

France are in a tough group featuring Germany, Portugal and Hungary, so they’ll need Mbappé at the peak of his powers if they are to progress easily and build confidence going into the knockout stages. There is a lot of pressure on the young man’s shoulders, but he has proved so far in his career that he is more than capable of handling it.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin de Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne (Photo: Brad Tuuerow under CC By 2.0)

Belgium suffered an agonising World Cup semi-final defeat to France in 2018, and you can tell that their players are itching to get out on the pitch at the European Championships and prove that they can go all the way. There will be no-one more motivated than Kevin De Bruyne to achieve international success with his country, as he is one of the players earmarked as crucial to Belgium’s fortunes in every tournament.

De Bruyne has enjoyed another excellent season with Manchester City, winning the Premier League title and the League Cup, with the Champions League final still to come. With a keen eye for a pass and a decent shot on him too, De Bruyne has every attribute needed to dominate a game from midfield.

Belgium have been granted a relatively easy group-stage draw, and should De Bruyne and his teammates find top gear early on, they’ll be very difficult to stop.

Antoine Griezmann

Another Frenchman hoping to make a big impact at this summer’s European Championships is Antoine Griezmann. The forward was outstanding in France’s run to the final of Euro 2016, and in their World Cup triumph in 2018, so coach Didier Deschamps will be expecting great things once again from the Barcelona man come June.

It hasn’t been the best of times for Griezmann at Barcelona recently. The club have struggled on and off the pitch in a variety of ways, but there’s no doubt that the 30-year-old has the talent to produce some stunning displays at the upcoming Euros.

Griezmann has proved himself a great goal-getter for the French national team, and he knows how to put himself in the right areas to get on the end of opportunities. It’s fair to say that France will need all their star men on song given their difficult group-stage draw, and much of their hopes will rest on the form of Griezmann.

Suffolk people never more than 10 metres away from a comedy ukulele band

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Ukelele band

The people of Suffolk are never more than 10 metres away from a comedy ukulele band, a survey has confirmed.

No matter where folk stand around the county, a cheery musical group is lurking just around the corner.

The ukulele bands with their dungarees, lutes, tiny guitars and banjos are taking over pubs and public events, singing hilarious songs about farming and love.

Even the Suffolk Gazette once featured one such band singing about a woman from Wisbech, whose “extra finger came in handy when she got randy“.

Lorraine Fisher, 34, of the Suffolk Institute of Musical Studies, said comedy ukulele bands had become so popular there was one on every street.

“We thought at first it was just one of those fads. But ukulele comedy is rife and shows no sign of slowing down. You can’t move in town for comedy ukulele bands.”

She noted, however, that well-known Suffolk ginger, Ed Sheeran had himself not quite kept up with the times.

“Ed is noted for playing a tiny guitar on his hits,” said Ms Fisher. “But he has not mastered the ukulele.

“And anyway, his songs aren’t funny. At least they’re not meant to be.”

It is a well-known fact that the people of Norfolk are exceptional ukulele and banjo players on account of having six fingers.

Many such banjo players live around the Norfolk Broads, where there is a theme park based on the cult horror film, Deliverance, owned by business tycoon Dave Wells.

What is the Keno casino game?

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The keno casino game is easy to learn and play. Whether you play at a casino or online, the game has elements of bingo, poker and roulette.

It is a popular game because it offers punters the chance to win big on a small bet. In keno, players choose up to 20 numbers on a card with numbers 1 to 80. A random number generator then selects 20 numbers. The more numbers, also called keno spots, that you match, the more you win.

Keno has become increasingly popular in the past few years.  This is due to online keno live games, which offer punters a fresh new experience and immersion-enhanced gameplay. Live games can be played with or without a dealer, creating the ambiance of being in a real casino setting.

Strategy

Before you start, decide how much you want to bet on your selected numbers and how many keno games you want to play with these numbers. Buy the tickets and watch the random number generator select 20 balls. If you have a match, you win. The amount you win will depend on how much you put on the bet, how many numbers match and the number of players. Some keno games have a bonus number that pays out more. 

Choosing numbers

Some keno games offer different versions of the game, with special bonus or jackpot cards. Some cards let you choose between one and 10 numbers whilst others allow up to 20 numbers. The game will cost the same however many numbers you choose. Some people choose numbers that are lucky to them, perhaps related to family birthdays or similarly important dates. Alternatively, you can let the computer auto select numbers.

Way bets

Players can wager on groups of numbers within the same game using a way bet. As an example, you choose six numbers. You can bet on all six to match, but you can also put a bet on two groups of three numbers to match. This is similar to horse racing bets where you bet on the winner, place and show.

Bet combinations

You can also bet on different groups of numbers, where the numbers can overlap in combinations. You can have three groups, one with two numbers, the second with three numbers and the third group with four numbers. You can then combine groups one and two to make a group with five numbers, a group of six by combining the first and third groups and so on.

Bet on the bonus

Many keno games offer a bonus number which if it comes up will guarantee a bigger payout, though the wager costs more for this. Winnings can be double the normal rate or sometimes up to 20 times the normal rate.

Video keno

You can play keno games online from the comfort of your own home, from a mobile device wherever you may be or even on screens at a brick-and-mortar casino. These games you can play at your own pace.

Progressive jackpot

Some casinos offer a progressive jackpot in keno. This prize will grow and grow until it pays out. This is entirely random, so it is impossible to predict when it will payout, but this means it can be fun to play.  

Slots and jackpots: Why do people love them

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Slot game The Goonies with jackpot

Ever since being introduced in casinos in the 1950s, slots have been a fan favourite among casino goers. Over the years, slots have significantly evolved, and we have many more options at our disposal than we had decades ago.

What’s more, the internet has brought these engaging games even closer to us, so now they’re only a click away. Besides having the option to play regular slots, we can also spin the reels on generous jackpots.

But what makes slots and jackpots so appealing? Many factors go into their likeability, so let’s dig a bit deeper to find out more.

Playing slots isn’t challenging

One of the main reasons why slots and jackpots are that popular is their simple gameplay. Both slots and progressive jackpots are extremely easy to master, making them all the more appealing to players.

Because they’re not games of skill and don’t require any analytical abilities, all a player needs to do is pull the lever and hope for the best. That’s why these games can quickly become a player’s favourite pastime, even for those without any previous casino experience.

Online slots come with many perks

Since we can access online slots with only a few clicks, it’s not surprising that online developers want to attract more players every day. That’s why many online slots come with various bonuses and promotions.

For example, if you claim an STS promotion to play online casino, you might end up with additional spinning funds or a number of free spins to use on a particular game. The size and content of the promotion depend on the operator. Regardless of the type of slots you like to play, it’s almost certain you’ll find one with a great bonus promotion.

Slots have attractive themes

Naturally, not all slots will appeal to everyone. Those with run-down themes and low-end graphics are unlikely to attract many players. That’s why game developers spend a lot of time creating perfect slot games that appeal to all player types.

Because of that, we can now take our pick among slots with horror, historical, fruity, comedic, movie, and many other themes. Even players with the most niche of interests will likely find something to occupy their attention for hours.

You’ll find that the top software providers produce the best games, so look out for names like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and more. Stay clear of no-name brands to avoid scams.

Slots and jackpots are affordable

Not all casino enthusiasts can afford buy-ins for big tournaments or high-end games. That’s why slots and jackpots attract a large number of players. Some slots and jackpots won’t require more than a couple of pennies to spin the reels, while others have a minimum limit of a few pounds.

Don’t worry; even with minimum wagers, players can win the big bucks. The trick isn’t in how much money you’re willing to bet, but whether or you’re ready to risk it. And also whether lady luck is on your side. So, why not try out your luck?

Apathy Society meeting cancelled owing to lack of interest

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This month’s meeting of the Stowmarket Apathy Society was cancelled owing to a lack of interest, it has been revealed.

Nobody bothered turning up for the event, which was supposed to be staged last night in Stowmarket Library.

Organiser Derek Bright told the Suffolk Gazette: “It’s often quite difficult to motivate the membership to attend our monthly meetings.

“It’s disappointing, because there are many apathetic matters that we need to address.

“But if nobody makes the effort, what’s the point of it all?”

Mr Bright has now scheduled the next meeting for 7.30pm on June 16.

“It gives members plenty of time to think of a reason why they should not bother attending again,” he sighed.

Housewife Lorraine Fisher, 34, explained: “I was meant to go to the meeting but I simply couldn’t be arsed.

“There really isn’t a purpose to the Apathy Society anyway. If there was, nobody has been bothered to tell me.”

Mugs are worth the effort

Members of the Apathy Society may not agree, but the Suffolk Gazette’s mugs are worth the effort. You can see the whole collection at Dirty Old Goat mugs, or buy direct from some of the perfect pottery below.

The common myths about roulette

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Roulette game

With Roulette being one of the most popular casino games around, it’s no surprise that players around the world have formed their own myths and legends around the iconic game. Whether you choose to play live casino games of Roulette, or down at your local casino, you’ll be sure to hear the mumbles and murmurs of these myths along the way.

Whilst these made-up stories might provide a bit of comfort or playing confidence, they couldn’t be further from the truth. Read on to make sure you’re not being sucked in by these myths, or placing your bets in the wrong direction.

  1. There’s only one way to play

If you know anything about Roulette, you’ll know that there are multiple different versions to choose from. The main two that you’ll recognise are European and American Roulette. European Roulette has just one zero present on the wheels, therefore giving the game a lower house edge, playing out more in the favour of the player. American Roulette features both a single zero and a double zero, and is understandably the most popular version of the game when it comes to Las Vegas casinos.

Away from these two most-played versions, you may also come across French Roulette on your travels. It’s thought that the French edition may actually be the first ever casino game to exist. You should expect to find just one zero, much like European Roulette. However, you’ll also find at the French version of the game offers out far less betting options, which may be why it’s ultimately less common in other parts of the world.

  • The Gambler’s Fallacy

The Gambler’s Fallacy refers to the belief that the prior outcomes of the Roulette game will influence the future outcomes. But this is not true, although it can sometimes give players comfort of belief in this old wives’ tale.

For example, if the last three spins have ended up on red, and you’ve backed black each of those rounds, you may think that by the fourth spin black is bound to come up. Whilst it’s possible, it’s not a guaranteed outcome, and you shouldn’t keep playing just because of this chance. Every spin on the roulette wheel is an isolated action and completely random – so believing that a certain number or colour is due is only going to end in disaster!

  • There’s a code to crack to win

Much like the above myth, some players think that there’s a specific way to spin that wheel that will guarantee them a win. This is unfortunately not the case. Every number has the same likelihood of having that little white ball settle in its pocket. It’s also worth noting that all games will have a certain house edge which ensures that you’ll never win too much, to protect the casino. Because of this, there’s no proven way to “beat” the casino and no new combination of bets is going to change that.

Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.

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Irishman still hasn’t found what he’s looking for

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Man still looking

An Irishman has confirmed he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for after 34 years.

Paul David Hewson, 61, from Dublin, said he had been searching since 1987, but it had still not turned up.

He said his remarkable quest had been quite a struggle.

“I have climbed highest mountains, run through the fields, scaled these city walls,” he lamented.

When pal Lorraine Fisher, 34, asked: “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?” Mr Hewson replied: “You too?”

He said his task was made even more difficult because the streets have no name.

Mr Hewson said he had called his solicitor to help him in his search.

“But it’s okay, my lawyer works pro Bono,” he said.

The shock news comes after rock band Foreigner confirmed they still didn’t know what love is.

Find mugs here

Thankfully, it’s much easier to find perfect gift mugs, thanks to the Suffolk Gazette. See the full collection at Dirty Old Goat, or buy direct from the items below…

Money and More Money meet in this year’s Champions League Final

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Anything has to be better than the 2019 Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. As long as Chelsea or Manchester City can get over the first two-minute hump without conceding a penalty, it probably will be. Then again, it should be anyway, considering it’s a final full of international superstars and lots and lots of money.

On May 29, Chelsea will meet Manchester City in the final of the UEFA Champions League after finishing Real Madrid off at Stamford Bridge in the semi-finals earlier this month. Luckily, Chelsea-turned-Real Madrid player Eden Hazard didn’t seem too crushed by his team’s ejection from the competition. Meanwhile, poor Mauricio Pochettino saw further Champions League heartbreak — you can take the guy out of Spurs, but you can’t take the Spurs out of the guy — after Pep Guardiola’s side beat PSG 4-1 on aggregate.

So, how should you prepare for this match between the two English teams later this month, aside from setting the Champions League anthem as your alarm clock? Here are a few ideas.

Place your bets

The 2021 Champions League final is going to bring bettors around the world out of the woodwork. As was the case in the earlier stages of the competition, such as betting on which teams will qualify for the knockout stages, punters can participate in Champions League betting by placing bets on Chelsea beating Manchester City or vice versa. Individuals can also bet on a draw. Considering Chelsea beat Manchester City in their Premier League match on May 8 and City are likely to unleash stars like Kevin De Bruyne in the final, it’s never been more important to study the betting odds before making a decision.

Make your own bingo game

Betting on the final through an online casino or sportsbook is one way to prepare for the game, but why not have some more fun with your friends and family? For instance, everyone loves a game night and a final, so why combine the two? We recommend creating your own bingo card. If you’re struggling to come up with actions to mark off, here are a few to get you started:

  • 1. Timo Werner misses an absolute sitter
  • 2. Phil Foden scores without actually looking at the ball 
  • 3. Raheem Sterling dives in the box
  • 4. Mason Mount scores from outside the 18-yard box

Familiarize yourself with the memes

Having good banter in football is essential, and preparation is key. Ahead of the final, it’s best to plan out your jokes. Think of it as real-time marketing. Maybe you don’t know the context yet, but you could at the very least have the structure down. For instance, there are some popular Pep Guardiola and Frank Lampard memes that you could edit to match the final. A top contender has to be the video of Guardiola and Sergio Agüero arguing, as well as all the Lampard memes that are on the Internet.

The last time two English teams met in the Champions League final in recent years, there was a Moussa Sissoko handball within the first five minutes and a very sad Lucas Moura. What will this year bring? Only a few more weeks to go to find out!