Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks Prediction (July 29, 2025)

Two of the WNBA’s highest-scoring talents will face off on the hardwood in a head-to-head on July 29, when the Las Vegas Aces (13–13) take on the Los Angeles Sparks (11–14) at 10 p.m. ET.

The weapons? A’ja Wilson, who ranks second in the league with 21.6 points per game, and Kelsey Plum, who’s on Wilson’s heels at fourth with 20.1.

• The Sparks have turned their season around in the span of two weeks. A five-game win streak has pulled them to 11–14, and they’ve done it by tightening up on the defensive end and finally getting consistent guard play. And with Cameron Brink returning from injury? Los Angeles gets back its best interior defender in the nick of time to try and deal with A’ja Wilson.
• At .500, The Aces still have the best player on the court in Wilson, but the supporting cast hasn’t come through when they’re on the road. Las Vegas has lost four of its last five away games, and spacing issues keep stalling out their offense when Plum or Gray can’t hit from the perimeter.

Both of them are fighting for playoff seeding, but who will fight harder? The Sparks are healthier and playing their best basketball of the season. The Aces want to stop the slide and show they’re still a top-tier force.

We’ve got all of the deets! Keep scrolling to see recent team form and trends, player matchups, X-factors, betting odds, and trends, and our picks for the three best bets!

Game Details & Stakes

• Matchup: Las Vegas Aces (13–13) at Los Angeles Sparks (11–14)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29, at 10:00 pm ET
• Venue: Crypto.com  Arena, Los Angeles, CA
• How to Watch: ESPN+, WNBA League Pass
• Playoff Relevance: Both teams are grouped between the 4th and 8th seeds, making each game critical for seeding positioning.
• Season Series: Tied at 1–1; May 30: Aces 84 – Sparks 69; June 12: Sparks 78 – Aces 70

Recent Form & Team Trends

First up, let’s take a look at how the Sparks and the Aces have been playing as late and any team trends!

Main Player Matchups & X-Factors

Who’s up against whom, and what are the possible X-factors? Here’s what we’re watching out for:

Other X-Factors

• Kelsey Plum’s Shot Volume: She’s been taking on more of the scoring load with defenses collapsing on Wilson. If she keeps creating off the dribble and finding clean looks beyond the arc, Vegas has a secondary scoring outlet that can shift the matchup.
• L.A.’s Bench Support: Jordin Canada brings a lot of intensity at the point of attack and can disrupt passing lanes, and Rae Burrell has been way more reliable from deep in recent games. If that group holds serve? The Sparks won’t have to lean so heavily on their starters.
• Transition Pressure: The Sparks need to push off missed shots and turnovers so they don’t get trapped in Vegas’s half-court pace. If they generate early offense and don’t let the Aces set up, they control more of the game’s direction.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Next up? The head-to-head stats for both WNBA teams:

• May 30 – Aces 84, Sparks 69: Las Vegas shot 51% from the floor and outrebounded L.A. by 14. Wilson and Plum combined for 45 points as the Aces controlled most of the game.
• June 12 – Sparks 78, Aces 70: Back in Los Angeles, the Sparks tightened their defense, holding Vegas to 38% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. Dearica Hamby led with 20 and 10.

Main H2H Trends

• The Aces have covered in 4 of the last 6 meetings.
• Unders have hit in 3 of the last 4.
• The home team has won and covered in both 2025 matchups.

Latest Betting Odds

Throwing a wager on this game? We’ve got the latest odds and lines courtesy of ESPN BET:

Odds fluctuate fast, especially near game time. Make sure you’re betting with the most current lines—it might be the edge that turns a lean into a win.

Betting Market & Line Movements

• Spread
  • Opening: Aces –1.5
  • 7/28: Aces –2.5
  • Notes: Early action has backed Vegas despite L.A. being on a win streak
• Moneyline
  • Opening: Aces –145
  • 7/28: Aces –160 | Sparks +135
  • Notes: Vegas is seeing the edge in most projections
• Total
  • Opening: 171.5
  • 7/28: 172.5
  • Notes: A modest bump suggests the expectations of pace and scoring

Public Betting Trends

• Spread: About 62% of bettors are backing the Aces at –2.5
• Moneyline: Around 54% of the handle is on the Sparks, and it’s likely from bettors who are after plus-money value at home
• Total: Bettors are leaning slightly toward the Over, and it’s driven by L.A.’s scoring uptick over the last few games

Our Best Bets

Where do we think the smart money is, and why do we like it? Look below for our three best bets!

Aces vs Sparks Prediction: Can L.A.’s Win Streak Survive the Champs?

Final Score Prediction: Aces 89 – Sparks 85

The Sparks are on a nice run, but most of those wins? They were against lower-tier teams. They haven’t faced a frontcourt presence like A’ja Wilson during that stretch, and Vegas still has the better top-end talent, so we’re backing the Aces to win.

If the Aces defend the interior and force the Sparks into tough looks outside the paint, they’re in a good position to separate down the stretch. L.A. needs a strong shooting night and a big performance from Brink or Canada to keep the score close.

Best Bets Recap

• Aces –2.5 (moderate)
• Over 172.5 (low-moderate)
• Loyd points prop (moderate)

Want to improve your betting results? Check out our expert betting strategies—and explore the top-rated sportsbooks where you can put them into action!

Toluca vs. Columbus Crew Preview | Leagues Cup Opening Match (July 29, 2025)

The Leagues Cup opening match kicks off with Toluca vs. Columbus Crew, and it could be the most exciting game of the first round!

Toluca has been ripping through Liga MX defenses all summer long, and they’ll have home altitude and the fans behind them for the opener. Sure, Columbus is the defending Leagues Cup champs, but they’ve had some bumps on the road here, and Mexico has never been nice to visiting MLS clubs.

Both of these teams are made to score, so this one is setting up to be a back-and-forth goal-fest in group play. And the club that handles the tempo better? They could set the temperature for the rest of the round! And because both are favs to make it to the semifinals, that ups the ante.

Are you ready for some serious soccer? Keep reading for a complete preview, including both teams’ recent form, head-to-head stats, players to watch, the latest betting odds, and our four best bets!

Match Details

• Matchup: Toluca vs. Columbus Crew
• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 29, 7:00 pm ET
• Location: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio (MLS side home advantage)
• How to Watch: Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass in English; Spanish commentary via Fox Deportes or Univision platforms
• Weather Forecast: It’ll be in the mid-80s and humid; the heat and humidity could have an effect on late-game tempo

Recent Form & Team Context

Let’s talk recent form and what’s been going on with Toluca and the Columbus Crew!

Head-to-Head Trends

How do these clubs stack up head-to-head?

Toluca and Columbus Crew have faced each other only twice competitively before, in the 2010 Concacaf Champions Cup, which ended in a 2–2 draw in the first leg, and Toluca won 3–2 in the second leg to take the tie.

In both of the matches:

• Both teams scored
• Over 2.5 goals hit
• Late goals were decisive, changing the momentum and the result

Across both games, neither side ruled the midfield; the action flowed between end‑to‑end chances and wasn’t a controlled build-up by one team.

Main Players to Watch

We’ll be watching all of the players on the pitch, but there are three names from each team that we’ll be laser-focused on:

Toluca

• Alexis Vega: Toluca’s assist king (8 in Clausura); Vega nailed a hat trick and assisted in a 5–2 win over Necaxa. He’s a threat from open play and in dead-ball situations. 
• Paulinho: Clausura’s top scorer (12 goals), scored in the final, and is vital to Toluca’s attack; he brings size and composure inside the box. 
• Jesús Gallardo: He’s the newly awarded Liga MX Best Full-Back; Gallardo has both forward thrust from left wing-back, with experience at the back.  

Columbus Crew

• Diego Rossi: He’s back to his goal-making ways and linking up really well as part of the Crew’s front line; he’s on a tear as the club’s creative focal point. 
• Darlington Nagbe: This is the Crew’s midfield metronome; when Nagbe controls possession and tempo, Columbus moves super well.
• Wessam Abou Ali: He is Columbus’s new Designated Player from Al Ahly, and gives the Crew a physical edge and another goal threat; Ali just starred with a Club World Cup hat trick. 

Betting Odds & Market Insights

If you’re thinking about betting on the Leagues Cup opener, here are the latest odds and lines from DraftKings:

Sportsbooks are pricing this as an open matchup; the market odds show goals coming from both clubs.

Stay sharp—odds move as the match draws near, and checking the latest lines before betting could be the key to a smarter wager.

Preview Summary: What to Expect

This matchup is looking like a lot of open play with very little midfield congestion. Columbus will try to stretch the field early through Rossi’s movement and Nagbe’s short-passing game; they’ll want to keep Toluca pinned deeper than they want to be. And Toluca will clap back via quick switches and wing overloads through Vega’s service and Gallardo’s late runs.

Second-half fatigue could definitely be a factor; it’s gonna be hot and humid, and both clubs want to dictate the pace. But whoever controls the wide spaces as energy drops could come out on top.

Our Best Bets

It’s about that time! Look below for our best bets; we’ve got three solid picks and a so-so one that could be worth a look.

In-Game Storylines

• Columbus’ opening tempo: They usually press early at home. If Toluca holds firm without overcommitting, they’ll have the space to exploit later in the game.
• Wing exposure: The Crew’s fullbacks push up, and that leaves pockets in behind. Toluca’s wide players (Vega and Gallardo) can turn that flaw into scoring chances.
• Second-half edge: Toluca’s attack doesn’t drop off with changes. If the game’s still even after 70? They’ve got more than enough match-winners waiting in the wings and ready to come on.

Toluca vs. Columbus Crew Final Take

Don’t expect to watch a match that’s decided by control; it’ll be won by whoever can handle pressure better in those broken phases of play. 

Columbus relies on structure and spacing to build their attacks, but they’ve been exposed when play gets iffy. Toluca’s strength lies in exploiting those gaps with direct runs and quick decisions in the final third. You’re not betting on control with this game; you’re betting on execution in tense moments. That’s why the goal markets, and not the winner, are where the real value is!

Best Bets Recap

• Over 2.5 Goals (8.5/10)
• BTTS – Yes (8/10)
• Toluca DNB (+160) (6.5/10 value play)

Final Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 2 – 2 Toluca

Columbus does have the home advantage, but don’t count Toluca out; their shape and counterattack are not to be trifled with!

The over feels like the most stable route, as does the BTTS if the match stays loose defensively.

And if you’re ready to bet on the Leagues Cup opener or any other upcoming matches, make sure you’re using a trusted sportsbook that gives you great odds and fast payouts. Check out our list of the best sports betting sites to compare options.

Impact of 2025 NFL Rule Changes on Betting Lines and Player Props

Listen up, all of you slavishly devoted pigskin punters! There is a new kickoff rule coming down the pike that could affect your betting strategy.

The 2025 NFL season comes with two new rules. One of them is a revamped kickoff format, and the other? Brand new replay/challenge protocols.

Yes, these are safety measures for players, but they’ll also change up field positions and the game’s pace in every quarter. And you better believe that these rule changes will mean point totals, prop lines, and live odds could change in surprising ways.

But don’t panic! We are going to go over all of it, including how the new kickoff rules and replay changes work, and then apply that knowledge to how you should alter your over/under wagers, special-teams props, and in-play strategies. Let’s blitz this, baby!

Quick Overview of the 2025 Rule Updates

The Replay Assist program is getting stronger. On-site replay officials are now able to proactively fix certain penalties (defenseless hits, face-mask grabs, horse-collar tackles, tripping, and running-into-the-kicker). 

Coaches retain red flags to challenge plays, but only if a flag was thrown on the field in the first place; they can’t challenge to draw attention to an uncalled foul. The league is locking down some fouls under replay review while discouraging needless coaches’ challenges. The rule adjustments are meant to help with game flow and decrease injury risks.

New Kickoff Rule

How does the new kickoff rule operate? Look below:

• Touchbacks at the 35: Starting in 2025, any kickoff that’s caught or downed in the end zone will be spotted at the 35-yard line, not the 25. A five-yard jump forces teams to think twice about easy touchbacks.
• Compact Alignment: The ball is kicked from midfield toward a “setup zone,” which is where return teams can have at most three players just ahead of the restraining line. By lining up like a regular play and restricting space/speed, the NFL expects more return attempts (and way less high-speed collisions).
• Onside Any Time (If Trailing): Any team that is trailing can declare an onside kick on any kickoff. This gives teams a weapon earlier in the game. The kicker still has to bounce the ball short (it will be kicked from the 34 instead of the 30-yard line per reports) to attempt a recovery.

Coach‑challenge Change

And what’s with the whole coach challenge thing? Here’s how that will work:

• New limits: The 2025 rulebook narrows the scope of how and when coaches can use the red flag. Teams are now limited to just one challenge per half, regardless of if it’s successful or not. A failed challenge still costs a timeout, but the biggest change? Coaches can only challenge plays where a penalty was already called on the field. They can’t use challenges to argue for missed calls or demand new flags after the fact.

NFL Executive VP of Football Operations Troy Vincent explained the change like this: “We’re trying to remove unnecessary delays while still allowing replay to correct egregious errors. If no flag was thrown, that’s the call; the replay booth won’t be used to manufacture one.”

So, if a pass interference or personal foul isn’t flagged live, coaches have zero recourse. That erases the gray area and cuts down on throwaway challenges, as it forces coaching staffs to be way more selective with their one shot per half.

The Replay Assist Program

The instant replay involvement is being expanded for safety calls as well, and it looks like this:

Replay Assist: The league’s system for booth-initiated reviews now has broader authority over safety-related fouls. Replay officials can step in to correct face masks, horse-collar tackles, defenseless receiver hits, tripping, and roughing the kicker, even if the on-field refs happen to miss them.

NFL Referee Committee Chair Perry Fewell told ESPN: “We’ve given replay assist a bit more authority when it comes to player safety. But that’s a booth-driven correction, not something coaches can trigger. The goal is faster, cleaner outcomes, not dragging the game down.”

The adjustment means there will be fewer interruptions from sideline challenges and more consistent pacing, particularly in moments where late-game rhythm used to be interrupted by questionable red flags. What does this mean for bettors? A smoother clock flow in halves with no replay-worthy safety fouls!

Kickoff Rule — Betting Impact Breakdown

The new kickoff rules will undoubtedly reverberate through point spreads, totals, and props. In 2024’s test run, the changes led to a historic scoring bump: the league averaged 45.8 points per game, up from 43.5 in 2023. Returns also jumped; NFL data projects a 65–75% return rate once touchbacks are at the 35. In betting terms, more returns generally mean more possessions and better starting field position! Below are the effects it will have on betting.

Over/Under Point Totals

The change in kickoff structure isn’t just a cosmetic thing; it cuts into the number of splash plays that used to sneak totals over the number. In past years, a surprise return or botched coverage could flip a slow first quarter into a 14-point swing. That volatility has been evened out. The new alignment keeps coverage teams close to the returner and limits high-speed collisions, which means most returns start around the 25–30 yard line without a lot of drama. So, while returns will be more frequent, they’ll be way less explosive.

And that creates a strange betting paradox. You’d think more returns would mean more points, and they did in theory during the 2024 test run. The league saw a modest uptick in average points per game (from 43.5 in 2023 to 45.8 in 2024), and part of that was tied to better starting field position. But it wasn’t because of long touchdown returns; it was because offenses got the ball at the 30+ instead of the 25.

Early game totals, in particular, are worth watching. First quarter and first-half over/unders usually lean conservative because coaches start out cautiously. But when a team starts a drive near the 35 instead of the 25, and doesn’t burn 30 seconds letting the kickoff bounce into the end zone? The chance of getting a field goal out of that first possession goes up. That’s where the early scoring lines can drift upward.

If you want to compare the pre- and post-rule totals, below is how it looked across sample games:

The expected outcome isn’t that games are all of a sudden shootouts;  it’s that the bar is raised. With better field position and fewer time-draining touchbacks, the average drive becomes more productive. That can push totals upward without changing the look or feel of the game. If sportsbooks hang totals at 43.5–44.0 in the first couple of weeks, you could be looking at value on the over when two average offenses face off and field position tips them over the edge.

Player Props

Kick return props will also have a reset. In past seasons, most sportsbooks priced “longest kickoff return” or “total kick return yards” based on volatility alone; all it took was one busted lane for someone to run 60+ yards. But with the new kickoff setup? That kind of play is going to be the exception, not the rule. Returns are happening more often, but the average yardage per return is coming down. That changed how you should approach prop betting around kickoff plays.

In 2024’s trial run of the new kickoff formation, teams returned kicks on about 78% of opportunities, up from just 38% from 2023. That’s a massive increase in volume. But the average return distance hovered around 22–24 yards, compared to 26–27 in the prior format. The compressed setup, with both coverage and blocking players aligned five yards apart at the 40 and 35, makes it harder to find big seams. You get short, frequent returns. Not breakaway plays.

So what does that mean for props? For starters, “Longest Kick Return Over 35.5 Yards,” which was a common line in 2023 and 2024, will feel inflated in most matchups. That under is live unless you’re dealing with a known burner or a soft special teams unit. Sportsbooks that haven’t adjusted will get caught pricing those lines on outdated assumptions.

Where it gets really interesting is with volume props. If you’re seeing “Total Kick Returns Over 3.5” per team or “Kick Return Yards Over/Under 85.5” as an individual prop, you have some nice opportunities. Because touchbacks now give up the 35-yard line, most kickers are avoiding booming it through the end zone. That means returners are fielding the ball inside the 5 or on a short hop and taking it out. More returns equal more yardage, even if the yards-per-return stay modest. Those props are more stable and easier to handicap than they used to be.

If you’re targeting props in this new landscape, fade the splash plays and bet into the volume. Go under on the longest return. Go over the number of returns. And if a book hangs a lazy prop like “Player X Over 110.5 return yards,” know that it now takes 5+ returns to get there; it’s not one big one and done.

Live Betting Opportunities

Returns are more controlled, more repeatable, and more average. And that’s an absolute gift for live bettors. If you know that every drive is starting between the 28 and 35-yard line, and you’re not worried about a 103-yard score coming out of nowhere, it’s so much easier to time your entries.

In 2024, the average drive following a kickoff lasted 5.7 plays and covered about 32 yards, compared to just 4.8 plays and 27 yards the year before. That small change opened up live total overs in second quarters where scoring pace had dipped; the drive math made it more likely that a basic possession could generate a field goal or flip field position.

What this also means is that live lines adjust more slowly. In the first quarter, if the opening drives don’t feature big returns or turnovers, totals may drop a few points from the pregame number. That can be the moment to strike: the field position edge hasn’t gone away, but the market is reacting like it has.

Same goes for end-of-half sequences! Without kickoff penalties or touchbacks eating up time, teams are getting cleaner setups for their two-minute drills. That favors late-half overs and “next score” props when the market isn’t priced aggressively.

And don’t forget the onside scenarios. Under the 2025 rules, teams can declare an onside kick at any point in the game, as long as they’re behind. That introduces a brand new wrinkle into second- and third-quarter live betting. If a team is down 10 and just scored, you have to consider the real chance that they’ll try to steal a possession. Live ML odds might not price that possibility in until it’s too late. If you’re paying attention, you can beat the sportsbook to the number!

Challenge Rule — Betting Consequences

The new challenge restrictions change how the game is paced, and not just when the clock runs, but when it doesn’t stop. Coaches get one challenge per half. That’s it. They can’t challenge missed penalties. The replay booth can step in, but only for player safety fouls. That removes several of the most common delays that used to slow down second quarters, kill late-half drives, or give teams time to reset. And with fewer stoppages, the pace picks up, and that will change totals and in-game betting windows!

Over/Under Point Totals

Games now run with fewer breaks, and that’s good news for everyone who thinks that football games are way too long. There are more reviews of missed DPI. No more stall-outs after a third-down spot.

That means uninterrupted possessions, fewer wasted plays, and a decrease in clock drain without movement.

Totals in the 43–46 range are now vulnerable to getting passed, and not from breakaway scoring, but from time no longer being eaten up by delays. Fewer stoppages = more usable seconds = a few more plays. If a drive gets two extra snaps because the clock wasn’t frozen for a sideline flag, that’s usually enough to get into field goal range. Sportsbooks might raise numbers in high-total games, but mid-tier matchups are where these changes will be seen the most.

Live Lines & In‑Game Derivatives

Stoppages used to control a game’s momentum, but not anymore! Coaches would use challenges to break a drive’s rhythm, kill the tempo after a turnover, or burn time for a late-half clock reset. Those tools? Bye! That changes how live totals and in-play props behave.

Fewer pauses mean that live lines move faster, and there will be reduced corrections. If a team picks up tempo, there’s no timeout or challenge to slow it down, and the sportsbook won’t have time to adjust it mid-drive. Time-based props (“plays in Q2,” “next team to score”) become more reliable. You’re betting into pace, not volatility.

Combined Effects — Line Movement & Player Props

The kickoff and replay rule changes don’t only affect isolated markets; they will reshape how totals and props are built across entire slates. Fewer return touchdowns. Fewer stoppages. Drives that start closer to midfield, and way less timeouts wasted on questionable flags. Add all that together, and you get a different game, and it’s one that sportsbooks now have to account for in pregame lines and prop combos.

For totals, this creates a compression effect. Games with passive special teams and low-tempo offenses might see their over/unders drop by two to three points compared to 2024, particularly if neither team has a return specialist that’s worth watching. But in matchups where both teams are likely to return kicks and burn through clean drives without delay? You’ll see totals hold or even go up, and not because of scoring, but because the clock isn’t being stopped as much.

Props are being grouped differently as a result, too. You’ll see pairings that never used to exist, like return stats linked with officiating trends. Football betting sites are now experimenting with lines like the ones below:

• “Total Kick Return Yards + First-Half Challenges: Over/Under 88.5”
• “More: Kickoff Returns or Accepted Penalties?”
• “First Special Teams Play to Exceed 25 Yards OR First Booth Review?”

The above markets show the fact that kickoff returns are now predictable in frequency but less volatile in yardage, and reviews will happen less but will still be tied to fixed foul types.

This is how a typical adjustment could look with different matchup profiles:

If you’re betting on pregame totals or combo props, the chasm between how sportsbooks modeled these games in 2024 and how they unfold in 2025 is where the value lives. Pay attention to which teams keep the red flag in their back pocket and which ones let kickoffs come out of the end zone; those are the games where betting lines haven’t totally caught up to what’s happening on the field!

Four Betting Strategy Tips

Want some tips for betting in this new age of the NFL? We got you!

FAQs

Bet you have a lot of questions about these rule changes (do you see what we did there?). We put together a few of the most common FAQs that should cover the most important things about how they’ll impact betting lines and player props!

Adapting Your Strategy for 2025 NFL Lines

The rules have literally changed, and the market hasn’t caught up to all of it. Some totals are still padded by last year’s assumptions. Props are being posted without accounting for how return volume or reduced stoppages recalculate the drive structure. If you’re betting 2025 lines like it’s still 2024? You’ll be left in the dust. Below, we tell you how to fix that!

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Prediction (July 28, 2025)

The Yankees will host the Rays for a three-game series that begins on July 28 at 7:05 pm ET!

Tampa Bay is heading to the Bronx, where they’re hoping to stop their losing streak (they’ve lost 7 of their last 10 games). NY has fared a little better; they lost the first 2 games against Philly but won the third 4-3.

Drew Rasmussen will be back on the mound after nearly 14 months of recovering from elbow surgery. He’ll most likely be limited, but Tampa’s hoping he can get through the lineup once without giving up much. But the Yankees still have the deeper lineup and a bullpen that’s logged fewer innings this week. If Rasmussen can’t give length? It puts a lot of pressure on Tampa’s middle relief.

Playoff positioning is at stake, y’all! Keep reading to see starting pitcher stats, the latest betting odds and lines, main storylines, our four best bets, and our final score prediction!

Game Details

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Rays (53‑53) vs. New York Yankees (57‑48)
• Date & Time: Monday, July 28, 7:05 pm ET
• Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
• How to Watch: YES Network (Yankees), Bally Sports Sun (Rays), MLB.tv
• Forecast: Clear with mostly sunny skies with temps in the low to mid 90s, but it’ll cool down to the 80s during the game. There’ll be light winds from the east-northeast that should have minimal influence on fly balls.

Starting Pitchers & Matchup Insights

Who’s throwing in Game 1? The Rays are sending out Drew Rasmussen, and the Yanks will have Carl Schlittler on the hill. Look below for a breakdown of each starter’s stats!

Advantage

Rasmussen has a clear advantage in experience and command. His cutter-sinker mix keeps right-handers at bay, and he doesn’t give up a lot of base runners via walks. If the Rays let him work into the sixth? He can neutralize the top half of the Yankees’ order. Schlittler looked really composed in his debut, but he hasn’t faced a team that can stack up solid lefties like Tampa does.

If Tampa stretches Schlittler’s pitch count, the Yankees could be looking at bullpen duty by the fifth inning. Rasmussen has the advantage because of his command and track record against right-handed hitters, and if the Rays give him the support, he’s in a solid spot to work through six.

Betting Odds & Market Movement

If you’re gonna bet on this game, look below for the latest odds and lines via FanDuel:

Check the most recent odds before betting—lines can move as game time nears, and staying informed could be the difference between a win and a miss.

Line Movement

• The Yankees ML opened around –175 and moved to –196 and is now down to -120; sportsbooks are reacting to steady money on New York and a possible pitching advantage.
• The total dropped from 9.0 to 8.5; early bettors are likely leaning under based on the lineup form and weather.

Betting Splits

• A lot of public bets are leaning hard toward the Yankees’ moneyline because, well, they’re the Yankees.
• The Rays +1.5 and the Under have drawn extra interest from sharper bettors; the movement shows there is a split between casual and sharper action.

Storylines to Watch

What are we watching for in this one? The following factors!

• Rasmussen’s First Start Back – After a long recovery, Rasmussen returns to a tight playoff race. He doesn’t have to go deep, but how good he looks in the first few innings will say a lot about how ready he really is.
• Schlittler’s Second Test – The Yankees are throwing the rookie into the lion’s den. His debut went really well, but Tampa’s hitters work deeper counts and can expose command lapses if he gets behind early.
• Bullpen Balance – New York gave their late-inning arms a workout over the weekend, and Tampa pretty much stayed out of high-leverage spots. That disparity could come into play if this turns into a six-inning game.
• AL East Stakes – The Yankees are trying not to slip behind in the rankings, and the Rays can’t afford many more losses if they want to stay in the Wild Card chase.
• Lefties vs. the Bronx Dimensions – Josh Lowe, Brandon Lowe, and any other Tampa lefties in the lineup could benefit from that short porch in right field. One solid swing could change the game!

Our Best Bets

Who and what do we think are the best bets for the game? Here are the four angles that we feel have the most value!

How to Bet on the Rays vs. Yankees Game

We’re backing NY, but that Moneyline? It’s inflated. Rasmussen has the pitches in his arsenal to stall the Yankees’ best hitters, and that puts the Under 8.5 in play as the better angle. If the game stays scoreless through three? Then we’re talking live totals that could give you extra value!

Best Bets Recap

• Under 8.5 Runs (–118); Confidence: ★★★★☆
• Yankees Moneyline (–196); Confidence: ★★★☆☆
• Rays +1.5 Run Line (–142); Confidence: ★★★☆☆
• First 5 Innings Under 4.5; Confidence: ★★★★★

Wanna bet smarter? You can use our sports betting strategies, and you can find out where to do it on our best sportsbooks page!

Final Score Prediction: Yankees 4, Rays 2

This game won’t be a blowout like we saw with the first two in the Yankees/Phillies series this weekend (sorry, NY fans, but the Phils whooped y’all), but the Yankees will take it over the Rays.

England vs. Spain Prediction | EURO 2025 Final (July 27, 2025)

England and Spain meet again, and it’s less than a year after Spain beat them in the World Cup Final.

And this time? It’s for the EURO 2025 title. England’s trying to defend their crown, and it’s against a club that is the reigning World Cup (2023) and Nations League (2024) champions. If Spain wins? It would make them the first team to hold the World Cup, Nations League, and EURO titles simultaneously.

No pressure for England or anything!

The two best women’s teams had to work to get here; England survived a stubborn Italy side that pushed them into extra time. Michelle Agyemang, who’s been one of the breakout players of the tournament, and Chloe Kelly came off the bench and helped get them the win.

Spain didn’t have it any easier; Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, finally broke the deadlock in the 113th minute to win the semifinal against Germany and book La Roja’s place in the final.

It’s going down on Sunday, July 27, in Basel, Switzerland, and it’ll be blockbuster soccer (or football).

Keep scrolling to see the match details, head-to-head and tactical stats, current betting odds, and our picks for the best 5 bets!

Match Details

• Matchup:England vs. Spain
• Date & Time: Sunday, July 27 at 12:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm BST / 18:00 CET
• Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
• How To Watch: In the U.S.: FOX and Fox Sports streaming; in the U.K.: BBC One, ITV1, BBC iPlayer, ITVX

Road to the Final

We talked a little about how England and Spain made it to the final, but here is a more detailed look!

The Lionesses (England)

• The Comeback queens in Switzerland: England was trailing Sweden 2–0 in the quarterfinal and rallied to draw 2–2 before winning in penalties. 
• Semi‑final vs. Italy: Michelle Agyemang equalized deep in stoppage time, and Chloe Kelly netted the winner in the 119th minute.
• England have now reached three straight major tournament finals under Sarina Wiegman.  

La Roja (The Red One, Spain)

• Undefeated run through the Euros; they outplayed opponents in the group and knockout stages with a total of 17 goals scored. 
• Solid knockouts: Spain beat Denmark 2–0 in the quarters; edged Germany in the semi, controlled possession, and Bonmatí fired the winner off late in the game.

Head‑to‑Head & Tactical Matchups

What’s the history between these two teams, and which players are going to be battling it out on the pitch?

Last Meeting

• Spain beat England 2–1 in June’s Nations League; Alessia Russo scored first, but Clàudia Pina came on and scored twice to overturn it and get the win in Barcelona.
• Earlier this year, England beat Spain 1–0 at home during another Nations League fixture; Russo again scored the winning goal.
• In the last 14 matches, England have won 7, Spain 4, with 3 draws, and recent meetings have been evenly split.

Player Battles

• Keira Walsh (England) anchors midfield with her precision passing under threat from Spain’s press; opponents usually will man-mark her to disrupt England’s tempo and form.
• Spain’s control lies with Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas; they orchestrate possession and build-up through midfield rotations, and that makes space for runners like Pina or Paralluelo.

Betting Odds

If you want to bet on the EURO 2025 Final, look below for the latest odds and lines courtesy of ESPN BET:

Be sure to review the latest odds before placing your bets—lines often shift closer to kickoff, so staying updated can give you an edge.

Trending Props & Bets

We’ve looked at the sportsbooks and here are the trending props and bets for this matchup!

• Clàudia Pina – First Goalscorer (~6/1): She came off the bench to score a brace against England in the Nations League and has maintained top attacking volume and finishing form this Euros. She’s a live threat who’s priced to deliver. 
• Michelle Agyemang – Anytime Goalscorer (~4/1 boost on Midnite): England’s 19-year-old bada** came up clutch against Italy; she scored twice in the knockout rounds. Her market got a boost after her winning strikes in the quarters and semis. 
• Builder Option: Spain HT Lead + England Win 90 min (~40/1): This is an underdog-style parlay: Spain lead at the break, but England force a turnaround by full‑time. These are long odds, and it’s risky, but it makes sense if you expect a change in control after halftime. 

Our Best Bets

What do we like for the women’s EURO 2025 Final? We’ve got four solid angles and one Lead in for our 5 best bets and an iffy one that’s a longshot but still worth a look!

Team News & X‑Factors

Injuries and lineups will definitely have a say in how  this final plays out. England has some hard decisions to make, and Spain will be sticking with what’s worked for them so far.

England

• Lauren James (ankle) missed the second half of the semi-final and is a major doubt for the final. She’s doing light training, but England’s staff is holding off on confirming her status until it gets closer to kick-off. If she’s out? Beth Mead or Chloe Kelly will likely step in. 
• Michelle Agyemang has continued her breakthrough run; she’s scored in back-to-back knockout games and adds a lot of energy off the bench. Chloe Kelly also stays in the frame to start, depending on the formation they go with. 

Spain

• Spain is at full strength; Aitana Bonmatí is fully fit after a bout of viral meningitis only weeks ago. She’s back to form and is central to Spain’s build-up. 
• Alexia Putellas has returned to her lineup role post-ACL recovery and is combining well with Bonmatí and Patri Guijarro in midfield. This trio will anchor Spain’s creativity and pressing.  

Main Storylines to Watch

• Can England avoid another slow start? They’ve made a habit out of leaving it until late in games. A slow opening against Spain’s pressing could be too much to recover from in this case.
• Who controls the middle third? England relies on Walsh to set the tempo, but Spain’s trio (Bonmatí, Putellas, Guijarro) will try to suffocate that space early and often.
• Legacy on the line: Spain can become the first nation to hold the World Cup, Nations League, and Euro titles at once. England wants to prove their 2022 win wasn’t just a lucky win.

Prediction Locked: Scoreline, Slips, and Stake Sizing

The 2025 Women’s EURO wraps up with a familiar scene: England vs. Spain, a rematch of the World Cup Final from two summers ago. Spain took that one, and based on how both teams have played in this tournament? Unfortunately for the Lionesses, the Red Ones are in a good position to do it again.

Best Bets Recap

• Spain to win in 90 minutes (High Confidence)
• Under 2.5 Total Goals (Medium)
• Claudia Pina to score first (Medium)
• Spain HT / Draw FT (Low-Medium)
• Chloe Kelly to score or assist (Low)

Risk Factors

England’s set-piece threats and late substitutions can change the game, so Spain has to stay organized the full 90 minutes.

Bankroll Guidance

Stick to 1–3% per play on your main bets, and use smaller stakes on props or long odds unless they’re paired with safer legs!

And before you bet, make sure to confirm the starting lineups, get updates on injury reports, and shop odds across the top online sportsbooks so that you can get the best value.

Final Score Prediction: Spain 2–0 England

Spain will control the tempo and convert their chances, England can’t find a breakthrough, and thus matches up with our Spain ML and Under 2.5 bets!

Why Trading Your Casino Comps Might Pay Off More Than You Think

We all love freebies! Do you know how many free drinks I’ve gotten at Starbucks with their rewards program? Let’s just say I’m over-caffeinated and dehydrated.

Casinos do the same thing with their rewards programs, only instead of espresso or one of those weird-looking pink drinks, you get things like free rooms. Or dinners. You know, casino comps!

You sign up for a player’s where you play the most, and the comps start coming. Sounds good! But there are a lot of players who claim those comps and then don’t use them, which is nuts. Not only are they missing out on food vouchers and hotel nights, but they might not know that they could be even more valuable if you get a little creative.

How can you get creative and leverage your comps like cash? You can hit up gaming forums, social media groups, and apps where players trade, swap, or strategize about comps. 

We are gonna tell you how to think of your comps as currency, and how to trade, optimize, or even re-use them so you get the most value from your casino activity! Let’s get comping.

What Are Casino Comps, Really?

“Comps” is short for complimentary rewards, and they are basically freebies that casinos hand out as a little “thank you” for playing.

On the basic end of the comp systems, you’ve got things like the following:

• Free slot play credits
• Drink vouchers or complimentary cocktails
• Buffet or casual dining comps
• Discounted or comped hotel stays

And when you move up the loyalty ladder, or if you show you’re willing to lose enough money, you start to unlock the better stuff:

• Tickets to big-name concerts or shows
• Free flights or airport transfers
• Room upgrades and luxury suites
• Spa treatments, golf rounds, pool cabanas
• Dedicated VIP host services, limo rides, and private gaming areas

Casinos can give you anything from a free breakfast to a full-blown weekend getaway. What you get depends on how much value they think you’re bringing to the casino table.

How Comps Are Earned

So, comps aren’t gifts; they’re calculated investments. The casino isn’t giving you free stuff because they like you. Nope, they’re giving it to you because they expect to win your money.

Your comps are based on something called theoretical loss (or “theo,” as regulars call it). That’s the casino’s estimate of how much money you’re expected to lose, based on these things:

• The game you’re playing (slots have higher house edges than blackjack)
• Your average bet size
• How long have you been playing?
• And in some cases, how fast you play

The formula looks something like this:

Theoretical loss = total amount wagered × house edge × time played

So if you’re betting $10 per hand at blackjack for three hours, the casino does the math and estimates your expected loss. Maybe it’s $150. Based on that, they might give you comps worth $10 to $20. That’s your “comp value.”

Loyalty tiers also come into play. Most casinos have a rewards program (MGM Rewards, Caesars Rewards, etc.) that tracks your gambling and assigns you a tier, like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and so on. The higher your tier? The better your comps. You’ll get more offers, better rooms, priority access to events, and maybe a dedicated host who can customize your perks.

Why Casinos Bother with Comps

Most comps return only a small percentage of your actual loss. A typical slot player might get comps worth 0.1% to 0.5% of their total coin-in. That means if you run $10,000 through a slot machine, you’re maybe getting $10–50 in comp value, depending on the casino’s generosity. High rollers fare better, but even then, the casino always comes out ahead.

Comps Are a Game within the Game

Once you grasp how comps work, you start to realize that they’re not just perks; they’re a vital part of the business model. And if you’re smart, you can treat them like another bankroll: not in dollars, but in value. If you’re a mid-level player or someone just visiting for the weekend, there are ways to stretch those freebies beyond what they’re “worth” on paper. But to do that, you’ve got to think of comps less like a reward and more like a currency!

Why Most Players Undervalue Their Comps

Comps feel like they’re a bonus. That’s both the hook and the trap. Because you didn’t pay for them, it isn’t hard to treat them like throwaway perks instead of something that has real value. That mindset? It’s what casinos are banking on.

Then there’s the gift shop trap. Casinos love it when people burn food or resort credits on overpriced souvenirs or marked-up snacks. A $25 comp doesn’t go far when you’re buying a $7 candy bar or a logo hoodie that would be half the price anywhere else. Just because a comp can be used doesn’t mean it should be used. Capiche?

Letting Value Expire

The other way players lose out is by doing absolutely nothing. Free rooms go unbooked. Show tickets expire before anyone even checks who the headliner is. Free play coupons sit in drawers, untouched. And casinos are not gonna chase you down to remind you; they’re more than happy to let the offer vanish if you’re not watching your email or loyalty account.

A lot of missed comps come from confusion around blackout dates, expiration windows, or vague wording on offers. But most often, it’s a lack of planning. Maybe you meant to take that comped two-night stay, but the dates didn’t line up, or you figured you’d get around to it “later.” That later never came, and the comp disappeared.

Not All Redemptions Are the Same

This next part is the thing that a lot of casual players miss: not all comp uses give you the same value. That $50 resort credit? You could use it on two overpriced drinks and a bag of chips… or you could save it for a fancy meal. A comped suite during off-peak season might be worth $100. But if you bank it and use it over New Year’s weekend? It might just cover a $450 room rate. That’s real leverage.

You have to understand that there is a hidden value in almost every comp. If you wouldn’t normally pay cash for something, don’t waste your comps on it just because it’s “free.”

Free play, especially, should be treated super strategically. Use it on games with better return-to-player (RTP) percentages, not whatever happens to be the closest game to the bar.

Act Like You’re Spending Cash

This is a simple rule: treat comps like they’re money. If you wouldn’t pay $50 for a generic sweatshirt, don’t use a $50 in comp credit on one! If you wouldn’t book a room during the week for $80 out of pocket, but you would for $300 on a weekend, use the comp then. Just because the casino handed you the coupon in no way means that you owe them your loyalty.

Start thinking about comps as currency with fluctuating value, depending on how and when you use them. All of a sudden, that dusty “free” dinner becomes something worth timing and planning. And instead of being just another player eating at the buffet out of habit, you’re someone who’s getting real value out of the system.

Trading and Selling Casino Comps: Is It Legal or Allowed?

Ok, onto swapping and selling casino comps. Is it legal? Merely frowned upon? Eh, it’s complicated. Trading casino comps isn’t encouraged, but it’s not outright illegal either. It’s sort of like jaywalking. Unless you do it in front of a cop, most of the time? No one cares. But that could change depending on how you do it and who knows about it.

Best Ways to Trade or Repurpose Casino Comps for Higher Value

Once you realize that you don’t have to use you at a buffet or for an off-season hotel night, the game changes. When they’re used the right way? Basic perks can become part of something bigger! It could be a better trip, a shared deal with a friend, or a negotiation chip with a host. You don’t have to be a high roller to get creative.

1. Direct Trades with Other Players

Think of comps as bargaining chips. You’ve got a comped hotel stay, and someone else has a stack of food credits they won’t use. Maybe you’re going to town for a show, and they’re coming for poker. This is where the bartering starts.

And they don’t have to be dollar-for-dollar. Maybe someone values a prime steakhouse meal over a basic hotel room. The point is to match interest, not numbers. The informal trades fly under the radar because they’re not public sales, and usually, no cash is involved.

Just be smart about who you’re dealing with. If you’re trading with strangers online, use groups that vet members or have reputation systems. And keep it simple; no complex chains of trades that fall apart when one person flakes.

2. Share Comps with Friends and Family

This one’s underrated and totally legal! At most casinos, you’re allowed to let someone else check in under your comped room, as long as you set it up properly. You don’t even have to be there.

Let’s say you scored a two-night comp at a Vegas property but can’t make the trip. Your sister is going and needs a place to stay. You call the hotel, book the comp, and list them as the secondary guest. Easy peasy!

You don’t even have to trade anything in return, although some people do turn it into a longer-term exchange:

• “Use my comped room this trip, and I’ll take your extra show tickets next time.”
• “You use my food credit now, I get first dibs on your freeplay next time.”

Players who travel as a group will pool their comps; one person books the suite, another brings the show tickets, and a third takes care of the eats. That turns a few scattered offers into a full weekend setup. Casinos don’t mind as long as the comps get used and at least one person is playing under their rewards account.

3. Work with a Host or Third-Party Concierge

If you’ve built any kind of status, and no, you don’t have to be an elite high roller, this is where things can get interesting. Casino hosts can do way more than send you birthday cards. A good host will reshuffle comps to suit your plans if you ask the right way.

If your email offer includes a basic room, some freeplay, and a buffet credit, but you’d rather skip the buffet and stay in a suite? Ask! The host may be able to repackage the offer and cut the food credit, and throw in a nicer room or a show ticket instead.

Third-party concierge services do something similar, especially for cruise casinos and destination resorts. Sites like URComped work with smaller properties to hook players up with better deals in exchange for verified gambling activity. They’ll usually combine your comps into bundles, like room plus airfare reimbursement or show tickets stacked with extra freeplay, if you agree to give them a certain amount of play while you’re there.

Just don’t expect miracles if you’re betting $10 per day! But know that moderate players can get upgrades or custom packages if they know who to ask and when.

4. Time It Right

A comp is worth exactly what it saves you. And what it saves you depends almost entirely on timing.

If your comps have flexible dates, stash them until they pack the most punch. Players who travel to Vegas for fights, major poker series, or holiday weekends can turn average comps into high-value perks just by holding off.

5. Use Comps at Other Properties

This one’s called comp matching or comp shopping. It’s not really advertised, but hosts at competing casinos will sometimes offer you perks if they know you’ve already got an offer from somewhere else.

If you’ve got two comped nights at Caesars and you’re thinking about trying Wynn? Drop the Caesars offer into conversation with a Wynn host. In some cases, they’ll match or beat it to lure you over. This doesn’t always work at low tiers, but once you hit mid-level status or show decent play history, casinos will fight for you.

Even without a formal match, knowing what comps you’re getting from one chain can give you leverage to negotiate better terms at another. You’re not beholden to one casino, so use what you’ve earned to open up other options.

Tools & Communities That Help You Trade or Optimize Comps

If you’re still relying only on casino emails and hoping a decent offer shows up, you’re missing out on the good stuff. There’s a whole subculture of players who trade tips, post comps, compare offers, and work the system better than most hosts do. Plugging into the below communities can change how you play and how much you get back!

Message Boards That Know of What They Speak

Old-school forums are still one of the most underrated resources for comp strategy, and these are the best:

• VegasMessageBoard: This place is a goldmine for comp-specific threads. Players swap real stories about what worked, what didn’t, and what they negotiated behind the scenes. If you want to know if a casino will let your spouse use your free room while you’re out of town? Ten people on here have already done it and reported back.
• Wizard of Vegas: This one is more analytical, but the comp math and strategy threads can be super helpful if you’re trying to figure out how to stretch your play into better value.
• TripAdvisor (Vegas and Atlantic City forums): These can be hit or miss, but if you dig through them, you’ll find lots of trip reports, offer breakdowns, and people exchanging advice about how they stacked comps across multiple casinos during a single trip.

Lurking is free! But posting can get you answers to questions that you didn’t even think to ask.

Reddit Threads, Real Experiences

Reddit isn’t only for memes and conspiracy theories; there are entire subreddits where players talk comp strategy in between bragging about their wins.

• r/lasvegas: This is one of the best subs for comp discussion, especially if you’re booking a trip and want to see how others used theirs. You’ll find players comparing room upgrades, explaining which properties are cheap or stingy, and screenshots of offers so others can match or beat them elsewhere.
• r/gambling: A bit broader, but really helpful if you’re playing across different markets. There are plenty of crossover tips for Vegas, tribal casinos, and riverboats.

Not every comment is worthwhile, but you’ll definitely get a good sense of what’s possible and how much negotiating power you have.

Apps That Convert Time-Wasters Into Real Perks

Of course, there’s an app for this! Dedicated mobile apps hand out comps, and no, it’s not a scam.

• myVEGAS Slots: You play free slot games on your phone, rack up loyalty points, and cash them in for things like buffet passes, show tickets, and free room nights at MGM properties. It’s time-consuming, yes, but if you’re already scrolling your phone, you might as well earn a buffet while you’re at it.
• URComped: The more serious players use this one. You link your gambling profile (or prove your level of play), and they connect you with offers from cruise lines, off-Strip casinos, or regional properties that are looking for new blood. Their concierge team does the outreach for you, and in return, you agree to gamble at a certain level once you arrive. For mid-tier players trying to level up, this will unlock better rooms, premium comps, and VIP treatment you’d never get just walking in cold.
• Comped Travel Services and other similar groups: These are the niche outfits that help bundle offers, especially for multi-property trips. They’re like travel agents who specialize in getting the most out of your casino activity. They’re not for everyone, but if you’re planning a longer trip or hitting multiple cities, it might be worth looking into.

VIP Groups and Insider Circles

There are private Discord servers, Facebook groups, and invite-only Telegram chats where high-volume players trade offers, coordinate trips, and share access to hosts or comp codes. You won’t find these on a Google search.

But once you start hanging around message boards, sharing useful info, or even just asking the right questions in public threads, you can get invited in. These are the places where you’ll see players posting things like:

• “Just got offered 3 nights at Bellagio + $250 resort credit. Does anyone want to stack a spa comp on this?”
• “Looking to split a suite comp in December, I’ve got the host contact and can book.”

These aren’t sprawling operations; they’re usually just a handful of players who know how to get the most out of the system and enjoy helping each other do the same.

You Don’t Need to Be a High Roller to Plug In

That’s the biggest misconception. These communities aren’t just for $100-a-hand blackjack players. If you gamble semi-regularly, keep records, and have a player’s card or two, you’ve already got something to work with. The key is knowing where the value lives, and the above tools and communities will help you spot it faster than the average player walking in off the street.

Four High-Stakes Strategies: How Serious Players Extract Maximum Comp Value

For the casual gamblers out there, comps are a nice perk: a free buffet here, a discounted room there. But for serious players? They’re a second currency. The best ones use comps the way others use points, miles, or frequent flyer status: they track them, trade them, and stack them in ways that would make a loyalty program executive have a panic attack.

Four Risks and Pitfalls to Avoid

Getting creative with your comps is smart. Treating them like free money, bulletproof perks, or side income? That’s not so smart! Casinos aren’t naive, and they do track your habits, compare your comps to your play, and notice when things don’t add up. Don’t make these rookie comp mistakes!

Final Thoughts: Your Casino Comps Are Currency, So Treat Them Like It

If you’ve been thinking about comps as random perks or nice little freebies, it’s time to recalibrate your noggin. Every comp you earn represents money that the casino expects to make off of you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of it, but it does mean you should think like the house does.

Comps aren’t given because a casino cares about you. They’re doled out for loyalty, control, and pushing you to give the casino one more spin, one more bet, one more night. But if you treat those offers strategically by trading them, timing them, or looping in friends, you can play the house instead of the house playing you. Comps will become useful tools to lower your costs, level up your trips, and get more out of your play without spending more than you need to!

Even low-tier players can punch above their weight here. You don’t need to be dropping five figures in the high-limit room to make comps work in your favor. You just have to understand what they’re worth, where they go to waste, and how to extract more value before they expire, get downgraded, or fall through the cracks.

Most players leave money on the table, but you don’t have to be one of them!

Conclusion: You Can Turn Your Freebies Into Wins

Okay, so now that we’re all up to speed with how you can trade your casino comps and why it pays off, let’s do a recap of everything we learned!

• Comps aren’t worthless spam or junk mail; they have real value if you know you use them.
• Trading, sharing, or repurposing comps can turn throwaway perks into hotel nights, dinners, or upgraded trips.
• Don’t overspend chasing comps! Value is not value if you have to lose three times that amount to earn it.
• Stay off the radar. Down-low trades are fine. Public resale? That’ll get you clipped.
• Think long-term. Use comps to build relationships, stretch your bankroll, and negotiate better offers later on.

Comps can be a part of your advantage, but only if you treat them like they matter, and they definitely do! The house is literally counting on you wasting them. Don’t play into their hands.

Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction & Betting Preview (July 26, 2025)

Inter Miami will get another crack at FC Cincinnati on Saturday, barely a week removed from a 3–0 defeat in Ohio. And this time, they’ll be in Fort Lauderdale, and they’re looking much better after putting five past the Red Bulls in a stellar performance.

FC Cincinnati enters with three wins on the bounce and eight goals to show for it. They’ve been absolutely clinical in front of the goal and won’t bat an eye at playing Messi and Miami again, not after beating them.

This is the last league match before the Leagues Cup kicks off, and Cincy wants to stay on top. Miami wants payback. Who’ll run the field?

Keep reading to find out what you need to know! We’ve got game stakes, team forms, stats, the current betting odds, tactical matchups, our choices for the three best bets, and a bonus angle!

Game Details

• Matchup:FC Cincinnati at Inter Miami
• Date & Time: Saturday, July 26 at 7:15 p.m. ET (23:15 UTC)
• Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• How To Watch: Live on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass), FS1, and FOX Deportes; English radio on iHeart/ESPN 1530 AM, Spanish radio on La Mega 101.5 FM (Cincinnati region)
• Weather Forecast: Warm and humid; around 31°C (88°F) at kickoff

Why This Match Matters

• Inter Miami is in 7th in the East with 41 points, and they’re trying to stay above the playoff line. Cincinnati is in second place with 48 points and is chasing first place.
• Their most famous meeting came in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semis; it was a 3–3 draw that went to penalties.
• Cincinnati beat Miami 3–0 a week ago, so this is Miami’s chance to clap back before heading into Leagues Cup play.

Team Form & Key Stats

Inter Miami looks to control tempo through Messi’s link-ups and Busquets’ distribution, and Cincinnati pushes the game vertically; they target space with Denkey’s movement and Acosta’s passing. Here’s a look at both teams’ forms and the main stats!

Odds & Betting Lines

Putting your money where your mouth is for Miami or Cincinnati? Here are the latest betting odds and lines via DraftKings Sportsbook:

Make sure to check the most up-to-date odds before placing your wagers. Lines can move as game time approaches, so it pays to stay current!

Tactical Matchup

Let’s get into the tactical matchups for this game!

• Messi & Suárez against Cincinnati’s defensive unit: Miami’s movement and vision in the final third will challenge a Cincinnati backline that’s built on size and structure. Expect to see close marking and early pressure on the ball to disrupt the rhythm.
• Midfield control: Sergio Busquets dictates tempo with short passing and positioning, but Cincy’s pairing (likely to be Obi and Moreno) adds pressure and vertical drive that could force Miami into making hasty decisions.
• Chase Stadium vs. Cincinnati’s road approach: Playing in Fort Lauderdale does give Miami a boost, but Cincy has been really organized away from home; they stay compact and choose when to step out instead of pressing high.

Our Best Bets

Time for our best bets! We’ve got our eye on three angles that look worthwhile and a bonus lean!

Betting Tips & Strategy

• If this one starts out slow, the totals could shift early on, so watch for a flat opening 15 to trigger better O/U odds.
• Limit your exposure to one or two focused bets instead of stacking risky combos.
• Check the confirmed lineups before kickoff; late scratches can change roles and the whole game’s tempo.

Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati: How We See It Playing Out

Look, there’s no other way to say it; Cincinnati embarrassed Miami last week. A shutout with Messi on the field? What? That had to hurt. 

But Messi and co. have a chance to get back at Cincy with this one, and they get to do it at home. Miami’s attack looked lifeless in the last meeting, but that won’t happen twice. 

Messi will find pockets and Suárez will drag defenders around, so they’re in a way better spot to make holes in Cincinnati’s form. Denkey is still a big threat on the break, and Baird’s service into the box can turn sloppy moves into goals. But away from TQL, Cincinnati’s defensive line has looked a little stretched and reactive.

We think it’ll be a high-scoring affair, and that Miami will look a heck of a lot more awake this time around, so we’re backing them.

Best Bets Recap

• Inter Miami ML (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆)
• Over 3.5 Total Goals (⭐️⭐️⭐️☆)
• Messi Anytime Goal (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆)

Live betting could be useful if the match opens up early, so watch for changes in totals or goal scorer props once the game is afoot!

Final Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3 – 2 FC Cincinnati

Messi at home will be the difference-maker, and with Miami pressing harder than they did in Ohio, they’re in a good position to dictate the pace. Cincinnati has enough up front to stay close, but their road defense has taken too many hits. The visitors just don’t have the defensive depth to hold Miami off for 90 minutes here.

Dodgers vs. Red Sox Betting Preview & Prediction (July 25, 2025)

It’s a battle in Boston! The LA Dodgers are headed east to play the Red Sox at Fenway Park for a three-game series, and it all begins on Friday night. 

Both clubs are in playoff mode and slugging it out for a postseason position, so it’ll be some good ol’ baseball. 

Who’s on the hill for LA? That would be Emmet Sheehan. And who’s throwing for the Red Sox? Brayan Bello.

The Dodgers are the slight favorites going in, but Boston is at home, and that could light a fire under the Red Sox players.

We’ll get into it all below with the latest betting odds, starting pitchers matchup, recent trends, and what we feel are the three best bets for the opener in this series!

Game Details

• Matchup: LA Dodgers (60-43) vs. Boston Red Sox (55-49)
• Date & Time: Friday, July 25, at 7:10 pm ET (4:10 pm PT)
• Location: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
• How to Watch: NESN (New England), SportsNet LA (Southern California); also available via local RSNs and MLB.tv
• Forecast for the First Pitch: It’ll be partly sunny and around 92°F with southwest winds ~11 mph, humid, and a 40% chance of afternoon storms, and that could influence later-inning conditions

Betting Odds

You rootin’ for Boston or LA? Before you do, check out the current betting odds and lines according to DraftKings Sportsbook:

Starting Pitchers & Matchup Notes

Let’s take a look at the starters and a few important matchup factors:

Key Matchups

• Dodgers against Bello’s sinker-heavy approach: Right-handed hitters like Will Smith and Teoscar Hernández do well when they get pitches at the bottom of the zone they can lift. Bello’s best shot is getting ahead with his changeup and forcing ground contact early. If he’s missing spots, that group will elevate and punish anything left too low and firm.
• Red Sox vs. Sheehan’s Fastball: Sheehan throws in the mid-90s, but his fastball stays flat when he doesn’t change eye levels or pair it with his offspeed pitches. And that’s a problem against a Red Sox lineup that forces pitchers into the zone. Hitters like Devers, Casas, and Yoshida will wait, and if they’re seeing the fastball belt-high? They’ll time it up and drive it.
• Bullpen Matchup: The Dodgers are going into this game with a bullpen that’s had a lighter week and more options; Evan Phillips and Ryan Brasier can handle the middle or late innings without falling behind in counts, and neither one has pitched since Tuesday. Boston’s pen has seen heavier use. Jansen, Bernardino, and Slaten all pitched earlier this week, so the Red Sox may be thinner if Bello doesn’t give them length. If this one’s still close in the 6th inning, LA has more flexibility on the mound.

Recent Trends & Betting History

• The Dodgers have won around 61% of games when listed as moneyline favorites at –119 or shorter (about 53–34 in those spots).
• The Red Sox have won nearly 42% of their games when priced between +101 and +104.

Betting History

• Los Angeles is 4–6 over its last 10, and 7 of those games have stayed under the total.
• Boston is 6–4 in its last 10 overall but has dropped 4 of its last 5 when they going as the slight underdog.

Betting Angles & Insights

• If Sheehan gets through the first few innings clean? LA’s bullpen puts them in a good position in the later innings.
• Boston still has value at home as the underdog, especially if they can stretch out at-bats and force early traffic.
• The total could stay in check if both starters avoid big innings and relievers keep base traffic low.

Our Best Bets

Ok, so for this matchup, we have three angles that look pretty decent! Here are our three best bets.

Tonight’s Game Call

Bello’s been good when he’s at home all season; he keeps runs off the board and the base traffic light. The Sox usually give him decent support at Fenway, but Sheehan probably won’t stick around for more than 5 innings because Boston’s lineup will force deep counts. Even so, the numbers like LA to pull out the win, even though they’re on the road.

If Boston doesn’t take advantage in the early innings, LA’s bench and bullpen will tip it. The value’s pretty thin either way, but backing the Dodgers to take it is the best angle.

Best Bets Recap

• Under 10 Total Runs (–115): ★★★★☆
• Red Sox +1.5 Run Line (–156): ★★★☆☆
• Shohei Ohtani Anytime HR (+340): ★★☆☆☆ (longshot)

Don’t forget to check the latest odds on one of our best betting sites! Lines can shift closer to first pitch, so always make sure you’ve got the updated prices before you bet.

Final Score Prediction: Dodgers 4, Red Sox 3

We think it’ll be an action-packed game in the early innings, but in the end? The Dodgers’ bullpen will get them over the finish line in the series opener!

Houston Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy Prediction & Top Picks (July 25, 2025)

The Western Conference playoff race is getting more congested as the Houston Dynamo are back at home to take on the LA Galaxy, and they’re trying to prove that they belong in the MLS playoffs.

The Dynamo have turned their home field into an advantage, and they picked up points in seven of their last eight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Galaxy look a little lost when they’re on the road; they’re unpredictable in structure, but they do have solid moments of attacking quality driven by Marco Reus and Diego Fagundez.

Christian Ramirez could make his first start since returning to Houston, and that adds an interesting wrinkle to a squad that’s already solid in midfield and ruthless in transition. LA’s back line is still up in the air, and they’ll need a super disciplined showing to keep this one from getting away from them.

Who are we backing, and who should you be betting on? We’ve got all the info for you, including team form, season stats, head-to-head trends, betting odds, our picks for the three best bets, and a bonus angle!

Match Details

• Matchup & Records:Houston Dynamo (7–6–11, 27 points – 11th in Western Conference); LA Galaxy (3–6–14, 15 points – 15th in Western Conference)
• Date & Time: Friday, July 25, 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM CT (local Houston time)
• Venue: Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, Texas
• How To Watch: Streaming live on Apple TV – MLS Season Pass

Form & Season Overview

Houston is holding the line at home as they push for a playoff spot. And even though LA Galaxy has Christian Ramirez, they haven’t gotten a lot of traction when they’re on the road.

Head‑to‑Head Trends

• Houston won the last meeting: The Dynamo won 2–1 at Dignity Health Sports Park earlier this season (March 2025), controlling central midfield and pressing LA into turnovers in their own half.
• Galaxy’s Houston drought continues: LA hasn’t gotten a win at Shell Energy Stadium in their last four trips, conceding multiple goals in all of those games.
• Matchups skew open: All of the last three meetings have hit over 2.5 goals, and both sides are exploiting space in transition instead of set build-up.

Tactical Breakdown

Let’s take a look at a tactical breakdown between the two clubs!

Betting Odds Snapshot

Want to bet on this MLS game? Look below for the current odds and lines courtesy of FanDuel:

FYI: A Houston +110 moneyline means a $100 bet would return $110 in profit if the Dynamo wins!

Our Best Bets

Ok, for this one? We have three best bets and a bonus angle!

Betting Strategy Tips

• Pairing Houston ML (+105) with Under 2.5 (+118) in a same-game parlay will give you a higher payout, but you should keep it low-risk; this combo all hinges on Houston controlling the pace.
• Consider smaller unit sizes across the board. With plus-money plays like BTTS – No and Ramirez to score? The variance is high, and volatility should be managed accordingly.
• Watch lineups: If Ramirez starts, his anytime scorer odds (+300) become way more viable, but if he’s benched for some reason? Don’t even think about it!

Prediction Recap: How We See It Playing Out

We think that Houston should control this one from the jump if they stay compact and limit LA’s counterattacks. The Galaxy have not traveled well, and even though they’ve got Ramirez now, their final-third quality away from home is still sus. Houston’s home track record gives them the upper hand in what projects as a lower-scoring, one-sided match!

Best Bets Recap

• Houston ML (+105):  7/10
• Under 2.5 Goals (+118):  6/10
• BTTS – No (+134): 6/10

If you’re looking at player props? Wait for confirmed lineups! Ramirez’s starting could change how Galaxy approaches the final third. For the combo bettors out there, Houston paired with Under 2.5 is a worthwhile angle at the odds, but it’s a spot that should be used in moderation, not a full-unit push.

Final Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2 – 0 LA Galaxy

Houston should dictate the flow and create enough from set pieces or transition moments to break through. LA’s attack still looks disjointed, and unless Ramirez produces something on his own? We can’t see the Galaxy breaking through in Houston.

Web3 and NFTs in Gambling: Hype, Scams, or the Next Big Win?

No matter how many times it’s explained to me, I cannot grasp the concept of an NFT. Technically, I know what it is. It’s a non-fungible token. That means it’s unique and cannot be replaced. Whereas crypto and physical money are fungible and can be exchanged or traded. I get that part! But if they can’t be used, what’s the point?

Now, I’ve never heard of Web3, so we are going to learn about this together. The definition is this, according to Wikipedia: “Web3 (also known as Web 3.0) is an idea for a new iteration of the World Wide Web which incorporates concepts such as decentralization, blockchain technologies, and token-based economics.”

Ok, fine! That sort of makes sense. But how do they fit in with online gambling and gaming?

Apparently, Web3 and NFTs are popping up in online poker rooms, slot sites, and all kinds of other online gambling platforms in between, and they’re claiming to be “community-owned.”

Developers absolutely swear that this tech is the end-all be-all of fair play and transparency. But others are reaping the benefits and cashing in when a lot of people don’t really understand how it works or what the rules are.

So, which is it? An amazing breakthrough or bait for suckers?

We aim to find out! Prepare to get an education about Web3 and NFTs in gambling, and if it’s worth the hype, a scam masquerading as a cute token, or if it will be good for the industry.

What Is Web3 Gambling?

Web3 gambling platforms use blockchain infrastructure to run casino games, manage bets, and process payouts without traditional oversight. Instead of a centralized operator controlling every transaction, the sites rely on smart contracts, those pre-written code that are stored on a blockchain, to enforce rules and handle wagers.

The difference isn’t only technical; on a standard gambling site, you deposit money, trust the site to honor your bets, and withdraw when you’re allowed to. 

On a Web3 platform, you connect a crypto wallet, usually holding Ethereum, Bitcoin, or a token minted by the casino itself, and interact directly with the protocol. The code processes bets, distributes rewards, and posts results publicly.

There are three main features that define this format, and they are as follows:

Crypto-Based Betting and Rewards

Every transaction, from deposits to jackpots, happens in crypto. Some gambling sites pay in major coins (ETH, BTC), and others in proprietary tokens that fluctuate in value. A few also issue NFT collectibles tied to game access, jackpot tiers, or rakeback bonuses. They can be tradeable or worthless, depending on the platform’s market activity.

Below are examples of the platforms that utilize the features above:

1. Decentral Games: Offers blackjack and poker inside metaverse environments like Decentraland. Requires an avatar and a crypto wallet. Runs on $DG token mechanics.
2. BC.GameBitcoinX: A high-volume crypto casino offering everything from slots and dice to sports betting. Uses its own $BCG token for rebates and bonuses.
3. Rollbit: A combo of slots, trading, and live games with aggressive token marketing and gambling-linked NFTs. Known for large-scale giveaways and influencer promos.
4. Stake.com: A hybrid crypto sportsbook and casino, Stake isn’t fully decentralized, but it runs entirely on crypto and markets heavily to Web3 audiences. It’s licensed in Curaçao and uses Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several altcoins for betting. It’s known for partnering with influencers and major sports teams.
5. FortuneJack: This is one of the older crypto casinos. It accepts multiple coins (BTC, ETH, LTC, DASH, etc.), has provably fair games, and a loyalty rewards program that’s based on wagering volume. It’s not fully decentralized, but it really leans into blockchain tools for game validation.
6. Zed Run: A virtual horse racing platform built on the Ethereum and Polygon networks. Players own, trade, and race digital horses (NFTs) in daily races for crypto prizes. It straddles the line between gambling, collecting, and gaming.
7. Derby Stars: A newer entry in the same category as Zed Run, this was built on the Polygon blockchain. It adds more game mechanics (training, stamina, rider boosts) and it uses metaverse-style interactions.
8. BetSwirl: A fully on-chain casino running on the Binance Smart Chain. It uses smart contracts to execute every game (dice, coin flips, roulette), and publishes all outcomes on-chain. Wagers are placed directly from wallets, and there’s no traditional login or user account.
9. FunFair (now FunToken): Initially launched to power provably fair casino games, it transitioned into a broader utility token ($FUN) used across multiple crypto gambling platforms. The games are built using blockchain tools, with payout odds and random number generation auditable on-chain.

All of the above sites push a version of the same idea: to rebuild gambling infrastructure using public code and digital tokens instead of fiat, banks, and regulators. 

And most of these platforms land somewhere between “crypto casino” and “Web3-native gambling protocol.” BetSwirl or Zed Run are fully integrated with blockchain mechanics. And Stake or FortuneJack, rely mostly on crypto but still operate with traditional company structures and licenses. 

How NFTs Are Being Used in Gambling

Now for NFTs! These aren’t only strange art files or super overpriced monkey JPEGs. In the gambling industry, they can also function as access keys, game pieces, and revenue shares. Even though they appear to be passive collectibles, they’re used, traded, and sometimes staked for payouts! Here’s how it works:

Tokenized In-Game Assets

NFTs are now being used as playable items inside crypto casinos and virtual betting environments. That includes poker avatars, animated wearables, dealer skins, or slot machine overlays. The idea is this: instead of picking a look from a menu, you own the item and can use, sell, or rent it. On platforms like ICE Poker, players have to own or lease NFT clothing to sit at tables and earn daily rewards. The items sometimes boost rakeback or unlock leaderboards.

NFT-Based Ownership of Game Mechanics or Revenue Share

Some casinos are selling NFTs that grant partial control or financial upside, and they’re tied to how the platform runs. BetNFT issues tokens that pay holders a percentage of house profits. The NFT links directly to a smart contract that collects and distributes revenue based on platform activity. Other projects allow players to “own” slot games or bet pools, and they get a cut whenever someone else plays.

Exclusive Access to VIP Games or Private Betting Clubs

Instead of loyalty programs or paywalled memberships, certain gambling sites use NFTs as access passes. Holding a specific token can unlock high-stakes tables, private sportsbooks, or bonus tiers that aren’t available to the general public. The tokens can be resold, adding a speculative layer to access itself. The barrier to entry isn’t your bankroll; it’s if you bought (or minted) the right pass at the right time.

Think we’re joking? We aren’t! Look below for real-world examples of NFT use cases:

The Appeal: Why Some Gamblers Are Excited

Online gamblers used to have no other choice than to play on rigid platforms, have limited control, and deal with slow payouts. But with Web3 gambling? It’s a whole different ballgame. It’s definitely not for everyone, but the features that are attracting players are rooted in real frustrations about how most online casinos operate. Therein lies the appeal!

The Risks: Scams, Crashes, and Regulation Nightmares

Web3 gambling comes with a lot of very real risks and problems, and they aren’t “early-stage bugs” or bad luck. Nope, there are patterns that burn players and continue to do so. Projects and payouts disappear, and entire platforms collapse without any warning whatsoever. Here’s what gamblers are walking into if they choose to try their luck!

Cautionary Tales

Want some real examples? Here are ones that either went nowhere, disappeared, failed, or scammed players.

Web3 vs Traditional Online Casinos: Main Differences

Onto the main difference between mainstream gambling sites and Web3 platforms! The basic experience, like placing bets, playing games, and chasing payouts, looks almost identical at first glance, but the systems behind them are built in totally different ways.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The first flood of cash and clickbait is tapering off, but Web3 gambling isn’t completely dead; it’s just in a different phase. Growth has been slower, expectations are much lower, and the projects that are left standing? They’re the ones that are doing more than selling BS.

What to Watch Before You Bet on Web3 Gambling

Before you even think about connecting a wallet or throwing your crypto at a tokenized roulette wheel, pump the brakes. A lot of these platforms look legit on the surface, but once you look deeper, there are red flags everywhere. Look below for a quick checklist that will help you avoid getting scammed.

Tools and Platforms to Verify Legitimacy

Don’t ever trust the homepage! You should always use outside tools to vet the platform. Here are the best ones:

• Etherscan / BSCScan / Polygonscan: Essential tools that let you track wallet activity, contract deployments, token holders, and suspicious movements. If a token shows massive dumps or strange creator privileges, you’ll see it here.
• Certik: The industry-standard for smart contract audits. Also has security scorecards and incident reports. Some platforms fake audit claims, so always double-check directly through Certik’s site.
• DappRadar: Gives real user stats: active wallets, transaction volume, ranking by category. If a platform claims “hundreds of daily players” but shows 7 active wallets, you know it’s smoke and mirrors.
• DefiLlama: Super useful for checking total value locked (TVL) on a platform. If a casino claims to have large prize pools or staking rewards, you’ll be able to see if there’s any real liquidity behind it.
• TokenSniffer: A free tool for spotting red flags in ERC-20 tokens, like owner-controlled functions, high sell taxes, or honeypot behavior. A quick way to screen for shady launches.
• DeBank: Wallet tracking and token monitoring tool. Shows what you’re actually connected to and gives a readable interface for complex holdings or permissions.
• Reddit and Telegram Audit Threads: No, these aren’t official tools, but they’re always more revealing than any dashboard will be. Look for platform-specific threads on r/cryptogames or r/defi, or join the project’s Telegram and ask questions.

Final Verdict: Hype, Scam, or Next Big Win?

We can’t deny that Web3 gambling will change how the game is built, and it’s not all bad! You’ve got smart contracts that replace the middlemen, wallets that replace bank accounts, and platforms that are trying to build real ownership into how people play and get paid. That’s not nothing.

But for every single and legit serious project, there are 10 more that overpromise and underdeliver. The lack of licensing, the flood of anonymous teams, and the reliance on speculation over function make this space super risky by design, not just in theory.

If you’re thinking about trying it, you have to know what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t rely on what a homepage claims. Read the contract audit. See if the team is public. Look at how the token actually works. If it feels off in any way or is vague, there’s a reason for that.

New platforms are launching, the rules are trying to catch up, and some ideas might still break through! But as of right now? It’s not built for casual players. Until there’s more accountability and fewer shortcuts, it’s a niche space for those gamblers who understand how much they’re putting on the line.

Innovation Meets Risk: Will NFT Casinos Survive the Crash?

Now that we know what Web3 gambling is, we can tell you that it isn’t broken, but it is an unfinished work in progress. The tech does work. Some platforms do function. But the structure around them? That’s really fragile and volatile.

NFT casinos show what’s possible when ownership, betting, and payouts move off centralized systems. But that same setup leaves players exposed because there is no oversight, no safety nets, and no clear standards.

There’s nothing wrong with being curious! Just don’t confuse a working website or slick pitch with long-term value. The space is unpredictable by design, and all of the protection falls on the user. So be careful if you do give in to your curiosity and play on one, and gamble responsibly, just like you would at a traditional gambling site.