New England Patriots vs. New York Giants Preview & Prediction (August 21, 2025)

In the last official preseason game, two East Coast teams will face off on the gridiron on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

That’s the home turf of the New York Giants (we know, it makes no sense their stadium is in NJ), who host the New England Patriots.

Kickoff is at 8 pm ET, and positions (aka jobs) are in jeopardy; the next roster deadline is on Tuesday. Even though preseason games aren’t counted toward the regular NFL season stats, they definitely matter for who will play and who’ll get the ax.

Both are undefeated so far (2-0), and this is the penultimate warm-up game before the Week 4 starters rest. The coaches are keeping playbooks close to their vests, but there are some clues we can get from the game as well as some betting value.

Keep reading to see the game overview, the latest betting odds, lines, and trends, main matchups, the x-factors, how the game could flow, and our picks for the four best bets!

Game Details & Stakes

• Matchup: New England Patriots (2-0) vs. New York Giants (2-0)
• Game Details: Thursday, August 21, at  8:00 pm ET
• Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
• How To Watch: Streaming on Prime Video nationally; WCVB‑5 in Boston, WNBC‑4 in New York 
• Team Records: Both are 2–0 in preseason games

Game Notes

• The Patriots are using this game to test out their backup quarterback depth after really good outings from Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham in the first two preseason games.
• The Giants are expected to give rookie Jaxson Dart another look after he impressed everyone with his accurate passing and mobility in Weeks 1 and 2.
• Both teams are focusing on roster battles at WR4–WR6 and in the running back rotation, which are the areas that usually drive second-half scoring and make yardage props worth tracking.

Betting Odds

Feeling like you want to put down some money on this game? ESPN BET has these listed as the current odds:

Insights

• Spread at –6.5 suggests books see a clear advantage for the Giants, and that could be due to QB confidence, depth, or home-field edge.
• The total at 37.5 matches up with the usual preseason norms under the simplified scoring and rotating units.
• The Moneyline is leaning Giants –280, which makes them the safer bet if you’re leaning the outcome over margin, but the Patriots at +230? This is a good value play if you’re backing a close game upset!

Betting Trends to Watch

When you look back at recent preseasons, both teams show patterns against the spread and on totals that give us some solid context for Thursday night’s game!

Team Trends (Preseason ATS & Totals)

How have New England and New York fared in their August games? Look below for scoring trends and betting results.

Main Matchups, X-Factors & Game Flow Predictions

Neither coach will use this game as a showcase for their starters; it’s a proving ground for quarterbacks who are fighting for snaps, receivers battling for roster spots, and defensive units trying to hold it together once the rotations start. How those depth players perform will affect both the scoring pace and who is in control after halftime!

Quarterback Outlook

• Bailey Zappe (Patriots) will handle the pocket snaps, and Malik Cunningham will get designed runs and broken-play chances. That combo usually makes the second half messy for opposing defenses once the game slows down and backups are left on the field.
• Jaxson Dart (Giants) is set to start, and he’s demonstrated touch on intermediate throws and can get out of bad spots when protection isn’t there. Tommy DeVito should follow, which gives the Giants a more solid but less dynamic look.

Coaching Strategy

• Belichick: Coach B uses Week 3 as a sorting ground; he’ll keep the playbook basic and use the game to decide which bottom-roster players stick. Don’t expect to see much of Mac Jones or the main starters.
• Daboll: He likes to open preseason games with some extra tempo. New York has scored early in three of their last four, and it’s likely to deploy another fast start before pulling the vets. That makes the first-half total worth a look!

Positional Spotlight

• Wide Receivers: Both teams are testing out their fringe speed options and slot receivers. Against second- and third-string corners, those matchups can turn into chunk plays or coverage busts that extend drives.
• Defensive Depth: New England’s second unit has held up really well and has been able to limit explosive plays. The Giants’ reserve corners have had a hard time staying disciplined, and that gives the Patriots’ backups a chance to finish drives once the starters are rotated out.

Our Best Bets

We’ve got pigskin picks! Look below for the four angles that we feel are the best bets for this one:

Make sure to check the latest odds and live betting markets before kickoff, and explore our list of top-rated online betting sites for the best value.

Preseason Picks: Don’t Sleep on the Overs!

Both teams come into this game 2–0, and this game will concentrate on depth evaluations instead of on extended starter runs. And that gives us a better read on who will actually decide the outcome: it’s quarterbacks like Zappe, Cunningham, and Dart, and some receivers who are trying to secure their spots on the roster.

The Over 37.5 is still the best angle. Why? Because defenses will stick to simple calls, that leaves room for blown coverages and short fields once the rotations start. Giants –3.5 is worth a look if you can get that number, but anything past –6 erases the value.

Preseason results can hinge on a one small mistake, like a turnover, a coverage bust, or a QB substitution. That’s why bet sizing is so important! Keep the action smaller than you would in a regular-season game, and take advantage of live betting if the early flow of the game doesn’t match up to what you thought it would be.

Best Bets Recap

• Over 37.5 (8/10)
• Giants –3.5 (6.5/10)
• First Half Over 18.5 (7/10)
• Hooper or Johnson Reception Props (6/10)

Final Score Prediction: Giants 24, Patriots 20

The opening quarters will be all about the offense, and once the starters sit, the second half will be the backups coming onto the field; they are fighting to make the team. A few explosive plays from the receivers who’re buried on the depth chart could be what drives this game past the posted number!

Why Winning Streaks Can Be Dangerous (And How to Handle Them)

Winning feels so dang good. It’s a high like no other, and when you’re on a hot streak at a casino? You feel pretty close to untouchable.

Never experienced one? In gambling terms, it just means a run of consecutive wins; maybe you hit a few parlays in a row or keep drawing winning hands at the poker table. And although everyone loves to win, getting them back-to-back can mess with your mind. Success comes with a rush of confidence and euphoria, and that, my friends, can cause impulsive decisions and distorted thinking if you’re not really careful. Winning can make you feel on top of the world, but it can also seriously cloud your judgment if you don’t keep it in check.

That’s why it’s so important to know the psychological and strategic dangers of winning streaks, and how you can stay in control when Lady Luck is on your side. We’ll get into why that “can’t lose” feeling is a trap, talk about the most common mistakes bettors make during hot streaks, and give you some tips to handle your wins like a pro. And when you’re on a hot one? You’ll be able to enjoy it without slamming back into earth from your own personal cloud nine.

The Psychology of Winning Streaks

When you’re winning, you can feel like you’re invincible. But guess what? You’re not; far from it. That’s your brain playing tricks on you, and it’s all psychological. Let’s chat about the psychology at work during a hot streak!

Common Mistakes Bettors Make During a Hot Streak

Okay, next up? The most common boo-boos that bettors make when they’re on a winning run!

Research in poker psychology notes that during heaters (winning runs), players will start taking on higher stakes or longer sessions because they feel invincible. That invincible feeling can cause you to bet far more than your bankroll can handle, putting you in danger when luck swings, and it will swing back in the opposite direction. Dopamine-fueled excitement can override your usual risk filters, so you feel safe taking on more risk even when it’s not a strategic move.

Chasing Bigger Wins or Exotic Bets

Success can make you greedy. It’s tempting to branch out into riskier, more exotic bets (like long-shot parlays, huge accumulators, or high-variance casino games) because you “can’t seem to lose.” Maybe you started with straight bets, and now you’re throwing money at 10-leg parlays or side bets on the roulette table. This “go big or go home” urge often ends badly. One moment you’re up big, and the next you’ve lost those gains on a moonshot bet that you normally wouldn’t touch if you weren’t riding a high. Chasing an even bigger score can quickly turn a hot streak into a cold dose of reality.

Ignoring the Research or Abandoning Strategy

When every pick is coming up roses, some bettors get lazy about the homework they got there. If you usually analyze stats or stick to a certain betting system, a hot streak can lure you into thinking, “I’ve got a golden gut – who needs analysis?” You might skip the usual research, ignore your established strategy, or stop keeping records because “clearly it’s all working.”

• In poker terms, players stop reviewing hands or studying when they’re winning.
• In sports betting, you might stop line-shopping or checking injury reports. This lapse can be costly.

Ironically, one of the riskiest parts of a winning streak is how quickly it makes people abandon the habits that gave them an edge in the first place. Riding the wave feels more important than sticking to the game plan, but that short-term mindset can wreck your long-term results.

Getting Emotionally Attached to the Wins

This emotional attachment to winning can cloud your judgment; instead of evaluating a loss rationally, you might take it personally (“How dare reality intrude on my streak!”). Staying humble is tough when you’ve been basking in glory, but losing your cool the second things go south is a surefire way to give back your winnings.

Mismanaging Bankroll Because of Overconfidence

Perhaps the most dangerous mistake is simply throwing sound bankroll management out the window. When overconfidence kicks in, you start thinking the usual rules don’t apply to you. Maybe you stop setting loss limits, or you bet far more per game than the 1-5% of bankroll that sensible bettors stick to. You might even dip into funds you shouldn’t, convinced you’ll win it back because you’re just that good.

A famous example is poker pro Daniel Negreanu: after a hugely successful year, he entered the next year feeling “too good” and got sloppy with his money, losing $2 million by playing too loosely and not caring about rebuys.

The lesson? Even the best can blow up their bankroll when they start believing they can do no wrong. Don’t let a hot streak trick you into betting money you can’t afford to lose or deviating from your bankroll plan, and that’s how fortunes vanish overnight.

The above mistakes? They can turn a winning streak from a blessing into a curse. If you catch yourself doing any of them, take a break! It might save you from having to give all those winnings right back to the casino.

Real-World Examples of Streaks Gone Wrong

Hot streaks have a really nasty habit of lulling bettors into a false sense of security. History (and lots of casino stories) is full of cautionary tales of streaks that went spectacularly wrong.

The Gambler Who Couldn’t Lose,’ Until He Did

There’s the story of a bettor who started with a modest bankroll and doubled down after each win, turning a few hundred dollars into tens of thousands. Each victory convinced him to press harder – after all, he hadn’t lost yet. Inevitably, his luck turned. On one big roll of the dice (or one big bet on a game), the streak ended, and he lost everything he’d built up in one go.

While this anecdote plays out in different forms every day in casinos all over, the ultimate real-world example is Archie Karas. Karas is famous for the longest documented gambling win streak ever: he ran $50 up to $40 million in the early 1990s; it was an unbelievable heater by any standard, only to lose it all back within months. He bet higher and higher, until the inevitable downturn wiped out his fortune. It’s an extreme case, but it shows that no streak lasts forever, and if you keep pushing your luck without restraint, you can go from winner to broke in a heartbeat.

Even the Pros Get Burned

Don’t think that only casual gamblers fall for the winning-streak trap. Even experienced professionals can let a hot hand go to their head. We mentioned Daniel Negreanu – one of the world’s top poker players – who openly admitted that “winner’s tilt” after a great year caused him to get complacent and blow a $2 million downswing. He “felt too good” and started playing recklessly, proving that success can sow the seeds of failure. Another example: celebrated sports bettor Billy Walters (often considered one of the best) reportedly had moments where a run of good luck led to a big loss when he overextended on a bad bet, reminding everyone that no amount of expertise can fully guard against overconfidence. The common thread is that a streak can make anyone—even a seasoned vet—start making decisions on tilt, whether it’s outright gambling too much or being “goofy” with their strategy.

What can we learn from these cautionary tales?

• First, momentum is in no way any kind of an invincibility pill. A streak gives the illusion that you’ve found the secret, but you’re still subject to the laws of probability. Sorry, but you’re not special!
• Secondly, the higher you go, the harder you can hit the ground if you’re not managing risk. Archie Karas’s rise and fall show that without self-imposed limits, even enormous winnings can evaporate.
• Third, humility and discipline are so important; if legends like Negreanu can admit that overconfidence did them in, the rest of us aren’t immune.

Lastly? Don’t ever forget that the house (or the sportsbook) doesn’t mind if you win for a while, but they want the players who will give it all back. Recognize when luck was on your side in your wins and adjust accordingly. The goal is to keep your winnings, not immortalize yourself as the next big losing streak after a winning one.

How to Handle Winning Streaks Like a Pro

What separates the pros (or sharp gamblers) from the rest when it comes to handling hot streaks? One word: discipline. Smart bettors like winning streaks just like everyone else, but they don’t let the streak dictate their decisions. How can you handle a winning streak like a pro? By practicing the following tenets!

Tools and Strategies to Keep You Grounded

In addition to mindset and habits, there are some practical tools and strategies that can help prevent a hot streak from derailing you:

The Long Game: Why Discipline Beats Momentum

Let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. In gambling (as in investing, sports, and life), long-term success is a lot less about riding lucky streaks and much more about managing the inevitable ups and downs. The following is why a disciplined approach will beat pure momentum every single time!

Streaks Are Temporary, Variance Is Forever

No matter how hot your streak is, it will end, and we aren’t being pessimistic. It’s math. Every game, spin, or bet has an element of randomness, and variance doesn’t care that you’ve been winning.

The best gamblers treat all winning streaks as a phase, not a permanent state. They know that success in betting comes from managing variance, not somehow escaping it. That means during good runs, they bank profit and brace for the inevitable regression to the mean. It’s helpful to think of it this way: if you expect a winning streak to go on forever, it’s like expecting sunny weather every day; a nice thought, but sooner or later it is going to rain, and your job is to carry an umbrella (a plan) for when it does!

By acknowledging that streaks are fleeting, you won’t be so shocked when a cold streak hits, and you’ll have the discipline (and funds) to ride it out. Long-term winners focus on consistency and risk management, not on chasing the high of an endless summer of wins.

Expected Value (EV) Over ‘Hot Hands’

The pro bettors make decisions based on expected value, aka the statistical edge (or lack thereof) in each bet, and not on hunches from recent performance.

• A casual gambler could think, “Hmmm, I’ve won 5 in a row, so my sixth pick is golden.”
• But a pro thinks, “Am I getting good odds on this sixth bet relative to its true probability?” They trust in the math, not in the momentum.

The best bettors avoid the hot-hand fallacy and evaluate if each new bet is +EV (positive expected value). By thinking in terms of probability and value, not streaks, they guarantee that over time, they come out ahead. Momentum can make you feel like a genius today, but expected value is what will determine if you’re profitable over the long run.

Consistency and Analysis Trump Emotion

Discipline is the real secret to lasting success in gambling. A disciplined bettor with a mediocre system? They’ll likely outperform an undisciplined bettor with a brilliant system. Why? Because the former will execute their strategy faithfully, and the latter self-sabotages when emotions get the best of them. 

The pros keep detailed records, continuously learn from wins and losses, and use proven methods even when they could deviate. Consistency is everything; it evens out the ups and downs that derail others. Emotional betting, whether that’s chasing losses or riding high on wins, is the downfall of lots of gamblers. 

Concentrating on analysis (facts, numbers, logic) over emotion (gut feelings, excitement, fear) makes the best bettors make rational choices that add up over time. They treat betting less like gambling and more like making 1000 small investments. Some will yield short-term losses, and others will have short-term wins, but what matters? The overall growth of their bankroll across all of those decisions!

Conclusion: Handling the Heat: How to Stay Cool on a Hot Streak

Winning streaks are a blast, and every bettor, casual or pro, lives for those hot runs. But as we’ve found out, they can be treacherous if you let the thrill get the better of your discipline. 

Here’s a quick recap for how to handle the heat: 

• Winning streaks feel really good, but they’re really risky without any discipline. Yes, enjoy the ride, but don’t let temporary euphoria make your decisions for you. Stick to the fundamentals that keep your feet on the ground.
• Don’t deviate from your plan and don’t fall into the trap of overconfidence. Keep following your bankroll management and strategy, no matter how “hot” you feel. Overconfidence can turn a big win into an epic loss in the blink of an eye.
• Use tools and mindset shifts to turn streaks into long-term success! Leverage things like betting trackers, set win/loss limits, flat betting, and self-checks to keep yourself in check. When you remain humble and focused on the long game, you can bank those wins and build on them instead of losing them and donating them right back to the sportsbook, online casino, or physical casino!

Dallas Wings vs. Los Angeles Sparks Prediction & Betting Preview (August 20, 2025)

It’s the Sparks’ turn to host the Wings, and it goes down on Tuesday night at 10 pm ET (7 pm PT) in Cali at the Crypto.com Arena.

Los Angeles is coming in only one game back of the final playoff spot, so this is a really important matchup, no matter who they’re playing, but it just so happens to be Dallas, and they are in last place in the Western Conference of the WNBA. 

Despite the Wings’ standing, we can’t write them off completely! They have Paige Bueckers, who’s having a stellar rookie year and nearly hit the game-winner, but the Sparks managed to pull out the win 97–96. They can still give playoff teams a run for their money and knock back LA’s playoff progress.

Looking at this one from a betting perspective, the Wings have covered in recent spots, and totals between these two have leaned on the high side. Los Angeles is on a 10–2 run, but can they keep it up?

Let’s get into it with team form, storylines, trends, betting odds, player matchups, and what we feel are the four best bets!

Game Details

• Matchup: Dallas Wings (9–26) at the Los Angeles Sparks (16–18)
• Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20 at 10:00 pm ET
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
• How to Watch: ESPN+ and WNBA League Pass
• Series Status: The Sparks are up in the season series 2–0
• Previous Meeting: The Sparks beat the Wings 97-96 on Aug. 15; Kelsey Plum racked up 28 points and Dearica Hamby sank 20 points (10 rebounds); Paige Bueckers had 22 points and 7 assists for the Wings and almost hit the game-winner at the final buzzer.

Recent Form & Storylines

We covered a little of both teams’ form, but let’s look closer at what else has been happening.

Notable Trends

• Dallas has covered in 5 of their last 7.
• Los Angeles has won 6 of their last 7 at home.
• The Over has hit in 6 of Dallas’ last 8 games.

Betting Odds 

Thinking about putting down a bet or two on the game? Before you do, make sure you check out the current odds and lines! Here’s what FanDuel has:

• Paige Bueckers Prop: 20+ points, 4+ rebounds, 4+ assists (+210)

Line Movement Note

The spread opened at Sparks –6.5 but moved to –7.5 after early sharp money came in and is now -8!

Advanced Betting Angles & Market Read

• Sparks ATS at Home: 8–4 against the spread in their last 12 home games.
• Wings ATS on the Road: 4–3 across their last 7, and they’ve managed to cover even in losses.
• Game Totals: All of the Sparks’ last five games have cleared 180 total points.
• Revenge Factor: Dallas dropped the last game by a single point, and that could make them work harder for the win.

Value Bets to Watch

• The Over 180.5 looks playable. Why? Because both teams rank in the top five in pace.
• If fatigue affects the Sparks, the Wings have a chance at a late cover.
• Paige Bueckers’ scoring prop (Over 19.5) has cashed in 7 of her last 9 games.

Matchups That Will Shape the Game

Who could be the ones who win it for their squads? And what matchups are we looking at? Here’s who and what we think will make or break the game: 

Our Best Bets

What makes the most sense if you’re wagering on this game? We’ve narrowed it down to four solid angles for your best bets!

What Did We Learn & How Should You Play It?

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Sparks 93, Dallas Wings 87

We’re siding with the Sparks here. Why? LA is the better all-around team right now, and their home floor gives them an extra advantage. 

But we have to give props to Dallas! Even when they are short-handed, they haven’t rolled over and played dead; they’ve stayed inside spreads more than their record suggests. 

As for betting, the safest angle here is undeniably Paige Bueckers; her points prop has been hitting at a reliable rate, and she’ll get lots of chances again in this matchup. And with both sides running possessions quickly, the total looks like it can get up there and go past 180!

Best Bet Recap

• Paige Bueckers Over 19.5 Points: ★★★★★
• Over 183 Total Points: ★★★★☆
• Spread – Wings +8: ★★★☆☆
• Sparks ML + Over 183 (Alt Line Parlay): ★★☆☆☆

Before locking in your bets for the Wings vs. Sparks matchup, make sure to review the most up-to-date odds and betting lines—things can shift fast as game time approaches. To ensure you’re getting the best value, explore our list of top-rated sports betting sites and wager with confidence on trusted platforms.

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Top Bets (August 19, 2025)

While both teams have almost the same last five-game results, the New York Yankees have been the dominant team in their last 3 H2H clashes. That does ignite our curiosity for this game, and with the playoff positioning picking up steam, we do expect some fireworks in this late-season AL East clash. 

One major question on our minds and likely on yours, too, is whether Carlos Rodón can dominate the Rays again. Or will the Rays flip the script with their right-hand bat?

Shane Baz is one of the notable Rays pitchers to look out for in this game. And we’ll see just how much brilliance he will bring into the game. Or, perhaps, the Yankees’ aggressive top-order will overshadow that brilliance. These and many more are what we’ll examine as we give our thoughts on the best bets to make and what the final scoreline will likely be.

Game Context and What’s at Stake

• Matchup: New York Yankees (67-57) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (61-64)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:10 PM ET
• Location: Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL (dome stadium, no weather factor)
• Standings Implication: Yankees: Currently 67–57, 3rd in AL East, 2.5 GB from 1st | Rays: 61–64, on the outside of the AL Wild Card picture looking in
• Momentum Check: The Yankees are on a 3-game winning streak against the St. Louis Cardinals. | The Rays did lose to the Giants in their last match, but secured wins in the last three matches before they clash with the Giants. There are visible struggles when it comes to scoring consistently.
• Why the Game Matters: This series has Wild Card implications, especially for the Yankees. If they secure a win against the Rays, they’ll be within striking distance of the division or WC #2.

Live Betting Odds

How do the numbers stack up in this matchup? Here are the latest odds and lines from ESPN BET:

Starting Pitching Matchup Breakdown

Matchup Edge: We will lean more towards Rodón, as he has shown better consistency so far. He also has a higher strikeout upside and is in better form compared to Shane Baz.

Head-to-Head Season Series Trends

• 2025 Season Series: The Yankees have won seven out of the last 10 H2H clashes, leading the Rays 7-4 in their last clash.
• The Yankees have won three of the previous five clashes against Tampa. Even better, they have averaged 6.4 runs in those wins.
• The total has gone over in 4 out of the last 5 H2H matchups.
• Tropicana Field: Yankees 9-3 last 12 visits

Trend Insights: The New York Yankees have consistently out-hit and out-pitched the Tampa Bay Rays. And they’ve often done so late in games, which leaves us with the expectation of something similar in this clash.

Offensive Matchups and Key Players to Watch

Strategic Insight: So far, the Yankees are more consistent. They are also better at driving runners in. The Rays, on the other hand, will likely rely more on solo shots and small ball to win the game.

Our Best Bets and Confidence Ratings

• Same Game Parlay Idea: Yankees ML + Rodón 5+ Ks + Over 7.5 | ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

Quick heads-up—odds can change fast as we get closer to first pitch, so it’s always smart to check the latest lines before you bet. And don’t forget to use one of the top sports betting sites to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Rays in Trouble: Our Final Betting Verdict

Final Score Prediction: New York Yankees 6, Tampa Bay Rays 3

The Yankees undoubtedly have the superior form in this game, with an impressive 7-4 record in the season series against the Rays. You also get Rodón, who has dominated much of August and matches up well against the Rays’ LHP weakness.

On the other hand, the Rays have shown inconsistency in their last games. And, although Baz has his brilliant moments, he might not contribute much due to his current struggles. These struggles will most likely put the Rays at a disadvantage.

Finally, we expect the public money to lean more towards the Yankees. But you will also likely get solid value with parlay and prop angles.

5 Poker Myths That Still Cost Players Money

Poker has a funny way of sending otherwise rational people into superstition overdrive. They get a bad beat? That game was rigged. Other players might label you as “scared” if you fold. And if you win without bluffing to the high heaves? Eh, it’s just dumb luck.

Those three things we just said? They are myths. Total nonsense. And there’s a lot more of them floating around in the land of poker. Who started them? We don’t know, but they appear to be passed down from generations before, like family recipes that nobody even bothered to fact-check.

And why have they stuck around for so long? Because if you hear something enough, chances are pretty good you’ll start to believe it. Even if you know it’s not true? You could unconsciously internalize them without realizing it!

We don’t want you to blow up your bankroll, because these errant wives’ tales can cost you money. That’s why we’re gonna bury the most common ones.

What are the 5 poker myths that still cost players money? Let’s get into it so you can evict them, because they have been living rent-free in your head!

Poker Myth #1: ‘Bluffing Is the Most Important Skill in Poker’

Is your poker game built on bluffing bravado? If so, you’re playing in a fantasy land, and you are going to lose money!

The Myth

A lot of new poker players (and, because of the movies, even people who have never played a game of poker) associate winning at poker with bluffing. They picture the protagonist pushing in a huge bluff and scooping the pot with a smug smirk. And this causes players to overvalue bluffing as the end-all, be-all primary skill in poker.

Poker Myth #2: ‘If You Fold, You’re Weak’

This one is a doozy. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you have a crap hand, and anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.

The Myth

There’s an ego-driven idea in poker that folding, even if you have a decent hand, is a sign of weakness or cowardice. This kind of weird, macho mentality suggests that “real” poker players never back down and always fight for pots. Wrong!

Poker Myth #3: ‘Online Poker Is Rigged’

If we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard that online poker is rigged, we’d have a lot of dollars.

The Myth

If you’ve played online, chances are pretty good you’ve heard this one (we’d bet on it). Maybe you’ve even felt this way after a brutal bad beat at 1 am. The myth? It claims that online poker isn’t fair; the dealing algorithm is “rigged” to cause more bad beats or to favor certain players or outcomes.

People say that gambling sites do this to create “action” and higher rake, or they just plain don’t trust that a computer can deliver truly random cards. So, after a few rough losses in a row, you can start to wonder if the poker site has it in for you.

Poker Myth #4: ‘You Have to Play Every Hand to Win’

And here we are at number 4! We’ve reached the “you have to play every hand you’re dealt in order to win,” myth. This is wrong on so many levels!

The Myth

There are some players, especially when they’re bored or impatient, who believe that the more hands you play, the greater your chances of winning. They think folding is “missing an opportunity,” so they try to get involved in every single pot. The myth might come from casual home games or watching too many action players on TV, but it all boils down to the misconception that the quantity of hands equals profit. In extreme cases, these kinds of players fear that if they aren’t entering a pot, they’re not really trying to win.

Poker Myth #5: ‘Poker Is All Luck’

Last but not least is good ol’ myth number 5! Despite hearing this over and over, poker is not all luck. It’s not a slot machine or a roulette wheel!

The Myth

Ask any non-poker player (or a frustrated losing player) what poker is, and they might tell you that it’s gambling, and that means it’s all luck. This myth is really common outside the poker world, and sometimes new players will become believers after a rough run of cards. The idea is that poker outcomes are entirely random, like flipping a coin or playing the lotto, so skill doesn’t matter at all.

How These Myths Add Up to Real Money Loss

Individually, each of these myths can put a dent in your game, but together? They can total your play (we mean total like wreck, as in a car).

A player who overvalues bluffing will spew chips bluffing too much, the “never-fold” tough guy will donate chips by calling when he should fold, the rigged-game believer could either tilt off stacks or quit during downswings, the “play every hand” action junkie bleeds chips on bad hands, and the “pure luck” believer never bothers to learn or improve.

These are holes and strategic errors that directly translate to money left on the table! Poker myths are usually rooted in emotional decision-making or outdated ideas instead of facts. Ego or machismo could be a driver of the myth that folding is weak, and impatience feeds the urge to play too many hands. Unfortunately, the poker table is a really expensive place to let pride or impatience run the show. Holding on to these false beliefs creates patterns of play that opponents (and the house, through rake) profit from.

It’s not a coincidence that most long-term losing players have one or more of these misconceptions guiding their play. If you believe the wrong things about the game? You’ll make the wrong moves in the game.

So, what’s the real money impact? Let’s connect the dots. Say that you refuse to fold strong-but-second-best hands due to pride. As time goes by, those calls could cost you dozens of big blinds that you could have saved by folding (that’s maybe hundreds of dollars in a serious game).

Or if you insist on seeing every flop, you’ll be paying a lot of blinds and bets with junk hands, and that’s basically just handing your money to others. If you believe online poker is rigged and start chasing your losses aggressively, you could blow an entire bankroll in a night of tilt that should have lasted months.

The player who knows better? They aren’t falling into any of these traps and steadily growing their roll. One by one, all of the five myths chip away at your bankroll. Combined? They can be the difference between a winning and a losing year.

The encouraging news is that once you bust these myths and replace them with correct thinking, you stop the leaks. Poker is hard enough without self-sabotage. When you shed these misconceptions, you can improve your game and keep more of your winnings. Most myths come from a place of misunderstanding, so remedy your understanding, and you’ll start making decisions that are way better for your bottom line!

Conclusion: Stop Letting Myths Run Your Chips

Most poker myths don’t sound ridiculous, and that makes them really annoying to bust!. They can creep into your game looking like common sense and drain your edge one decision at a time.

If you’re bluffing too much, folding too little, or blaming the software every time that you lose a hand, you’re not really playing poker; you’re just dodging accountability and trying to make yourself feel better.

Want to feel better? Get better at the game! And you can start by ridding your mind of these 5 poker myths. Think for yourself, because it’s the difference between playing poker and being played by it.

Refreshing your core fundamentals with a reference to poker basics and a guide to correct misconceptions can sharpen your game and help shed false beliefs.

Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces Preview & Prediction (August 19, 2025)

Two WNBA teams that are playing some of the best bball of the season will face off on Tuesday night.

The Aces are hosting the Dream in Las Vegas, and there’s playoff seeding in jeopardy. Vegas has A’ja Wilson and Atlanta has Allisha Gray, and these two are the GOATS of the league if you ask us!

The squads are dead even record-wise at 21-14, but does one have an advantage over the other?

We are gonna find out! Keep reading for a close look at team form, storylines, the current betting odds, H2H, trends, injuries, rosters, and our picks for the four best bets!

Game Details

• Matchup: Atlanta Dream (22–12) vs. Las Vegas Aces (21–14)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00 pm ET
• Venue: Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas
• How to Watch: You can catch this one on WNBA League Pass and ESPN+
• Playoff Implications: The Aces are fighting to lock down a better playoff seed and maybe host opening-round games. The Dream is trying to stay near the top 5 in the Eastern race

Recent Form & Storylines

They’re in the middle of the playoff race, and both are coming off good playing stretches. The Aces are counting on their star power on home court, and Atlanta has been kicking butt on the road.

Storylines to Watch

• A’ja Wilson’s Streak: She’s coming off a 30-point, 20-rebound stat line. The big question is if anyone, and that includes Atlanta’s smaller frontcourt, has any way to keep her off the glass.
• Pace Control: Atlanta has been able to slow games down when they have to, but if they’re forced into a faster pace? Las Vegas has perimeter scoring to capitalize on it.
• Fatigue Factor: This is the last stop of what’s been a demanding trip for the Dream, and their energy in the fourth quarter could determine if they can keep up with Vegas at home.

Up-to-Date Betting Odds

Thinking about placing a bet? Check the latest odds and lines by DraftKings below.

Line Movement Insight

• Early action has leaned toward Las Vegas, and it’s most likely because of their recent wins against Atlanta.
• The total could creep up if bettors expect a faster-paced game, so watch out for any late shifts on the Over/Under.

Head-to-Head & Matchup Trends

Okay, let’s take a look at the H2Hs between the Aces and the Dream and some matchup trends!

• In the last five matchups between them, the Aces have a 4–1 edge with an average margin of victory of 9.2 points.
• Las Vegas beat Atlanta by 15 earlier this season on the Dream’s home court.
• Atlanta has only gotten one win in Las Vegas since 2018.
• The Over has cashed in four of the last six games.

Trend Takeaways

• The Aces have had Atlanta’s number in this matchup; they’ve won most of the recent meetings at home.
• In three out of the last four meetings, the Aces have gotten ahead early enough to cover the first-quarter line.
• Vegas’ front line usually creates mismatches, and Atlanta’s smaller rotation has had a really hard time countering.

Injury & Roster Notes

Both teams are pretty close to full strength, but there is one roster question that could change the balance inside!

The Aces

• A’ja Wilson: She’s in absolutely peak form and carries the frontcourt.
• Chelsea Gray: She’s back in action and giving Las Vegas extra playmaking and floor direction.

The Dream

• Rhyne Howard: She’s playing at 110% and is averaging over 18 points across her last four games.
• Nia Coffey: She’s still listed as day-to-day, and her status will definitely affect Atlanta’s interior depth.

X-Factors

If Coffey is unavailable to play, Las Vegas should control the glass and generate more second-chance looks.

Our Best Bets

For this one? We’ve got three picks for your best bets and a super promising prop angle!

Narrative & Betting Angles

• Tempo Battle: Las Vegas will be trying to speed the game up, and Atlanta wants to slow things down. The opening minutes will show us which side gets its way.
• Motivation Factor: Because there is seeding on the line, the Aces will come at this like a must-win, so they don’t drop in the standings.
• Vegas at Home: Their offense usually ramps up when they’re in front of the home crowd; they have better spacing and shot-making.
• Clutch Free Throws: If the game tightens up late, fouls could change the total, but Las Vegas is solid from the stripe at 83% as a team.

The Aces Dash the Dream

We are going with the Aces on this one! Why? Because Las Vegas has all of its star players, and its recent form has been trending upward at home.

No disrespect to Atlanta, as they are dangerous, but the wear and tear of the road trip and a not-so-great track record in Vegas is working against them.

The best value is with the Aces at –3.5 and A’ja Wilson prop markets. It’ll definitely be a competitive game, but we think it will stay under the total.

Best Bets Recap

• Aces –2 (Spread): High
• Under 165 (Total Points): Medium
• Aces –0.5 (1st Half Spread): High
• A’ja Wilson Over Pts + Rebs (Prop): Very High

Final Score Prediction: Las Vegas Aces 83, Atlanta Dream 76

While you’re here, you should definitely check out our picks for the best sportsbook sites so you can always grab the best lines and promos!

Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers Doubleheader Prediction (August 18, 2025)

Can the Cubs climb back into the wild card picture? Or will the Brewers’ resolve to solidify their division lead dominate the games? A win for the Brewers at Wrigley Field will give them just that as they come off a 14-game winning streak and one loss.

The game will be a doubleheader format. The fans will get to experience two rivalry games in one day, bringing a lot of energy to Wrigley Field. Bullpen management and lineup depth will also be key factors for both teams.

The game is undoubtedly a crucial NL Central showdown, with the playoff positioning at stake as well. We’ll give our thoughts on the game, review each team’s strengths, and recommend our best bets and predictions.

Game Details

• Matchup: Chicago Cubs (80-53) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (78-45)
• Date & Time: Monday, August 18, at 2:20 PM ET
• Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois
• Where to Watch: FDSNWI, MARQ, MLBN

Starting Pitching Matchup Breakdown

Game 2 Notes

Both teams have a lot to gain in this game. As such, we should look out for spot traders in the nightcap. We should also expect heavy bullpen usage from both teams in the game. And the secondary arms will be crucial in creating high-scoring opportunities.

Offensive Trends and Team Form

Head-to-Head and Historical Edge

• For the 2025 season: Cubs 4 wins/4 losses, Brewers 4 wins/4 losses.

This game will be the first time both teams meet at Wrigley in 2025. However, the Cubs have played the Brewers tough, and the series typically results in splits.

While the Cubs are favorites, the Brewers lead the bullpen as its ERA in the last 30 days is stronger. On the other hand, the Cubs will have to deal with a shaky middle relief.

Ballpark and Environment Factors

The game might turn into a slugfest if the winds blow out. Whichever happens, we are certain that the wind direction will contribute significantly to the totals.

You can also expect defensive miscues from both teams in Game 2, due to the doubleheader fatigue. As for weather, the warm and humid conditions of mid-August will allow the bal lto carry well at night.

Live Betting Odds

What are the numbers telling us for this matchup? Here’s the latest odds and lines from FanDuel:

Top Player Props to Consider

• Michael Busch Over 1.5 Total Bases – thrives at Wrigley vs RHP.
• Andrew Vaughn is to hit a Home Run.
• Strikeout props: Freddy Peralta Over 5.5, Cade Horton Under 3.5

Our Best Bets

Conclusion – Final Thoughts and Score Predictions

Why Brewers Have the Edge in the Twin Bill

• The team has a deeper pitching staff across two games.
• Even better, the lineup is balanced enough to produce both power and speed in the games.

Our Final Verdict: Brewers Slightly More Reliable

• Game 1: Brewers 5, Cubs 3
• Game 2: Cubs 7, Brewers 5

🔥 Closing Line: Expect Split Decisions, but Betting Value on the Over in Game 2

Stay sharp—odds can swing quickly with a high-stakes doubleheader like Cubs vs. Brewers, especially with bullpen fatigue in play. Make sure to check the latest lines before betting, and for the best value, explore our top-rated sports betting sites for reliable odds and fast payouts.

Top 5 Betting Scandals in Sports History (And What We Can Learn)

Scandalous behavior has always been a magnet for public curiosity, and it always will be. We love a good scandal, don’t we? As long as we aren’t part of it and get to watch from the outside, of course.

No one wants to be caught up in one! Unfortunately, the betting world has been rife with betting scandals. And they have left the onlookers and the participants shooketh.

We don’t say that in jest; millions of dollars have been lost, careers have been ruined, and the consequences have been harsh. But there’s a little silver lining to scandals seeing the light of day; in order to increase the trust of the public, the regulations surrounding betting have improved. 

How? We’ll get into all of it as we explore the top 5 scandals in history and what we’ve learned from them! Let’s get scandalous, shall we!

1919 Black Sox Scandal: The Fix That Shocked Baseball

If you want the OG blueprint of a sports betting scandal, the 1919 World Series is it, hands down. It wasn’t just rigged, no, this was a full-on inside job, and it was pulled off by some of baseball’s biggest names. And the league? They never saw it coming.

At the time, the Chicago White Sox had the kind of roster that should’ve pummeled the Cincinnati Reds. But instead of winning, the Sox played like a minor league team. There were unforced errors, awful throws, and swings that did NOT resemble the Black Sox. Fans were not only disappointed, but they were also really confused. The Reds weren’t supposed to win, and it was over in eight games. There was a huge disconnect between the way they played before the series and during.

The whole mess started with White Sox first baseman Chick Gandil. He was tired of being underpaid by a Scrooge-ish owner and was also aware of how exposed the sport was, so he took matters into his own hands. He contacted gamblers and offered to tank the Series for the right price. And it wasn’t a solo endeavor. He pulled in seven of his teammates, including pitcher Eddie Cicotte and outfielder Happy Felsch. Their motivation was as old as time: they wanted money, and they didn’t trust the team to give it to them.

On the other side were the gamblers, and they were organized, connected, and happy to help, as they were gonna make a killing. Arnold Rothstein, a well-known figure in the New York underworld, was believed to have financed the entire operation. Although his name never appeared on paper, everyone knew he was involved.

The signs were there from the first pitch. Cicotte hit the leadoff batter in Game 1, a pre-arranged signal that the plan was a go. The Sox went on to lose that game, and the sabotage continued: missed cutoffs, bad jumps, lazy swings. Fans booed. Sports writers were confused. And still, the league sat on its hands.

It wasn’t until mid-1920 that things finally broke wide open. A grand jury was investigating broader gambling ties in baseball when the story started to come to light. The players confessed; some came forward on their own, and the rest did under pressure. Cicotte came clean. Shoeless Joe Jackson admitted he’d taken money but insisted he had played the Series straight. He hit .375 in the Series and didn’t make one single error. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Public opinion had already changed, and the league needed to give them scapegoats.

Pete Rose: Betting on Baseball While Managing

Y’all remember Pete Rose, right? This man was the face of baseball. Rose was the all-time hits leader, a seventeen-time All-Star, and a three-time World Series champ. He played with a lot of heart, took pride in his hustle, and broke Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record. 

But you probably don’t remember that about him, do you? You might only know him from his betting scandal.

Rose’s fall from grace didn’t happen while he was playing in the MLB; it came later when he was in the dugout managing the Cincinnati Reds. Pete was betting on games, and that includes the one he was managing.

What Happened

By the mid-1980s, Rose had transitioned from player to manager, and he was running the Reds from the bench, but he had a side hustle that would bury his legacy. In 1989, then-commissioner Peter Ueberroth received an anonymous tip: Rose was placing bets on baseball, including Reds games, during his time as manager. The league hired attorney John Dowd to investigate the accusations.

The Dowd Report, which was published in the summer of 1989, was brutal and had receipts. It included testimony from bookies, evidence of betting slips, and phone records that tied Rose to dozens of bets, and at least 52 involved the Reds; all placed during the 1987 season while Rose was managing the team.

He wasn’t betting against his team, but he was betting on them, which created its own set of problems. If he had money riding on a specific game, how could he manage a team without bias? What if he only used his best relievers when he had action down? And what about when he didn’t bet, did that send a signal too?

Rose denied it all, and he kept denying it for years. Even as public pressure mounted and the evidence kept piling up, he refused to admit he’d ever bet on baseball. Eventually, in August 1989, he accepted a permanent place on MLB’s ineligible list without formally admitting his guilt. It was a negotiated agreement; he wouldn’t challenge the league’s findings, and in return, MLB wouldn’t formally declare he’d bet on baseball. It was a ban, and a complete one.

Tim Donaghy: The NBA Referee Scandal

The NBA has had its share of controversial calls, missed fouls, and questionable replays, but nothing that came close to the revelation that one of its own referees had been betting on games he officiated. 

In 2007, the league’s worst nightmare became reality: Tim Donaghy, a veteran official with over a decade on the job, had been placing bets and supplying inside info to gamblers. And yes, he was doing it while he was still blowing the whistle on the court.

How It Went Down

Donaghy didn’t just put a casual wager on a few basketball game outcomes. Nope, he was working directly with known gamblers; his childhood friends Tommy Martino and Jimmy Battista, and they used Donaghy’s game insights to cash in. Donaghy had access to player injuries before they were made known to the public, knew which refs were working which games, and understood which players had friction with which officials. That kind of info? It’s priceless for bettors and makes his tips super profitable.

The FBI got wind of it during a broader investigation into organized crime and illegal gambling. Donaghy’s name popped up, and the case quickly went from an internal league matter to a federal case. By July 2007, the New York Post broke the story, and the NBA had to acknowledge the scandal. David Stern, who was the commissioner when it broke, held a press conference describing the situation as the most serious crisis he’d faced in his tenure.

The investigation revealed that Donaghy bet on games he personally officiated during the 2005–2007 seasons. According to betting records and call logs, his picks were hitting at an unusually high rate, and that meant he had more than a hunch. He pleaded guilty in August 2007 to wire fraud and transmitting betting info across state lines, and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.

Juventus & Calciopoli: Italian Soccer’s Dirty Secrets

Over in Europe, Italian football collapsed under the weight of its own scandalous secrets. The 2006 Calciopoli scandal didn’t only have a few shady calls or a couple of missed penalties; it went so much deeper than that. Club executives, league officials, and referee organizers weren’t only influencing matches; they were manipulating them on a massive scale.

What Happened

The scandal was discovered when Italian prosecutors released tapped phone calls between Juventus director Luciano Moggi and senior referee officials. The content left zero room for interpretation; Moggi was actively steering referee assignments, making sure certain officials landed on games that would go in Juve’s favor or hurt their rivals. One alleged incident involved Moggi locking officials in a dressing room after a disputed loss!

And he wasn’t operating alone. Investigators linked figures at AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio, and others to the same web of backchannel influence.

Juventus took the hardest fall of the clubs; it was stripped of its 2004–05 and 2005–06 Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B. Before they even kicked a ball the next season, they were hit with a points penalty. Other clubs involved managed to stay in Serie A after reduced sanctions, but the reputational hit was huge. Referees were suspended, club executives were banned, and some were dragged into criminal courtrooms. But Juventus, which was arguably the face of Italian football, was made the public example.

In addition to the phone logs, there were even more troubling concerns. Officials who made questionable calls weren’t being disciplined. Some weren’t even being reviewed. The entire structure, appointments, accountability, and match oversight had been bent to serve club interests. What looked like it was a competitive league was being managed via back channels.

The 2000 Hansie Cronje Case: Cricket’s Criminal Chapter

Hansie Cronje had the trust of an entire nation. He was respected by his teammates, praised by broadcasters, and admired outside cricket. That all changed in April 2000, when India’s crime branch released phone transcripts tying South Africa’s golden boy to bookmakers. The charismatic cricket leader had taken money from bookmakers to rig matches.

How It Went Down

The break in this scandal came during South Africa’s tour of India. Delhi police were already running a wiretap investigation into organized betting rings when they picked up a string of calls between Cronje and a bookmaker named Sanjay Chawla. The conversations laid out match details, like toss decisions, batting orders, player substitutions, and payments, were attached.

At first, Cronje denied everything. He claimed the recordings were fake and the story was manufactured. That defense didn’t hold up. Within days, the evidence piled up and included cash transfers, hotel meetings, and messages that tied his instructions to outcomes on the field. Under pressure from investigators, Cronje admitted to accepting over $100,000 from bookmakers. And it didn’t end with him. The fallout from his confession pulled in other South African players, including Herschelle Gibbs and Henry Williams, who also admitted they were approached with offers to underperform.

The King Commission hearings made the whole scandalous saga public. Cronje’s credibility was gone, and by October 2000, he was dealt a lifetime ban from cricket; there would be no appeal. Two years later, he died in a plane crash at the age of 32.

What These Scandals Teach Modern Bettors

You don’t need to be a history buff to learn from a scandal! It doesn’t matter if it was a ref on the payroll, a captain pocketing envelopes, or a league that turned a blind eye; all of the above scandals left a trail, and with it, lessons for anyone who bets on sports.

Because while the headlines might change, the patterns haven’t. If you’re betting like it’s always a fair game, you’re giving way too much credit to people who’ve proven that they don’t always deserve it.

Common Patterns

What are the most common patterns when it comes to sports betting scandals? The following factors:

• Insider access to decision-making: Whether it was a manager, a ref, or a captain, every scandal involved someone who had real influence over the outcome. Once that person got involved in betting or accepted a bribe, everything downstream, player effort, coaching calls, and officiating, was compromised.
• Loose oversight and unclear accountability: Most of the cases played out in environments where regulators just weren’t prepared. There were no checks on communication, no formal flagging systems for suspicious betting, and zero transparency around decision-making.
• No deterrent until it was too late: In most cases, punishment only came after the damage was done. Careers were ended, yes, but only after bets were placed, results recorded, and trust was already gone.

Takeaways for Bettors

• Only use regulated sportsbooks: If you’re wagering with an unlicensed site or offshore book, you’re playing with no safety net. Regulated books are tied to integrity networks and monitored betting markets. If something looks off? They’ll investigate.
• Ignore people selling “inside info”: If someone is promising you a fix or claiming to know how a game will end, run. Scams like this prey on bettors who are hoping for shortcuts. No legit edge comes from suss messages in Telegram groups or “tipster” TikToks.
• Watch line movement: Sudden shifts in odds are caused by injuries, weather, or late lineup changes. But they can also point to something more suspicious. If a line moves hard for no visible reason, take note and do your due diligence.
• Use data and integrity monitoring tools when available: Almost all sportsbooks and betting markets have real-time alerts on suspicious activity. Tools like these can show you when betting patterns don’t match public expectations.

How the Industry Has Changed Since These Scandals

If there’s any kind of an upside to past scandals? It’s that they forced the industry to stop pretending games will police themselves. Leagues, sportsbooks, and data companies now work together more closely than ever before to flag suspicious behavior before it turns into another Donaghy or Calciopoli!

The alerts get passed up to league partners, regulators, and, in some cases, federal investigators. Some sportsbooks will freeze markets mid-game if something looks off. That kind of intervention didn’t exist 20 years ago.

How Leagues Use It

Leagues have stopped acting like betting is a nuisance to be ignored. In the U.S., the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB all have formal partnerships with betting companies. They’re not doing it for promo codes; they’re plugging into live data streams that help flag patterns, missed red flags, or any outcome that doesn’t match up with the expected model.

In Europe, this is even more embedded. UEFA and the ICC work with third-party integrity firms that audit betting behavior across hundreds of matches each week. It’s not a totally foolproof system, but it gives leagues a fighting chance to catch things early rather than later.

Positive Changes Toward a Safer Betting Environment

The sports betting landscape in the U.S. looks nothing like it did a decade ago, and that’s a very good thing! Since the federal ban was overturned in 2018, legal betting has become one of the most popular pastimes. But it’s not growth for growth’s sake. Regulation, oversight, and transparency have improved dramatically, and that makes the U.S. market one of the more structured environments where you can place a bet.

Licensed sportsbooks are required to follow state-level rules, report unusual betting activity, and cooperate with integrity investigations. Operators in places like New Jersey, Colorado, and Pennsylvania are working under real frameworks. State gaming boards can suspend licenses, pull products, or open investigations if and when they need to. That kind of pressure forces sportsbooks to take integrity seriously.

The NFL, NBA, MLB, and NCAA have all rolled out internal betting policies, education programs, and formal data-sharing agreements with sportsbooks. They’re not relying on “honor systems” anymore; they’re investing in the tools to detect tampering or abuse.

There’s still a lot of room to grow; some states are stricter than others, and enforcement can be uneven, but the general direction is good. The U.S. market is no longer pretending that betting doesn’t exist. It’s regulating it, tracking it, and making the system way harder to exploit, and that’s better for anyone who is putting real money on the line.

Conclusion: Shooketh by Sports Betting Scandals

If there’s one thing the scandals we discussed prove? It’s that no sport, league, or era has ever been totally immune to manipulation. From the baseball diamonds in 1919 to cricket tours in 2000, the common denominator has always been access, influence, and a system that didn’t react fast enough.

That’s changed, at least in part. Oversight has gotten better, the leagues are now more involved, and gambling sites monitor their own data in real time. But there is no setup that is 100% bulletproof, so the risk hasn’t completely disappeared; it’s just morphed into something different.

Here’s a quick refresher on the top 5 betting scandals in sports history and what we can learn from them:

• Past scandals not only ruined reputations; they also pushed sports leagues to build stronger safeguards.
• Regulation always matters, but there is no system that’s capable of catching everything. Stay frosty!
• Smart bettors track context, not only odds. If something feels off, listen to your instincts.
• History tends to repeat itself when people stop paying attention, and all major betting scandals happened because someone thought no one was watching. You can learn from that!

UFC 319 Betting Picks and Predictions – Full Fight Card Breakdown

Nobody saw it coming a week ago, but UFC 319? It’s looking like it’s the last of its kind. The UFC’s Paramount and CBS deal goes through next year, so the pay-per-view era is almost dead and gone; maybe a few will sneak through, but this model’s days are numbered.

But that’s a next year problem, because it’s still fight night on Saturday! The UFC is back in Chicago for the first time in over six years, taking over the United Center with a stacked pay-per-view card headlined by one of the year’s most anticipated matchups.

The headliner is a boogeyman fight; Khamzat Chimaev, who is the most intimidating middleweight contender we’ve seen in a long time (and is undefeated), will finally get his shot at the 185-pound title against reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. And since Du Plessis asked for this fight? He wants it bad. Or maybe he’s a sadist, we aren’t sure yet.

We’ll find out when they step into the Octagon!

There are four high-profile main card fights and an absolutely stacked prelim slate, making UFC 319 one of the most competitive cards of the year. 

What should you be watching for when the fighters in the Octagon kick off (literally, they’ll kick each other)? We’ve got the goods on what’s going down: the full fight card, the main event breakdown, live betting odds, and what we think are the five best bets for all of the bloody action!

Event Overview

• Event: UFC 319
• When: Saturday, August 16
• Where: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
• Schedule: Early Prelims: ~6:00 pm ET; Prelims: ~8:00 pm ET; Main Card (PPV $79.99): ~10:00 pm ET via ESPN+
• How to Watch: Streaming on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+
• Broadcast Team Highlights: Joe Rogan is back on the mic with Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. At the desk, Dustin Poirier joins Anthony Smith, Chael Sonnen, and Michael Chiesa, hosted by Brendan Fitzgerald. Charli Arnolt and Din Thomas will be on the ground for live coverage from the United Center.
• See the full UFC 319 card

Full Fight Card

Chicago’s getting a fully loaded lineup for UFC 319! There’s a title fight at the top, a high-stakes featherweight co-main, and a sprinkling of proven contenders and rising names facing off. Here’s how the night is gonna look:

Main Card (PPV)

• Middleweight Title: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev
• Featherweight Co-Main: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy
• Welterweight: Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal
• Middleweight: Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonie
• Flyweight: Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott

Key Prelim Bouts

• Middleweight: Michał Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert
• Women’s Strawweight: Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez
• Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper
• Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
• Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
• Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa

Prelim Note

• The lightweight prelim bout between King Green and Diego Ferreira was scratched due to an injury to Green, and no replacement has been arranged for Ferreira.
• In one of the most rapid turnarounds in recent memory, Baysangur Susurkaev, who clinched his UFC contract with a body-shot KO on Dana White’s Contender Series, hopped into the UFC 319 lineup only three days later to face Eric Nolan.

Main Event Breakdown: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

Chicago won’t be getting a gentlemanly title fight. It’s gonna be a street brawl between two men who want to break each other in half. Dricus du Plessis is defending his belt and daring Khamzat Chimaev to go hard until one of them gasses out. 

Chimaev’s unbeaten and mean as heck, but he’s never been dragged into the kind of championship rounds that du Plessis lives for.

Betting Odds Snapshot

Throwing your metaphorical hat in the octagon and betting on this fight? Check out the latest odds and lines via FanDuel:

• Previous lines:
  • Du Plessis +180 | Chimaev –235 — Chimaev –220 | Du Plessis +180
  • Pico –195 | Murphy +165
  • Prates –260 | Neal +210
  • Page –180 | Cannonier +150

Our 5 Best Bets

Additional Props & Parlay Ideas

In addition to our best bets, we’ve got a few additional prop bets and parlay picks!

• Chimaev KO/TKO: Markets are leaning toward a Chimaev finish, with KO/TKO sitting around -175 in some previews. Given Du Plessis’ durability, that price might be inflated compared to other angles.
• Underdog Shots: Elliot Round 1 submission at +1800 is worth a sprinkle against an opponent who’s vulnerable to early grappling pressure. Du Plessis via split/majority decision at +1600 plays into the possibility of a drawn-out, competitive fight. Murphy on a +3.5 points spread can cover a close loss or narrow win.
• Parlay Play: A three-leg ticket linking Du Plessis ML, a Neal-related outcome, and one additional confident pick lines up at about +189.

How to Watch Recap

• Early Prelims: ~6:00 pm ET
• Prelims: ~8:00 pm ET
• Main Card (PPV): ~10:00 pm ET, and is available on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S.
• Coverage: Early bouts will stream on ESPN+, Disney+, and ESPN; the main card requires a purchase via ESPN+ (U.S. viewers)

Endurance vs. Explosiveness—Who Wins?

If Du Plessis can survive the opening round on his feet, make Chimaev work, and chip away at him, this fight starts to go his way. Chimaev’s opening blitz is still the most violent start in all of the UFC, and Du Plessis knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

The question is whether Chimaev can toss Du Plessis around the cage the way he has with most opponents. That’s not a small task; it’s more like trying to pick up and throw a refrigerator. And the size edge Chimaev showed when they crossed paths in Chicago? That’s hard to set aside.

For Du Plessis, the plan is a simple one: fight like Du Plessis. His awkward, unpredictable style has stolen control of fights in a second, even when he looks drained after Round 1. But he somehow ramps up in the later rounds when others tire. And in true Du Plessis fashion, the most unexpected outcome, like a submission over Chimaev, could be what happens.

• Stakes: Du Plessis’ ability to push a fight into the late rounds against Chimaev’s opening-round aggression.
• Betting Angle: Du Plessis has pricing appeal, and there are a few live underdogs that are worth a look.
• Variables: Short-notice replacements and bout cancellations mean the matchups can be unpredictable.
• Reminder: Bet responsibly and tune in for the post-fight analysis! 

Best Bets Recap

• Dricus du Plessis via decision or Round 4–5 stoppage: +198ML | Confidence: 7/10
• Lerone Murphy ML: +146| Confidence: 6/10
• Over 2.5 rounds or Geoff Neal ML: Prates –215 / Neal +180| Confidence: 6/10
• Jared Cannonier ML: +162| Confidence: 7/10
• Baysangur Susurkaev to finish (any method): Odds TBD | Confidence: 5/10

Our Final Best Bet: It’s Dricus du Plessis ML; his stamina and proven five-round output make this the play! Our confidence level for this bet is a solid 7/10.

Stay ahead of the action—odds can shift quickly as fight night approaches, so check the latest lines before locking in your wagers. For maximum value, explore our list of top-rated sports betting sites to find trusted platforms with great odds and fast payouts.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Prediction & Betting Preview (August 16, 2025)

Inter Miami are limping back to Florida after getting thumped by Orlando 1-4, and the Galaxy aren’t in better shape after their four-goal embarrassment in Seattle. 

The two clubs will play on Saturday at 7:30 pm at Chase Stadium, which starts a busy run for Inter Miami. After this one, they have their August 20 Leagues Cup knockout fixture. 

Both are licking their wounds and are less concerned with style points and are more focused on getting at least some momentum back before the Cup resumes.

Inter Miami had a scare with Messi, but he returned to practice on Thursday, so it looks like he and Suárez are both in position to helm the attack. They’ve been ruthless at home when they’re given the space to work, and LA Galaxy will have to find ways to slow down their combos in the final third.

The Galaxy is sitting at long odds as the underdogs, but they’ve shown that they can rise to the occasion when they need to. Their form has been inconsistent this year, but at +400 or longer, bettors who are willing to back them will hope they can disrupt Miami’s flow and drag this game into a scrappier contest.

Miami is the heavy favorite, but is it warranted? We get into it all below with recent form, team momentum, live betting odds, tactical matchup, main battles, our picks for the three best bets, and who we’re backing with a final score prediction!

Game Details & Broadcast Info

• Matchup: Inter Miami CF (12-6-5) vs. LA Galaxy (3-7-15)
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 16, at 7:30 pm ET
• Venue: Chase Stadium, Miami, FL
• How to Watch: Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass

Quick Stats

• Miami is still in the running for the 2025 Supporters’ Shield.
• The LA Galaxy are the reigning MLS Cup champions.
• Kickoff weather: It’ll be 86°F, partly cloudy, with some light humidity, and those are perfect conditions for a fast-paced soccer game.

Recent Form & Momentum

Edge

Miami’s home form and offensive organization give them a heavy advantage against LA.

Live Odds & Betting Market Breakdown

You can’t bet without knowing the odds! Here are the latest lines courtesy of DraftKings:

Analysis

• Oddsmakers have Miami favored in a match that’s projected to produce multiple goals.
• Better angles may be in totals or alternative lines, like Over 3.5.
• Miami’s possession game and expected goals profile signal a steady attacking tilt in their favor.

Tactical Matchup & Main Battles

Inter Miami has the ability to change up their approach and shape depending on the opponent, using Alba’s overlapping runs to stretch LA’s back line and Messi dropping deeper to link play. In midfield, De Paul covers ground box-to-box while Busquets organizes and recycles possession. At home, the Messi–Suárez–Taylor trio has averaged more than 3 xG per match.

Inter Miami 

• Alba’s overlaps create width and force defensive shifts.
• De Paul drives transitions as Busquets controls passing lanes.
• Miami’s front three generates high shot volume and solid chances at home.

LA Galaxy

• LA will try to counter with speed down the wings.
• They’ll target set pieces, especially the corners, where Miami has conceded multiple goals this season.
• They’ll pack the middle to push Messi wide and limit his ability to dictate centrally.

Main Matchups

• Alba vs. Galaxy’s right flank: Jordi Alba’s overlapping runs will repeatedly test LA’s right side, forcing defenders into two-on-one situations if the winger doesn’t track back.
• Busquets vs. Delgado: Sergio Busquets’ ability to control tempo through short, accurate passes will challenge Mark Delgado to break up play and prevent Miami from dictating possession in midfield.
• Messi vs. LA’s double pivot: Messi will try to exploit the pockets between the Galaxy’s two central midfielders, which takes disciplined positioning to prevent him from turning and creating in dangerous areas.

Historical Context & What’s at Stake

Inter Miami and LA Galaxy haven’t built up a rivalry yet, but the stakes? They make this one worth watching.

All-Time Head-to-Head

These clubs have only met three times in MLS play, splitting one win each and sharing a draw. Their last encounter came in the 2024 regular season, ending in a 1–1 stalemate. There’s no postseason history between them, so every meeting still feels like new territory.

Motivations

Inter Miami are in the midst of the Supporters’ Shield race and are still a top MLS Cup contender, making every point critical for seeding. The LA Galaxy are fighting to lock in a Wild Card playoff spot, so dropping points here would be a major setback.

Undercurrents

This could be (emphasis on could, we aren’t breaking news here, it’s just rumors at this point) Lionel Messi’s final MLS season, and if true, that adds weight to every home appearance. It’s also the last time Miami will host LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium before their planned move in 2026, giving the home crowd an extra reason to crank up the volume.

Our Best Bets

The sportsbooks all have Miami as the clear favorites, but there are some other decent angles that are worth a look!

Fade the Underdog? Hang On, Not So Fast!

We’re backing Miami at home, but the more attractive plays? They’re in the goal markets. LA can keep it interesting if they don’t fall behind early on, which makes Over 3.5 and a Messi goal at plus money worth targeting alongside the Miami moneyline. 

Keep your bets in the 3–4 unit range unless the Galaxy number pushes past +475, and monitor live lines for value if Miami concedes first!

Best Bets Recap

• Over 3.5 Goals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
• Messi Anytime Scorer: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
• Inter Miami ML: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
• BTTS – Yes: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Final Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3 – 1 LA Galaxy

Messi strikes early, Miami controls long spells, and LA nets one goal late in the game.

Keep tracking the latest odds from top sportsbooks right up to game time—lines can shift fast, and spotting those changes could give you the winning edge.