One of the hottest-anticipated tournaments on the entire sporting calendar in the United Kingdom, the World Championshipkicks off at Alexandra Palace on December 15 and runs until the grand finale on January 3.

The latest renewal looks set to be on a knife edge, with last year’s finalists Luke Littler and Luke Humphries inseparable in the PDC World Championship odds—both coming in as the 5/2 joint-favourites for the Sid Waddel Trophy.

Such is the nature of the tournament, with its electric atmosphere and extremely high stakes, that upsets can happen at any stage at Ally Pally. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three outsiders that could cause a stir at the upcoming World Darts Championship.

Michael Smith – 16/1

He might be second in the PDC’s Order of Merit, but Michael Smith is a 16/1 outsider to claim a second World Darts Championship this year.

The Englishman stunned three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen with a 7-4 victory in the 2023 final, landing just his second Premier Event after winning the Grand Slam of Darts in the same year.

‘Bully Boy’, who won the World Cup of Darts alongside Humphries in the summer, has been runner-up in the World Championship on two occasions and could go on a good run this year if he can produce his best form.

Mike De Decker – 22/1

Ranked 25 by the PDC, Mike De Decker has potentially hit career-best form at the perfect time after picking up his first Premier Event recently.

The 28-year-old Belgian caused one of the upsets of the season when going all the way to the final of the World Grand Prix in October, ultimately defeating Humphries 6-4 in Leicester.

De Decker, who also beat his fellow countryman Dimitri Van den Bergh, James Wade, and Gary Anderson en route to his maiden major victory, has never progressed further than the second round in four World Championship appearances. But momentum could carry him this year.

Michael van Gerwen – 6/1

Not an outsider per se, but odds of 6/1 in the darts bettingmarket seem like exceptional value for a player of Van Gerwen’s calibre.

Indeed, ‘Might Mike’ hasn’t exactly been his indomitable self in recent seasons and hasn’t got his hands on the World Championship since completing the hat-trick in 2019.

However, Van Gerwen has knocked on the door in a couple of Premier Events this season, finishing runner-up in The Masters and World Matchplay and winning some silverware in the Dutch Darts Masters, as well as the Players Championship, bouncing back from defeat in the Grand Prix.

The Dutchman has a formidable record at Ally Pally, finishing runner-up on three occasions as well as his hat-trick of victories, and it would be foolish to rule him it.

—

While Humphries and Littler are undoubtedly the players to beat at this year’s World Championship, an upset is never off the table at Ally Pally and Van Gerwen, Van De Decker or Smith could be this year’s dark horses.

The post Outsiders to consider for the World Darts Championship appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Sports betting has a fairly long history (with first reports dating back to betting on horse racing in the 18th century), but with betting now more accessible than ever throughonline sportsbooks and handy mobile apps, the pastime has gained unprecedented popularity in the modern age.Betting on sports is attracting plenty of new punters who arelooking to try their hand at one of the best ways to elevate your sports experience.

There’s no doubt about it, sports betting is thrilling. Clinging to the edge of your seat as the horses hammer down the racetrack, or your favourite team pounds a shot toward the goal, and wondering if all those stakes you have on your bet will finally come home certainly adds a level of excitement and engagement to sports that can’t really be found anywhere else. However, for beginners to the world of sports betting, it’s important to know the key tenets to keep yourself safe and make the experience even more enjoyable!

This article runs through five of the best tips and tricks for newcomers to sports betting to guide them on their betting journey.

#1 Understand the Basics of Sports Betting

As with any hobby, getting started without the basics willonly lead to fumbling in the dark. It’s essential that any newcomer to the world of sports betting gets to grips with all the key terms, and with those down, that mystical jargon on your favourite football betting site in Ireland will—like magic—all become clear.

Odds

At the heart of any betting experience, there are odds. In short, these represent the likelihood of a particular outcomeoccurring and dictate how much you’ll earn if your bet comes in. Odds come in a couple of forms, including

Types of Bets

The next key element is the different kinds of bets available. These are important to familiarise yourself with as, unlike odds, most aren’t quite as intuitive to guess by name.

#2 Set a Budget and Stick To It

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re having fun, but one of the biggest errors new bettors make is bad money management. The key to having fun betting is to never bet more than you can comfortably afford to lose. While there’s always a chance that a bet might come in, if you’re betting for fun, you should treat every bet as a lost one when it comes to bankroll management.

When you’re starting out, pre-set a monthly or weekly betting limit so that you can have fun without that niggle in the back of your mind that losing might spell disaster.

Of course, this only works if you stay disciplined. It’s important not to bet off emotions alone, and not to chase up losses with a bigger bet (a harmful habit that can be costly). As long as you stick to your sensible rules, you’re sure to have a fun time and be able to maintain a sustainable betting habit.

#3 Research and Analyse Before Placing Bets

Any semi-successful sports bettor knows the importance of research before placing a bet. Without doing your due diligence before putting money on the line, it’s easy to place terrible value bets and these avoidable losses quickly add up and take the fun out of the game.

However, it’s easy to avoid some of the simplest mistakes with a little bit of research and analysis before you lay your bet—a process that can quickly become part of the enjoyment. Some simple ones to tick off are predicted weather conditions, injury reports, and the expected team line-ups. This is a simple way to avoid betting on a player to score the first goal when they’ve just been put out for injury!

For more in-depth analysis, investigate current forms and,in team sports, the results of previous head-to-heads. A star horse could be running badly this season or a specific match-up might result in surprising results for an underdog team.

Make sure you stick to trusted, reliable resources for accurate information and check out some well–knowntipsters for detailed yet comprehensive analysis.

#4 Start Small—Focus on Single Bets

One of the best rules for newcomers is not to get ahead of yourself. When you’re still learning, it’s important to start small—avoid parlays and complex bets and focus on the smaller moving parts, a well-researched single line bet is far more satisfying when it pays off than fumbling your way through a doomed accumulator. Stick to smaller value bets so you can try your hand at different tactics while keeping your bankroll healthy.

#5 Track Your Bets and Learn From Each Outcome

Many people already track a lot of things in their life—their sleep, fitness journeys, daily runs—so it’s only sensible to turn to this with a new hobby. While you might think you’re remembering everything, getting specifics down on paper can turn up surprising results. Dig through your previous wins and losses and excavate all the gritty details of what went wrong and how you made things go right.

Spreadsheets are a favourite of our pros to track their progress, and they’re great for managing bankroll, too, as well as keeping tabs on winners, losers, and much more!

The post Interested in Sports Betting? Here are 5 Tips and Tricks for Beginners appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

challenges of the sport, there is also the mental aspect of competing. From top athletes to just beginning ones, the pressure to always be at the top can be immense. The most critical of all these issues is how sports people cope with performance pressure while seeking success. This article examines how athletes remain focused and able to perform under pressure, even in high-stakes situations. From psychological preparation and training to help, we will explore how being in such a tough competitive environment is possible.

7 Ways Sports People Keep Up With The Performance Pressure

Setting clear goals and benchmarks

As we know, athletic performance is achieved when winning competitions, and sports people undergo a lot of pressure to succeed. To stay focused and driven, professional athletes set goals and benchmarks. This helps them enormously in the long run as they can utilize this vast picture to concentrate on smaller milestones and look forward to accomplishing them.

It also encourages them to keep up with the training schedule and take responsibility for their actions. Similarly, the regular measurement of such benchmarks enables the sportsperson to refine their plays and techniques to stay focused on the end goal.

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Maintaining a structured training regimen

To face the pressure of competitive sports, sportspeople design their training in a structured manner. This technique helps them improve their performance and physical form and instills discipline and constancy in their training.

Achieving well-defined objectives and game plans encompassing resistance, endurance, and various skills enables the athletes to measure their advancement and adjust accordingly toward achieving their objectives. In addition, a structured training program allows the athlete to schedule his recovery time to be at peak performance during the competitions.

Seeking professional coaching and mentorship

A great deal of pressure is expected of sportspeople, which can be quite intimidating. Many athletes approach their performance with professional coaching and mentorship to cope with these challenges effectively.

Coaches do not just offer individualized training programs to improve an athlete’s physical skills but also help athletes train mentally. With individual attention provided through mentorship, the athlete’s mind has a clearer picture of the sport, which builds the courage to perfect the desired skills and tactics.

Practicing mindfulness

Negative performance pressure is common among sportspeople and relates to their focus on the competition or success. Because of the challenges many athletes face today, mindfulness practices are being adopted. Meditation, focus on breathing, and visual imagery during training increase es awareness of being in a particular moment.

In most cases, this attitude allows stress management, enhances concentration, and stays calm. It follows that, with the right mindset, athletes can properly respond to the challenges of their sport and be at their peak performance when needed.

Utilizing performance analytics and technology

With competition comes pressure, and in such scenarios, many sports people have turned to performance analytics and technology to help them cope with competition stress and compete better. Analyzing athletes’ training, progress, and achievements and applying for further development in their progress becomes easier.

There are also heart rate monitors and GPS trackers that tell us about certain movements or how powerful the exertion is. Therefore, they are very helpful in tuning training strategies. Also, numerous applications further allow reviewing video footage of practice sessions and competitions to analyze the technique and performance.

Having a balanced and healthy diet

Perhaps athletes can be termed ‘Superhumans’ as they stand out in the crowd due to their incredible achievements in sports. However, let’s not forget the pressure that comes with success, and they require effective strategies to manage such situations. Intense competition causes performance anxiety among athletes, and most seek to relieve it through proper nutrition.

This allows professional sports people to withstand even greater loads and remain in top shape during training and contests. Many athletes benefit from a nutritious diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, healthy lean meat, and whole grains. Some may also seek alternative aids, such as THC oil, for relaxation and energy-boost.

Prioritizing recovery and self-care practices

Every athlete is used to performance pressure and strives to improve their level of performance in a given competition. They adopt recovery and self care practices as fundamental aspects of the training to stay at the top of their game and preserve touch.

Such devotion to self-care can include, but is not limited to, rest, diet, meditation, and therapeutic sessions, augmenting their general health. Such emphasized recovery allows athletes to perform better, be more resilient, and return even better after tough times or adversities.

Why Is It Crucial For Sportspeople To Keep Up With The Performance Pressure?

While they can perform at high levels, most sportsmen and sportswomen find it very challenging to deal with the pressures of daily performance expectations.

Considering the competitive nature of sports, regardless of establishing it as a profession, competing in tournaments, or even going against oneself, competitiveness implies that there is pressure to perform at the top level all the time.

Such pressure could be regarded as a good thing as it pushes athletes to better their skills, stretch their boundaries consistently, or keep themselves and their minds in perfect shape.

Moreover, remaining aware of a certain level of expectation from their performance also makes an athlete develop a certain sense of confidence and versatility, enabling them to withstand disorder, pressure, and, most importantly, failure.

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Closing Lines

For every athlete, dealing with performance pressure in sports is a work in progress, and the stress management strategies wielded are distinct despite the discipline. Sportsmen and women are relatively focused and composed because they use various methods – from mental conditioning to establishing a strong support network. The biggest hurdle is learning to deal with pressure by recognizing the necessity for preparation in both physical and psychological aspects. Achievement of goals, development of positive habits, and even meditation, which athletes talk about so often, aren’t just goals but activities of importance that will help them excel when necessary.

The post Here’s How Sports People Keep Up With The Performance Pressure appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

From hard-hitting safeties to iconic quarterbacks, Irish NFL stars have become legends on and off the field. Here’s a look at some of the most celebrated Irish NFL players in history, whose legacies continue to influence the game today.

Tom Brady – The G.O.A.T. with Irish Roots

Tom Brady’s illustrious career is legendary, and his Irish heritage (born to an Irish father) adds an extra layer of pride for his fans. Beginning his NFL journey with the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady won six Super Bowls with the team and one more with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his clutch performances, especially in Super Bowls, Brady holds records for the most touchdown passes, career completions, and Super Bowl MVP titles.

As sports betting grew, platforms like FanDuel began offering player-specific odds, letting fans engage with Brady’s career in an entirely new way. For fans, betting on Brady’s passing yard totals or touchdowns in high-stakes games became a unique way to experience his journey.  Frequently featured in player odds by FanDuel, Brady drew immense attention as his performances often determined outcomes on both the field and betting lines.

Mark Bavaro – A Symbol of Toughness and Precision

Mark Bavaro, a tight end who spent most of his career with the New York Giants, is remembered as one of the NFL’s toughest players. Drafted in 1985, he quickly became a cornerstone of the Giants’ offense, helping them secure two Super Bowl victories. Bavaro’s ability to power through defenses made him a favorite among fans, earning him two Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.

His performance was not just about stats; it was his physical style and relentless work ethic that left a lasting impact on the game. Bavaro was eventually honored in the Giants’ Ring of Honor, a testament to his pivotal role in the team’s history.

Conor Odd – A Dominant Force in the Trenches

Known for his skill as an interior pass-rusher, Conor Odd played with an aggressive edge that set him apart. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1999, Odd excelled in disrupting offensive lines and applying pressure on quarterbacks, contributing to the Ravens’ defensive dominance.

Odd earned an All-Pro selection during his time in Baltimore, solidifying his reputation as one of the era’s premier defensive tackles. Though he later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, Odd’s legacy is most closely tied to his success with the Ravens.

John Lynch – A Hall of Fame Safety with Grit

John Lynch’s reputation as a hard-hitting safety was forged during his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later the Denver Broncos. Drafted out of Stanford in 1993, Lynch became a linchpin of the Buccaneers’ defense, playing a vital role in their Super Bowl win in 2002. His nine Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods reflect a career defined by excellence and consistency.

Lynch’s dedication extended beyond the field, making him a role model through his charitable work. In 2020, Lynch’s achievements earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the NFL’s best.

John Carney – The Reliable Kicker

John Carney’s career as a placekicker spanned over two decades, showcasing his remarkable accuracy and dependability. Known for his time with the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints, Carney became one of the league’s most consistent scorers. His two Pro Bowl appearances and All-Pro selection highlight his contributions to the NFL, where his skill with long-distance field goals set him apart.

Carney holds the record for the most career field goals, reflecting his ability to deliver under pressure. His resilience and consistency make him one of the most celebrated kickers with Irish roots in NFL history.

Jim Kelly – The Quarterback Who Changed the Game

As the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1996, Jim Kelly led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, a feat unmatched in NFL history. Drafted in 1983, Kelly introduced the “K-Gun” offense, a hurry-up approach that forced the NFL to adapt defensive rules. His achievements with the Bills include multiple franchise records, such as most completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. Kelly’s leadership, combined with his strategic brilliance made him a pioneer who redefined quarterbacking in the NFL.

Conclusion

These Irish players have become legends, showcasing skill, resilience, and a drive to achieve greatness. From powerful pass-rushers like Conor Odd to record-breaking quarterbacks like Tom Brady, these athletes have contributed significantly to the league and brought pride to their Irish heritage. Their legacies inspire both current and future players, proving that the fighting Irish spirit is alive and well in the NFL.

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EPL Free Bet: Up to €15 every week

It’s the perfect promo for those who can’t imagine their weekend without watching English Premier League matches. The EPL Free Bet promo runs until May 25, 2025, and gives you a weekly promo code for a free bet of up to €15. Place bets of at least €2 on EPL matches and get ready to count your winnings.

The weekly bonus is calculated as follows:

• €1 – for total bets of €4 or more;
• €3 – for total bets of €10 or more;
• €7 – for total bets of €20 or more;
• €10 – for total bets of €30 or more;
• €15 – for total bets of €50 or more.

Check the wagering requirements for the bonus on the 1xBet website or app.

Lucky League: 10% cashback for lost bets each week

Do you love the Champions League but know how hard it is to make accurate predictions for its matches? The Lucky League promo helps you get the most out of life, even if you lose. After each Champions League round, you can receive up to €100 as a 10% weekly cashback!

The promo is valid until May 31, 2025, and participants must place bets of €5 or more on Champions League matches. Check the wagering requirements for the bonus on the 1xBet website or app.

Weekly Rewards: Free bet of up to €100 every week

Especially for horse racing fans, the betting brand has launched the Weekly Rewards promo, where players have the chance to receive a bonus of up to €100 weekly!

Within 7 days, participants must place 7 bets of €5 or more on horse races with odds of at least 2.0. The free bet amount will equal the average of the promo bets. Check the wagering requirements for the bonus on the 1xBet website or app.

1xDunk: Free bets of up to €20 every week + cash prize draw

The NBA is back in action — 1xBet hot promo for fans of the world’s best basketball league will be valid until April 19, 2025. Each week, players betting on regular season matches can receive a promo code for a free bet of up to €20. But that’s not all — active participants in 1xDunk can look forward to three prize draws in April. Each winner will receive €500, along with chances to win substantial cash amounts and free bets!

Want to take advantage of this offer? Earn promo tickets by placing bets of at least €3 on NBA matches. The more bets and promo tickets you have, the higher the weekly free bet amounts and your chances of winning in the prize draw. Remember, only participants who collect at least 20 promo tickets will be eligible for the final draw on April 23, 2025. Check the wagering requirements for the bonus on the 1xBet website or app.

Play responsibly and get more from your sports betting with 1xBet promos!

18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly

About 1xBet 

1xBet is a world-renowned company with 17 years of experience in the betting and gambling industry. What is the problem with 1xBet? There are no issues — in Ireland, the bookmaker is licensed and operates completely legally. The brand’s clients can bet on thousands of sports events or play popular games from top providers in the online casino, with the company’s website and app available in 70 languages. 1xBet is an official partner of FC Barcelona, Italy’s Serie A, and other globally recognized sports brands, as well as a media partner of Spain’s La Liga. The company has been nominated for and received prestigious professional awards multiple times, and its platform monthly attracts over 3 million players worldwide

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The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the 2024 World Series title after a thrilling 7-6 comeback victory over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, securing a 4-1 series win. Down 5-0 early, the Dodgers capitalized on Yankees’ fielding errors in the fifth inning to level the score, showing resilience and seizing momentum.

Left fielder Teoscar Hernandez highlighted the team’s determination: “We took advantage of every mistake they made and scored five runs. The bullpen gave us a chance to stay in it. It’s a dream come true.”

WALKER BUEHLER CLOSES IT OUT! #CHAMPS pic.twitter.com/1S2242udt6

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 31, 2024

This marks the Dodgers’ second World Series win in five years, following their 2020 championship during the shortened season. Facing elimination, the Yankees started strong with back-to-back first-inning home runs from Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr., taking a 3-0 lead. Alex Verdugo and Giancarlo Stanton extended the Yankees’ lead to 5-0 by the third inning, but Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty was replaced as the Dodgers bullpen stepped up.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was perfect through four innings, but the game changed when Judge missed a catch in the fifth, allowing the Dodgers to load the bases and score five runs. Although Stanton’s sacrifice fly in the sixth gave the Yankees a 6-5 lead, the Dodgers responded in the eighth, going up 7-6 with two sacrifice flies.

In the ninth inning, Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler retired all three Yankees batters to seal the victory. Manager Dave Roberts, recalling their limited 2020 celebration, exclaimed, “Who wants a parade?”

The series had also been a spotlight for Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, who made his postseason debut with the Dodgers. Although recovering from elbow surgery and limited by a shoulder injury, Ohtani’s presence was a highlight of the Dodgers’ depth. Freddie Freeman, battling an ankle injury, led the offense with help from Mookie Betts, now a three-time World Series champion. While the Yankees faltered with fielding errors, the Dodgers’ resilience, especially from their injury-hit pitching staff, delivered the championship title.

2024 World Series Key Moments:

•Dodgers overcome 5-0 deficit to win 7-6 in Game 5

•Dodgers secure second World Series title in five years

•Strong performances from Hernandez, Freeman, and Betts lead comeback

•Shohei Ohtani makes postseason debut amid injury

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of securing their second World Series title in five years after a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in the Bronx, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Yankee Stadium offered little comfort for the home team as the Dodgers showcased their superiority both at the plate and on the mound, racing to an early lead that they never relinquished, many fans would have started to play free online slots at social casino as things got worse.

Despite trailing 4-0 and facing elimination in the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees sparked hope when Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer, threatening a dramatic comeback, but it ultimately fell short.

The Dodgers quickly established a 2-0 advantage in the top of the first inning, with Shohei Ohtani, nursing a shoulder injury from Game 2, drawing a leadoff walk followed by Freddie Freeman’s third home run of the World Series. Mookie Betts then drove in Tommy Edman to extend the lead to 3-0, prompting the Yankees to pull starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt before the end of the third inning.

The Yankees kept the game within reach by stranding five Dodgers baserunners in the subsequent two innings and finally recorded their first hit with a double from Giancarlo Stanton in the fourth. However, a stellar throw from Teoscar Hernandez in left field prevented Stanton from scoring after an Anthony Volpe line drive.

Thanks to five scoreless innings from starter Walker Buehler, the Dodgers tacked on another run in the sixth when Gavin Lux was hit by a pitch, stole second, and was driven home by Enrique Hernandez.

As in the first two games in California, the Yankees struggled offensively, with star slugger Aaron Judge remaining hitless. The series resumes on Tuesday evening at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees must win to avoid a devastating 4-0 sweep.

Historically, no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a World Series, with only one team ever overcoming a 3-0 deficit in any MLB seven-game playoff series: the Boston Red Sox against the Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series.

World Series Schedule

Game 1: Dodgers 6-3 Yankees

Game 2: Dodgers 4-2 Yankees

Game 3: Yankees 2-4 Dodgers

Game 4 (in New York): Tuesday, October 29

Game 5* (in New York): Wednesday, October 30

Game 6* (in LA): Friday, November 1

Game 7* (in LA): Saturday, November 2

*If necessary. All games start at 20:08 Eastern Time (early next morning UK time). Home team listed first.

The post Dodgers One Win Away from World Series Title with 3-0 Series Lead appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their third consecutive victory with a 26-18 win over the New York Giants on Monday, thanks in large part to Calvin Austin III’s impressive performance, which included two touchdowns.

The 25-year-old wide receiver made history by scoring the Steelers’ first punt return touchdown in nearly five years during the third quarter, showcasing his game-changing abilities.

As the game entered the fourth quarter tied, quarterback Russell Wilson executed one of his signature ‘moon ball’ throws to connect with Austin, reigniting the Steelers’ momentum. “I try to give the guys a chance,” Wilson commented.

“They always do a good job of making me look halfway decent, and they have great plays. I’ve been definitely throwing it up to the moon for a long time, and let it come down and let them have a chance to make a great play.”

For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL.com. If you enjoy online gaming, check out HighRollersOnlineCasino.com for exciting casino gamesAt halftime, the game was tightly contested with a score of 9-9. However, the Steelers emerged from the break with renewed energy, taking a 16-9 lead into the final quarter.

The Giants, determined to fight back, saw rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. score a 45-yard touchdown, leveling the playing field and putting the pressure back on the Steelers.In a dramatic turn of events, Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. clinched the victory by intercepting the Giants during their final drive, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. This win not only marked an impressive performance for the Steelers but also highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to close out tight games.

With Austin’s standout plays and Wilson’s strategic throws, the Steelers continue to build momentum as they look to extend their winning streak in the coming weeks.

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Tuesday
AC Milan v Brugge, 5:30pm, Virgin2
Real Madrid v Dortmund, 8pm, Virgin2

Wednesday
Atalanta v Celtic, 5:30pm, Virgin2
Barcelona v Bayern, 8pm, Virgin2
Leipzig v Liverpool, 8pm – RTE2

Thursday
Fenerbahce v Man Utd, 8pm, TNT2

Friday
Women’s – Georgia v ROI, 5pm, RTE2
Shelbourne v Drogheda, 7:45pm, RTE2

Saturday
Sharks v Munster, 3pm, TG4
Leinster v Lions, 5:15pm, RTE2
Connacht v Dragons, 7:35pm, TG4
Na Fianna v Kilmacud, 7:45pm RTE2

Sunday
Corifin v Moycullen, 2:15 TG4
Doon v Na Pairsaigh, 4pm, TG4
Arsenal v Liverpool, 4:30pm, Sky Spts
Dundalk v Rovers, 5:30pm, Virgin2
NFL Red Zone, 6pm Sky Sports Mix

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There is a huge selection of Irish-themed titles in online casinos, and most of them have both demo and real money mode. More than that, if the latter is chosen, you don’t need much money to play them, as they are available on any low deposit casino UK platform.

But the volume of choice can also make it difficult to know which are the best to play at. Here we have a look at the top three slots that feature the Irish folklore theme.

Rainbow Riches

Rainbow Riches is one of the most popular Irish folklore-themed slots out there. There is an entire series of different Rainbow Riches games, all offering various mechanics and payouts from different developers, including:
●​Slingo Rainbow Riches
●​Rainbow Riches Drops of Golf
●​Rainbow Riches Leprechauns Gold
●​Rainbow Riches Reels of Gold
●​Rainbow Riches Megaways

One of the top ones however is the Rainbow Riches Deluxe Slot from Light and Wonder. There is only a medium RTP of 94%, but that is balanced by medium volatility. The maximum payout on Rainbow Riches Deluxe is 768x the stake.

All the Irish charm is there, as it’s loaded with shamrocks, harps and of course, pots of gold. It’s very classic slot styling and not particularly modern, but it fits nicely against the rolling hills backdrop of the Emerald Isle.

Hit five wild Rainbow Riches symbols to return 200x on the bet. The leprechaun symbol is the game’s bonus symbol, but the game disappointingly lacks a scatter symbol. However, where Rainbow Riches Deluxe shines is in bonus features.

There are five levels to the Bonus Trail, and the further up the trail you go, the multipliers increase. If a Leprechaun Bonus symbol lands on odd-numbered reels on the same spin, you access the Round The Board bonus game where you can earn things like re-rolls, value boosts and up to 768x from the Win Multiplier Pot.

9 Pots of Gold

Developed by Microgaming in collaboration with Hamburger, 9 Pots of Gold is a popular Irish-themed slot with an RTP of 96.24% and medium volatility. That’s a good balance for this 20-payline slot, which was one of the first to introduce the scatter pays for 9-of-a-kind combos.

Again, all the standard Irish folklore icons can be found, from happy Leprechauns to four-leaf clovers, leprechaun hats and those coveted pots of gold. The layout is, again, more on the classic side of things as opposed to being a modern video slot.

But it’s an easy-to-play game, where the main goal is to get up to nine pots to appear on the reels from a spin, which will return up to 2,000x the stake. The paytable sits on the side of the screen for quick reference.

Toadstools are the wild icons in the game and there are Free Spin scatters which will initiate the Free Spins Wheel. Give that wheel a spin and up to 30 extra turns can be won to drive towards some bigger prizes, with up to a 3x multiplier also included in the mix.
Luck O’ The Irish Gold Spins
This is a 40-payline slot that has a massive x50,000 top win. There is a higher volatility on this slot, which dials back the frequency of payouts, but there is an average 95% RTP on Luck O’ The Irish Gold Spins, which comes from Blueprint.

This is one of a series of Luck O’ The Irish titles, and this one is great because of that 40 payline set-up. The game boasts a nice background featuring a rainbow, although it is a busy visual set-up for the actual gaming.

The shamrock symbol is the wild in the game, while the Lucky 7s (single, double and triple) and bags of coins are the high-value symbols to target. Five identical symbols on a payline from the left trigger a win. Five 777s for example return a x7.5 win.

Land a gold scatter symbol on each odd-numbered reel and you earn the golden spins bonus and eight free games. During free spins, only the top three paytable symbols are used, to increase the opportunities for a big score. The bonus can also be re-triggered by another three scatter symbols.

Another positive feature of Luck O’ The Irish is the Win Gamble. When you land a prize, you are presented with an opportunity to gamble it for a x2 win multiplier or free spins. A loss takes the entire win amount away.

The post Top 3 Slots Featuring Irish Folklore Themes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.