#Sports Betting Market is Booming

[bitchycrusadeking]

Sports Betting Market  2024-2032 Report Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Demand and Price

“ Sports Betting Market Research Report 2024” provides a unique tool for evaluating the Market, highlighting opportunities, and supporting strategic and tactical decision-making. The Sports Betting market research report serves as a cornerstone for the advancement of businesses, irrespective of their scale. Employing unparalleled and established methodologies like SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis, the report facilitates forecasting, analysis, and estimations. It encompasses competitive analysis of key market players, empowering businesses to make informed decisions to bolster their products and sales. Grounded in SWOT analysis, the market insights and analysis provided in the Sports Betting market survey report instill confidence in businesses.

Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) https://www.econmarketresearch.com/request-sample/EMR00547/

The global Sports Betting Market report by wide-ranging study of the Sports Betting industry which covers comprehensively all aspects of the different industry verticals. This includes its past performance analysis, latest market performance estimation for the current year based on the Drivers, Challenges & Trends.

Global Sports Betting Market Breakdown:

By Type:

Based on type, the global sports betting market is divided into fixed odds wagering, exchange betting, live/in-play betting, pari-mutuel, e-sports betting, and others. The fixed odds wagering category dominates the market with the largest revenue share in 2023. Bettor placement at predefined odds established by the bookmaker is known as fixed odds wagering. Regardless of future fluctuations in the odds, the possible payoff is known at the time the wager is made and cannot be altered.

By Applications:

Based on application, the global sports betting market is segmented into draw games, instant games, lotto, number games, and others. The draw games segment dominates the sports betting market. Participants in draw games choose numbers or combinations, and random drawings are used to determine the winners.  Instant games usually use scratch-off tickets or their digital equivalents to deliver outcomes instantly.  In order to be eligible to win rewards, players of lotto games usually have to choose a certain set of numbers.

Based on regions, Sports Betting Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America

Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt)

North America (United States, Mexico, and Canada)

South America (Brazil, Argentina etc.)

Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

This Free report sample includes:

A brief introduction to the Sports Betting Market research report.

Graphical introduction of the regional analysis.

Top players in the Sports Betting Market with their revenue analysis.

Selected illustrations of Sports Betting Market insights and trends.

Example pages from the Sports Betting Market

Who are the key Top Competitors in the Global Sports Betting Market?

Following are list of players: 

888 Holdings Plc

Bet365

Betsson AB

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Entain plc

Flutter Entertainment Plc

IGT

Kindred Group Plc

Sportech Plc

William Hill Plc, and various others

Crucial Research:

During the first survey, we interviewed various key sources of supply and demand to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to Sports Betting report. Key supply sources include key industry participants, subject matter specialists from key companies, and consultants from several major companies and organizations active in the Sports Betting market.

Minor Research:

The second study was conducted to obtain key information on the supply chain of the Sports Betting industry, the market’s currency chain, pools of major companies, and market segmentation, with the lowest level, geographical market, and technology-oriented perspectives. Secondary data was collected and analyzed to reach the total Global Sports Betting market size, which was verified by the first survey.

Competitive Landscape:

Mergers & Acquisitions, Agreements & Collaborations, New Product Developments & Launches, Business overview & Product Specification for each player listed in the study. Players profiled in Sports Betting market are 

Some Notable Report Offerings:

– We will provide you an analysis of the extent to which the global Sports Betting acquires commercial characteristics along with examples or instances of information that helps you to understand it better.

– We will also help to identify customary/ standard terms and conditions, as like offers, worthiness, warranty, and others for the Sports Betting industry.

– Also, this report will help you to identify any trends to forecast Sports Betting growth rates.

– The analysed report will forecast the general tendency for supply and demand in Sports Betting market.

For More Information or Qurey, Visit @ https://www.econmarketresearch.com/industry-report/sports-betting-market/

Key Highlights of Report

Overview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growth

Offers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segments

An analysis of strategies of major competitors

Detailed analyses of industry trends

A well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysis

Provides profiles of major competitors of the market.

Details of their operations, product and services.

Recent developments and key financial metrics.

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[e1dritchjackal0pe]

𝔚𝔞𝔱𝔠𝔥 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔗𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔥

Summary: Tired of being trapped in the suffocation and monotony of your life, you make the hair triggered decision to abandon it all and escape to an eccentric town in California.

You never expected to get spirited away by a charming man one night on the boardwalk. But you should have known from the look in his eyes that he was nothing but bad luck.

Warnings: Fem bodied reader, fem pronouns. 18+ MDI. Oral (F!Receiving), unprotected sex, creampie, sex outdoors, mild gore (blood drinking). Reader is dodging red flags like it's a profession. Not proofread.

Notes: 14k words. I rewatched The Lost Boys a few nights ago and couldn't resist writing for one of my favorites.

Santa Carla is almost jarring to witness. Even in the day, when the mid sun is bright and blunt on the shifting scape of graffiti and grimy corners and sidewalks marred with old gum, it's unabashed in its abnormality. It's entirely unlike the hushed, quaint little streets of your hometown, with its lush lawns and the little elderly ladies in their Sunday best, speaking amongst each other in gossip that's quiet and passive aggressive. A complete one-eighty of the punks that skulk down these avenues with black smeared around their eyes and worn cigarettes dangling between their pierced lips while they lug old boom boxes over their shoulders, spitting out metal and rock and roll. 

Just the sight of them would have been enough to send the old committee in your town into a conniption, banding together to drive the demonic filth from the city limits. But here, no one bats an eye to this sort of thing. It isn't shocking to the locals to see a man who's old enough to be your grandfather gliding down the pavement in hot pink booty shorts that are tight enough to show what he's packing. 

Your own mother had nearly been sent into a spiral when she had heard about you wearing a crop top - she hadn't even seen you herself. Someone had snitched to her apparently. Your best bet is Audrey. She's always bored on her shifts at the market, sitting at her register with a glazed overlook in her eyes until she manages to find something worth blabbering about. You're sure she had all but flown over to the phone on her lunchbreak to snitch and warn your mother that she had spied you perusing over the ice cream freezers with your stomach shamelessly bared for the entire world to see. 

It's pretty embarrassing to have your mother barrel her way into your kitchenette at the middle of 10 p.m. to scold you for "acting like a harlot." 

But here it's normal. People are dressed in so many different styles. Sporting hair dyed from fried bleach blonde to bright neon green; decked out in leather, ripped jeans; women and men alike strolling around in tight swimwear that leaves little to the imagination with diamond bellybutton jewelry that glints in the sun. Tattoos on tanned skin and manicured nails with leopard print. 

Your mind still hasn't caught up with it all yet. It's like you've stepped into a music video, or another world entirely. It's like the air is permanently charged. Electric and humming, pulsing like something alive. Fluttering in your stomach like a flock of nervous butterflies. But that's probably just the anxiety. You've dangled between pure excitement and tension for the past few days that you've been here. Forcefully fixed there by the stubborn ball of apprehension that's tucked itself behind your sternum like a heavy rock. It's almost makes you nauseous. So caught up in your nerves to truly let go and enjoy the moment. To revel in the reality that you've finally escaped. That you've finally managed to wrangle yourself free of shitty little town in the middle of nowhere and have run off to a place where no one will notice you. Where you can blend into the masses and disappear without the worry of judgement. 

It's just not that easy though. It never is. There's guilt behind your panic. The dread that you've just abandoned her. Left her without little more than a letter tapped to her front door before you shoved most of your belongings into a couple of suitcases, took up all of the money you've saved up over the past three summers and vanished in the early morning without a trace. 

It was dumb maybe. But you prefer desperate. You had to get out. You had to do it while you still had a chance, while you're still young and hopeful. Before Gallatan could eat you up of all your worth and turn you into one of those judgmental ladies perched out in front of one of its buildings with a mean scowl on your face. You had to do something before you lost sight of yourself or became the woman your mother wanted you to be. All barefoot and pregnant with another baby on your hip while your husband - probably Oliver Palmer if she could have a say so - was busy at work. 

The idea to run had snuck into your head, all forbidden and frenzied. You had shunned it for as long as you could, ignoring it while you droned away at your job, pouring the same grouchy bastards' hot coffees and running the same sunny side up eggs and suspiciously damp pancakes in trade for measly tips. And then one day, for no particular reason at all, it had all just become too much. Too stagnant. Too gray. You had to go before you'd suffocate, and that's how you found yourself cruising down the highway with the window rolled down to let the crisp air in, still damp and fresh with morning dew. 

You couldn't look back now. You wouldn't. Still, that wouldn't keep the guilt from biting at you. From nipping at your heart, a little bit at a time. It stung. It twisted in your chest like a knife, your selfishness. But you'd been selfless your entire life. Dating the man she had wanted you to date, taking the ballet classes that she had wanted you to take, wearing your hair up the way she wanted. For once you were going to put yourself first, even if it was a tad foolish. 

Your newfound liberation didn't banish the anxiety away completely though. The first night here once the high had finally worn off, you had been forced to face reality. And the unfamiliar walls of the dingy hotel didn't help, with its shabby wallpaper and linens that smelt faintly of generic detergent and cigarette smoke. It was alien. Unnatural almost, the chirp of crickets traded in for the rhythmic thumping of music pouring out from the bar across the street. You had stayed inside, hidden away by the locked door, trying desperately to tune out the noise of your own scattered thoughts with the audio of the TV. Using the soft, watery light that spilled out from the screen as a nightlight to try and ward off the confusion and unease in the pit of your gut. 

Your sleep had been difficult. Spent tossing and turning on the mattress, its springs creaking lightly with each shift as you tried in vain to ignore your own guilt. Helplessly fighting off the images of your mother pacing about her living room, wearing a pathway into the blush-colored carpet, nipping at the edges of her polished nails with tears in her eyes. The urge to reach over for the landline on the nightstand had nudged at you so insistently that you had to unplug it to keep from dialing her number. You knew that if she answered, if you heard the sound of her voice drifting out in that worried, angry stream that you'd be unable to keep yourself from packing yourself into your car and driving all those miles back to Gallatan. 

The morning after you had been unable to resist the allure of the call from outside. Like a slave to your impulses, you had allowed yourself to get caught up in the magnetism of it all. It's as though the scent of the sea had coiled around your throat, salt and wind taking ahold of you to usher you into the wonder of it all. You had spent the entire day exploring all of the shops that Santa Carla had to offer. Everything from quaint little outlets full of sage sticks and minerals that claimed feats such as granting fortune or banishing negativity, to music shops, and boutiques with lingerie and toys that you'd only ever seen in Playgirl magazines and cheesy sex tapes hidden in the back of your town's video store. 

It was a wonder in every corner. Everything in the imagination placed to draw your attention. To lure you in. And it had succeeded, stringing you along. Like a moth drawn to dazzling lights you had let it take you. Santa Carla is always a spectacle, but at night is when it truly comes alive, and the boardwalk is the pentacle. It's as though the entire town is lit up in a thousand individual pyres, burning and flickering, a kaleidoscope of neon and thrills. 

It sounds dramatic, but your first night on the boardwalk had nearly left you breathless. It was a place that's likeness you've witnessed in movies, or maybe the pathetic little county fair Gallatan throws each year. But the tiny kiosk of buttered corn-on-the-cobs and the pony rides are nothing in comparison. 

You had felt like a kid in a candy store despite your initial apprehension. Once you had seen it in all of its glory, wooden pathways swarming with chaotic masses, and carnival games and seedy stores adorned along the streets; sugar and salt and the musk of weed tainting the air in a distinct brand all cultivate to create a unique kind of charm, you had been unable resist.  

Like thousands before you, you had fallen for Santa Carla, like a mouse falling into a vat of honey. 

And it doesn't take you long for you to give in a splurge a little, ignoring your limited funds in favor of spoiling yourself. It's only something small, like finally trading out the pair of corduroy pants that you'd worn for years in favor of a couple skirts. Your favorite is lightyears away from anything you would have been able to wear before. Tight, dark, buttery leather that molds smoothly to your hips. Just low enough that you don't feel exposed but still skimming up past your knees. It's beyond any of the clothes that you had allowed yourself to purchase, but it feels nice to wear. Even though you still find yourself subconsciously tugging the hem down every once in a while, there's something undeniable freeing about wearing it. Like some kind of middle finger to all of the people who had kept you stunted and trapped. And as a final fuck you, you had immediately tossed your old pants in one of the trashcans settled outside the shop. 

You've been out here every night since, basking in the energy and the buzz that prickles over the boardwalk. A sort of treat for yourself after spending all of the hours in the day job searching, walking into all of the vintage themed diners and hole-in-the-wall thrift shops to turn in your applications. You don't have a long-term plan as of now. If you're planning on staying here. If that's even a possibility for you. But it'd be nice to have some extra cash while you try and figure that out. Something to keep you afloat while you try to course your future. 

Tonight is just as charged as last night. Shifting and alive with the bodies of tourists and locals alike, all looking for entertainment. You wander aimlessly, people-watching as you go, admiring the different kinds of groups as they all meander around in search of excitement. Children clutching onto the stuffies that their parents have won at carnival games; a gaggle of girls laughing happily as they cling onto each other as they navigate through the crowd; a couple walked by you in a rush earlier, the boyfriend spilling out what sounded like desperate apologies that were going completely unheard. 

Despite the speed of everything else around you, you're content to take your time, strolling around while you idlily drink your soda from the cherry-colored straw. You aren't in any particular rush to get anywhere. The dusk is still visible, occasionally peeking past the buildings and the horizon above the sea, all thin and dusty in a rich blue. You have all the time in the world to enjoy yourself, at least for now. You have no desire to go and hold yourself up in your dingy hotel room, clicking through basic cable to try and find something worth watching while you hopelessly chew through another cheap delivery pizza. 

The excitement is contagious out here, and you're in the mood to indulge. You let your feet carry into a record shop, a quick glance at the magenta neon sign above declaring it as one of the many music shops displayed along the boardwalk. The cashier posted behind the front desk shoots you a lazy nod before quickly returning to the porn mag boldly held in his hands. You grimace when you see it, but it doesn't keep you from drifting further into the dimly lit depths of the store, glancing over the many aisles of records as you go. 

You've burnt yourself through most of your music, playing them ceaselessly in favor to listening to spotty radio stations that turned to static whenever you drove through mountains. If you hear another song off of Like a Virgin you might actually lose your mind. 

It takes you a moment of searching the place before you find the cassette tapes, most of them organized in the back of the shop in shelves secured to the walls. The variety is a little overwhelming and the flimsy laminated signs taped above the racks did little to help. Either people have just been shoving tapes back wherever they fit, or the employees have been doing a lousy job of organizing the shelves, because despite claiming to be arranged by genre, you've found Metallica mixed in with Duran Duran, and Def Leopard and Anthrax placed with Prince. 

It doesn't bother you much though, and you keep searching over the massive collection of music, stepping around other customers and squinting through the dim golden lighting to read the album names properly. You barely notice it at first. A light brush along the back of your neck. A pressure that prickles and skips down your spine. It's so soft that you almost mistaken it for the press of your shirt nudging at your back, but it feels different. 

Like the weight of a stare. Warm and insistent. It has buried animal instincts welling up to the surface. It's kneejerk when you sweep a searching glance over the few people dotted around the shop, skipping over faces that don't meet your stare. They're all caught up in their own personal bubbles to notice your discomfort. 

Somehow, it only makes you feel more on edge. Viewed by a potential danger that you can't see. You don't know why it makes your breath snag, but it does. Someone is watching you. But no matter where you look, you can't find them. It has your mouth running dry, even while you assure yourself that it's nothing, nervously tapping at the straw in your soda to distract yourself. Something electric is trembling down your spine, magnetic and alien. It grips ahold of your neck, looping around your throat like static fingers, catching you on a string to tug you around on your feet. Your focus shifts somewhat frantically, with the hope to reassure yourself that no one might be sneaking glances at you, and then, your stare is suddenly moving all on its own. When you notice him and you have to wonder how you missed him in the first place. 

He's standing off on the other side of the store, separated by rows of music. You notice his fingers calmly flipping through vinyl's, the silver rings banding his fingers winking softly in the red neon spilling out from behind him. Your eyes seem to have a mind of their own as they continue in their sweep up to admire more of him. He looks like a rockstar. Like he had leapt out from an album cover, with fluffy long blond hair. It's messy, spilled out like a lion's mane, wild tips glinting in shades of gold and the cherry red that's projected from the neon. 

The first thought you have is dumbstruck and a little captivated: He's gorgeous. He looks like the type of guy that would be spotted making out with models at some exclusive Hollywood club, not here in some dingy shop with a blow-up doll and random movie posters taped to the ceiling. 

His eyes shift up then, sudden and unwavering as they land directly on you. It's shocking as they pin you down, prompting a tight gasp from your lungs. His stare is firm but playful, shooting through your body like an electric current. You turn back around like you've been caught doing something you shouldn't, latching you attention back onto the cassette tapes like they're some sort of lifeline all while your cheeks burn with embarrassment. 

You didn't miss the amused smirk that had nudged at his lips before you looked away. Almost as though he was expecting you to have been admiring him, all cocky. Self-assured. The hazy air seems too thick now, the ting of cigarette smoke stinging at your lungs is all acrid and heavy. You could choke on it, but you're determined to remain in place. You keep still, secure in your spot as you search the disorganized tapes. Seeing but not really noticing them anymore, the letters and titles all melting into nonsense as you tap at the sweating paper cup clutched in your palm with your fingertips. 

You don't know why you feel so nervous. You haven't been like this since your first crush on Christian Bakely. It's bashful. Almost timid like a juvenile, fickle attraction that you have when you're young. It makes you want to scold yourself for developing some sort of superficial, puppy love for the first hot guy you've seen since you've left home.

You will yourself to move down the aisle a little more, going slowly to at least try to appear unbothered while you've become horrendously aware of yourself. A part of you entertains the idea of leaving. There are a million other stores just like this posted along the edges of the boardwalk, but you're quick to squash down your unease. You aren't going to run out over something so stupid. He's probably already forgotten your blatant staring anyway, traded in his amusement in favor of flipping through records and forgot that you even exist. 

You try to do the same. 

Your attention perks up when you notice a tape that gets your focus and you're quick to pluck it free from its place wedged between the rest. You listen to the song pumping softly from the overhead speakers, falling back into the gentle lull of it all. The delicate hum of the crowd shifting just outside, the chill of the hard plastic casing in your palm, the sweet syrup of the soda on your tongue as you take another sip. It's gentle. Calm in a way that isn't curated. 

"Nice choice."

The voice drifts from over your shoulder, but before you fully register it, you're already jumping. You think your heart skips when you do, fluttering briefly as you jolt on your feet. 

"Jesus Christ," you hiss through your teeth. You can't hide the glare on your face when you turn to look at the figure standing beside you, but your mind just about falls silent when you realize that it's the pretty blonde that you had been gawking at. 

"Shit. Sorry, that was my fault." He holds one of his hands up in a placating gesture, like you're some cornered animal that might startle otherwise. Except he doesn't look all the apologetic. He's smirking, almost like he's pleased. Eyes all bright with mirth like you've done something funny. "Didn't mean to make you jump." 

You don't believe him. 

"It's fine." You offer a weak smile, torn from your nerves which are frayed between adrenaline and the warm flutter in your chest. Somehow, he's even prettier up close. His features are sharp with a strong, a straight nose that connects to high, pronounced cheekbones like you've seen on old statues. His lips are plump. Rosy and pink. But it's his eyes that really get you, glittering faintly under the light in a blue that's too soft for the mischief lurking around the edges. It takes you a moment to remember what he had initially said, and you have to all but wrangle the delicate thank you out from your throat. All while you know that there's no way in hell that someone like him is listening to Cindi Lauper in his free time. 

He doesn't look like any of the men from your hometown. Most of them were just as clean cut and blue-collar as the rest, with worn steel toed boots and baseball caps smeared with grime and sweat. They were handsome in the well-mannered, country kind of way. Hats off at the dinner table sort of guys, even though more than half of them have wound up drunk and lost in someone else's field more than once. But this guy was the type that you've been a victim to fantasizing about more than once. Helpless daydreams about unobtainable rockers. 

You can smell his cologne with how close he's placed himself next you, rich and masculine and heavy with something that smells earthy. Damp like dark soil. It has your mouth going dry. It you want to lean in towards him to draw more of it into your lungs, but thankfully you snap out of it before you could actually act on the urge. It makes you horrendously aware of the face that you're staring at him again. 

You snap out of your daze, casting your attention back over the shelves to keep yourself from shamelessly ogling him any more than you already have. God, you're like some lovestruck middle schooler all of a sudden. 

"You're not from around here, are you?" He remains at your side, nearly brushing his arm with yours while he briefly pulls a tape from its shelf before poking it back in. Something tells you that he's pretending to inspect them just as much as you are now. 

"What gave it away?" You dare to shoot him a glance. The tension that had turned your muscles taught finally beginning to thaw. 

"Nothing," he shrugs. Then he's shooting you another lopsided grin. " I'd just figure that I'd remember seeing a babe like you walking around." 

It's undeniably corny, but there's something in the way that he delivers it, the way that he carries himself that sells its charm. You find a weak laugh bubbling from your chest, still nervous but also reluctantly content. You shift down the aisle a few feet and like a brand-new shadow he follows. 

"I bet you say that to all the tourists that come through here." You draw another sip from your drink, and you're a little disgruntled to find that it's almost empty. 

"I may have used it once or twice," he admits. There's no hesitation when he says it, still displaying as much ease and bravado as he has been. 

"And has it ever actually worked for you?"

"I'd like to say that I'll be successful for a second time, but I guess we'll see how tonight goes." 

The look you give him is playfully unimpressed, openly toying with him in a way that seems oddly natural. All of that pervious uncertainty shifting and melting down into something new but fluid. His eyebrows perk up in mock disbelief, an arm raising to flatten a palm to his chest as though he's shocked by your answer. 

"Damn, shot down already." 

"Afraid so." You mirror his shrug from earlier before slipping around the corner made by the edge of a rack, continuing in your search. It feels a little like a chase as he trails after you, all lazy in his pace but no less motivated to keep you in his sight. 

"So what brought you to Santa Carla?" he asks from behind. 

"Kind of just passing through, I guess. Needed a break, you know." 

He nods like he might understand. "Well you lucked out coming here. There's always something going on; parties, drugs." He pauses for a minute. When his voice dips out its right up against your ear, coiling low and dark to tremble down your spine. "Murder."  

You spin around to face him then, a gasp snagging in your throat. But when you see him, he isn't close behind you at all but a few feet off. He almost seems delighted to have your focus back on him. Confusion nestles in the back of your mind. You could have sworn that he was directly behind you. That you had felt the subtle weight of his chest on your back, the brush of his breath on the nape of your neck, but he would have had to have leapt back to be standing as far away from you as he is now. 

Odd. 

You clear your throat, trying to collect yourself as you latch back onto the memory of his voice. "Wai- Murder?" 

"Oh yeah, people die here all the time." It's almost bored how he says it, like his discussing some monotonous fact and not tragedies. "It's like a nightly thing." 

You wait for some kind of a punchline. Or some reassurances that he's only joking but it doesn't come. He must pick up that you're expecting some kind of explanation, but he must find it funny because that smile is back, just hinting at the corners of his mouth.  

"Murder capital." His eyes get a little big when he speaks, somehow entirely serious and teasing all at once. "There's been talk for years about anything from a reclusive serial killer hiding away in the hills to a black market, or maybe devil worshippers." 

Figures that in an attempt to escape from your old life that you'd manage to flee to a place where killings are apparently "a nightly thing." An extreme exaggeration you hope. You can practically imagine your mother laughing at you, all snark as she revels in your less than stellar luck. Like some kind of joke from the universe. But now that you think of it, this town would be a prime place for a black market or a cult or whatever. With the massive influx of visitors that rush through here in the summer, it must be easy to snatch people up off the streets without too many noticing. 

He laughs at your troubled expression. The silver-plated belt that he fashioned to the shoulder of his coat chimes softly as he shifts himself into your space with a grin, flashing teeth that look sharp. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe." 

You still haven't entirely adjusted to his blatant flirting. Sure, you've encountered your fair share of horn dogs at your past job. Men who would leave their phone numbers on their checks or shamelessly stare at your tits and ass while ordering. Still, you never had someone approach you out in the open like this, apart from maybe at the bar when egos are high and liquored up.  

But he's clearly confident. Dripping with a roguish charm that's magnetic. You could almost call it intoxicating, the energy around him is palpable. The way he moves is rushed and light, like a puppy that's too hyper. 

"I think I'll manage on my own." But there's no snark in it. It's friendly. A warmth that he shares as you both exchange smiles. You pluck another cassette from its shelving, one you'd been eyeing during the conversation, but you can't manage to pry your attention entirely from him. "I mean, I don't even know your name. You could be a murderer or some cultist creeping around for his next sacrifice." 

"You found me out," he teases. Eyes shimmering and blue, all mischief. "There go my plans for the night." 

"Sorry about your luck." 

He shakes his head. "Nah, it's good. Besides, I think you might be too cute to cut up." 

"Oh, well thank you so much," you gush in a mimic of appreciation. 

"Of course," he jokes easily. He's holding a hand out then, his voice just a little bit more authentic as he waits for you to take it. "The name's Paul." 

You have to tuck your empty cup in the crook of your other arm to accept it. When you do it nearly shocks you how chilled his skin is. His fingers are cold, palm smooth and almost icy against the warmth of your own, but you don't pay it too much mind. Instead you give him your name, speaking it softly through a light smile. He repeats it under his breath, and you try to ignore the pleasant ripple of heat that runs through your body at the sound of it. How he cradles it on the tip of his tongue like he's testing it out and found that it tastes sweet. 

"So, are you still looking for some excitement?" 

You fall silent, eyeing him a little suspiciously. "It depends. What did you have in mind?" 

The grin that spreads across his face is much more puckish. Much more so than the ones before it. There's almost something dangerous there. A darker edge to his stare like you've lit a fire in him somehow. He nods down to the tapes clutched in your hand, and before you can realize it, he's taking them in his own. 

"These are the only ones you want?" he asks, backing away from you. It leaves you confused, watching him with your words lost in your throat. 

"Uh, yeah?" 

He hops back on his feet like an excited kid, jerking his chin like he wants you to follow him as he continues to walk backwards in the direction of the register. He doesn't pause for you to catch up, suddenly twisting on the heels of his boots. He acknowledges the cashier as he draws closer to the direction of the counter, but his lips have drawn up tight like he's repressing a laugh. Like he's in on a joke that you aren't. 

You feel like you're being guided by an invisible string as you urge yourself into a hesitant walk, squinting at him through a bewildered stare as you quicken your pace to keep up. But he doesn't switch gears to approach the register at all, instead he's making straight for the front door of the shop. The employee must come to the same conclusion as you do, because suddenly he's dropping his magazine to stand up from his chair with a jerk. A loud shout already raising up high to demand Paul to stop. 

Paul only tosses you a look over his shoulder, glancing back at you like he's confirming that you're still trailing after him, and when he sees you, he flashes an impish thousand-watt smile.

"C'mon! We gotta make a run for it."

And then he's bolting. Lurching towards the door with quickness of a high-strung dog let off its chain. A part of your brain stalls, and for a moment your body follows suit, freezing still for less than a split second but it feels like an hour as your mind splits down the middle between two decisions. The clerk is screaming, clammy skin flushed red with anger as he attempts to climb over the front counter like he means to body slam Paul in a tackle. But he's already shoving the glass door open, the bell above sounding his quick leave in a metallic cry. 

You should stay back. Keep far away from the random stranger that picked you out in the middle of a random store and is attempting to shop lift your cassette tapes, but before you can properly decide, your body is already in motion. You can hear your feet thumping across the carpet as you rush over to the door that's beginning to slip closed. 

"Oh, you fuckers!" The clerk yells so loudly that you're sure he's probably spitting. There's a violent clatter as the tray of lighters that were beside the register make contact with the ground in a messy thump. It has all the impact of a gunshot, and it's all it takes for your system to flood with a burst of adrenaline. You slip through the door before it can close in on you, escaping out into the chaos of the night like a bullet. 

Paul grips your arm once you're out, using it as leverage to guide and pull you through the oblivious crowd. He's cackling and howling into the air like a madman, practically skipping as he tugs you forward. You think that you might be laughing too, but it's hard to tell through the blur of it all. The world around you is a rush of colors, lights and sounds. Someone thumps against your shoulder as Paul ushers you through the sea of bodies, but his grip is firm, fixed tightly around your wrist like a cuff. 

The voice of reason chants in your head for you to jerk yourself from his hold. To vanish into the cover of the crowd and pretend that tonight never happened. But you don't do that. Against all common sense you allow yourself to be spirited away by some giggling maniac with a pretty face. 

His eyes are wild as he looks back over at you, the reflection from the lights of the nearby amusement park rides glinting bright in them. Everything about him might be a red flag, but like a fool you find yourself chasing after him. Running towards the rush; the excitement sparking under your skin and turning your blood white hot. He lifts the cassette's up, still secure in his hand as he waves them in the air like trophies. 

You aren't sure how long you two keep running for, but eventually you both slow to walk. The even pace allowing you to catch your breath as he guides you to a set of motorcycles that have been parked along the edge of the boardwalk, the back wheels nearly pressed up against the wooden railing. He releases your arm only so he's able to circle around the one at the end of the line with red rims.  

He holds your stare as he swings a leg over to mount the seat, making himself comfortable on the bike. Only then does he hand you the cassette tapes back, and you take them with shaky fingers. A product of the adrenaline that still thrums through your limbs like an electric current. You make sure to tuck the tapes safely in your jacket pocket. It seems dangerous to accept them. It feels good too. 

"You know, if you were trying to impress me, you didn't have to all that." 

"No?" his eyebrows perk up. "I wish you would have told me sooner then, babe." 

"Oh, so it's my fault then." 

"Nah. I steal shit all the time." 

You can't help but to scoff. Still, there's a bit of a genuine laugh in there too. He hums lowly, leaning forward to hang his wrists over the support of the bike's handlebars, spreading his thighs to get comfortable. You almost hate how pretty he is. It isn't normal. There are bonfires burning on the beach down below. The pyres reaching high enough that the light casted by the fire spills over his hair like sunlight, gold and amber and red. He almost seems otherworldly. Like a spirit that's been raised to tempt you. To lead you astray. God, you think you could let him. 

"The question still stands." He tilts his head, watching you expectantly. "Still lookin' for a thrill?" 

Time pauses again, churning down into a placid stream. This is another moment when you should say no. And it's right there, held just at the base of your throat. A small puff of air and the word slip out, materialize out on the warm summer air with a punch of finality. That's all it would take to cut this night short. To put a cap on all of it, bottling it all up so you could let it collect dust and become a distant memory. 

The voice of reason, bearing a striking resemblance to the sound of your mother's, echos in your head. Chanting from the sidelines for you to back away from him before he drags you down into a pit of trouble that you can't crawl out of. But when has doing anything she's wanted you to do gotten you anywhere? 

"Yeah, I think I am." That's your answer. 

"What are you waiting for?" 

He scoots himself forward, straightening his posture a little and slipping his hands around the handlebars. It's a clear enough invite, and you don't let the air around you both stagnate. You grimace a little when you drop your empty soda cup on the ground, leaving it to drop while you move to lift an arm up to grip onto his shoulder. Using it for stability as you swing your leg over the seat of the motorcycle. He doesn't waste any time starting it, kickstarting it before you've even sat down on the seat. 

You try to be mindful of your skirt as you lower yourself down onto the leather cushion. Tugging it down as low as it'll sit while scrunched up around your spread thighs. 

The bike is loud. It's engine purring in a great roar, metallic and sharp in your ears. It thrums under your legs, almost like a living, breathing thing. Pulsing as the engine hums and spits. You're quick to slip your arms around his waist, ignoring the stubborn layer of hesitation lurking underneath the exhilaration of it all. You cling on to him, shamelessly tucking your chin over his shoulder as you drape yourself over his back. He doesn't seem to mind, passing you a joyful glance, turning his head just enough that his nose almost brushes over yours. 

"Don't be shy now. Better hold on tight." 

That's the warning you get before he revs the engine, sending the bike into a jarring lurch. You yelp when the bike blazes off like a rocket, squeezing your hold around his middle tighter to keep yourself from blowing off the seat as he swerves it down another strip of the boardwalk. 

He's laughing again. Sounding like a madman as he suddenly directs the motorcycle to the left, smoothly jerking the front wheel to dip it into a turn. Your heart falls down to your ass when a descending staircase drops down in front of the bike. It seems as sudden and daunting as a cliff, but you don't have time to shout. Your cry stays lodged in your lungs, and you only have enough time to tuck your head into the crook of his neck, hiding your face in his hair just as the bike speeds down the steps in a quick glide. The bumps are just barely felt by the speed that he's gunned the motorcycle into, but it doesn't stop your stomach from flipping. 

He might be laughing, but it's difficult to tell if the vibrations rattling his ribcage are from the engine or not. But based off of what little you know of him; you wouldn't put it past him in finding your panic funny. 

The tires meet the loose sand with a brief drag, spinning for a fleeting second as the bike darts off like a bat out of hell. Once you can feel the solid ground rushing beneath you, you're able to get yourself to lift your head up from the safety of his neck, peeling your eyes open to sweep a cursory glance around your surroundings. 

You see the bonfires first. Burning and twisting in the night like glowing spires, flickering in molten amber towers that reach at the sky. People are scattered around them, some holding beer bottles while they dance. You can't hear it over the howl of the wind in your ears but you're sure that they're all laughing. All barely holding in their mirth as they cavort around the fires. And you can smell the smoke in the air, spicy and pungent, melding with the salt of the beach. 

It all passes by in a blur, the ocean little more than a pale, twisting smear. Foam tumbling over sand. But the rest of the water - what lies beyond the waves, is a vast black. Stretching out farther than your eyes can perceive. You only get hints of it in the traces of moonlight crossing over the water like silver lace. 

The nervousness coiling in your gut finally begins to unwind, and the tight grip of your arms around his ribs follows, slackening just enough for you to slip your hands up to his chest instead, letting you sit up just a little straighter. It makes you extremely aware of how scant the tight fishnet shirt he's wearing truly is. You can feel his skin from between the mesh netting, trepid and soft on your palms. Your fingers flex, the urge to remove your hands bolting up as though you've touched something hot, but somehow you find yourself hesitating. You don't remove them. And he doesn't seem bothered by it in the slightest. Weaving the bike through the bonfires scattered around the beach and coasting it just a little too close to the people walking and dancing around on the sand. 

He just narrowly misses running over a few of them. Calling out an unworried, "Get out of the way!" when he nearly clips a guy in the shoulder and sends him diving on the ground to avoid being struck. The man's angry shouting trails after you both, a dim, warbling sound that's quick to die over the wind and heavy rumble of the motorcycle. But Paul's laughter almost sounds louder than all of it. Pitching high over the balmy night air like the cackle of a coyote out on a hunt. 

You feel a little guilty, but you can't keep yourself from answering with a similar laugh, all light and airy. Welling up from your chest with an ease that makes you feel alive. It's like you've shed a skin, almost. It's easy to pretend that you're flying. It feels like you are, with the wind pulling at your clothes, nudging at the shape of your face like the sweep of prodding fingers. You can't really remember a time when you've felt so far above the world, miles from your worries and insecurities, soaring past the anxieties that keep you awake at night.  

You twist back a little to look over your shoulder, emboldened by the rush in your veins to watch as the man clumsily scrambles up from the ground, kicking up a spray of dirt as he lifts an arm in the air to flip you both off. 

"Sorry!" you yell after him, but it doesn't keep you from smiling. 

Eventually Paul veers off of the beach, cutting through a parking lot that he uses to merge onto a vacant street. The boardwalk grows smaller and smaller behind you, the lights of the rollercoaster and rotating Ferris wheel growing dim until it's hardly more than a few faint dots in the distance, just barely peeking out over the roofs of buildings. He shoots through downtown, blowing past a redlight without any care. He doesn't slow a single time, ignoring the speed limit like it's merely a suggestion. The way he drives is insane, and it makes you wonder if he has a license at all. Probably not. 

Uncertainty unfurls when the houses making up the edges of town grow sparse, thinning out until you only pass a few odd little homes bordering the edges of the backroad he's taken you on. You ignore it when he turns his bike, veering off the worn asphalt and onto a dirt path. It looks well-traveled enough, thankfully. The headlight on his motorcycle spilling over the beaten dirt, highlighting the prints left by a vehicle's tread that seems fairly recent. 

Apprehension prickles at the nape of your neck, that old instinctual feeling again. It weighs a little in your gut like a physical thing. Your brush it off, telling yourself that you're only being paranoid. But a pair of animal eyes peek out from the field growing on the side of the road, glimmering in the passing headlight like a couple of coins; it seems like a bad omen. 

You keep your voice trapped in your mouth, letting your concerns fall silent as he guides the bike up an incline, driving it up a path where tree branches stretch out like reaching fingers. It's like you've been holding your breath, keeping yourself suffocated as the motorcycle eats up the ground, powering up the hill until it levels out into something flat. You see immediately why he brought you here. 

From this high up, you can see it all. The entirety of Santa Carla is laid like stars glimmering in the night. Streetlamps, porchlights, and the entire boardwalk flickering in the distance in shimmers of gold and silver. It looks so small from this perspective. Like the little model towns that your grandfather used to make in his basement. Like you could walk right up to it and place a building in your palm. It's a stunning view. One that makes you wish you were able to take a picture of for safe keeping. 

You've hardly noticed that he's parked the bike, stopped it close to the edge of the hill and killed the engine. But once you realize the silence it becomes heavy. But not necessarily in a way that's uncomfortable. It's a blanket draped over your shoulders, soft and inviting. You have to remind yourself to move, unmounting the bike to stand up on legs that have become weak from the heavy thrumming of the engine. 

Paul's quick to follow, shifting up with an ease that you're a little jealous of. Your muscles feel like Jello. It makes you quick to walk over to the picnic table positioned out in the center of the barren lot, settling yourself up on the weathered wood to shake some feeling back into your legs. Paul is fast to follow, practically skipping over, jewelry jangling as he jumps himself up on the tabletop. He begins absentmindedly picking at the chipping old paint, tearing it from the notches that have been carved into the wood, defaced to immortalize the initials of lovers.  

"What did you bring me all the way out here for?" you ask. 

"This is one of the nicer spots in Santa Carla. Figured I'd show you." 

"Oh, yeah?" you tilt your head, rotating a little in your perch on the bench. "What's the best?" 

A smile pushes at the corners of his mouth. It's another one of those amused, secretive little looks. Like he's in on something. "Maybe I'll show ya some time." 

"I'd like that," you agree. There's a small bout of silence then. You've gained the feeling back in your legs and it inspires you to sit up from the table, stretching out your limbs as you approach the rounded edge of the hill. A delicate breeze rolls up the slop, shuffling the leaves with a delicate hiss, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the hint of the ocean. It such a simple thing but it abates some that paranoia, loosening its talons, even if just a little bit. 

The weight of the cassette tapes in your pocket press against your stomach. Nudging there like a reminder. It has you glancing back over your shoulder, and you see that he's already watching you. The way he holds himself is relaxed, but there's something intense reflecting in his gaze, burning and hot. It makes your heart skip a beat, body flushing with warmth. It could be the shadows, but you think his smile grows. 

There's a flash of his teeth. "You'd have to stick around for that." 

He doesn't wait for your response as he shoves off of the table, bounding from it with a jump that rattles the silver on his chest. It's like you're both magnetized to each other, unable to stray far now that you've crossed paths. A part of it is almost frightening. You've had crushes of course. A couple random fling before, and a relationship - as complicated and fleeting as it had been, but you can honestly say that you've never been so swept away by a guy. Never enough to that'd be willing to become an accomplice in theft; never enough that you'd get on the bike of stranger and let them carry you off to spot in the middle of nowhere. It's as though all of your common sense has been picked up and dumped out on the ocean tide. Even worse is that you really don't care. 

Maybe you're just caught in the whirlwind of it all. Spun up by the excitement of finally being able to do things on your own terms without the worry of hundreds of people watching. Or maybe you're just addicted to the discovery; when you look at him, all of those concerns seem to melt away. Thinning and evaporating like snow in the summer sun. It's terrifying. It's thrilling. 

"Maybe I will, maybe I won't." 

It's almost as though he takes it as a challenge, stepping into your space like it's where he belongs. His cologne sweeps back over you again, bold and muddled with the spice of tobacco. Combined with his proximity it makes you a little dizzy, fingertips prickling with warmth as he fixes you with a stare that seems the seize you, burrowing down like he's cradling some delicate, wild piece of your soul. 

You just barely notice when his hand slips into your coat pocket to grasp the tapes tucked inside, like he's confirming that you still have them. He seems pleased when his fingertips slide over the hard plastic covers, as though it means something to him. His face hovers just a little above yours, noses nearly brushing. With the glow of the moon emitting from above, it makes it easy to see how his gaze flickers down to your lips. Like he's considering if he should try kissing you or not. You don't think you'd mind if he did. 

"At least you'll have something to me remember me by," he muses softy. 

"I haven't known you for very long but believe me when I say that there's a very slim chance of me forgetting you." 

Emboldened by your response, he cocks his head, daring to lean forward just enough that you can feel the faint press of his lips on yours. Not kissing, but just enough to tease the possibility. It's a little pathetic how something so simple has heat licking through your veins. The line you're treading on feels dangerous. Like you're dangling on the edge of some unknown territory. And you are. But what makes it so particularly daunting is the uncertainty of where this might go. 

Something about Paul is already addictive. Like a shot of liquor after a long week. You've always been the type to keep yourself from getting too attached, but he's like an adrenaline rush. It'd be so easy to get hung up on a guy like him, and the last thing you want to be is one of those women lying awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling while they fantasize about the one that could have been. Spending the remainder of their years living back in the memory of that one night in the past. 

He's a temptation that you've never had to face before. Bursting into your life with all the subtly of a firecracker, abrupt, explosive and invigorating. You want to hold onto that. Grip it tight with greedy fingers and enjoy this - whatever this is - for all it's worth. 

He speaks then, his voice has dipped into something low and hushed. Almost like a secret being exchanged, a promise being made. "I'm happy to hear it, but I like to be thorough." 

You think he's the one who kisses you first, but you really can't be sure. It a little daunting, how it completely sweeps you up. There isn't any of that dramatic stuff, like explosions, or fireworks, but something about it just feels right. It already makes you breathless. Time stretching out and yawning, heat draping over your body like you've been dipped in warm honey. 

The way he kisses you is starved. Passionate and fast like he's trying to have all of you at once. His teeth nip at your lips, a sting that he soothes with the tip of his tongue when you gasp. There's hardly any build up. He approaches it like he seemingly does everything else; just pure intensity as he reaches for you with eager hands that seem to be everywhere all at once. Squeezing at your hips, pressing down at the base of your spine to mold you close to him, and then he's cradling your jaw with chilled fingers. 

You can't help moaning into his mouth, a quiet noise that's still definitely heard if the way he smiles into the kiss is any indication. You aren't bothered by his smugness though, only encouraged by it. You slip a hand over his stomach, feeling the lithe muscle under cool skin. It's cute when his abdomen twitches under your palm. He reprimands you by biting at your lip again, only enough for a slight sting, but you really think that it was only an excuse for him to dip his tongue into your mouth, letting you fully taste each other. 

There's the subtle sugar of something sweet on his lips. Probably some kind of treat from back on the boardwalk. It mixes with the distinct rich pepper of tobacco, all warmth and cream on his tongue, but there's the edge of something almost metallic lurking beneath it all, almost as though he's been sucking on pennies. It isn't enough to be distracting, and you can't be bothered to pay it any mind as he turns you around without breaking the kiss to blindly back you up until your lower back nudges into the rough lip of the picnic table. 

He practically mauls you once he has you pinned, consuming you with a hunger that's infectious. It has you tugging at his hair, clawing your nails through the thick of his soft waves, dragging them along his scalp and it rewards you with a throaty groan that has sparks shooting up your spine. He must enjoy it because he's breaking his mouth away from your and immediately latches it onto your throat. The scratch of his stubble as you arching into his body, your head lolling back to bare more of your throat which he quickly takes advantage of. His tongue laps out at your skin like he's drinking up the subtle salt there, sucking softly like he wants to brand you with the shape of his mouth. 

The gasp that leaves you is wrangled when he wedges a thigh between your legs, bending his knee to press it flush against your cunt. Your grip on his hair squeezes tight. Holding on like it might help keep you grounded. Like it might keep you from float up to the heavens. The weight of his leg on you makes you cruelly aware of the wet patch that's dampened the center of your underwear. It's a little embarrassing, already being this worked up by a little making out, but he lights you on fire with a frustrating ease. It's unfair how he's already taking you apart piece by molten piece. 

He licks up the base of your throat, sucking at the edge of your jaw before he speaks against your skin like he doesn't want to pull away. "Can I eat you out?" 

You swear the question could have knocked you out. He says it casually, but his words are slurred. Almost like he's drunk. It's all moving so fast. Your head is spinning, and your heart is racing, chugging blood through the same artery that he traces with his tongue. It's hard to remember how you've gotten here, curled up in a stranger's arms while he grinds his thigh between your legs. This night has gone completely off the rails. Hurtled far past a simple night out to a haze of chaos and heat. It doesn't really make any sense to be here right now. 

But when Paul manages to tear himself away from your neck to meet your stare something seems to fall into place. You don't think you'd want this night to have gone any other way. 

There's a desperation glimmering in the blue of his eyes, bright and hungry. It has you contained in place. Swallowed up by the fervor in his expression, the gluttony in how he holds onto you. 

At this point you don't think it needs to be said, but you find yourself nodding anyway. "Yeah - yes. Fuck, please." 

He flashes you a grin before he's dropping down onto his knees without any fanfare. You decide to help him out a little, planting your hands onto the tabletop to heave yourself up on the surface, spreading your legs open to make room for him. It's brazen, the short length of your skirt scrunching and riding up high on your thighs, flashing the pale fabric of your underwear. His attention zeros in there immediately, stuck between your legs with an intensity that's almost concerning. He's looking at you like you're a piece of meat. All splayed out. It's a compromising that almost has embarrassment creeping beneath it all, but there's a perverted brand of delight on his face, and it's mixed with a strange kind of sincerity that has that shame fizzling out. 

He slips a hand up to cup the back of your knee, lifting it up to hook it over his shoulder so he can trail kisses up the sensitive skin of your inner thigh. It's much slower than the starved bites and licks that he had given you earlier, the ones that you can still feel on your neck, aching dully from where he had sucked. It's like he's teasing you now. Too caught up in his own desire to indulge you yet and it feels like torture. Just the weight of his head parting your legs open, the brush of his wild hair against your skin has you flushing with heat. 

Your hips rock on their own, rolling in an effort to seek out friction that isn't there. The press of your underwear on your cunt is like a taunt, applying a barely there pressure that has your lungs skipping with a silent gasp. 

You don't expect the smack that he cracks down on the outside of your leg. It's more surprising than painful, but you jerk anyway, subconsciously trying to escape the smarting that fizzles across your nerves. The look that you shoot him is one of shock, but he doesn't look the least bit apologetic. Expression all smug as he presses his lips down on the crook where your leg joins your pelvis. Slipping his tongue out to lick at the tender skin there, running it along the seam of your underwear. 

"Feelin' greedy?" he smirks up at you, looking so smug that it nearly irritates you. "There's no need to flip out babe, I'll give you what you want." He kisses you over your underwear, gripping both of your knees to spread you open wider, giving him the room to nose at your cunt from over the damp fabric. There's something so vulgar about the way that he mouths at you while you're still wearing panties, circling your clit with the point of his tongue before flattening it to suck through your underwear. 

It makes your spine bow, fire and smoke blazing up your back and smoldering beneath your skin. There's a plea right there, just at the base of your throat but thankfully you don't have to voice it. He slips both of his hands under your underwear and tugs it down roughly, giving away his own impatience as he moves back just enough to be able to rip them down past the heels of your shoes. 

You're pretty sure that he pockets them, bunching them up and stuffing them inside his coat. But you don't get a chance to scold him - not that you would if you were able - because he's dropping his mouth open to lick a stripe up your bare cunt, splitting you open on his tongue. It has your fingers flexing, dragging your nails over the edge of the wood in a wild claw to have something to keep you anchored. It doesn't do much though. Not the chipped, textured paint under your palms, not the faint chill of Paul's hands clamping down on your skin, it fades out into a meaningless blur. Distorted to the sidelines as your brain blocks everything out, banishing it all into a muted background noise as the sensation of his mouth commands all of your focus. 

It's mindless how your body chases after its pleasure, your hips attempting to thrust under the unforgiving hold of Paul's hands to build the pressure coiling hotly in the base your abdomen. His grip is practically steel bands, vices around your skin to hold you open and immobilized while he torments you with the ceaseless drag and curl of his tongue. 

"Paul, come on, please," you beg. Panting out into the sultry summer air. It's stupid how easily he's pulling noises from you. Tense, breathless moans that drift over the hilltop in a shameless stream. It almost makes you a little thankful that he drove you both out here in the private little lookout, far away from potential witnesses. Based on the joined initials etched and written into the wood, presumably with pocketknives and permanent markers, you'd wager that this is a popular date spot. A cute little place for couples to admire the town lights and take advantage of the privacy while they hookup. You definitely aren't the first person to be splayed out here on this table. A part of you wonders if you aren't the first person that he's brought out here. 

You try to ignore the flickering of something stinging and unwelcome that lashes its way through your chest. It's obscure and startling, blinking in and out like a ghost, and you're quick to snuff it out. To turn it over and ignore it entirely. If you didn't know any better, you'd say that it felt suspiciously close to jealousy, but that's a route that you aren't going to dare to go down - a load of baggage that you have no desire to unpack. Not for a stranger, no less. 

Your hand pries itself from the edge of the table to grip onto his hair, fingers slipping down through his roots to thread through in the way you think he likes. You're almost instantly gifted with a pleased groan and his tongue dips inside of you, lapping up your taste like he's starved for it. 

You nearly sob when he pulls himself back from you, parting his lips from your cunt just enough to mumble out something; his voice slurs, thrumming against your clit as he speaks. "Don't worry about being rough, pull harder if you want." And then he's smothering himself back between your thighs. You do as he says, mostly out of reflex as he traces over you in tight circles that has your nerves running hot, your muscles burning as though you've been submerged in steaming water. 

A finger prods at your cunt, running up just along his mouth to get it slick enough and then he's thrusting it inside without little warning, filling you up with a smooth stroke. You moan out raggedly when he suckles at your clit just as he crooks his finger, brushing it in deft swipes. Your grip locks on tight in his hair, digging in through long, golden strands while he practically turns you inside out. Your grasp has to be painful, but he doesn't seem affected by it in the slightest. His effort actually seems to double each time your fingers tug and claw, like he might like the sting. 

You don't know why you enjoy the thought of that, but you do. Your hips jerk sharply at the idea of it. Of how he might react from your nails slashing down his back, leaving red cuts behind. Reminders of you on his body. How he'd sound while you bite bruises on his neck and shoulders; the bursts of red and plum placed where they would peek out from the worn collar of his shirt.  

"Oh, my god - Paul." 

You can already feel your orgasm rising up, winding up your body in an almost violent twist. It's eating at you rapidly. Climbing up at a rate that you can hardly track. You can feel yourself tensing; each individual muscle drawing up. Your lungs squeeze in your ribcage, rendering you breathless. You turn into a broken record, a stream of words and his name spilling out of your like a chant. It hits you like a freight train. Searing and rippling up your body in a splashing of stars that leaves you keening into the open air. 

He doesn't part from you, coasting you through the remnants of your orgasm with the stroke of his fingers and tongue, sucking steadily at your clit until your thighs shake. You have to tug him away by the grip on his hair, pulling his head back sharply to give yourself relief before the pleasure could become too much. He yields to you reluctantly, nipping pointed bites up the tender flesh of your legs as you drag him to stand. 

You feel almost outside of yourself as you grip onto his shoulders, clutching onto his coat while he crawls himself over you, notching his hips against your own like he belongs there. You're still floaty from your orgasm, pleasure thrumming and hopping along your nerves in a pleasant buzz but somehow you still want more. It burns and burrows deep in the pit of your stomach, lighting a fire in your veins that you haven't felt in a long time. Not like this, at least. 

His lips crash against yours in a meeting of teeth and tongue. It's almost animalistic, how you both reach for each other. His hands are all over you again, grabbing at everything he can like he's trying to commit the shape of your body to memory, like he wants to brand the warmth of your skin on his palms. And you're just as desperate. Your own slip down as a pair, reaching with trembling, frantic fingers for the buckle of his belt. You struggle blindly with it for a minute, fingertips slipping uselessly over the smooth metal from the way they tremble. You'd swear if your mouth wasn't occupied.

You can taste yourself on him, just subtly sweet and smearing on your own lips. It's dirty. Filthy, but it only makes it hotter; the very idea of breaking the kiss seems like torture, so when he huffs a laugh in your mouth and tries to pull away to help you with his belt, your other hand moves on its own to cradle the back of his skull. Keeping him pressed to your lips with an annoyed groan. 

"Don't." You demand into the kiss, nipping lightly at his pout to draw him back in. He complies easily, but that doesn't stop him from laughing a little. 

Finally, you manage to slip the leather free from buckle, tugging it loose from over the prong to pull it open. And then you're fumbling with the zipper, tracing over the metal teeth to find it, tugging it down like it's molten on your fingertips once you do. You're almost delirious with a single goal, slipping your hand down inside to feel him, and you don't hesitate to take him within your palm. He hisses lowly when you grip him, thrusting up in an uneven grind to chase after his own pleasure. 

He pants into your mouth when you swipe your thumb over the head of his cock, smearing a drop of precum to aid in your glide and it makes the clutch of his fingers around your hips squeeze. Bordering close to almost painful, but the ache of it ebbs into an afterthought. He's thick in your hand, so hard that it has to be uncomfortable. You take pity on him, unable to string either of you out any longer than you already have and take him out of his pants. 

He moves like a man possessed now, slipping of his hands down lower to hitch your thighs high around the trim length of his waist, and then he's reaching down between the thin gap of your bodies to bat you hand out of the way, taking ahold of himself. Gripping the base of his cock to slide it between your legs, grinding the head against your clit in teasing strokes. It makes you whine, the sensitivity from your orgasm lights over you like small bolts of electricity and yet you find yourself raising your hips to chase after the feeling. 

"Gonna let me fuck you?" He scatters kisses along the corner of your mouth and the edge of your jaw, much too tender and saccharine for what this is. Cradling you like a lover would despite the ardor and desire saturating the air like the perfume of whisky. It makes a pathetic little piece of you melt, turning syrupy and pliant like a strip of wax held over an open flame. 

You find yourself nodding, swallowing thickly as you try to find your worn voice again. "Yes - just stop teasing." You lock your legs tighter around him, drawing him in closer, aiding his cock in grinding over your pussy like it'd help urge him along, and luckily for you it seems to snap through the rest of his restraint. There's no warning as he guides himself down to your entrance and drives himself inside in a single stroke. 

He punches the air free from your lungs as he buries himself to the hilt, the both of you groaning in relief through the stretch. He's so deep, holding you open around his girth, and you know that you're going to feel him for a few days after this. You hope that you do. You want this night to be vivid in your memory for as long as possible. You want it tattooed into your skin, stained behind your eyes like watercolors, sunk bone deep. 

You can't remember the last time you've been able to exist beyond the pressures and judgement of the world. A thousand miles above prying eyes, confiscated within the hushed intimacy of your own bubble - except for the first time in what might be forever, you aren't alone in it. It's a shard space, gone from quiet and lonely to fiery and scorching. Howling in the dark. You think it's too late. You really are going to be one of those women staring up at the ceiling, fantasizing about that one perfect night from a decade ago. But right now, you really don't give a damn about that. 

All of the thoughts rattling around in your brain are turning into mush, liquifying like hot sugar on stove. It's like you've been engulfed. Ate up by the wet bite of his mouth on your throat, the persistent weight of his hands clumsily tugging up at your shirt and bra to ruck it them over your breasts. He doesn't take his lips off of your neck once; it's like he's been captivated by the smooth stretch of skin, lapping the flat of his tongue over the column of it like he wants to stain the taste of you on his mouth. But it doesn't keep his hands from taking greedy handfuls of your breasts. 

You gasp when his chilled fingertips squeeze around the shape of them, the frigid rings around his fingers force you to gasp and arch into his palms. He plucks at your nipples, circling around them in tight circles that has your voice pitching as he drives his cock into you. The way he fucks you is unrestrained but no less practiced, burying himself into you with calculated strokes that have you tearing at the seams. 

You don't know if you've ever felt so full, so spread out in your entire life. Granted you aren't the most experienced person. A lot of your practice coming from an ex that frequently left you high and dry and a couple of flings you met from the bar. One of which wasn't the most satisfying affair considering that his roommate had burst in before things could really get good. But Paul has to be the first guy that's ever really taken your pleasure into any real regard. All the others were quick to get you off with a sense of obligation, as though your pleasure was transactional so they wouldn't feel too much guilt for using you to get themselves off afterwards. 

He fucks you like he wants to. Like he's hellbent on making you cum as quickly as possible. Like he needs your pleasure to satisfy his own. 

"You're so hot," he groans. His teeth clamp down on the muscle in your neck like he might tear flesh, inspiring a muted ache up your neck but he lets go before it becomes too violent. His voice is all gutted, like he's growing drunk on the bliss cutting though his body. "Fucking squeezing me." 

He sounds just as wrecked, and it you can't help how your cunt clenches down tight around his cock, strangling another rough groan from the base of his chest. The small silver plates of the ornamental belt he has fixed to his coat dig into your exposed skin, pinching at your abdomen from how closely he pins your bodies together. It's like he's trying to join the two of you together, pressing into you until you live in the same body. 

You tear uselessly at his shoulders, digging your nails into the thick material of his jacket so wildly that you think you'd probably be able to rip it. You pant into his hair as he laps at your jugular, breathing in the fresh, chemical fragrance of the hairspray that styles the soft gold in selfish gulps. All of it cumulates, tiny little elements stacking on top of the other until the ecstasy starts to raise again. Maybe it's just riding off the afterglow of the first orgasm, but somehow, this feels like it's going to be stronger. More devastating than the one that still hums under your skin. 

You almost mourn that you're so close already, and a part of you tries to shun off the thick rapture building between your thighs entirely. You don't want this night to end yet. You aren't prepared for the awkward silence that will inevitably come next. You don't want to live through the silent ride back into town, where he'll drop you off at your ramshackle hotel room and presumably drive out of your life forever, leaving you to stand outside on the balcony outside your door while you listen to engine of his bike fade out and grow silent like a dying pulse. 

But he seems bound and determined to have you reach your high. One of his hands strays down from your chest, sweeping low until his knuckles are dragging over your clit in firm figure eights. A moan shudders through you, your ribcage wracking from what almost sounds like a sob. He doesn't let up though, driving you directly towards a yawning precipice that promises to swallow you up whole, and you can't do much else but cling onto him like he's a buoy in a storm. 

"Paul - I - " 

"Let me feel it. You're so close, baby, just let go." He bites at the shape of your ear; voice low and rich as he fucks himself into you like he wants to watch you black out. "I want to feel you cum all over me. You can take it." 

Like a slave to his voice your body draws up tight, muscles bunching up to strip you down of all you're worth. You kind of hate him for hurtling you towards the edge already, but you can't keep yourself from chasing after it. It's dirty, the cum between your thighs squelching lewdly each time he plunges into you, his skin meeting yours in damp smacks. And yet he cradles your cheek like you're something delicate, running the print of his thumb over the swell of your cheekbone in a gentle brush. It's all a juxtaposition of the other, and it has you crumbling. 

"You'll taste so good, just let go for me." The fires burn a little higher, white-hot and lashing, turned into an inferno that uses your bones as kindling. His teeth drag over your skin, sharp points gliding over flesh. You don't remember them feeling so lethal, like they could rip you open with a single touch, but it's hard to focus through the haze of it all. He bites deep and you swear that skin gives under the pressure, nerves lighting up light they've been doused in fire, parting like butter under a serrated knife, and the world erupts in a flurry of embers.  

This must be what it's like to be struck by lightning, static curling your toes and fingers, cosmos bursting in your eyes. You think you might scream. A chorus of his name that sounds like a prayer and a plea for help all at once as rapture's injected directly into your veins. It's almost brutal as pleasure rolls its way through you, seizing you up and stripping you to piece like a burst of dynamite. Just like before he fucks you all the way through it, pumping himself deep inside until he shudders, cock twitching inside of your cunt as he spills over into his own orgasm. 

It's almost abrupt how he drops you both back down onto the support of the table, leaning his body over yours like he's gone boneless. Crowding you in with his weight while he continues to grind himself against you without pulling out, drawing his pelvis on your overstimulated clit. You moan at the static searing through you, writhing under his body as he guides out your pleasure until it stings. 

But you can't find the strength to stop him, staring past his shoulder and up at the sky while your thoughts spin and flatline. You feel like you're floating, admiring the way the stars above twinkle and shift in an iridescent sheen with a drunken kind of fascination. You've felt good after sex before, but you've never been reduced to a state like this. It's like you're no longer in your body, tethered to it only by a thin, pulsing string, almost giddy from the pleasure. 

It's like you've been cocooned in warmth, something alcoholic tingling at your fingertips as he sucks and laps at your throat. Groaning softly while he cradles your skull, just barely thrusting himself into you like he doesn't want to stop. And despite how sensitive you've become; you don't think you want him too either. You're sense of time has gone all fuzzy, turned sluggish and pleasantly warm as you drift on your high, all loose limbed and heavy. 

It could be seconds or hours before he finally parts his mouth from you, a hollow sting digging into your neck as canines slip free. It's strange. Far from the bites that he had scattered over your throat before. It feels deep. Like he'd broken skin and pierced deep. He still hasn't pulled his face from the crook of your neck, licking up your throat like it's layered in sugar. Your skin is warm. A starling sensation against the weird chill of his tongue. Damp and hot. For a moment you think that it might be his spit, but it's not cold enough for that, trickling lazily down your throat like a slow leak. 

You're face pinches in confusion and will yourself to remove your arm from around his shoulder. An almost herculean task considering that your limbs have turned to lead from the dopey effects of your orgasm, but you force yourself to move. Years have passed by the time your fingers curl around your neck, dragging over your damp flesh to collect the liquid that's smearing over it. 

You blink sluggishly when you raise your hand up over your face, trying to focus past the blur that smudges around the edges of your vision. For a moment you think that you're hallucinating it. That the dark liquid staining your fingertips, glittering in the dark, tinged red and running hot from your body heat isn't real. You're trapped as you stare at it dumbly, horribly transfixed by the thick of it dripping down the crook of a finger in a single rivulet. 

You think your heart stops, a wild panic setting in as you scramble beneath him to try and slip free. But suddenly the comforting weight of him is now as unyielding as a snare. A cry locks in your throat, snagged behind the catch of your quivering lungs. 

A hand catches your wrist as you struggle, silver jewelry winking in the dark like a warning, horrible talons sprouting from its fingertips. It paralyzes you in place, the ice pumping through your frantic heart, turning your lethargic limbs into heavy stone. 

It's then that he chooses to lift his head from the vulnerable stretch of the throat that you had offered so foolishly, placing a kiss to the ache that you now know is bitten flesh. Your thoughts run into scattered cries, a litany of voices rattling around in your skull like taunts and yells. Shrieks that chant, told you so, over and over again in a bitter, acidic stream. And then you hear the echo of his voice. 

It's like a nightly thing. 

God, he had been toying with you this entire time. 

You can't escape. Too weak to move. Too overcome with fear - drained and so wrung dry that the adrenaline singing throughout your system falls useless. Your bones tremble with a broken cry, tears tainting your waterline, but even that isn't enough to keep you from seeing him as he is now. The logical part of your brain scrambles to find reason, but there is none as flashes of burning amber pin you down - the eyes of an animal's, peering from a face that's gone bestial. Inhuman. A demon's face stretched over a human skull; jaw smeared with a rich red like a feral dog that's been feeding on a fresh corpse. The smile that you had once loved is now tainted. Ruined by the blood that soaks his mouth; lips peeled back into a grin. But that charm is ruined, stretching into something sadistic and sharp, violent teeth baring in the dark. 

It's cruel when he guides the hand that he has caught within his own up to his mouth, easily bending your limb, overpowering you as though you aren't resisting him; made instead out of weakened clay and not muscle and bone. He snickers when you try to jerk your arm from his hold, like you're a mean kitten that he's picked up by the scruff. 

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you, sweetheart." 

You don't believe him. And suddenly the conversation you had back in the record store seems like a twisted joke. You think back on all the smiles he had passed you then. Like he was in on a joke that you weren't. But now you are and it's like the universe is laughing at you too for being so dumb, digging the knife in deeper for being so naive. The cassette tapes in your pocket are now as weighted and crushing as stones. 

His tongue slips out past his mouth, lips parting as he takes your fingers into his mouth, licking up the blood there like it's something precious. A drug in short supply. Despite the amusement glinting in his eyes, there's an unmistakable fringe of something intense and determined peeking through it all, as though you've made a bargain that you didn't know you were signing. Etched out your name in blood and written over your soul for the taking. 

"I think you're too sweet to part with, babe. " He places nauseatingly tender kiss to the palm of your hand - a mockery, and dead in the center, where you'd maybe slice your hand for a blood pact, and you know now that you aren't going to escape. At least not with your life intact. His eyes gleam like gold. Like two roaring fire pits. Hellmouths opening wide to consume you, bones, blood and all. 

"I think I might keep you."  

[cecoeur]

why is sports betting gross and pervasive? /gen

It is early for me so this is not the most well articulated answer but I don’t know where you live but where I’m from, in the last let’s say 5-7 years sports betting has gone from something that existed on the fringes of sports to something that is actively pushed and encouraged and advertised as part of sports and the enjoyment process of watching or interacting with a game. At intermissions or breaks in play, the announcers give you the odds of different scenarios and encourage you to “join in” as if it is a fun social engagement activity for fans and not actually gambling with your own hard earned money.

It’s pervasive in the sense that it’s everywhere in sports and it has seeped into the cultural consciousness in such an insidious way, predominantly with young men (seriously i could go on and whole other tangent about the targeting and susceptibility of young men) that gambling/betting is ingrained in their day to day life. The number of TikTok’s (and reali-life interactions) I see about taking to over/under on x,y, or z situation and it’s just an accepted and regular part of their interactions/friendships and a predominant way they engage and communicate with each other.

And all of that starts with the marketing of sports betting and the presentation as a harmless and fun activity when it is in fact a very real and dangerous addiction.

I think that in 10 years or so we’re going to look back and say…why did we normalize this so heavily and allow these betting companies to become so ingrained with our lives with very little regulation or consideration for the potential negative impacts. It is so normalized because of great marketing for the exact right demographic and most people don’t even think twice about it anymore which is incredibly concerning in my opinion.

These companies and their apps in full cooperation with professional sports leagues and media companies have made it easier, faster and more tempting for people to bet on games and every situation within them, which becomes a slippery slope into a gambling problem but it’s not seen that way because it’s just a silly bet on a game. We’ve gone from illegal betting sites to a boom of an industry of fully sanctioned and easy to access apps that are often times partnered with your favorite team and make it easier than ever to place a multiple bets before during and even after games. It makes the people who own and run these apps richer, it makes the teams and the billionaires who own them richer, and it leaves the average person thinking they don’t have a problem and can stop at any time because it’s really just a bit of fun.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Lula’s Stand Against Sports Betting: Can Regulation Stop the Economic Crisis?

Since Brazil legalized sports betting in 2018, the nation has seen an explosive rise in gambling activity, particularly among soccer fans. What began as a booming new industry has quickly turned into a nationwide issue, as studies show that betting is taking a toll on the country’s economy, particularly low-income families. According to the Brazilian Central Bank, an alarming 3 billion reais (approximately $550 million) was spent on sports bets in August alone, a significant portion of it from households receiving government assistance through Bolsa Familia, Brazil’s social welfare program.

The betting frenzy, which has grown into the fifth-largest market in the world, is drawing more Brazilians into the game, but not without consequences. Stories of families going bankrupt, household budgets collapsing, and consumer spending plummeting have surfaced nationwide. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed concern, emphasizing that betting addiction could lead to widespread economic and social harm if not appropriately regulated.

Lula’s message is clear: the government cannot stand by while gambling threatens the livelihoods of Brazilian families. “I cannot allow betting to turn into a disease,” he told reporters in São Paulo. Lula’s administration is now faced with a tough decision: regulate the betting industry more strictly or face the consequences of an unchecked gambling epidemic.

Continue reading.

[thedurvin]

Not to give bad people good ideas but I’m really surprised that with the current boom in sports gambling websites there haven’t been any attempts to market gambling to nerds, like betting on movies’ box office openings or first month streaming numbers

Or maybe nerds would prefer it to be more complicated. Bet on the total age difference between the Stranger Things main cast and their characters at midnight on the release date of the next season. Number of times the top five catchphrases appear in the latest Simpsons season. Precise combined runtime of Marvel Phase Six.

[scottmorris02]

Sports Betting Software Development is the Future of Digital Wagering

The world of sports betting has rapidly evolved from smoky backrooms and paper tickets to sleek, high-performance digital platforms. At the heart of this transformation is Sports Betting Software Development—a booming field combining cutting-edge technology. The digital revolution has changed almost all industries—and the sports betting industry is no different. As the global betting market grows at a record rate, the demand for cutting-edge and trustworthy sports betting software development has never been higher. From putting a speedy bet on a mobile device to examining live odds on various sports, users today expect quick, intuitive, and secure betting processes.

Key Features of Sports Betting Platforms:

Live & Pre-Match Betting:

       Real-time odds updates and a wide variety of betting markets, from major leagues to niche sports.

Multi-Sport & Multi-Language Support:

       Reach global audiences with broad sports coverage and localized interfaces.

Live Streaming & In-Play Betting:

        Users can watch events and place bets as the action unfolds.

Risk Management Tools:

       AI-driven algorithms to detect suspicious activity, manage odds, and protect profitability.

Advanced Admin Panel:

         Full control over user accounts, reporting, payments, and compliance in one backend dashboard.

Payment Gateway Integration:

      Support for fiat currencies, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Security and Regulatory Compliance:

End-to-end encryption

KYC (Know Your Customer) & AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance

Geo-blocking for restricted territories

Secure login with two-factor authentication

Custom vs. White-Label Betting Solutions:

Custom Development: Tailored platforms built from scratch to suit unique brand needs, allowing for full control over design, features, and scalability.

White-Label Solutions: Pre-built platforms that can be quickly branded and launched, ideal for startups or time-sensitive projects.

The Future of Sports Betting Tech:

AI & Machine Learning:

             Personalized odds, risk analysis, and user behavior predictions.

Blockchain & Smart Contracts:

             Transparent and tamper-proof betting records.

AR/VR:

              Immersive sports viewing and interactive betting experiences.

Social Betting:

            Community-driven features and peer-to-peer wagering.

Why choose Osiz for Sports betting Software?

Osiz builds cutting edge sports betting platforms, with more than ten years of experience in custom Game Development Company and extensive knowledge of the iGaming sector, We provides scalable, secure, and rich feature sets of betting solutions aligned with your business objectives.We integrate multi-sport support, and seamless payment systems to enhance user engagement.Our team ensures rapid deployment, continuous support, and compliance with global gaming regulations.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Stock market jitters, recession fears and President Donald Trump’s mercurial trade policy are often cited as reasons to hold off on making any big decisions. And yet the fashion and beauty industries’ deal sheets keep getting longer. Since Trump announced his tariff policy in April, there have been five major acquisitions, from Prada Group’s $1.4 billion acquisition of Versace to E.l.f.’s $1 billion buyout of Hailey Bieber’s Rhode on Wednesday. And that’s not counting the secondary offering of shares that Birkenstock and Amer Sports issued Thursday, as much a show of confidence in the market as their own brands. This isn’t how it was supposed to go. Prior to last month, there had been only a trickle of major fashion or beauty deals, with hot brands — including Rhode — seeming to languish on the market for want of buyers. Trump’s tariffs and signs of a US economic slowdown were expected to deepen the freeze. Theoretically, retailers and investors are better off playing it safe, reserving cash flow in case consumer spending, already on shaky ground before Liberation Day, falls further. So why is the M&A market suddenly booming? No single factor explains all five of these deals. Capri Holdings sought to offload Versace as it works to turn around Michael Kors, its biggest brand. Levi’s, too, was looking to narrow its focus when it sold its Dockers chino label to Authentic Brands Group on May 20 for $311 million. But both E.l.f. And Dick’s Sporting Goods were looking to build out their portfolios with their acquisitions of Rhode and Foot Locker, respectively. And Skechers’ $9.4 billion sale to private equity firm 3G on May 5 likely had an element of succession planning to it, given founder Robert Greenberg is 85 years old. Some of these deals still might have happened if Kamala Harris won the election, or US consumer confidence was still buoyant. But it’s also true that volatile times make for unique opportunities. “There are people with enough foresight and risk tolerance to look at dislocation and see uncertainty as creating an opportunity rather than a barrier,” said Simeon Siegel, analyst at BMO Capital Markets. Bargain Hunting. With the exception of Rhode, all the brands that passed hands in the last two months were purchased at a discount. Prada, for instance, nabbed Versace for $700 million less than what Capri paid in 2018. Even after Dick’s agreed to a nearly 90 percent premium for Foot Locker, the sneaker retailer’s stock still trades below its year-ago level. Skechers also sold at a small discount to its stock price as recently as February. “For buyers, these current valuations are lower than the fundamental valuation of the businesses they acquire because of the moment in time influenced by trade policies,” said Matthew Tingler, managing director of Baird’s global consumer investment banking group. Tingler said he anticipates that more deals will materialise in the coming months. Marissa Lepor, managing director at boutique investment bank the Sage Group, said the deals she has worked on in recent months have not been deferred by the news of tariffs.Buying Power. Acquirers like Prada, Dick’s Sporting Goods and E.l.f. have consistently outperformed their peers in recent years and have accumulated the cash to be able to take a risk by expanding into new categories or markets, even in a weak economy. “The businesses that have diverse infrastructures and very experienced management teams are much more agile to navigate [economic uncertainty],” said Lepor.The Price of Inaction. Beyond the question of why, the question of why not is just as relevant, according to Lepor. “There’s risk to doing anything but there’s also a risk to doing nothing,” she said. “Every time a public company chooses not to acquire a business but their competitor does, there’s a potential significant cost to the loss of business.” High Risk, High Reward. Still, snapping up a fashion brand in a volatile economy is no sure bet, especially with tariffs threatening margins and consumer confidence on shaky ground. Dick’s acquisition of Foot Locker, a mall chain that has struggled to adapt to the shifting streetwear landscape, will hinge on its capacity to rehabilitate a fading business at a time when shoppers are reluctant to open their wallets. While the risks may be significant, so is the potential payoff. E.l.f.’s acquisition of Rhode is case in point: a bold swing in a shaky market, but one that offers massive potential returns from a prestige Gen-Z skincare brand at a time when mass-market-focussed E.l.f.’s own growth has slowed. ‘It’s natural for people to feel paralysed in times of uncertainty but heroes are created in years of famine — not years of feast,” said Siegel. THE NEWS IN BRIEFFASHION, BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY(Getty Images) A federal appeals court allowed Trump’s tariffs to stay in effect for now. The order pauses a previous federal trade court ruling blocking Trump’s tariffs while the appeals court weighs a longer stay sought by the Trump administration.Shein is working towards a Hong Kong listing after the London IPO stalled, sources said. The fast fashion e-tailer aims to file a draft prospectus with Hong Kong’s stock exchange in the weeks to come, after its proposed initial public offering in London failed to secure approval from Chinese regulators.LVMH’s deputy CEO said it has room to raise prices 2 to 3 percent. Stephane Bianchi said in a French parliament hearing that to offset tariffs, the conglomerate can lift prices of high-end products without hurting demand, but cannot raise prices for cognac or beauty products. Executives said they will continue to invest in China, despite dwindling demand.Italy’s Golden Goose ruled out an IPO this year, but predicted limited impact from tariffs. The luxury sneaker maker’s CEO Silvio Campara said it still views a market listing favourably in the future and is open to merger and acquisition options. The company reported a 12 percent rise in net revenues and opened three new stores in the first quarter.Foot Locker sales missed ahead of the Dick’s Sporting Goods purchase. The sneaker retailer’s sales slump continued in the latest quarter with comparable store sales having fallen 2.6 percent, lower than analysts had expected. Foot Locker declined to provide an annual forecast and conference call to discuss results amid its pending acquisition by Dick’s.Dick’s Sporting Goods maintained its outlook ahead of the Foot Locker deal. The athletic apparel and equipment retailer maintained its annual sales and profit forecast, with comparable store sales expected to gain 1 to 3 percent this year. The fiscal outlook doesn’t account for impact from its blockbuster Foot Locker acquisition.Capri signalled selective price hikes on Michael Kors handbags to counter the tariff hit. The group expects total annual revenue between $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion, a sum which does not account for tariff rates or weakening consumer confidence.Abercrombie shares surged as strong demand drove the first-quarter beat. Stock jumped 25 percent in premarket trading on Wednesday after the retailer beat first-quarter expectations and raised its forecasted annual sales growth to 3 to 6 percent when accounting for current tariffs. Gap’s quarterly sales beat on strong demand for Old Navy and namesake brands. The retail company maintained its fiscal sales forecast of 1 to 2 percent growth after comparable first-quarter sales rose 3 percent at Old Navy and 5 percent at Gap. Revenue lifted 2.2 percent to $3.46 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $3.42 billion.Macy’s cut its annual profit forecast amid tariff uncertainty. The department store operator now expects 2025 adjusted profit per share to be between $1.60 and $2, down from its previous target of between $2.05 and $2.25. Macy’s beat first-quarter net revenue estimates with net sales of $4.6 billion and maintained its annual net sales forecast.Hudson’s Bay will terminate more than 8,300 workers by Sunday. Canada’s oldest retailer will lay off 89 percent of its workforce by next week, when it will conclude its liquidation sale and shutter all stores. The layoffs follow rising unemployment rates in Canada, which hit 6.9 percent in April, as US tariffs hit the economy.Temu-owner PDD Holdings missed quarterly revenue estimates. The Chinese e-commerce company suffered from weak consumer sentiment and global trade policies like the end of the de minimis duty loophole. Despite deep price cuts and government stimulus measures, PDD’s year-on-year net income fell 47 percent to 14.74 billion yuan. US-listed shares fell 7 percent in premarket trading.Kohl’s posted better-than-expected sales as it looks for a new CEO. The department store operator saw $3 billion in quarterly revenue, in line with analyst estimates, and a 3.9 percent drop in comparable sales, slightly outpacing analyst and company expectations. The company maintained its annual forecast.The EU warned Shein of fines in its consumer protection probe. The fast fashion giant has one month to respond to the findings and offer commitments to address the issues, and could also be targeted by the EU’s Digital Services Act. Following the warning, Shein now plans to increase product safety testing, and announced it will spend $15 million on compliance initiatives this year.Italy’s fashion brands signed an accord to fight worker exploitation. The non-binding agreement with legal and political authorities and trade unions focusses on the creation of a database of brands’ suppliers and their workforces. THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY(Shutterstock) Ulta Beauty cut its sales outlook on slowing consumer demand. The beauty retailer raised its full-year outlook for sales and profit after first-quarter profit and comparable sales beat expectations. Shares rose 7.3 percent in after-market trading in New York.Bath & Body Works forecast slight growth after its 2024 sales dip. The Ohio-based beauty and skincare retailer beat first-quarter profit estimates on steady demand for personal care products and limited exposure to import tariffs. First-quarter sales rose 3 percent year on year $1.42 billion, in line with expectations, while annual net sales and profit forecasts are unchanged.PEOPLENike’s longtime design and innovation boss John Hoke announced plans to retire. Hoke will step down as chief innovation officer in October, with a successor yet to be named, in the latest executive shuffle under CEO Elliott Hill. Hoke, who started at Nike in 1992, previously served as chief design officer for 15 years.The Estée Lauder Companies tapped Lisa Sequino to lead its makeup division. Sequino, a former ELC executive who left in 2022 to lead J.Lo Beauty and later Supergoop, will begin her newly created role as president of the makeup brand division on June 9. Compiled by Jessica Kwon. Source link

[norajworld]

Stock market jitters, recession fears and President Donald Trump’s mercurial trade policy are often cited as reasons to hold off on making any big decisions. And yet the fashion and beauty industries’ deal sheets keep getting longer. Since Trump announced his tariff policy in April, there have been five major acquisitions, from Prada Group’s $1.4 billion acquisition of Versace to E.l.f.’s $1 billion buyout of Hailey Bieber’s Rhode on Wednesday. And that’s not counting the secondary offering of shares that Birkenstock and Amer Sports issued Thursday, as much a show of confidence in the market as their own brands. This isn’t how it was supposed to go. Prior to last month, there had been only a trickle of major fashion or beauty deals, with hot brands — including Rhode — seeming to languish on the market for want of buyers. Trump’s tariffs and signs of a US economic slowdown were expected to deepen the freeze. Theoretically, retailers and investors are better off playing it safe, reserving cash flow in case consumer spending, already on shaky ground before Liberation Day, falls further. So why is the M&A market suddenly booming? No single factor explains all five of these deals. Capri Holdings sought to offload Versace as it works to turn around Michael Kors, its biggest brand. Levi’s, too, was looking to narrow its focus when it sold its Dockers chino label to Authentic Brands Group on May 20 for $311 million. But both E.l.f. And Dick’s Sporting Goods were looking to build out their portfolios with their acquisitions of Rhode and Foot Locker, respectively. And Skechers’ $9.4 billion sale to private equity firm 3G on May 5 likely had an element of succession planning to it, given founder Robert Greenberg is 85 years old. Some of these deals still might have happened if Kamala Harris won the election, or US consumer confidence was still buoyant. But it’s also true that volatile times make for unique opportunities. “There are people with enough foresight and risk tolerance to look at dislocation and see uncertainty as creating an opportunity rather than a barrier,” said Simeon Siegel, analyst at BMO Capital Markets. Bargain Hunting. With the exception of Rhode, all the brands that passed hands in the last two months were purchased at a discount. Prada, for instance, nabbed Versace for $700 million less than what Capri paid in 2018. Even after Dick’s agreed to a nearly 90 percent premium for Foot Locker, the sneaker retailer’s stock still trades below its year-ago level. Skechers also sold at a small discount to its stock price as recently as February. “For buyers, these current valuations are lower than the fundamental valuation of the businesses they acquire because of the moment in time influenced by trade policies,” said Matthew Tingler, managing director of Baird’s global consumer investment banking group. Tingler said he anticipates that more deals will materialise in the coming months. Marissa Lepor, managing director at boutique investment bank the Sage Group, said the deals she has worked on in recent months have not been deferred by the news of tariffs.Buying Power. Acquirers like Prada, Dick’s Sporting Goods and E.l.f. have consistently outperformed their peers in recent years and have accumulated the cash to be able to take a risk by expanding into new categories or markets, even in a weak economy. “The businesses that have diverse infrastructures and very experienced management teams are much more agile to navigate [economic uncertainty],” said Lepor.The Price of Inaction. Beyond the question of why, the question of why not is just as relevant, according to Lepor. “There’s risk to doing anything but there’s also a risk to doing nothing,” she said. “Every time a public company chooses not to acquire a business but their competitor does, there’s a potential significant cost to the loss of business.” High Risk, High Reward. Still, snapping up a fashion brand in a volatile economy is no sure bet, especially with tariffs threatening margins and consumer confidence on shaky ground. Dick’s acquisition of Foot Locker, a mall chain that has struggled to adapt to the shifting streetwear landscape, will hinge on its capacity to rehabilitate a fading business at a time when shoppers are reluctant to open their wallets. While the risks may be significant, so is the potential payoff. E.l.f.’s acquisition of Rhode is case in point: a bold swing in a shaky market, but one that offers massive potential returns from a prestige Gen-Z skincare brand at a time when mass-market-focussed E.l.f.’s own growth has slowed. ‘It’s natural for people to feel paralysed in times of uncertainty but heroes are created in years of famine — not years of feast,” said Siegel. THE NEWS IN BRIEFFASHION, BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY(Getty Images) A federal appeals court allowed Trump’s tariffs to stay in effect for now. The order pauses a previous federal trade court ruling blocking Trump’s tariffs while the appeals court weighs a longer stay sought by the Trump administration.Shein is working towards a Hong Kong listing after the London IPO stalled, sources said. The fast fashion e-tailer aims to file a draft prospectus with Hong Kong’s stock exchange in the weeks to come, after its proposed initial public offering in London failed to secure approval from Chinese regulators.LVMH’s deputy CEO said it has room to raise prices 2 to 3 percent. Stephane Bianchi said in a French parliament hearing that to offset tariffs, the conglomerate can lift prices of high-end products without hurting demand, but cannot raise prices for cognac or beauty products. Executives said they will continue to invest in China, despite dwindling demand.Italy’s Golden Goose ruled out an IPO this year, but predicted limited impact from tariffs. The luxury sneaker maker’s CEO Silvio Campara said it still views a market listing favourably in the future and is open to merger and acquisition options. The company reported a 12 percent rise in net revenues and opened three new stores in the first quarter.Foot Locker sales missed ahead of the Dick’s Sporting Goods purchase. The sneaker retailer’s sales slump continued in the latest quarter with comparable store sales having fallen 2.6 percent, lower than analysts had expected. Foot Locker declined to provide an annual forecast and conference call to discuss results amid its pending acquisition by Dick’s.Dick’s Sporting Goods maintained its outlook ahead of the Foot Locker deal. The athletic apparel and equipment retailer maintained its annual sales and profit forecast, with comparable store sales expected to gain 1 to 3 percent this year. The fiscal outlook doesn’t account for impact from its blockbuster Foot Locker acquisition.Capri signalled selective price hikes on Michael Kors handbags to counter the tariff hit. The group expects total annual revenue between $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion, a sum which does not account for tariff rates or weakening consumer confidence.Abercrombie shares surged as strong demand drove the first-quarter beat. Stock jumped 25 percent in premarket trading on Wednesday after the retailer beat first-quarter expectations and raised its forecasted annual sales growth to 3 to 6 percent when accounting for current tariffs. Gap’s quarterly sales beat on strong demand for Old Navy and namesake brands. The retail company maintained its fiscal sales forecast of 1 to 2 percent growth after comparable first-quarter sales rose 3 percent at Old Navy and 5 percent at Gap. Revenue lifted 2.2 percent to $3.46 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $3.42 billion.Macy’s cut its annual profit forecast amid tariff uncertainty. The department store operator now expects 2025 adjusted profit per share to be between $1.60 and $2, down from its previous target of between $2.05 and $2.25. Macy’s beat first-quarter net revenue estimates with net sales of $4.6 billion and maintained its annual net sales forecast.Hudson’s Bay will terminate more than 8,300 workers by Sunday. Canada’s oldest retailer will lay off 89 percent of its workforce by next week, when it will conclude its liquidation sale and shutter all stores. The layoffs follow rising unemployment rates in Canada, which hit 6.9 percent in April, as US tariffs hit the economy.Temu-owner PDD Holdings missed quarterly revenue estimates. The Chinese e-commerce company suffered from weak consumer sentiment and global trade policies like the end of the de minimis duty loophole. Despite deep price cuts and government stimulus measures, PDD’s year-on-year net income fell 47 percent to 14.74 billion yuan. US-listed shares fell 7 percent in premarket trading.Kohl’s posted better-than-expected sales as it looks for a new CEO. The department store operator saw $3 billion in quarterly revenue, in line with analyst estimates, and a 3.9 percent drop in comparable sales, slightly outpacing analyst and company expectations. The company maintained its annual forecast.The EU warned Shein of fines in its consumer protection probe. The fast fashion giant has one month to respond to the findings and offer commitments to address the issues, and could also be targeted by the EU’s Digital Services Act. Following the warning, Shein now plans to increase product safety testing, and announced it will spend $15 million on compliance initiatives this year.Italy’s fashion brands signed an accord to fight worker exploitation. The non-binding agreement with legal and political authorities and trade unions focusses on the creation of a database of brands’ suppliers and their workforces. THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY(Shutterstock) Ulta Beauty cut its sales outlook on slowing consumer demand. The beauty retailer raised its full-year outlook for sales and profit after first-quarter profit and comparable sales beat expectations. Shares rose 7.3 percent in after-market trading in New York.Bath & Body Works forecast slight growth after its 2024 sales dip. The Ohio-based beauty and skincare retailer beat first-quarter profit estimates on steady demand for personal care products and limited exposure to import tariffs. First-quarter sales rose 3 percent year on year $1.42 billion, in line with expectations, while annual net sales and profit forecasts are unchanged.PEOPLENike’s longtime design and innovation boss John Hoke announced plans to retire. Hoke will step down as chief innovation officer in October, with a successor yet to be named, in the latest executive shuffle under CEO Elliott Hill. Hoke, who started at Nike in 1992, previously served as chief design officer for 15 years.The Estée Lauder Companies tapped Lisa Sequino to lead its makeup division. Sequino, a former ELC executive who left in 2022 to lead J.Lo Beauty and later Supergoop, will begin her newly created role as president of the makeup brand division on June 9. Compiled by Jessica Kwon. Source link

[gamechangercontent]

Unlocking India's Gaming Potential: How Mahadev Book is Driving Growth

The Indian online gaming market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven by a young, digitally savvy population and affordable internet access. This surge presents immense potential for growth, and platforms like Mahadev Book are at the forefront of unlocking it. By understanding the unique preferences of Indian gamers, Mahadev Book is not just offering games, but creating an ecosystem that fosters sustained engagement and expands the reach of online entertainment across the diverse demographics of the nation. The platform's strategic vision recognizes the unique cultural nuances and entertainment demands of the Indian user base, translating into a tailored gaming experience.

A key factor in this phenomenal growth is accessibility. Mahadev Book's user-friendly interface and mobile-first approach ensure that gaming is within reach for millions across the country, from bustling urban centers to remote rural areas where internet penetration is still growing. This widespread availability, coupled with a diverse range of gaming options from thrilling sports betting to immersive live casino experiences, caters to varied interests, attracting a broad user base that includes both seasoned gamers and new entrants to the digital entertainment space. The emphasis on seamless mobile interaction allows users to engage anytime, anywhere, further fueling adoption.

Furthermore, Mahadev Book's commitment to localized content and payment methods resonates deeply with Indian users. Understanding the importance of convenience, the platform integrates popular local payment gateways, making transactions smooth and secure. The games and promotional content are often tailored to reflect Indian festivals, sports, and cultural themes, creating a sense of familiarity and relevance that builds trust and loyalty. This strategic approach breaks down barriers to entry and fosters a strong connection with the user base, crucial for long-term user retention and expansion.

Beyond just offering games, Mahadev Book invests in user education and responsible gaming practices. They provide resources and tools to help users manage their gaming habits, promoting a healthy and enjoyable experience. This commitment to player well-being not only builds a positive brand image but also contributes to the sustainable growth of the online gaming industry in India. By advocating for responsible play, Mahadev Book aims to ensure that the excitement of gaming remains a source of entertainment, not a problem.In conclusion, as India continues its rapid digital journey, Mahadev Book's role in democratizing access to quality online gaming will be pivotal in realizing the nation's full gaming potential. Their focus on accessibility, localization, diverse offerings, and responsible gaming positions them as a leader in shaping the future of digital entertainment in India. Join the millions discovering the excitement and responsible fun  exploring Mahadev Book today and be part of the gaming revolution!

[buildmyguild]

Build Crypto Platforms Like Uniswap, Magic Eden, Stake, Trojan, and More: Complete Developer Guide

Build a Crypto Copy Trading Platform: Empower Users to Mirror Winning Strategies

If you want to tap into the growing demand for automated investing, now is the time to build crypto copy trading platform. This type of platform allows novice investors to follow and replicate the trades of experienced traders in real time. With built-in performance analytics, wallet integrations, and transparent smart contract execution, you can create a system that rewards both traders and followers. By building a crypto copy trading platform, you reduce the complexity of DeFi trading and open the doors for mainstream adoption through automation and social proof.

Build a Magic Eden Clone: Launch Your Own NFT Marketplace on Solana

Magic Eden is the leading Solana-based NFT marketplace, known for fast minting, low fees, and high user engagement. By creating your own Magic Eden clone, you can offer features like creator launchpads, secondary market trading, royalties, and multi-wallet support (Phantom, Solflare, etc.). The NFT ecosystem is exploding, and if you’re aiming to capitalize on this wave, it makes perfect sense to build Magic Eden clone. This type of marketplace thrives on user experience, so your clone should be lightweight, scalable, and optimized for on-chain data.

Build a Memecoin Launchpad: Launch Viral Tokens With One Click

Create a platform to launch meme tokens fast, with tokenomics, presales, and hype tools baked in. The memecoin wave isn’t going anywhere, and with a memecoin launchpad, you enable creators to:

Launch tokens with zero code

Manage presales and vesting

Build community with airdrops and referrals

Track charts and holder stats

Integrate anti-bot and fair launch features

To build memecoin launchpad, combine EVM-based smart contracts with intuitive front-end dashboards using frameworks like Hardhat, React, and Next.js.

Build a Stake Clone: Create a Crypto Casino With Real-Time Betting

Online crypto casinos are booming, and Stake.com leads the pack. To ride the same wave, you can build Stake clone — a feature-rich crypto casino with provably fair games, real-time betting, and a seamless user experience. A good Stake clone includes slot games, dice, blackjack, and sports betting, all with crypto wallet support for fast deposits and withdrawals. For added trust and fairness, integrate Chain Link VRF or similar tech. Plus, you can implement loyalty programs, affiliate systems, and VIP tiers to grow user retention and revenue.

Build a Trojan Clone: Launch a Private, Decentralized Web3 Browser

As privacy concerns grow, there’s increasing demand for secure browsing options. You can build Trojan clone, modeled after the Trojan browser, which combines privacy tech with Web3 functionality. A true Trojan clone would offer multi-hop routing, end-to-end encryption, ad blockers, and built-in dApp browser support. You can also integrate wallet features for seamless crypto transactions, along with decentralized VPN options to protect user identities. It’s the perfect mix of Tor-like anonymity and full Web3 access.

Decentralized exchanges are the cornerstone of DeFi, and Uniswap is the industry standard. If you build Uniswap clone, you gain full control over liquidity pools, token swaps, and fee structures on your own decentralized exchange (DEX).

A robust Uniswap clone should include AMM-based trading, liquidity farming, governance token integration, and a real-time trading dashboard.

You can fork Uniswap v2/v3 contracts, customize the UI, and deploy on EVM-compatible chains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Arbitrum.

A well-executed clone positions you to become the next DEX powerhouse.

Final Thoughts

From building a crypto copy trading platform to launching a Uniswap clone, there are countless ways to disrupt and innovate in the Web3 ecosystem. These clones and platforms aren’t just imitations — they’re starting points to create better, more localized, or more niche alternatives that meet the specific needs of your community. If you’re serious about Web3, now’s the time to act.

[azspot]

FANTASY SPORTS IS A MASSIVE piece of the sports industrial complex, with tens of millions of players and billions of dollars in revenue. In America, football is the most popular, accounting for 75 percent of the total fantasy-sports market. The two largest companies to spring from the fantasy-sports boom, FanDuel and DraftKings, also paved the way for the explosion of sports betting across the United States. It is no exaggeration to say that fantasy football has fundamentally changed the way many fans think about the game, the way broadcasters present football on television, the way the league markets the sport, and has possibly even ruined a few co-worker or neighborly relationships along the way. Herzig has played fantasy football for nearly his entire life, riding this wave all the way to the crest. To him, it is more than a game. It is his passion. And it has made him millions of dollars.

How Justin Herzig Became a Millionaire Playing Fantasy Football

[yury-blogs]

How People in India Entertain Themselves: A Vibrant Mix of Tradition and Modernity

India, with its rich cultural heritage and rapidly growing digital landscape, offers countless ways for people to unwind and have fun. From age-old traditions to modern entertainment, Indians enjoy a diverse range of activities. Here’s a look at how people across the country entertain themselves, backed by facts and interesting insights.

1. Bollywood & Regional Cinema: The Ultimate Escape

India is the largest film producer in the world, releasing over 1,500 movies annually across languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

Bollywood (Hindi cinema) alone earns over ₹10,000 crores yearly.

South Indian films like Baahubali and RRR have gained global fame.

Fact: Around 10 million people visit cinemas daily in India.

Many Indians also enjoy OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar, which saw a 70% surge in subscriptions post-pandemic.

2. Cricket: More Than Just a Sport

Cricket is a religion in India, with millions tuning in for matches, especially during the IPL.

The 2023 IPL season reached 500 million viewers.

Street cricket is a common pastime in neighborhoods.

Fact: India has over 300 million cricket fans—more than the entire population of the US.

Online platforms like Dream11 and https://paribet.in/ have also made fantasy cricket and betting a popular form of entertainment.

3. Festivals & Celebrations: A Cultural Extravaganza

India’s festivals are a major source of joy, with each region celebrating uniquely.

Diwali sees over 90% of households lighting lamps and bursting fireworks.

Holi turns cities into colorful playgrounds.

Fact: The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is the largest human gathering on Earth, attracting over 100 million pilgrims.

4. Street Food & Dining Out: A Flavorful Experience

Indians love food, and street food culture is a huge part of entertainment.

Mumbai’s vada pav sells over 10 million units daily.

Delhi’s Chandni Chowk serves 50,000+ people every weekend.

Fact: India’s food delivery market is worth $7 billion, with Zomato and Swiggy leading the way.

5. Music & Dance: From Classical to TikTok

Music and dance are deeply rooted in Indian entertainment.

Bhangra (Punjab), Garba (Gujarat), and Bollywood dance are widely enjoyed.

Fact: India has over 200 million TikTok users before its ban, now replaced by Instagram Reels & Moj.

Yo Yo Honey Singh, Arijit Singh, and AR Rahman dominate music charts.

6. Gaming & Online Entertainment: The Digital Boom

With cheap internet (₹10/GB), online gaming has exploded.

Mobile gaming is a $3 billion industry in India.

PUBG Mobile (now Battlegrounds Mobile India) had 50 million Indian users before its ban.

Fact: Ludo King was downloaded 500 million times in India.

7. Shopping: From Local Bazaars to E-Commerce

Indians love shopping, both offline and online.

Dilli Haat, Colaba Causeway, and Johari Bazaar attract millions.

Flipkart & Amazon India see over 10 million daily orders.

Fact: The Great Indian Festival Sale generates $4 billion in sales in just 5 days.

8. Social Media & Memes: The New Age Fun

Indians are among the most active social media users globally.

WhatsApp forwards and Instagram memes keep people entertained.

Fact: India has over 600 million WhatsApp users—the highest in the world.

Conclusion: A Land of Endless Entertainment

From cricket and cinema to food and festivals, India’s entertainment scene is as diverse as its culture. Whether it’s cheering for Virat Kohli, dancing to "Naatu Naatu", or binge-watching Sacred Games, Indians know how to have a good time.

What’s your favorite way to unwind? Share in the comments! 

[travel-guide-mexico]

The Truth About Vegas Dave: Sports Card Fraud Confirmed

In recent years, the sports card industry has experienced a massive boom, attracting collectors, investors, and influencers alike. But with rapid growth comes a darker side—manipulation, hype-driven bubbles, and, in some cases, outright fraud. One of the most controversial figures at the center of this storm is Vegas Dave, a self-proclaimed sports betting expert turned card investor.

Once known for his bold predictions and high-stakes gambling wins, Vegas Dave pivoted into the sports card market, gaining attention for purchasing rare cards at eye-popping prices. But what seemed like bold investing soon raised serious questions. Market Manipulation Allegations

Vegas Dave’s strategy involved aggressively hyping specific players—most notably Patrick Mahomes—and purchasing their rookie cards in bulk. He would often go public with his "investment moves," claiming he was setting new records and revolutionizing the market. However, insiders and hobby veterans began to notice troubling patterns:

Artificial Inflation: By publicly announcing his purchases and hyping the cards through social media, Dave arguably created artificial demand, driving up prices that were unsustainable.

Dump and Disappear: There are allegations that after inflating the market value, Dave sold off portions of his collection at inflated prices, leaving buyers with cards that quickly lost value once the hype faded.

Lack of Transparency: Unlike legitimate investors or analysts, Vegas Dave rarely disclosed full details about his sales, creating confusion and suspicion among followers.

Community Backlash and Exposure

As more collectors and experts spoke out, the community began to dig deeper. Independent analysts and watchdogs exposed inconsistencies in Dave’s claims, as well as questionable tactics designed to manipulate the market for personal gain.

Multiple YouTube creators and investigative hobbyists have published detailed breakdowns of Vegas Dave’s involvement, calling attention to:

Fabricated sales figures

False scarcity narratives

Misleading profit claims

These revelations have damaged Dave’s credibility and sparked a broader conversation about integrity in the sports card world.

The Industry’s Wake-Up Call

The Vegas Dave saga serves as a cautionary tale for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. It highlights the need for:

Transparency in high-value transactions

Community vigilance against hype-driven schemes

Regulation or oversight to prevent market manipulation

Final Thoughts

Vegas Dave may have been a polarizing figure from the start, but the evidence now points to clear patterns of manipulation and deception. As the sports card market continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever for buyers and investors to do their homework, verify claims, and avoid falling for personalities over proof. The truth is out—and the hobby will be better for it.

[oceangamingconsult]

Level Up Your Game: Why Online Gaming Consultants Are Essential for Success

The online gaming industry is booming like never before. From sports betting to virtual casinos and e-sports platforms, the demand for engaging, secure, and compliant gaming experiences is on the rise globally—and especially across Africa. But building a successful gaming platform involves more than a good idea and a sleek interface. That’s where Ocean Gaming Consult comes in.

At Ocean Gaming Consult, we specialize in providing strategic support, technical guidance, and regulatory expertise for businesses aiming to enter or expand within the iGaming and online betting industry. Our role as consultants goes far beyond basic advice—we become your trusted partner from the first stages of planning to full-scale launch and long-term operations.

Why are Gaming Consultants Crucial?

Today’s online gaming landscape is incredibly complex. Regulatory environments vary drastically across countries, user expectations are constantly shifting, and the competition is fiercer than ever. Without the right guidance, new gaming ventures can face delays, legal issues, or even failure to launch.

Ocean Gaming Consult offers:

Licensing and Regulatory Support – We help you navigate the legal landscape and secure the necessary licenses in your target markets.

Platform Setup and Customization – Whether it’s an online sportsbook, casino, or lottery platform, we provide tailored solutions that fit your brand and business model.

Vendor & Payment Integration – We streamline connections with top-tier software providers and secure payment systems.

Marketing & Business Strategy – From user acquisition to retention, we help build a robust strategy to grow your player base sustainably.

Africa’s Online Gaming Frontier

With Africa emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for online gaming, Ocean Gaming Consult, based in Uganda, is uniquely positioned to understand the local dynamics while leveraging global trends. We empower startups and established brands alike to confidently operate in markets across the continent and beyond.

Whether you’re launching your first gaming platform or scaling an existing one, Ocean Gaming Consult ensures you have the expertise, infrastructure, and compliance you need to succeed.

Let’s level up your game—together. Partner with Ocean Gaming Consult and take your vision from idea to industry leader.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

When Netflix’s comedy series “Running Point” premiered earlier this year, viewers tuned in for its star-studded cast — including Kate Hudson and Brenda Song — and its fictionalised take on the rise of Jeanie Buss, the first female president of the Los Angeles Lakers. But the show’s unexpected breakout star wasn’t an actor: It was Sephora.“Nothing bad happens at Sephora,” Hudson’s character quips in episode two, setting off a plotline that sees the LVMH-owned beauty retailer become the team’s primary sponsor, following a persuasive pitch to a Sephora executive: a third of basketball viewers are women who, as Hudson’s character puts it, “want glassy skin and a tight eyebrow game.”For Sephora chief marketing officer Zena Arnold, the placement was a strategic move — and a preview of the brand’s deeper ambitions in sports. In January, the retailer announced it would be the title sponsor of Unrivaled, a new professional women’s basketball league. A few months later, it inked a deal with WNBA team the Valkyries, acquiring naming rights to the team’s 31,800-square-foot training facility, now known as the Sephora Performance Center.“It was just so serendipitous that [the show] came out just as the news of our real life sponsorships were coming out,” Arnold told The Business of Beauty. “People love to see brands that can engage in meaningful ways.” Sephora is part of a growing cohort of beauty brands abandoning once-off campaigns in favour of long-term partnerships with sports leagues and teams. While the 2024 Olympics saw a flurry of short-term beauty collaborations, the new playbook is about sustained cultural presence and aligning with the momentum behind women’s sports. Brands like Glossier, which has been the WNBA’s beauty partner since 2020, and Maybelline, which is the cosmetics partner of the New City Marathon, have taken note. Women’s sports are drawing unprecedented attention in the US. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship peaked at 24 million viewers in 2024. The WNBA, one of the fastest-growing brands in sports, attracted over 54 million regular season viewers last year — a 170 percent year-over-year increase. And it’s not just basketball: women’s soccer is booming too, with league-wide attendance hitting a record 2 million in 2024. Brands entering this space are often first movers, giving them an advantage in defining what beauty looks like in a sports context. Many are also leveraging the gender pay gap in professional sports – investing in women’s teams and leagues not only as a show of support, but as a long-term equity play. These long-term partnerships are also opening new pathways to engage male audiences, particularly in skincare and grooming.“Even though you may be first, it’s not enough to put a logo on a stand,” said Patrick O’Keefe, E.l.f Beauty’s vice president of integrated marketing. “It’s going deep into a community, and being a part of that community, and serving the underserved.”Playing to WinFor many beauty brands, participation isn’t enough; they want to own their sports. E.l.f. Cosmetics has made bold bets on emerging leagues with limited mainstream visibility, including the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which was founded in 2023, the Wonder Women of Wrestling Tournament, the largest high school girls wrestling competition in the United States. These aren’t legacy sports platforms with established global audiences — and that’s precisely the appeal. “Every one of these sports brings something unique and different,” said O’Keefe.E.l.f Cosmetics has cast a wide net. The brand is also a partner of the Indy 500 and the Billie Jean King Cup, and in March was named the official makeup and skincare partner of the National Women’s Soccer League, a tie-up that is expected to pay dividends as Americans turn their attention to the sport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But even for first movers, the stakes are high. Brands need to understand the culture of the fan base before entering the sector — and resist the urge to lead with their own agenda. “It’s not just about what the brand wants,” said Yasmin Dastmalchi, General Manager for the US at Nyx Cosmetics, which is the sponsor of Angel City FC. The most effective partnerships, she added, are those that honour the athlete or team’s journey, not just their image.For Nyx, that means embedding into the club’s culture with fan-first activations. The brand runs in-stadium and on-the-ground experiences, from product sampling to branded halftime segments and community events. On Saturday, the brand will lead the team’s coin toss — featuring a cameo by Mr. Gluey, its life-size face primer mascot.The brand also leans into city pride, a natural fit for a company headquartered in Los Angeles. “It’s about showing up in a way that feels native to the city,” Dastmalchi said.Nailing the Message These partnerships offer beauty brands an opportunity to step into purpose-driven narratives and, in doing so, connect with fans on conversations around equity, access and visibility. One of E.l.f. Cosmetics’ impact initiatives hopes to keep girls in sports longer — a critical issue as girls are twice as likely as boys to drop out of athletics around puberty, according to data from Women In Sports. For Sephora, the focus is on pay equity, aligning with the broader fight for fair compensation in women’s professional leagues. Mielle Organics, which is the textured hair care partner of the WNBA, has made representation its cornerstone — especially for Black women, who make up over 70 percent of players in the league but remain underrepresented in mainstream beauty marketing.The brand is also pushing boundaries with its retail activations, bringing its partnership with the WNBA to life off of the court. This month, Walmart stores across the US will feature an end cap in the Mielle section showcasing WNBA athletes, and the haircare label will also launch a league-sponsored internship programme in the business of basketball for students at historically Black colleges and universities. “While we have amazing women playing in the sport actively, the opportunities for them to continue their professional career in the sport is limited,” said Omar Goff, Mielle Organics’ president. “The internship programme will open up pathways for these students to get more opportunities beyond the court if they’re unable to actually make it on Draft day.”Beauty Mans UpSports tie-ups are as much about reaching male consumers as they are about supporting women’s leagues.That’s true for La Roche-Posay, the L’Oréal-owned dermatologic brand that has been the official sunscreen partner of the US Open since 2021, and has since added the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Mubadala Citi DC Open to its roster. Tennis, with its co-ed appeal and global reach, offers the label a unique opportunity to connect with male audiences in a context that feels relevant and non-intimidating.These efforts are supported by a growing lineup of male athlete ambassadors, including Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner, as well as free sunscreen giveaways at matches. So far, it’s working: sunscreen remains La Roche-Posay’s top-selling category among men.While the immediate focus is on sun protection, the long-term strategy is brand conversion — using sports as an entry point to introduce male consumers to skincare and build loyalty across additional categories. Doubling down on tennis and sun-care helps the brand build “cultural credibility,” said Rachelle Mladjenovic, General Manager at La Roche-Posay’s American division. “Anybody can be a sponsor, but to go to that depth takes time, relationship building and consistency in messaging.” Source link

[norajworld]

When Netflix’s comedy series “Running Point” premiered earlier this year, viewers tuned in for its star-studded cast — including Kate Hudson and Brenda Song — and its fictionalised take on the rise of Jeanie Buss, the first female president of the Los Angeles Lakers. But the show’s unexpected breakout star wasn’t an actor: It was Sephora.“Nothing bad happens at Sephora,” Hudson’s character quips in episode two, setting off a plotline that sees the LVMH-owned beauty retailer become the team’s primary sponsor, following a persuasive pitch to a Sephora executive: a third of basketball viewers are women who, as Hudson’s character puts it, “want glassy skin and a tight eyebrow game.”For Sephora chief marketing officer Zena Arnold, the placement was a strategic move — and a preview of the brand’s deeper ambitions in sports. In January, the retailer announced it would be the title sponsor of Unrivaled, a new professional women’s basketball league. A few months later, it inked a deal with WNBA team the Valkyries, acquiring naming rights to the team’s 31,800-square-foot training facility, now known as the Sephora Performance Center.“It was just so serendipitous that [the show] came out just as the news of our real life sponsorships were coming out,” Arnold told The Business of Beauty. “People love to see brands that can engage in meaningful ways.” Sephora is part of a growing cohort of beauty brands abandoning once-off campaigns in favour of long-term partnerships with sports leagues and teams. While the 2024 Olympics saw a flurry of short-term beauty collaborations, the new playbook is about sustained cultural presence and aligning with the momentum behind women’s sports. Brands like Glossier, which has been the WNBA’s beauty partner since 2020, and Maybelline, which is the cosmetics partner of the New City Marathon, have taken note. Women’s sports are drawing unprecedented attention in the US. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship peaked at 24 million viewers in 2024. The WNBA, one of the fastest-growing brands in sports, attracted over 54 million regular season viewers last year — a 170 percent year-over-year increase. And it’s not just basketball: women’s soccer is booming too, with league-wide attendance hitting a record 2 million in 2024. Brands entering this space are often first movers, giving them an advantage in defining what beauty looks like in a sports context. Many are also leveraging the gender pay gap in professional sports – investing in women’s teams and leagues not only as a show of support, but as a long-term equity play. These long-term partnerships are also opening new pathways to engage male audiences, particularly in skincare and grooming.“Even though you may be first, it’s not enough to put a logo on a stand,” said Patrick O’Keefe, E.l.f Beauty’s vice president of integrated marketing. “It’s going deep into a community, and being a part of that community, and serving the underserved.”Playing to WinFor many beauty brands, participation isn’t enough; they want to own their sports. E.l.f. Cosmetics has made bold bets on emerging leagues with limited mainstream visibility, including the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which was founded in 2023, the Wonder Women of Wrestling Tournament, the largest high school girls wrestling competition in the United States. These aren’t legacy sports platforms with established global audiences — and that’s precisely the appeal. “Every one of these sports brings something unique and different,” said O’Keefe.E.l.f Cosmetics has cast a wide net. The brand is also a partner of the Indy 500 and the Billie Jean King Cup, and in March was named the official makeup and skincare partner of the National Women’s Soccer League, a tie-up that is expected to pay dividends as Americans turn their attention to the sport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But even for first movers, the stakes are high. Brands need to understand the culture of the fan base before entering the sector — and resist the urge to lead with their own agenda. “It’s not just about what the brand wants,” said Yasmin Dastmalchi, General Manager for the US at Nyx Cosmetics, which is the sponsor of Angel City FC. The most effective partnerships, she added, are those that honour the athlete or team’s journey, not just their image.For Nyx, that means embedding into the club’s culture with fan-first activations. The brand runs in-stadium and on-the-ground experiences, from product sampling to branded halftime segments and community events. On Saturday, the brand will lead the team’s coin toss — featuring a cameo by Mr. Gluey, its life-size face primer mascot.The brand also leans into city pride, a natural fit for a company headquartered in Los Angeles. “It’s about showing up in a way that feels native to the city,” Dastmalchi said.Nailing the Message These partnerships offer beauty brands an opportunity to step into purpose-driven narratives and, in doing so, connect with fans on conversations around equity, access and visibility. One of E.l.f. Cosmetics’ impact initiatives hopes to keep girls in sports longer — a critical issue as girls are twice as likely as boys to drop out of athletics around puberty, according to data from Women In Sports. For Sephora, the focus is on pay equity, aligning with the broader fight for fair compensation in women’s professional leagues. Mielle Organics, which is the textured hair care partner of the WNBA, has made representation its cornerstone — especially for Black women, who make up over 70 percent of players in the league but remain underrepresented in mainstream beauty marketing.The brand is also pushing boundaries with its retail activations, bringing its partnership with the WNBA to life off of the court. This month, Walmart stores across the US will feature an end cap in the Mielle section showcasing WNBA athletes, and the haircare label will also launch a league-sponsored internship programme in the business of basketball for students at historically Black colleges and universities. “While we have amazing women playing in the sport actively, the opportunities for them to continue their professional career in the sport is limited,” said Omar Goff, Mielle Organics’ president. “The internship programme will open up pathways for these students to get more opportunities beyond the court if they’re unable to actually make it on Draft day.”Beauty Mans UpSports tie-ups are as much about reaching male consumers as they are about supporting women’s leagues.That’s true for La Roche-Posay, the L’Oréal-owned dermatologic brand that has been the official sunscreen partner of the US Open since 2021, and has since added the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Mubadala Citi DC Open to its roster. Tennis, with its co-ed appeal and global reach, offers the label a unique opportunity to connect with male audiences in a context that feels relevant and non-intimidating.These efforts are supported by a growing lineup of male athlete ambassadors, including Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner, as well as free sunscreen giveaways at matches. So far, it’s working: sunscreen remains La Roche-Posay’s top-selling category among men.While the immediate focus is on sun protection, the long-term strategy is brand conversion — using sports as an entry point to introduce male consumers to skincare and build loyalty across additional categories. Doubling down on tennis and sun-care helps the brand build “cultural credibility,” said Rachelle Mladjenovic, General Manager at La Roche-Posay’s American division. “Anybody can be a sponsor, but to go to that depth takes time, relationship building and consistency in messaging.” Source link