The UNLV soccer team launched a festive side slot machine during a weekend soccer match and it went viral. [Image: YouTube/Eddie Hoeweleryt]
Vegas and football unite
Week Zero in college football brought smiles from jubilant fans, spotlighted plays for dazzling athletes, and… slot machines.
That’s right, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) linebacker Austin Ajiaki only needed six minutes and 29 seconds to intercept the Idaho State quarterback, en route to a 52-21 win, which he then celebrated by scrambling to and tearing up a slot machine on the line. lateral.
Cheerful theatrical performances spread very quickly at any given moment and further demonstrated how penetrating gambling is for sports entertainment.
UNLV steals the show
UNLV debuted in the slot machine in 2021 against Utah and caught the attention of many. However, last weekend’s episode attracted more attention due to its sparse match schedule. Many of the big teams don’t fit in until next weekend, leaving room for lesser-known shows like UNLV to make headlines.
The Rebels have struggled to make any significant progress on their own, having only recorded losing seasons since 2013. They have also managed only two winning seasons since 1995.
It stuck to its Las Vegas roots and made a great scene
What the UNLV may lack in the final product, however, it more than makes up for in their side strut. Spinning slot machine stuck with its Las Vegas roots and made a great spectacle for all fans.
The use of props as part of ceremonies is not new to the NCAA. The University of Miami Hurricanes only recently retired their “spin series,” a massive piece of gold-necked apparel that was awarded to any player who managed to steal an extra possession due to their attack. In 2018, the Boise State Broncos introduced their “spin throne,” which similarly memorializes defensive players who forced an opponent to cough up pigskin.
None of the pioneers, though, dared vaccinate college football and gamble the way UNLV did — and despite the great showmanship, the NCAA could face serious disaster.
Slot machines will be banned next to?
Current NCAA rules prohibit student athletes from gambling in any way. NCAA Regulation 10.3 Sports gambling is specifically prohibited, which is a rapidly growing sector within the betting community.
On top of that, the college’s athletics governing body was mixing it up – much to the disappointment of fans – with the teams. Earlier this year, the Virginia Tech “Hammerin” Hokies baseball team had to ditch their trademark swing with a sledgehammer in front of their bunker after every home run their team hits.
NCAA baseball secretary Randy Bronze defended the decision by saying that “no organized activities by tested personnel intended to distract, intimidate, or confuse the opposing team or reflect poor sportsmanship are permitted.”
So while slot machines may not be intimidating or unsettling to the majority of people, they can certainly be categorized as “distracting,” thus leaving the NCAA another situation to watch.
Furthermore, the overall response has not been entirely positive. Some fans have questioned why UNLV is irresponsibly promoting gambling to a broad audience, and others have questioned why young people have made gambling the face of gambling.
Sports gambling is still illegal or disabled in nearly a third of all states, increasing the risks even more.
The basketball team that was popularized by UNLV recently joined their football team as irrelevant, so tricks like a slot machine are crucial to the school’s marketing. It remains to be seen whether or not any serious, long-term decisions will be made.
The Rebels continue their impressive campaign on September 10th with a confrontation with the California Golden Bears.
