A Look at Red Deer’s Queens and Kings Basketball

Article submitted by Muhammad Nouman, photos from RDP Athletics

US college basketball often gets all the limelight, but Canadian basketball is seriously pulling off amazing feats in the sport. Situated in Red Deer, Alberta is Red Deer Polytechnic, a university that takes its sports and athletics seriously.
The school was founded in 1964 as Red Deer College but changed its name in 2021 to Red Deer Polytechnic. On the academic side, they offer apprenticeships, certificates, degrees, and micro-credentials. All this is impressive, but we are more interested in their sport.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in Red Deer basketball at the moment.

A closer look at the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings

The Red Deer Kings and Queens just recently finished their season. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Kings after losing 87-81 to the Ambrose Lions and then beating them 95-78 the following day. Talk about nail-biting. During the first game, the Kings were looking good in the first half, but the Ambrose University Lions showed amazing offensive skill in the second half.

Coming out on top is Tyronn King with 23 points in the first Red Deer-Lions game and 13 points in the following game. On top of this, Tyronn King added eight of his team’s 43 rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Other players to notice are Kevin Szymanek, who recorded a double-double – 10 points and 12 boards, and Eduardo Crespo who totaled 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals, and a block.

Big changes for the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings

Speaking of Kings player’s rosters and who to look out for, Eduardo Crespo deserves some extra attention. Tyronn King, the Red Deer’s favorite is playing out his final season at the moment and the King’s head coach, Darren Graham has been scoping out a potential new leader for the team. At this point, Eduardo Crespo seems to be the most obvious choice. Eduardo Crespo is a 6 foot 4 international player who feels most comfortable playing in the “point guard” position. He recently moved over to Red Deer Polytechnic with high hopes of completing his degree as well as pouring energy into the King’s team, this means that he will be an asset to the team for another 4 to 5 seasons.

Crespo’s arrival at Red Deer has been a huge win for the Kings. He has international playing experience from his time in Spain and Italy and although he prefers “point guard”, is an incredibly talented well-rounded player. If you look at his stats, he is 2nd to Tyronn King with an average of 13.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 27.6 minutes per game. On top of that, Crespo has doubled his figures in the last 5 games.

A closer look at the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens

It’s been a celebration as this is the first season that the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Basketball team has returned to the playoffs since the 2009/2010 season. Scoring well in their final, regular-season home game against the Lions, the Queen team locked in the fifth spot in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) South Division standings.

Current Interim Head Coach, Ed Major, has high hopes for the game to follow the Queens-Lions match when they go up against Medicine Hat. The previous game against Medicine Hat was held in November and Amy Szymanek was a player that stood out with a double-double, 26 points, and 11 rebounds. Another player who deserves a hat tip is Sophie Melin who scored an additional 15 points.

The Queens had a similar fate to the Kings with the Ambrose Lions, losing in the first game against the Lions (69-62) and coming out on top in the second game, scoring 83 points while the Lions only scored 74. Lauren France stood out in the second game, scoring a total of 25 points and going seven-for-17 from the three-point range.

Big changes for the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens

Much like the Kings, the Queens have been experiencing some major shifts and changes of their own. The most notable of these changes is the first mid-season coaching change in over 50 years. Mandy Botham, the team’s previous coach, resigned unexpectedly during the Christmas break and those in command had to scramble to find a replacement.

Luckily, Ed Major was up to the challenge and jumped at the opportunity. Major has ample experience with Alberta college basketball and had been keeping an eye on the Queens for some time. Prior to 2022, Major had been coaching for Notre Dame. He is confident that he can lead the Queens from their current 3-3 to a potential 5-1.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens have proven to be much more efficient from the free-throw line (65.6 to 58.9%) and in the three-point range (31.2 to 27%). The team plans to tackle their opponents “guns a blazing,” says Ed Major, they intend to give it their all.

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Published on February 21, 2025

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The limited nature of sports betting opportunities in Alberta makes it difficult to judge just how successful a full launch will be, with only single-game sports betting allowed since Bill C-218 was passed in 2021.

However, projected legislative changes that look set to take place in 2025 should provide the regulatory framework required for a more comprehensive betting market, with a focus on online operations.

To get a better idea of betting in Alberta, we asked Lewis Mitchell who explained that offshore betting sites have been able to cater to the needs of consumers. The convenience offered by online sports betting is something that the retail industry can’t compete with, and the wide range of betting markets, enticing bonuses, and selection of payment methods make it a popular option.

At present, the only online sports betting operator licensed to run in Alberta is PlayAlberta, a government-run operator that is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

The new regulatory framework was set to be implemented at the end of 2024, but the project was delayed. The popularity of Ontario’s online sports betting market, which has seen significant growth, has encouraged other provinces to look at ways they can enjoy the revenue it would create and the improved protections they could offer their citizens.

Albertans have Canada’s highest spending on gaming per capita, and this statistic has led experts to believe that it would welcome a more open online sports betting industry.

The province is home to one of Canada’s youngest adult populations, and a legal betting age of 18 would be conducive to a successful online sports betting market. Another benefit for the 4.9 million inhabitants of Alberta is that Canadians don’t pay tax on winnings.

The wide selection of pro-sports teams in Alberta would also help with a launch, with the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Wranglers, Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Roughnecks, and Calvary FC just some of the options for local sports fans to get behind.

Alberta is in pole position to become the second province to allow commercial online betting operations and will benefit from insights available from Ontario, helping to avoid potential pitfalls. The industry would provide a welcome boost to provincial finances via tax revenue and improved employment.

The opportunity to allow other sports book operations will alert existing live-betting operations including Enoch’s River Cree Resort and Casino and Eagle River Resort, as well as the Stony Nakoda Resort and Casino in Morley, Starlight Casino in Edmonton, Calgary’s The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, and the Casino Lethbridge.

The province will likely follow the lead of other regions that allow online betting markets by implementing application and license fees, with license fees requiring annual updates.

The limited nature of the existing sports betting market in Alberta leaves significant room for growth. The wide variety of sports and betting markets available for locals to explore will provide great competition for potential new betting apps.

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From coins to wagers: The expanding crypto gambling market

Published on February 14, 2025

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The world of gambling is changing fast with the rise of crypto. More people are turning to it as their preference for online betting as it is safe and offers new options. You can now use digital coins like BTC to place bets in a whole new market.

Many online casinos are beginning to accept crypto, making it easier for players to join in. With an increasing number of people interested in digital money, the crypto market is expanding rapidly. Learn more about crypto gambling here.

Benefits of crypto gambling

Crypto gambling offers many benefits that make it appealing to players. With the use of digital currencies, Bitcoin gambling is faster, safer, and more private.

The following benefits can help you see why using crypto in a casino is popular:

Transparency

One of the best things about crypto gambling is transparency. Blockchain technology records every game and transaction, making it easy to see what happened. This gives you peace of mind that the games are fair and the outcomes are legitimate.

Anonymity

You don’t need to share personal data when using crypto, which means you can enjoy games without worrying about your privacy being exposed.

Faster transactions

Speed is a major advantage of using crypto for gambling, as transactions happen quickly. You can deposit and withdraw your money almost instantly, rather than waiting days for banks to process payments.

International access

Crypto gambling allows players worldwide the world to join in. Traditional gambling sites may limit access based on location, and while crypto also has that, it is often accessible. This opens up chances for everyone, no matter where they are.

Lower fees

Using crypto often means lower fees for players. Traditional banking methods can charge high fees for transactions, but crypto usually has much smaller costs. This means more money can stay with the player, leading to bigger winnings.

Rise of crypto casinos: The new era

Many players are excited about using crypto to bet and play games. This shift marks the start of a new era in online gambling.

Increased interest

There has been a notable increase in interest in Bitcoin casinos. More people are searching for places to gamble using Bitcoin than ever before, showing that more players are curious about using digital currencies for betting.

Market growth

The global online gambling market is expected to grow rapidly. Experts predict that more players will choose crypto casinos, leading to larger markets. With the rising use of crypto, the future of online gambling looks bright.

Rising betting activity

The percentage of gambling done through crypto is on the rise, which means more players are getting involved. This trend shows that crypto gambling is becoming a preferred choice for many.

Demographics

Players interested in crypto casinos tend to be young and tech-savvy, between the ages of 18 and 34. This age group is familiar with technology and enjoys exploring new forms of gambling, making crypto casinos an exciting option.

Trends to watch

The future of crypto casinos seems promising as new digital assets may emerge, giving more options for players. Innovations in payment systems and game offerings are expected to grow as more users enter the market. Keeping an eye on these trends can help players stay ahead in the ever-evolving online gambling world.

Challenges facing crypto gambling

While crypto gambling offers many benefits, it also faces some challenges. Here are two major concerns about why it is not easy to operate a casino:

Regulatory uncertainty

Countries have diverse laws about crypto, which can confuse some players. This can make it hard for online casinos to follow the rules and for players to know what is allowed in their region.

Volatility

Their values can change quickly and suddenly, which can create financial uncertainty for players, making it hard to decide how much to spend or bet.

Security risks

Although crypto casinos boast good security, some risks still exist as hackers may try to steal digital currencies or personal data. This may make you hesitant to fully trust these online platforms, even with strong security measures in place.

Factors driving crypto casino growth: Engines of evolution

Several key factors are helping the growth of crypto casinos. These factors make online gambling with crypto more appealing to players. Knowing these reasons can explain why more people still choose crypto casinos.

Security

Security is a major factor that helps crypto casinos grow. Blockchain protects transactions by securely recording them, so trust your money and data to be safe. With strong security measures, you feel more at ease placing your bets.

Enhanced privacy

Enhanced privacy is another vital reason for the rise of crypto casinos. You do not need to share a lot of personal details when using crypto, allowing you to enjoy gambling without worrying about your identity being exposed. Keeping personal data private makes the experience feel safer and more fun.

Global usage

Global usage is key to the success of crypto casinos. Crypto can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world, making it accessible. Players from various countries can easily join in, making the market much larger and more diverse. This worldwide access means more people can connect and play together.

Saving with speed

Transactions happen quickly with crypto, which makes them popular. Deposits and withdrawals can take only a few minutes compared to traditional banking methods which can take days. This speed allows you to enjoy your winnings right away. Quick transactions make it easier for players to keep the fun going without long waits.

Innovative gaming options

Crypto casinos are bringing fun and new ideas to online games as many operators are creating unique games that use the special features of blockchain technology. For example, some games allow you to earn tokens that can be traded or used in various ways.

Others might offer exciting themes or new ways to win, making each game feel fresh and different. This variety keeps you interested and makes crypto casinos a more exciting choice for gambling.

Social engagement

Crypto casinos often focus on building a strong community. Many platforms feature chat rooms and forums for players to interact, share tips, and enjoy a social gaming experience. This sense of community adds to the thrill and keeps you coming back for more.

A bright horizon for crypto gambling

The future of crypto gambling looks bright as more players are starting to use crypto like Bitcoin for their bets, helping the market grow. Online casinos are offering more games and better rewards for those who use digital money. With new technology and more interest from players, crypto gambling is becoming a big part of online gaming.

You can expect a safer and more fun gambling experience as the benefits of Bitcoin gambling include faster transactions and better privacy. As more people learn about these good things, crypto casinos will likely become more popular, showing there is a bright future for crypto gambling.