I have been watching a lot of free Jai-Ali on YouTube and also the Jai-Ali Network. I would never bet on it but it is fun to watch.
At first I thought it was a pretty simplistic game and on the surface it is. But then I found that there are lots of nuances, tactics, positioning and skill. Every point plays out differently and even a poor player can beat a superior player sometimes.
The game that I watch is on a slightly shorter court with a shorter ceiling as well. They use a rubber ball instead of a plastic one. This all adds up to a very fast game.
Here are the links in case anyone is interested:
At the highest skill levels, it almost becomes an art-form, like some other sports.
I used to bet on Jai-Alai in my twenties, before casinos became a viable option. It’s super fun to go in person but definitely has the stink of degeneracy to it.
Seems like a sucker’s bet to me but then, that is how I see most gambling. I guess if you are just betting for fun and can afford to lose, then it does not matter.
Anyway, it is too bad that it has lost popularity because it is an exciting game. Maybe it will bounce back some day.
I lived in South Florida during high school and definitely remember jai-alai in the paper and ads for it on TV. Even before Florida had a lottery, they had horse racing, greyhound racing and jai-alai.
Interesting that I don’t remember seeing it at the sports books in Las Vegas but I also wasn’t seeking it out.