The 2016 Summer Olympics officially kickoff this evening in Rio de Janeiro, even though the athletes, fans, and media are ready for the competitions, it isn’t quite so clear that the city itself is.

Opening ceremonies begin at 8 pm local time in Rio.

The city that is brazilian one hour ahead associated with the United States’ coveted Eastern time area. NBC will wait its protection by an hour to air the event at 8 pm ET alternatively of 7 pm, much to your dismay of several fans.

More than 11,000 athletes will compete in 39 sport disciplines now through the closing ceremonies on August 21. But after years of planning and preparation, or lack thereof on the component of Rio, plenty of serious issues linger as the world’s sporting tournament that is greatest starts.

Uh-Oh de Janeiro

The controversy surrounding the 2016 Summer Olympics will probably have a impact that is lasting the games. Brazil is the first South country that is american play host to an Olympics, as well as its severe shortcomings in adequately preparing Rio is expected to push Olympic organizers back to keeping the occasion in more stable regions of the world.

Africa is currently the continent that is only never host an Olympics. That most likely won’t alter anytime soon.

While Rio’s mishandling will have long-term consequences, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and countries across the globe are more worried about the next 16 days in Rio.

• Zika: The most severe problem in Rio is physically the littlest. Mosquitos infected with Zika, a virus that may cause severe birth defects, remains rampant.
• Water: Sewage-infested waters surrounding the city contain high levels of germs. Open-water swimmers have been told to not submerge their heads while competing.
• Crime: Rio is definitely an impoverished city where some locals have actually nothing to readily lose. And with a law that is local agency that pales compared to first-world countries, crime is of utmost concern. a 22-year-old moroccan boxer was arrested just this morning after attempting to rape two maids.
• Terrorism: The united states of america has over 1,000 spies in Rio monitoring terror threats and doing every thing they can to keep Team USA safe. Army forces may also be on standby.
• Housing: Several countries have actually deemed the athletes’ village uninhabitable. Team USA basketball countered by renting a cruise that is luxurious effective at accommodating 296 guests for their stay in Rio.

Let the Betting Begin

In Nevada and Las Vegas, the sportsbooks get it right more often it wrong than they get. Oddsmakers in las vegas are experts at setting lines on sports they know inside and out, but this year’s Olympics presents a series of challenges for the bookies, and possibly a number of preferred odds for gamblers.

For the time that is first the 2000 Olympics, Nevada sportsbooks are selling odds on the games. The Nevada Gaming Commission opted to add certain amateur contests in February of 2015.

While every book in the Silver State knows football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey, many aren’t quite as familiar with gymnastics, curling, speed walking, javelin, and other Olympic disciplines.

If you’ve been a follower that is devout of slalom or handball and think you realize more than Vegas, now might end up being the time and energy to place a wager.

For all of those other country outside of Nevada edges, daily fantasy activities operators are offering a smattering of contests.