Slot games have been used for many years. Today in every casino you can easily find a slot game machine. Due to advancements in technology now one can also play it online. Now you dont need to stand in line and wait for your turn to get a chance of playing in the slot machine. In online slot games, you have to just point your mouse for playing. It is easier than traditional slot games you will find more fun and excitement on slotxo slot games.

There are more payback percentage is present in online slot games as compared to local slot machines that are present in casinos. They also provide the facility of free trial that helps you to know more about these games. Apart from any casino slot machines, they offer more variety of games with great quality of graphics. Traditional slot machines cannot beat online slot games in any aspect.

What do you mean by online gambling?

Due to the extensive use of internet online gambling has become common nowadays. Earlier everyone could not afford to gamble as it includes a huge amount of money. In a very short time, online gambling has become the most played game on the internet this is because of various advantages offered by the various websites. The main benefit of online gambling is one can play it from home. People are getting afraid of going to the casinos as it involves various complications.

Today online gambling world contains a wide variety of products such as online poker, online sports gambling machines, online slot games, etc. One can use any of them to enter in the online gambling world. Several websites are offering great rewards for freshers so that they could attract more people towards it. Today traditional gambling is the matter of past time and no one likes to play on it as it includes various complications like the search for a good casino, proper dressing code to enter in the casino, fear of losing more money, etc. In online gambling, you can avoid these complications by just sitting on your computer to start gambling.

Difference between traditional slot games and online slot games

The overall concept of traditional and online slot games is same but it also includes various difference like in traditional slot machines basic criteria for all the games is same but apart from this in online slots different concept is used in every game. Generally, it is easy to play in online slot games s compared to traditional as various instructions are displayed before you start do playing on it. Some basic difference is as follows

Technology and graphics

It is the main difference present between the online slots and land-based slots. Online slot games are far better than the traditional ones in terms of graphics and technology. The online slot offers very effective and sharp graphics in the game that helps in creating more excitement and thrill in the game. Visuals used in online slots give the exceptional experience of live games.

Variety of slot games

Traditional slots offer a limited range of variety in the games. Apart from this in an online slot, one can enjoy a wide variety of slot games. Various attractive themes are used in a different type of games.

Mode of money transactions

It is an important difference between land-based and online slot games. If one decides to play on the traditional machine than he/she has to carry money and have to convert money in the form of coins so that it can be acceptable by slot machines. It includes various risks like stealing money. On the other side in the online slot, you dont need to acquire any risk as they provide the various safe modes for the transaction of money. One can use debit cards, credit cards, online banking, other digital wallets, etc. for deposition of money.

There are no additional charges are present on online transactions. Online slot machines offer real money that is you can withdraw money at the time winning. Unlike land-based slots, there is no need to convert the money in chips for playing.

Speed in online slots

In gambling generally, the speed of slot machines is depended on the basic structure of the machines. The online slot offers a high speed of gaming and it also takes less time in various transactions. Speed in online slot games mainly dependent on the speed of the internet that you are using. Usually in traditional slot machines functioning of various games takes more time than online as they use the basic and old version of the software.

Availability of slot

Generally, in casinos, one has to wait long for the turn as limited slot machines are present in the casinos but online you dont need to spend your time waiting and you can play at any time. In most of the websites like slotxo, you can find an empty slot in less time.

There is no limit present on any slot in online slot games. Every slot has a different value according to your ability you can choose a suitable slot for you.

Several advantages of slotxo slot games

This website offers a wide variety of slot games with high-quality graphics and more payout. Here you can enjoy beautiful themes of various games that will make you more excited about the games.

If you are looking for online slot games for gambling than this website would be best for you. You can do start with free trial offered by slotxo in this you dont need to invest in the beginning for playing the games. Other than other websites it offers more payout percentages on invested money.

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Everything you should need to know about online gambling and slotxo slot games - Techstory

The authorities have stepped up their game on the illegal gambling front after they received news that some of their law enforcement officers were receiving bribes and protecting gambling dens around Sungai Buloh.

Though, that hasnt slowed down the momentum theyve been going at since the beginning of 2020 to eradicate illegal gambling from our shores.

As according to Bernama, from January to July 2020 alone, the Royal Malaysia Police PDRM have arrested 5,590 individuals involved in illegal gambling, confiscated 9,817 electronic devices and cash estimated at RM1.04 million.

Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Huzir Mohamed shared that these arrests and seizures were done through 3,015 raids nationwide.

A total of 61 gambling syndicates have been crippled so far this year compared to only 32 last year. Police also took action against 372 individuals under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) last year, while a total of 185 individuals have been detained under the same Act this year, he said.

He added that they will also increase efforts to cut out such activities by shutting off the electricity supply to these premises.

Last years, 461 premises had their electricity supply cut off, with 518 premises involved this year as of July, in line with the provisions under Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

Another method theyre using is by working with local authorities to revoke business licenses of premises conducting illegal gambling activities.

Last year, a total of two business licenses were revoked by local authorities while this year, four licenses have been revoked, he continued.

Illegal gambling premise owners should beware, for PDRM is coming to shut them down.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Also read: Four Arrested For Installing Jalur Gemilang & Johor State Flag Upside Down

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Originally posted here:

PDRM Has Arrested 5590 People Involved In Illegal Gambling Activities So Far This Year Alone - WORLD OF BUZZ

Its a tumultuous time in major college and professional sports, perhaps more confusing than the cross-continental suspension of play back in March. NCAA footballs season is on the brink and may eventually be postponed until spring. Major League Baseball is postponing contests as needed to try to get through a 60-game campaign. NHL skaters may get tired of playing ice hockey due to the leagues unwise plans to cram 2 seasons into 10-11 months. The NBA is awash in politics and controversy.

Soccer, meanwhile, keeps soldiering ahead without too many pitfalls. Premier League footballers are taking a well-earned break in August after seeing the remainder of the EPL slate and the FA Cup to its conclusion, though the 3 teams with ongoing UEFA schedules must continue to train and play through the offseason. CONCACAF is off to a flying (re)start with Mexican club matches in action and Major League Soccers MLS is Back tournament, which rewards its victor with a Champions League bid.

CONCACAF Champions League play would be a new experience for Orlando City Soccer Club, the upstart of Tuesday nights MLS is Back Final. Orlando SC has only been around for 5 years and has never posted a winning season, coming closest when a 2017 lineup led by Canadian forward Cyle Larin won 9 times and lost 11. FC Cincinnati may have been a popular Cinderella pick during the MLS is Back round robin, but Orlando SC has arrived at the dance and could take a significant step in the clubs history.

Portland could also use a lifeline to the international scene. The Timbers havent rolled into the CL since losing to Deportivo Saprissa in the 2016-17 Group Stage. Portland managed to reach the MLS Cup Final in 2018 despite losing 10 domestic league fixtures, but lost in the 1st round last year. 2015s title remains the only time the Timbers have won a competition outright.

Not to diminish the bright side. Portlands finalists are not only out-competing Oregons lone NBA franchise, but could further show-up the Rose City cagers by beating Orlando SC in Orlando while the Trail Blazers keep on losingin Orlando.

With so much riding on a single MLS meeting, lets compare odds from betting sites around the web and handicap the best bets in each main market along with maybe a proposition or 2.

MyBookie has the clubs handicapped about evenly, at (+160) for the Timbers and (+147) for Orlandos Lions to prevail without penalties. The sportsbooks Draw line of (+244) may be a little generous to betting clients considering how many coaches have employed conservative, cautious tactics in the course of the tournament.

Remember, a match doesnt need to finish 0-0 to pay off the Draw market, or even 1-1 or 2-2 for that matter. All it takes is a deadlock and a manager willing to settle for tiebreakers.

Portland got a taste of extra time in the Round of 16 against an emotional FC Cincinnati. Orange and Blue didnt possess the football as often as the Timbers, of course, and didnt pass it as well as Portland didof course. The Timbers finished with 10 corner kick attempts to 0 for the underdogs. But new striker Jarosaw Niezgodas goal early in the 2nd half didnt hold Cincinnati down for long, and the Portlanders had to survive a penalty round 4-2 to advance in the bracket.

In the quarterfinals, it was Orlandos turn, as LAFC scored to take a 1-0 lead in a foul-filled contest before Lions left-back Joo Moutinho scored to draw level at 90:00. This time the penalty round was more than just anxious it was a strikers dream and a supporters heart attack.

FanDuels line on a draw is (+240), but Bovadas (+250) presents the best alternative.

Portland (+160) is the better of the team-to-win moneyline bets. All things equal, the clubs experience in big playoff games could tell Tuesdays psychological tale. Orlando did reach the U.S. Open Cup semifinals in 2019.

Here come the Asian Handicaps! After so many years predicting sports against betting lines Im still stumped for how exactly to understand or explain Asian Handicaps, which involve calculations Thomas Edison would dismiss as too intricate.

In layman terms an Asian Handicapped goal total sets the O/U between a halved number and a whole number, for instance 2, 2.5. If your prediction is basically correct on the close side, but not decisively, say a 2-goal outcome on the Under (2, 2.5) then the winning payoff will only be a % of what the odds promise. MyBookie likes to use 3/4 and 1/4 fractions to represent shifting lines which are pushing or dropping from whole-number handicaps. But an odds-manager from MyBookie tells me that theyre never intended or calculated as actual Asian lines.

My short advice on Asian Handicaps is not to wager on them its just another complication intended to help the bookmaker survive without losses. But for those interested in such things, Bovadas Asian Handicap of the goal total for Portland vs Orlando City is (2.5, 3). FanDuel, however, it offering its usual choice of odds on (1.5), (2.5), and (3.5) O/U lines.

Under (2.5) is a (+118) payoff at FanDuel Sportsbook. Thats a mild surprise, as the Timbers and Lions have been keeping large numbers of shot attempts safely wide or high of keepers Steve Clark and Pedro Gallese respectively. Minnesota attempted 17 shots in Thursdays semifinal vs Orlando, but Gallese only needed to make 3 saves. Clark made 8 saves in Portlands 2-1 semifinal win over the Philadelphia Union, but LAFC and New York City Football Club whiffed on a combined 23 shot attempts vs the Timbers in the previous 2 knockout rounds. Opponents are penetrating Portlands 4-2-3-1 formation but not finishing the chore.

Can the Lions do better? Orlando Citys attack revolves around Nani, the 33-year-old Portuguese winger with 3 goals and 3 assists in the MLS is Back tournament. Nani scored 25 goals for Manchester United as a 20-something and has scored 20+ times for the Portugal National Team, though hes more of a traditional winger than a striker, cutting into the box after dribbling into space, and setting-up teammates for quality shots as often as he himself takes them. Nanis fellow countryman Moutinho could turn out to be as handy on long-range shots and crosses from the back line as the clubs star winger up front, but the latter has an obvious temper issue on the pitch, and has been handed 4 yellow cards in a short span of matches. Orlando Citys midfield is not world-class.

Portlands front lines seem a little more dynamic, or at least more of an ensemble cast. Diego Valeri, a player who gave up a minor role in La Liga for a long-term contract in the USA, has scored 3 times since Major League Soccer returned. Jeremy Ebobisse of the Stars & Stripes has matched Valeris goal total so far, but is also developing as a passer after years of creating few chances and collecting almost no assists. Sebastin Blanco is a versatile veteran with quickness and set-up skills.

Neither teams back-4 is objectively capable of posting clean sheets against those kind of attackers without good fortune. However, gambling action may have so-far overlooked the impetus of each club to keep a tight watch without the ball.

Portland does not want to fall behind Orlando and hand the Lions an easy game plan, protecting the box and throwing long-balls to Nani on the flank. Orlando City really doesnt want to fall behind Portland, which would give the side with some semblance of championship credentials an opportunity to put that experience to work. MLS is Back has been a physical, grueling tournament, and if working with a 1-0 or 2-0 lead, either clubs midfield will be glad to sacrifice a few free kicks-against for hard tackles. The threat of what happens after the 1st opposing goal is scored will keep managers Savarese and Pareja from ordering forward numbers.

For those reasons, and because MLS strikers are struggling to keep their shots in the troposphere, FanDuels Under (2.5) has at least a coin-flip chance of paying off and potentially better. At 1.2-to-1 odds, the pick is obvious.

Pick: Under

Now for a few quick-takes on promised prop odds, courtesy of Bovada.

Correct Score: Portland 1, Orlando City 0 (+900)

9-to-1 = pretty good odds for a result that has about a 1-in-5 chance of happening.

(Method of 1st Goal)Open Play Shot Inside The Box (-143)Open Play Shot Outside The Box (+600)Own Goal (+1800)Header (+400)Direct From Free Kick (+2200)Penalty (+1000)

Its crazy that Open Play Shot Inside The Box is getting so much action when A) fixtures have been so foul-filled, B) penalties in the 1st 90:00+ has been a significant chunk of the tournaments scoring, and C) so many MLS players are taking long shots. Penalty and Open Play Shot Outside The Box are each superior wagers in the prop market.

(Goals Scored)Exactly 0 +1200Exactly 1 +475Exactly 2 +300Exactly 3 +320Exactly 4 +450Exactly 5 +800

A successful small bet on Exactly 3 refunds the O/U wager in case U (2.5) loses by 1/2 of a goal. Or, go ahead and double-up on our prediction (address at bottom of page for hate-mail later) by picking 1 goal or 2 goals at similar payoff odds.

Kurt has authored close to 1000 stories covering football, soccer, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, prize-fighting and the Olympic Games. Kurt posted a 61% win rate on 200+ college and NFL gridiron picks last season. He muses about High School football on social media as The Gridiron Geek.

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MLS is Back Final: Gambling Odds and Predictions for Portland vs Orlando City - WagerBop

BUFFALO, N.Y. New research from a University at Buffalo sociologist is providing valuable insight into better understanding the association between criminal behaviors and problem gambling.

Were finding that its not so much that problem gambling causes crime, but rather that the same background characteristics that contribute to predicting the likelihood of someone being a problem gambler also predict that theyll engage in crime, says Christopher Dennison, an assistant professor of sociology in UBs College of Arts and Sciences.

Accounting for existing differences between problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers weakens the widely held assumption that points to a strong causal relationship that gambling disorders can lead to criminal outcomes.

In the case of problem gambling which is indicated by traits including a preoccupation with gambling; an inability to scale back; or when gambling becomes a vehicle for escaping negative emotional states, like depression its a matter of general deviance, according to Dennison.

Its not that one causes the other, but rather that the two are co-symptomatic.

Socioeconomic status, prior substance use, and involvement with delinquent peers early in life are part of a set of variables associated with both criminal behavior and problem gambling.

Dennison categorizes these variables collectively in his research as confounding bias.

On the surface, problem gambling might be observed as a direct x-to-y relationship, but confounding bias is saying there might be another variable, z for instance, notes Dennison, who conducted the research with co-authors Jessica Finkeldey, an assistant professor at the State University of New York at Fredonia, and Gregory Rocheleau, an assistant professor at Ball State University.

Something in between that x-to-y pathway might explain gambling and might also explain crime, he says. If you ignore those variables if you ignore confounding bias you might overestimate the relationship.

The findings, which appear in the Journal of Gambling Studies, could lead to the development of new treatments that account for how these background characteristics influence behavior. Addressing these issues early in the life course can be beneficial for decreasing the likelihood of both problem gambling and crime later in life.

From a co-symptomatic perspective, we can provide interventions that address both behaviors at the same time rather than pursuing separate treatments, one for gambling and another for crime, Dennison says.

Dennisons team is not the first research group to look at this association, but unlike previous studies that relied on small, non-random, and cross-sectional samples that provide a snap shot view, the current paper is based on the Add Health data set. The nationally representative study interviewed more than 21,000 adolescents in the early 1990s, and subsequently re-interviewed them between the ages of 18-26 and 26-34.

In addition to relying on a rich data set for their research, Dennison and his co-authors wanted to statistically balance differences in background characteristics between problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers in hopes to simulate a gold standard experiment.

The social sciences present research challenges that make it difficult to isolate a control group. Medical sciences, for instance, can provide a treatment to one group, a placebo to a control group, and look at the outcome. But in the case of the current research, its not possible to simply compare problem gamblers with non-problem gamblers, because of the differences in background characteristics.

We created two groups that were statistically equal problem gamblers who look like non-problem gamblers in the data, says Dennison. This helped us shed light on the question of general deviance by examining the relationship between problem gambling and crime net of pre-existing differences.

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Problem gambling and crime appear co-symptomatic, not causal - UB News Center

O

ver the last six months, this already dynamic industry has continued to grow and evolve. As a result, more intrepid entrepreneurs are on the lookout for licensing opportunities to realise their vision.

A growing number of jurisdictions are offering up licenses for online gambling operators, but of course, not all are created equally. Cost, fees, application processing time, terms, limitations, and ongoing maintenance are all factors that need to be considered before a decision is made. After all, making the wrong decision can be detrimental both financially and in terms of your success.

Based on over two decades of experience in iGaming, Fast Offshore brings you the three best (in our opinion) jurisdictions to acquire an online gambling license. Within these licenses, there is something to suit every budget and requirement.

Curacao

The Island of Curacao is located in the Caribbean Sea and it has been home to a successful financial services hub for around 200 years. Then in 1996, the authorities issued the very first online gambling license. Since then, Curacao has become a go-to place for startups and entrepreneurs looking for licensing for their online platforms.

The Curacao online gambling license is particularly beneficial for these kinds of enterprises as the cost of the license is more efficient than in other jurisdictions. Additionally, requirements and obligations are less complex and more streamlined. This means the issuance time of the license is significantly lower than others, making it an obvious choice for those that want to get up and running quickly.

But by far the best benefit of the Curacao license is the 0% rate tax and no requirements for additional gaming taxes or similar. This key plus-point is still in line with EU rules on tax compliance and fiscal practices.

Kahnawake

A First Nations Reserve in Canada, the Kahnawake territory has been offering online gambling licenses to operators that meet its requirements for around 20 years. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission which oversees the applications and supervision of licensees has created a framework that is flexible and amenable to small to medium enterprises.

While the license is a little more costly than Curacaos, it is still cost-efficient and relatively straight forward. There is also zero gaming tax or income tax to be paid on revenue generated outside of the Territory- a great bonus for those on a budget or looking to minimize start-up costs. Furthermore, Kahnawake has a solid reputation and enforces comprehensive compliance, fair, and responsible gaming guidelines.

Malta

The fully-fledged EU Member State has been issuing licenses since the year 2000. It has now cemented its place as one of the worlds most respected online gambling licensing jurisdictions. It is home to some of the biggest international gaming operators as well as ancillary service providers including affiliates, software developers, and game developers.

Last year, the MGA made some changes to iGaming legislation that streamlined the licensing process and restructured the fees. Instead of having to apply for a different license depending on the types of games you offer, now, applicants choose between a B2C or B2B license. The process is still stringent and costly- after all such a prestigious license comes at a price.

License holders can enjoy fiscal benefits including a full imputation system on dividends paid to shareholders. They also benefit from operating in and from an EU member state.

The last word

Picking a jurisdiction to start your online gambling or casino business is a difficult process. Not only do you need to consider the licensing process but you should consider the process of company incorporation, tax, banking and other matters as well. Some jurisdictions also have restrictions on where you can offer your services when you are up and running.

Different licensing authorities also have different standards of compliance, policies, responsible gaming, and other operational matters. Therefore, it is wise to engage with a professional who has extensive knowledge of not just the industry, but the intricate requirements of each jurisdiction. Ideally, you want someone that can take care of all matters from start to finish, giving you time to focus on other matters relating to the launch of your new venture.

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Which are the best jurisdictions to get an online gambling license in and why? - Yogonet International

Over the last decade blockchain technology has found its way into many areas of our lives. In some areas, blockchain has had a far more significant level compared to others. One such industry is the gambling industry.

Whats more, the relationship between gambling and blockchain has only been going one way and that is up. Lets find out why blockchain has become such an important part of online gambling and how it has helped the industry to grow.

One thing about gambling is that the house always wins. This is a philosophy that many gamblers have learned to accept even with the possibility of winning big.

The thing with online casinos is that it is not possible to tell if the casino is playing by the rules. However, with the use of blockchain technology players regardless of where they are situated in the world can be sure that there is transparency.

It is no secret that many online casinos now permit the use of cryptocurrencies. There are many benefits to this move one of which is the fact that the player doesnt need to open an account or fill any forms. They can simply log in and play anonymously.

Another reason why crypto is becoming so popular is because of its instant payments and transactions. Of these, there are very minimal fees involved.

Finally crypto makes it possible for players living in countries where the law restricts them from gambling to bypass these regulations and finally take part in gambling.

A concept that generated quite the buzz in the crypto world is the wisdom of the crowds. This is where different technologies make use of blockchain technology to create prediction markets. Players can then place a bet based on the outcome of the prediction.

Now prediction markets are nothing new and were around long before the onset of blockchain technology. However, the latter has decentralized these prediction markets. The technology has made the market far more reliable providing regular correct data.

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency to offer decentralization. This means there is no central authority over it and anyone with the right equipment can mine bitcoin and profit from any newly issued coins.

One major advantage of cryptocurrencies is that they not only allow players to make instant withdrawals and deposits but members can also fund the site and stand to get a small portion from the profits of the crypto casinos. Think of it as you becoming a shareholder.

Final Word

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies continue to alter the state of the online gambling industry. One of the reasons why blockchain continues to be so popular is because of its accuracy and security. It is also able to solve some of the main problems that plague many of our systems and institutions as well as the economy.

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How Blockchain Technology has helped the Online Gambling Industry Grow - CryptoNinjas

The guys begin their NFC Win Totals Preview podcastby breaking down the Mr. Unlimited video aka Russell Wilsons alter ego. Followed up by a quick recap of the PGA Championship include Sean touting his Collin Morikawa pick and Ryan cashing his Jason Day to win the first round.

(08:15) Then theyre joined by Brandan Schulze of the Field Gulls podcast to help preview the 2020 Seattle Seahawks win total. The guys discuss the addition of Jamal Adams, the loss of Jadeveon Clowney and the emergence of D.K. Metcalf. Can the Seahawks cover their 9.5 win total? Will Pete Carroll get more aggressive on fourth downs? Will the Seahawks season truly be UNLIMMMMITED?

(36:00) Next up theyre joined by Ryan McKee host of the NBA Gambling Podcast and site editor at Sports Gambling Podcast. McKee takes a big swig of the Cardinals Kool-Aid with is optimistic take on Kliff and Kyler in year two. Kramer makes a case for Vance Joseph being a decent d-coordinator and their signs for regression from a five win season, while Sean compares them to this years Cleveland Browns.

(65:55) Ryan and Sean are in agreement that this years Los Angeles Rams may be headed in the wrong direction. With Jared Goff, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey eating up a giant portion of the cap do they have enough depth on the roster to succeed? Will more people join Sean on Jared Goff Sucks Island this year? Is there a case that Sean McVay has lost his touch?

(84:45) The biggest question facing the 49ers is how real will their Super Bowl hangover be? Can their DL still dominate without Deforest Buckner? Is there enough surrounding Jimmy G to allow him to succeed? Can Kyle Shanahan still keep scheming up a winning offense? Is their 10.5 win total way too high?

Mr. Unlimited Russell Wilson

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NFC West Win Totals & Preview (Ep. 852) - The Sports Gambling Podcast

Radio personality and New Rochelle native Craig Carton has been charged with fraud.

HBO Sports and StreetSmartVideowill air a documentary about former WFAN sports radio personality Craig Carton in October.

The New Rochelle native was convicted ofconspiracy, wire fraud and securities fraud related to a secret gambling addiction in November 2018.

He was subsequently sentencedto 3 years in prison.

The documentary, titled "Wild Card: The Downfall of a Radio Loudmouth," will include Carton's rise and fall in his own words.

Craig Cartons radio persona gained him a public following, while his private struggles lost him everything one casino run at a time,Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President of HBO Sports, said in a statement. Many knew Carton, but never knew his secrets, as we learn from Carton himself in this documentary about success, self-destruction, lies and blackjack.

Radio Personality Craig Carton on stage during the MR. CHIBBS Opening Night screening and Q&A at the IFC Center on May 3, 2017 in New York City.(Photo: Lars Niki, Getty Images for BMG)

In a press release issued by WarnerMedia, "Carton talks openly about his upbringing in New Rochelle, New York, detailing the childhood trauma he never truly dealt with. He discusses his rise to fame in talk radio that turned him into a star in every market he worked in, culminating back home in New York where he was hired to helm the coveted drive-time morning show in the wake of the downfall of Don Imus."

The documentary is scheduled to air on Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

Christopher J. Eberhart covers breaking news. Click here for his latest stories. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisEberhart2. Check out how to support local journalism here.

Read or Share this story: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/new-rochelle/2020/08/06/craig-carton-talks-gambling-and-growing-up-new-rochelle-hbo/3314015001/

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Craig Carton discusses his gambling and growing up in New Rochelle in upcoming documentary - The Journal News

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will take action not just on gambling syndicates, but owners who rent out their property for illegal purposes as well.

"Prior to this, our focus was on the syndicates but now we will be taking action against all those connected to illegal gambling, including owners of premises who have abused their business licenses," said Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed (pic).

He said action can be taken under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) and Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (Amlafta).

"We are seriously considering using these two Acts as certain gambling syndicates have resumed operations.

"Bukit Aman CID has been going all out to combat illegal online gambling since early last year but the activity has returned nationwide, especially in Selangor," he said on Sunday (Aug 9).

"We will cooperate more closely with agencies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and local councils.

"We will also identify (those involved) and recommend to local councils to revoke the business licenses of those in cahoots with illegal gambling syndicates," Comm Huzir said.

Agencies such as TNB would be tasked with cutting off electricity to the premises used by the syndicates, he added.

Comm Huzir said every OCPD would also be instructed to identify and track down premises owners who assist gambling syndicates in their respective districts.

"I am confident we will be able to eradicate the illegal gambling network, in stages," he said.

Comm Huzir also urged the people to inform the police of illegal gambling activities so that immediate action can be taken.

On Saturday (Aug 8), videos showing illegal gambling taking place and contraband cigarettes being sold in Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh went viral on social media.

An eight-minute video garnered over two million views and another 13-minute clip has over 4.5 million views.

A complainant also alleged that his life could be in danger for revealing the illegal activities.

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Bukit Aman: Owners renting out property to gambling syndicates will face the music as well - The Star Online

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. Boynton Beach police arrested the owner of a record shop Thursday, following a seven-month investigation into an illegal gambling operation at the store.

The owner of the Caribbean Record Shop, 49-year-old Alison J. Henry Abner, was charged with keeping a gambling house and bookmaking.

Police arrived at the record shop with a search warrant and found Abner behind the cashier window. One more person was inside the shop at the time, 34-year-old Adjiny Haiti.

During the search, police found laptops, desktop computers, several printed gambling tickets, gambling receipts, bank deposit slips, business documents, and $6,100. They also found $2, 173 bundled together in the main office that consisted of 12 separate payouts, each with a gambling ticket attached, police said.

More money was found throughout the shop. Police said $511 was found in the main office inside a desk, along with another $554 in a different desk. They also found $2,573 hidden inside a bathroom wall and a little over $200 inside Abner's car, which was parked on the property.

According to police, Abner admitted to running a gambling game out of her business but said she didn't know the name of the gambling game. She stated it was a game of chance where a person would pick anywhere between one and four numbers and place money on each number.

Abner told police she takes 100 bets on average a day, which can total anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 a day in bets. She said she was just the middle man and that the game is run by another male who she only knows as "Geo," who picks up all of the money of the bets and gives her 8 to 10 % of it.

Abner stated she is the only person working at her business and all of her money received from the gambling operation is placed into her business account at Bank of America.

More here:

Gambling investigation leads to arrest of Boynton Beach record shop owner - WPTV.com

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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! It was again an eventful week in the USA, despite the still-active virus attack.

Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news, new partnerships and new appointments. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

As part of Colombias measures to combat the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Decree has been proposed, which allows, the operation of gambling halls of mayor districts, if they follow the pilot plan proposed. The municipalities with low cases will be able to implement pilot plans and open doors to bingos and casinos following the measures stated in the decree published by the Colombian president Ivan Duque.

The reopening of Atlantic City casinos has brought many young visitors to the casino-hotels in the state. The operators noted that many of the older regular clients have retreated temporarily, possibly because of the ongoing COVID-19 situations. Also, the operators observed a rise in visitors from the younger generation.

Partnerships

International Game Technology PLC has entered into a multi-year agreement with leading sports betting and iGaming provider, FanDuel Group. As per the agreement, IGTs PlaySports platform will power all of FanDuel Groups new and existing retail FanDuel Sportsbooks across the US through September 2024.

Sportsbook operator PointsBet has entered into a partnership agreement with Twin River Management Group. The agreement will see PointsBet provide iGaming and online casinos in the state of New Jersey.

Leading iGaming platform provider BtoBet has intensified its partnership with Camanbet, with the Venezuela-based operator going live online by making use of the Neuron 3 platform. Camanbet has been present on a national level for the past 14 years, primarily through its vast retail network.

New Appointments

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, the casino consulting company based in London, has appointed Ross OHanley as its Senior VP. He will focus on expanding the companys consulting services division across the land-based casino market, especially on slot operations and systems technology.

New Launchings

William Hill has launched a temporary land-based sportsbook in the ticket box office area of Capital One Arena in Washington. In this temporary space, the first sportsbook in the Capital district, bettors can place bets through seven ticket windows and there will be nine electronic kiosks.

Everi Digital, the online gaming division of Everi Holdings, has partnered with ROAR Digital, a joint venture of MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings, to launch three of its popular three-reel mechanical titles on Borgata Online Casino, BetMGM and Party Casino New Jersey. Smokin 777, Meltdown and Double Ruby are available for play now on these market-leading brands for online real-money gaming in New Jersey.

New Report

The American Gaming Association has published its new report Casino & Communities: Michigan. The report, which was completed before the nations COVID-19 outbreak, shows how critical casino gaming is to Michigans economy, and consequently, how important gaming will be to the states economic resurgence. The reportshows that the states 27 commercial and tribal casinos have an annual $6.3 billion economic impact on the state.

Compliance

Nevada gaming regulators are seeking fines against two casinos and a bowling alley, alleging that employees and patrons failed to comply with requirements including a mandate for people to wear masks or face coverings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Global payment technology company Nuvei has received a certificate of registration for sports wagering in the state of Indiana. The approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission authorises Nuvei to provide payment services supporting sports betting transactions in Indiana.

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Michigan's Sports Betting and Online Gambling To Bring $650M In First-Year Revenue, According to MichiganSharp.com - European Gaming Industry News

DETROIT, Aug. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Detroit experts heavily criticized U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and President Trump this week on a webinar hosted by the non-profit, Protect Our Public Schools (POPS). The webinar, "How Do We Safely Reopen Schools? Detroit Experts Weigh In," explored the current challenges and issues facing the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) with the start of the new school year roughly a month away.

"Given the level of prevalence of COVID in the community right now, opening the schools [means] there will inevitably be cases," said Dr. Eric Kessell, a lecturer at Wayne State University specializing in public health and epidemiology. "If the decision is made to reopen in person, it'll be important to have those plans well-developed and published and vetted within the community."

President Trump and Secretary DeVos are pushing to force all schools to reopen across the country without a safe planregardless of local infection rates. Secretary DeVos has done little to ensure public school districts have personal protective equipment, school nurses, adequate building space, proper HVAC systems, or the expertise to guide schools through this crisis.

"Betsy DeVos, as well as Trump, the puppet master, is playing games with the lives of people all over the country," said Michigan Representative for District 8, Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. "You can't market your way into convincing parents that it's safe, or teachers that it's safe. There should be a rubric or some type of guideline to highlight checkoffs that show that the HVAC systems are up to date. If they're not new, that they are being serviced regularly."

President Trump and Secretary DeVos are pushing to force schools to reopen at a time when experts such as Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, are warning of increased and widespread COVID-19 transmission. Earlier this week, Dr. Birx said, "The epidemic right now is different, and it's more widespread and it's both rural and urban."

LaMar Lemmons, who served as President of the Detroit Board of Education and a former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, slammed the federal approach to reopening schools. "As the billionaire sports entertainment enterprise owners, and their millionaire players cannot protect themselves from COVIDif they're still continuously having outbreaks, how can we protect the least of [us] in the Detroit area," said Lemmons.

Parents, teachers, administrators and public school advocates have pointed to under-investment in education by the Trump Administration as an issue impacting public schools across the country. Out of the roughly $2.2 trillion in the CARES Act, only $13.5 billion of that went to K-12 public schools, or less than one percent.

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is currently being sued by a coalition of attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, for unlawfully diverting CARES Act dollars to wealthy, private schools.

"If the President's son's school is not opening, I don't understand why Betsy DeVos is sending money that should be for COVID protection to private schools that are going to do virtual learning," said Dr. Jimmy Womack, a retired physician and former President of the Detroit Board of Education. "What are they doing with that money?"

About Protect Our Public Schools

Protect Our Public Schools (POPS)is a community of teachers, retired educators, students, parents, and citizens who are dedicated to protecting our public schools. Protect Our Public Schools operates as a section 501(c)(4) tax exempt organization.

SOURCE Protect Our Public Schools

https://protectourpublicschools.org

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Detroit Experts: Secretary DeVos and President Trump Gambling With Lives of Students, Teachers, and Parents By Forcing School Reopenings - PRNewswire

SUNGAI BULOH: Police have denied allegations of inaction over illegal gambling activities in the district.

This is in response to viral videos by "Hot Burger Malaysia" which was shared by Facebook user Asri Janggut on Saturday (Aug 8), claiming that police were in cahoots with illegal gambling syndicates.

Sungai Buloh OCPD Supt Shafa'aton Abu Bakar described the allegations made by the Facebook user as untrue and inaccurate.

"Two police reports have been lodged by the Sungai Buloh police station chief and an officer from the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

"His allegations could tarnish the image of the police force, especially that of the Selangor police in our efforts to curb illegal gambling in the state especially in Sungai Buloh," she told a press conference on Sunday (Aug 9).

She added that the police are investigating the matter and will call up the man who made the allegations.

"We will record his statement soon," she added

On Saturday, police also conducted six raids, resulting in the arrests of two Bangladeshi men, she added.

"The premises were not the ones highlighted by the Facebook user.

"We discovered the ones he alleged as illegal gambling dens were not in operation," Supt Shafa'aton said.

She also urged the public to come forward with any information on criminal activities but not in the manner that the Facebook user had done.

"Members of the public can also come and meet with me or my officers on any criminal incidents and activities

"We hope for the strong cooperation from people to combat crime," she said.

She also denied allegations made by the same Facebook user that the police report was leaked to the syndicates.

"Any information given to the police will be safeguarded.

"We never close one eye to criminal activities let alone be in cahoots with them," she said.

The Facebook Live videos, which went viral on Saturday had received more than three million views.

The Facebook user claimed that the police were in cahoots with illegal gambling syndicates while the smuggling of contraband cigarettes were also rampant.

He also complained of unfair actions of the MBSA in seizing his burger stalls

Police also conducted a total of 11 raids on illegal gambling dens in Sungai Buloh since early this year, Supt Shafa'aton said.

"The last of the raids were conducted two weeks prior to the videos going viral.

"The 11 raids resulted in the arrests of 10 caretakers and 13 players.

We also seized five laptops and 39 tablets during the operations," she added.

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Sungai Buloh police deny allegations of inaction over illegal gambling activities - The Star Online

Monday, 10 August 2020, 4:57 pmPress Release: Problem Gambling Foundation

A recent New Zealand Institute of Economic Research(NZIER) report commissioned by The Salvation Army and theProblem Gambling Foundation estimates that if householdexpenditure on Class 4 pokie gambling was diverted to otheruses, the retail sector could have gained an estimated $445million in 2018/19.

Paula Snowden, Problem GamblingFoundation CEO, says the report highlights the surprisingextent of the drain on the retail sector from gambling onpokies in pubs, clubs and TABs.

With the retail andhospitality sector still hurting from the COVID-19 lockdown,it is time to acknowledge that Class 4 gambling not only hasa significant social cost, but it is also a drain on thewider economy, she says.

NZIER analysis suggeststhat the increased retail sales would generate an additional1,127 full-time equivalent jobs for 1,724 workers, worthapproximately $50 million in wages and salaries. These jobswould be in the food and beverage services, specialised foodretailing, supermarkets and grocery stores.

Withlosses on pokie machines trending upwards year by year, thisreport shows how the economy could benefit from divertingthose gambling losses into spending elsewhere in localcommunities, Ms Snowden says.

Lynette Hutson,National Director, The Salvation Army Addiction Services,says community groups are struggling with the ethics ofbeing forced to rely on pokie money.

Communitiesand community sport are desperate for funding yet rely ongrants from a mere 40 percent of the $939 million lost onpokies in pubs, clubs and TABs in 2019.

If thosetotal losses were spent in local economies, business coulddirectly support their own community interests without theheavy toll being borne by the most deprived communities inNew Zealand, Ms Hutson says.

Jason Alexander,Interim CEO, Hpai Te Hauora Tapui, says Mori aredisproportionately impacted by gambling because 50 percentof the pokie machines are located in areas where Maori andPasifika people live.

We see the effect of gamblingon whnau and children, yet we are using money from pokiemachines to fund communities, with 60 percent of it goingtowards the cost of running the system. Mori have nocontrol on the density of these machines in theircommunities yet experience 2.5 times the rate of gamblingharm, he says.

The report suggests that additionalGST revenue is estimated to be $58.01 million and income taxcollected from additional retail sector workers is expectedto be between $7 million and $7.6 million.

PaulaSnowden says as a nation we need to start thinking aboutwhere the gambling losses that support our good causes areactually coming from.

It is encouraging that ifgambling losses were diverted into the retail and serviceindustries, there would be more employment, more tax andmore business revenue available to sponsor and supportcommunity interests and community sport, shesays.

The full report is attached.

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Pokie Gambling In New Zealand Pubs And Clubs Costing Retail Sector Over $400 Million A Year - Scoop.co.nz

By Asik Banerjee

Incidents of gambling at homes in the city seem to be on the rise. Vejalpur police raided a house in Shrinandnagar-3 in the wee hours of Sunday and booked 13 persons for involvement in gambling activity.

This is for the second time in two days that such activities were reported at residences.

They immediately went and raided the house. They found seven persons, including Kayastha (32), engrossed in the game. Upon looking further, they found six other persons gambling in another room.

The cops booked all the 13 and seized Rs 1.22 lakh in cash and other items from them. Besides Kayastha, the others who were booked were identified as Varun Jadhav (36), resident of Parishar phase 2 in Khokhra, Mitesh Bhatt and Anirudh Vaghela (both 32) and Prakash Shrimali (36), residents of Vejalpur, Dhaval Patel (26) and Prerak Shah (33), residents of Shrinandnagar-3, Gota residents Virat Patel (25) and Vishal Patel (33), Paldi resident Saumil Shah (32), Makarba resident Akash Bharvad (24) and Nikul Bharvad (27) and Shrinandnagar-1 resident Ramsundar Yadav (45).

They were all booked under the Gambling Act.

Early on Friday, Bopal police had booked six persons found gambling at a house in Sun City in the South Bopal area of Ahmedabad.

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13 booked for gambling in Vejalpur; cash, other items worth Rs 1.22 lakh seized - Ahmedabad Mirror

Several industry insiders and research fellows have suggested taking sports betting legalization with a bit of caution as we push forward a country where each state has a legal sports betting framework.

Researchers from the University of Nevada and the International Gaming Institute have urged policymakers to take a step back and reevaluate the legalization of sports betting, which has grown exponentially over the course of the last 27 months.

The report was produced by several prominent industry insiders and research fellows, including IGI executive director Bo Bernhard, Caesars Entertainment VP of Responsible Gaming Policies Jennifer Shatley and IGI responsible gaming fellow Alan Feldman.

According to the researchers and their dedicated study, The Big Questions: Sports Wagering America, there were profound socioeconomic factors and changes that legal sports betting has brought around in 18 states.

Based on the study sponsored by the GVC Foundation U.S., sports betting legalization has had unequal influence on different states, which falls in line with why individual states issue specific surveys that are unique to their own residents and ecosystem prior to agreeing to legalize sports wagering.

UNLV researchers outlined what lawmakers and the public should be on the lookout for, by assessing different activities. They further explained:

The types that score higher tend to emphasize job creation and minimize problem gambling harms, while the types that score lowest are those in the illegal sector including a large illegal sports wagering market today.

According to the researchers, creating a legalized context for sports betting to thrive in reduced illegal consumption and also led to technology jobs creation. Even as industry insiders, though, the authors of the paper advised to consider pumping the brakes on the rapid expansion that has taken place over the recent years.

The researchers approached the subject from all angles, Bernhard said, assessing not only the positives that the industry has brought on but also the possible downsides and how to avoid those from happening.

He noted that researchers were aware of common concerns such as problem gambling and underage gambling as well as gambling during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Bernhard, the current report can be seen as a continuation of the Professional Team Sports in Las Vegas: What the Research Says, another report conducted by IGI back in 2016 to help shed light on sports betting.

Naturally, Bernhard acknowledged that a lot has changed since 2016 thanks to the striking down of PASPA in 2018.

According to Bernhard, the legalization push in the United States is massive, with only seven states currently not considering the legalization of the industry. In 2019, Americans wagered $13 billion legally on sports, and according to him, this figure could keep on track throughout 2020, although the COVID-19 forced shutdown will now hurt the results as March Madness was already skipped and much of regular sports has been disrupted. Yet, this amount pales in comparison with the estimated $150 billion wagered offshore.

Another key point for the researchers was the level of social impact which, Bernhard said, was being looked closely by. He further noted that in Europe, it was very common for a soccer team to be sponsored by a sports betting firm.

You cant buy your favorite soccer teams jersey without a logo for a gambling company. Is this good for younger fans, Bernhard asked. However, a big plus here is the fact that you can

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Researchers Say to Reevaluate Sports Betting Expansion Push - GamblingNews.com

Michael Wickline, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Capitol ace, throughly elaborated on the naming of Eric Hagler as the new director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

When Bishop Woosley was eased out the door, it was to get Governor Hutchinsons man in the job. Hagler has a legal history in Benton County, the governors former stomping grounds. His daddy, a Little Rock ob/gyn, is also a friend of Larry Walther, head of the state department that includes the lottery.

If Walther did interview several other candidates, Hagler started with advantages from friendship, if not from his resume. He has no lottery experience. Managerially, his most recent experience was what appears to have been as a one-man law firm in California. He wanted to move home.

But Im burying the lede, as they say in the news trade.

It wasnt the naming of a crony as head of a Hutchinson agency. Thats SOP.

The news at the bottom of Wicklines account came in Larry Walthers comments about expansion of the lottery to different gambling options, beginning with keno, which would allow electronic instant gambling at every crossroads in Arkansas.

Asked if lottery officials have ruled those options in or out, Walther said, Thats a tough one because thats political.

There is a lot of pushback from the existing industry outside of the lottery for us not to do keno because they feel like it infringes on their business, he said.

If we cant forge an agreement with the industry, it will be hard for us to do keno. Thats just the reality of life as far as I am concerned.

Asked about the possibility of the lottery developing a digital channel as an iLottery offering, Walther said, We would like to do that.

Technology is going that way. The casinos are using it, he said. We will venture into it, but only with the approval of the governor, and the Legislature will probably want some say in it as well as the industry.

So keno still looks like a long shot.

But a digital channel? This means buying lottery tickets online with credit cards. Six states now allow it, with various limits. (PS: Yes, there are ways for people in Arkansas to buy lottery tickets online from other states. A push to do this in Arkansas would undoubtedly include an argument to keep that spending at home.)

Walther clearly wants to expand state-sponsored gambling by digital means. He acknowledges the casinos probably wont like that either.

But note this quote: Only with the approval of the governor, and the legislature will probably want some say in it.

Thats what I call an understatement, particularly given that the new leader of the Senate will be Jimmy Hickey, who has long intervened in lottery affairs and was elected Senate president on the strength of pushback against the governors overreach in dictating to the legislature. Hickey and many others will have something to say about lottery expansion.

PS: Hickey, to his discredit, is the godfather of legislation that turned the scholarship lottery into even more of an entitlement program for the middle-class. The qualification standards were toughened at his urging to the point that scholarship money goes even more disproportionately to higher income, white students.

It would be nice if the new lottery director could do something about THAT, but thats not part of his portfolio. His job is to cut expenses and to get poor people to give up more of their meager incomes chasing dreams of riches against overwhelming house odds.

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The Arkansas lottery is going to do what? Expand digital gambling? - Arkansas Times

Proposals for a monthly cap on gambling are hideously illiberal.

A new report on gambling from the Social Market Foundation (SMF) has received a lot of analysis and press commentary this week. It contains a section which re-kindled a debate among gambling and anti-gambling enthusiasts alike: how much should you be allowed to spend on gambling?

In the report, James Noyes and Jake Shepherd recommend a limit of 100 per month. This could be increased, subject to affordability tests. The proposal to introduce a maximum spend has sparked a big discussion. This is likely to lead to a political bidding war, with politicians calling for lower caps than their rivals. The gambling industry responded by saying that it already has robust and improved affordability checks and that there was no need for an arbitrary and random low cap on spending.

The proposed limit of 100 per month would apply across multiple gambling industry operators and is based on an analysis of income and living standards. The authors give some more detail:

We propose a thresholding system that is based on household disposable income and Minimum Income Standards (MIS), establishing a soft cap on gambling expenditure through which a customer can only pass to place higher deposits after an enhanced affordability check has been made.

The report goes on to propose a new Gambling Ombudsman who would be placed in charge of the operator data needed to implement this.

Some have raised concerns that a cap might drive gamblers into the unregulated market. Others are concerned about the precedent being set about state intervention in our spending. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) gave voice to the latter fear, stating: We can think of no other area of the economy where the government determines how much an individual can spend. Its an important point. Limiting the publics spending power is a highly controversial move, particularly at this time when there are so many other restrictions in place on our daily activities.

You can also understand how gamblers and the gambling industry might be feeling a bit under the cosh. In the past few months, there have been reports on gambling published by the House of Lords Select Committee Inquiry, the National Audit Office, the Public Accounts Committee and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling-Related Harm. Not much in any of these reports stand up for the rights of gamblers. Its all about restrictions, banning gambling companies from advertising and stopping all online gambling. The lockdown may have kept us out of casinos and still does, as I write but the gambling prohibitionists have still been hard at work with reports and surveys which all aim to restrict our ability to enjoy a punt.

A proposal to introduce a cap on gambling spend is not new, but the SMF report has provided what some commentators have called a workable model for implementing it. Previous campaigns to restrict gambling focused on limiting the maximum stake, rather than imposing a maximum spend. This happened with Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTS), which now have a maximum of 2 per spin. But limiting the actual net spend, calculated by average income and living standards, would represent a serious attack on individual liberty if implemented. The government plans to review the 2005 Gambling Act soon, so this could be a real possibility.

One of those welcoming the report and the maximum-spend policy was Matt Zarb-Cousin, who has spent lockdown setting up and promoting his new Clean Up Gambling campaign. Writing in the Guardian, he talks about the public appetite for gambling reform along the lines proposed in the SMF report. Polling by Survation found that more than two-thirds back limiting stakes to under 5 on slots and casino games online, while more than three-quarters support a cap on the amount that can be deposited into a gambling account, he writes. But the real question the surveys should ask is if people think there should be state legislation restricting how you spend your own money. That may yield a different answer.

In the UK, around half of us gamble every year. Rightly, there is concern about problem gambling, though this represents only a fraction of those who gamble. In spite of recent headlines exaggerating its extent, the statistics on problem gamblers have remained stable for years a point reiterated in the SMF report.

No cause for complacency, some might say. But I think we need to stop and assess whether the myriad changes that gambling has already undergone changes to FOBTs or bans on using credit cards for online gambling, for instance have actually had an impact on problem gambling. Pushing through another set of restrictions on our ability to gamble just because there is a need to be seen to do something is not the best way of producing a coherent policy.

One survey that does give me hope is that while 79 per cent of the public thought there were too many opportunities for gambling nowadays, 62 per cent still think that people should have the right to gamble whenever they want. Such a liberal approach is worth celebrating.

Jon Bryan is treasurer of The Great Debate. He regularly plays poker and tweets about gambling at @JonBryanPoker.

Lets cancel cancel culture

Free speech is under attack from all sides from illiberal laws, from a stifling climate of conformity, and from a powerful, prevailing fear of being outed as a heretic online, in the workplace, or even among friends, for uttering a dissenting thought. This is why we at spiked are stepping up our fight for speech, expanding our output and remaking the case for this most foundational liberty. But to do that we need your help. spiked unlike so many things these days is free. We rely on our loyal readers to fund our journalism. So if you want to support us, please do consider becoming a regular donor. Even 5 per month can be a huge help. You can find out more and sign up here. Thank you! And keep speaking freely.

To enquire about republishing spikeds content, a right to reply or to request a correction, please contact the managing editor, Viv Regan.

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Dont let the state tell you how to spend your money - Spiked

New research from a UB sociologist is providing valuable insight into better understanding the association between criminal behaviors and problem gambling.

Were finding that its not so much that problem gambling causes crime, but rather that the same background characteristics that contribute to predicting the likelihood of someone being a problem gambler also predict that theyll engage in crime, says Christopher Dennison, assistant professor of sociology, College of Arts and Sciences.

Accounting for existing differences between problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers weakens the widely held assumption that points to a strong causal relationship that gambling disorders can lead to criminal outcomes.

In the case of problem gambling which is indicated by traits including a preoccupation with gambling; an inability to scale back; or when gambling becomes a vehicle for escaping negative emotional states, like depression its a matter of general deviance, according to Dennison.

Its not that one causes the other, but rather that the two are co-symptomatic.

Socioeconomic status, prior substance use and involvement with delinquent peers early in life are part of a set of variables associated with both criminal behavior and problem gambling.

Dennison categorizes these variables collectively in his research as confounding bias.

On the surface, problem gambling might be observed as a direct x-to-y relationship, but confounding bias is saying there might be another variable, z for instance, notes Dennison, who conducted the research with co-authors Jessica Finkeldey, assistant professor at SUNY Fredonia, and Gregory Rocheleau, assistant professor at Ball State University.

Something in between that x-to-y pathway might explain gambling and might also explain crime, he says. If you ignore those variables if you ignore confounding bias you might overestimate the relationship.

The findings, which appear in the Journal of Gambling Studies, could lead to development of new treatments that account for how these background characteristics influence behavior. Addressing these issues early in the life course can be beneficial for decreasing the likelihood of both problem gambling and crime later in life.

From a co-symptomatic perspective, we can provide interventions that address both behaviors at the same time, rather than pursuing separate treatments one for gambling and another for crime, Dennison says.

Dennisons team is not the first research group to look at this association, but unlike previous studies that relied on small, non-random and cross-sectional samples that provide a snapshot view, the current paper is based on the Add Health data set. The nationally representative study interviewed more than 21,000 adolescents in the early 1990s, and subsequently re-interviewed them between the ages of 18-26 and 26-34.

In addition to relying on a rich data set for their research, Dennison and his co-authors wanted to statistically balance differences in background characteristics between problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers in hopes of simulating a gold standard experiment.

The social sciences present research challenges that make it difficult to isolate a control group. Medical sciences, for instance, can provide a treatment to one group, a placebo to a control group, and look at the outcome. But in the case of the current research, its not possible to simply compare problem gamblers with non-problem gamblers because of the differences in background characteristics.

We created two groups that were statistically equal problem gamblers who look like non-problem gamblers in the data, says Dennison. This helped us shed light on the question of general deviance by examining the relationship between problem gambling and crime net of preexisting differences.

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Problem gambling, crime appear co-symptomatic, not causal - UB Now: News and views for UB faculty and staff - University at Buffalo Reporter

Gambling in the United States is serious business, and as the country continues to reopen, you may feel the urge to book a trip to a famous gambling city. Theres only so much gambling you can do behind your computer screen before you start to go a little stir crazy. Lucky for you, many options around the country are ready to take your business.

While youve heard of the spots that have been popularized over the years, several relatively unknown locations are certainly worth vacationing to. Everyone knows about Vegas and Atlantic City but consider broadening your horizons and branching out to a different gambling hub.

Here are 6 of the top spots where you should book your next vacation.

While all these destinations are in no particular order, was there any doubt that Vegas would be number 1?

Las Vegas is the most well-known and mainstream gambling destination in the United States for a reason. The city is home to more than 100 casinos and two significant hubs in the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas form.

Each casino offers patrons a different environment to gamble in, making it easy to find a gambling destination that works for you. The variety Las Vegas offers is second to none in the United States, making it the most popular gambling city in the country. Outside of gambling, the city has an endless source of entertainment for people of all ages.

The city radiates an intangible energy that is present nearly 24 hours a day. While COVID-19 has had its adverse effect on the town, as the country continues to reopen, for the time being, the city is returning to form.

If youre trying to decide on a vacation spot and youve never been to Vegas, its definitely time to consider it.

Atlantic City is one of the most popular gambling cities on the East Coast and is an excellent option for northeasterners who dont want to travel too far. While the city offers only a fraction of the gambling options compared to Las Vegas, it has a variety of casinos that appeal to different demographics.

The gambling district in Atlantic City sits near the water, and several casinos overlook beaches and oceans, offering a nice change of pace from the arid desert of Las Vegas.

Even though Atlantic City only has nine casinos, each has its own unique attractions. If youre new to gambling, the Hard Rock Casino offers a new energy for a younger clientele who like gambling to the sounds of live music.

Elsewhere around the city, mainstays like the Tropicana, Borgata, and Caesars beckon gamblers hoping to make some serious money.

Regardless of whether youre the type of gambler whos there to have fun or the kind whos a bit more serious, Atlantic City has something for you.

If you share a state with the biggest gambling city in the country, odds are you might be overlooked. While this may be the case for Reno, the city is a fantastic option for any type of gambler. Reno was once known as the go-to gambling destination before the Vegas boom. Today, Reno is known as the Biggest Little City and a prime location to get everything you need out of a gambling location.

Featuring 20 casinos, the city, like some other locations on this list, provides a wide variety of games for fans of all sorts of gambling. The casinos in Reno are home to thousands of gambling options. Whether its table games like blackjack and roulette, slots, or poker, even the most serious gamblers can get their fix in Reno.

If you find Las Vegas to be too overwhelming, consider giving Reno a chance. The city is located near the Nevada-California border, making it a prime spot for gamblers who live on the West Coast. Like Las Vegas, the city has a ton of entertainment options, with bustling nightlife activities, shows, and concerts. It may not compare to Vegas in numbers alone, but Reno can hold its own against any other location on this list.

The state of Louisiana has many gambling options that have their own merits, like Lake Charles and Bossier City. However, I chose to list New Orleans because of the city itself. The Big Easy is one of the best vacation destinations in the United States, even if you have no intention to gamble. However, if youre tired of walking up and down Bourbon Street or seen enough of the French Quarter, a number of casinos are just a short walk away.

The city is home to several local casinos, including the ever-popular Harrahs, Crescent City, and Carnival Club. For gamblers who dont mind traveling a bit, Treasure Chest and Boomtown are located just a few minutes away.

While the number of casinos in Louisiana doesnt compare to other cities on this list, each casino offers its patrons a variety of table games, slots, and sports gambling options.

New Orleans was one of the first cities I traveled to gamble, and I was pleasantly surprised with my experience gambling. Before you visit the Big Easy, make sure youve done your homework on which casino you think is right for you, because several of the better options are somewhat off the beaten path.

When thinking of potential gambling vacation spots, rarely, if ever, does Biloxi come to mind, but this hidden gem is simply one of the best gambling destinations in the United States. The city houses several well-known casinos, and the citys location makes it a must-visit for any sort of gambler.

Biloxi features 10 casinos, providing gamblers ample opportunity to find one that suits them. However, the reason Biloxi makes this list is the fact that the city offers different forms of entertainment for travelers. If youre reading this, youre most likely interested in the gambling aspect, but you have to eat and take a break from the tables at some point. Biloxi is home to a number of delectable dining spots and a variety of entertainment options.

In terms of gambling, the most popular casinos in the city are Beau Rivage and New Palace. Mainstays like the Golden Nugget and the Hard Rock also cater to a more inexperienced or younger crowd. Regardless of your skill level or the type of gambling, you aspire to do, try to plan a trip to Mississippi in the near future.

Some of my best gambling experiences take place at the casino closest to my home. In college, my friends and I were never hard-pressed to make an excuse to go gamble, and the convenience of living close to a casino led to many spur-of-the-moment gambling trips. Not every trip needs to be a big ordeal, and youd be surprised how much fun you will have gambling at the local spot.

As it stands, 18 states are home to casinos, so you might be surprised to find that you live closer to one than you expect. The stigma around gambling is slowly disappearing as restrictions continue to be lessened around the nation. It stands to reason that more options will begin to pop up as time goes on, providing you with a potential opportunity to do some more gambling.

If youre feeling cooped up after months of quarantine and isolation, it might be time to book a trip to do some gambling. Whether its at one of the well-known cities around the country like Vegas or Atlantic City or even a weekend trip to the casino down the road, you cant go wrong. All the locations listed above have attractions that set them apart from the rest, and I recommend visiting each of them at some point.

Theres absolutely nothing wrong with going to Vegas for the umpteenth time, but if youre looking for a different experience, consider one of the destinations that arent as mainstream. Theres fun to take in across the country, and I know from experience that some of my best times at the casinos came after minimal preparation. Youll never know how much fun a city can be until you give it a shot.

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United States Casinos - Best Places for Casino Gambling in the USA - BestUSCasinos.org