Fifteen Chinese nationals were arrested Monday night for alleged involvement in illegal online gambling in Pasig City.

The Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police also arrested a Filipino male during a raid on the office of YD International Inc. at Belvedere Tower, San Miguel Avenue.

We secured certification from Pagcor that they are not authorized for online gambling, said Supt. Jay Guillermo, leader of the raiding team.

The arrested Chinese nationals included 10 men and five women. The Filipino suspect was identified as Russellbert Yuzon Villar. The PNP-ACG conducted the raid after obtaining a search warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court.

According to Guillermo, the suspects put up a website for online gamblers in mainland China. When you go up the building, you wont recognize what company it is because the names are in Chinese.

The suspects allegedly recruited Chinese nationals as employees and brought them to Philippines as tourists. Every three or six months, they will be going back to China to apply for a tourist visa and then come back here, Guillermo added.

The online players in mainland China were required to open an account with the website. Losses are automatically deducted while winnings are automatically added to the account. But if you win big, there is a big possibility they will shut down the website so you cannot claim your winnings anymore. It is considered a scam, he said.

We received complaints from (players from) other countries like China that they won but they were not able to claim their prize, he added. PHILIP C. TUBEZA

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Pasig raid nets 15 Chinese in online gambling 'scam' - Inquirer.net

The gambling industry declared A$1,294,501 in donations to Australian political parties in 2015-16. Our analysis of the latest Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) donation disclosures shows various branches of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) were by far the biggest donors among gambling industry groups.

Collectively, the AHA showered the major parties with $522,478 in declared donations. Lagging a little behind the AHA last year was ClubsNSW, which donated $155,603.

Two casino operators, Crown and Star Entertainment, declared $168,491 and $77,200 respectively in 2015-16. Tabcorp and Tattersalls chipped in $164,650 and $94,329 respectively.

Assorted other entities such as ClubsQld, the Sutherland Tradies Club and the Randwick Labor Club declared donations of between $17,050 and $50,000 each.

Overall, the Coalition parties were the winners from gambling donations reported in 2015-16, receiving a total of $770,861. The ALP received $523,640. This was a 60:40 split.

The gambling lobby invested quite disproportionately in individual Labor candidates, donating $116,000 to individual campaigns. Liberal and National Party candidates were recorded as receiving $41,000 in specific campaign donations.

This doesnt mean such donations werent made but it is revealing that mostly ALP candidates details were disclosed.

Donations to MPs

Big donations from the gambling lobby are clearly not new. But this years returns demonstrate that even when the stakes arent that high, the gambling lobby continues to defend its interests with major political parties.

Between 2010 and 2012, when stakes were higher, these actors and others spent $3,478,581 on campaign costs to defeat the gambling reforms agreed between then prime minister Julia Gillard and independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

Wilkie and another long-time gambling reformist, Senator Nick Xenophon, list donations reform as an important element of any decent gambling reform package. They know how much influence the gambling lobby can afford to buy.

The funding of specific politicians has also continued. ClubsNSW turned this into something of an art form when the Wilkie-Gillard reforms were proposed and then defeated. Undoubtedly, influential caucus members articulating the gambling lobbys perspective helped underline the political dangers of reform.

The 2015-16 returns dont include all the donations made in respect of the 2016 election. This was demonstrated by the curious case of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls own donation of $1.75 million to the Liberal Party. So, we can expect to find out a bit more in about a year barring some much-needed substantial reform of the system.

In the 2015-16 returns, however, the federal branch of the AHA identified specific beneficiaries of its largesse. Its original return included notations of donations to the campaigns of the following politicians:

A subsequent amendment to the return, dated February 1 2017, has now been submitted to the AEC, excluding these names.

ClubsNSW also noted donations on its return to the following:

This may provide some insight into what the gambling lobby thinks is the best way to focus attention of specific members of parties.

For example, the effectiveness of the anti-reform campaign in 2010-11 was based on the carrot-and-stick approach adopted under the leadership of ClubsNSW. This involved campaigning against individual politicians who were seen to support the Gillard-Wilkie agreement.

At the same time, the lobby actively supported politicians who were perceived as friends for whatever reason.

Federal MP Kevin Andrews also gleaned a contribution of $2,000 to his Menzies 200 campaign fund from ClubsNSW. This was for a dinner he organised at Melbournes Athenaeum Club. ClubsNSW donated a total of $40,000 between 2013 and 2015 to Andrews even though he represents a Victorian seat.

With donations from the AHA included, Andrews campaign fund received a total of $90,000 from gambling industry interests over this period.

He was the opposition spokesman for gambling matters prior to the 2013 election. After this and on his appointment as the responsible minister, he quickly repealed the already watered-down pokie reforms the Gillard government had passed.

Road to reform

There is no suggestion or implication politicians or political parties are influenced in their decision-making or policy positions by political donations. Nonetheless, a more transparent and much more timely political donations reporting system would enhance public confidence in the quality of decision-making, and its relationship to the publics best interests.

Details of donations are often lacking. This is because declaration requirements of the current system are limited. Donations of less than $13,000 do not need to be specifically disclosed. Cumulative donations to different branches of the same organisation (otherwise known as donation splitting) can amount to more than this without any need for disclosure.

Further, donations to associated entities are used to muddy the waters in effect, to launder donations by disguising the name of the donor. This also avoids disclosure.

Both Labor leader Bill Shorten and Turnbull have signalled recently they want donations reform on the table. It may be time to remind them a complete loss of faith in political processes is not inevitable. Its something politicians can tackle, and relatively easily.

Serious political donations reform is a big step towards a more trusted political system. You can bet on it.

Charles Livingstone has received funding from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and The (former) Victorian Gambling Research Panel, and the South Australian Independent Gambling Authority (the funds for which were derived from hypothecation of gambling tax revenue to research purposes), from the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, and from non-government organisations for research into multiple aspects of poker machine gambling, including regulatory reform, existing harm minimisation practices, and technical characteristics of gambling forms. He has received travel and co-operation grants from the Alberta Problem Gambling Research Institute, the Finnish Institute for Public Health, the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Committee, and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand. He is a Chief Investigator on an Australian Research Council funded project researching mechanisms of influence on government by the tobacco, alcohol and gambling industries. He has undertaken consultancy research for local governments and non-government organisations in Australia and the UK seeking to restrict or reduce the concentration of poker machines and gambling impacts, and was a member of the Australian government's Ministerial Expert Advisory Group on Gambling in 2010-11. He is a member of the Australian Greens.

Maggie Johnson is a recipient of an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) funded by the Australian government. She has also undertaken research on gambling industry political donations for the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

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Gambling lobby gives big to political parties, and names names - EconoTimes

by: Richard Elliot Updated: Feb 27, 2017 - 7:26 PM

ATLANTA - A bill that would have allowed casino gambling in Georgia is dead for this year.

The sponsor of Senate Bill 79, Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, told Channel 2's Richard Elliotthat he does not have the votes to get the bill out of committee.

I am not discouraged, Beach told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.I will double down and plan to crisscross the state starting in April to build support for the bill in 2018.

Beach's original plan called for up to six casinos and a horse racing track in the state. He eventually reduced that to no more than two destination resort casinos; one in the Metro Atlanta area and another in a smaller, secondary city like Savannah or Columbus.

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The bill required the casinos to pay 20 percent of gambling revenues to the state to help pay for HOPE scholarships, needs-based scholarships and pre-K programs.

Beach said he plans to spend this year educating the state about the bill by visiting local Rotary Clubs and speaking with education leaders, hospital administrators and anyone else who will listen, to garner public backing.

I do think we have the votes, Beach said. We feel very confident we have the votes on the Senate floor, but you have to get it out of committee to get it to the floor.

State Rep. Ron Stephens' version of the bill is technically still alive but without Senate support, and even he conceded some defeat.

We will not give up on these kids, Stephens said. We will not give up on the HOPE scholarship, the HOPE grant and pre-k funding and, as it continues to dwindle. We'll be back again.

Mike Griffin, of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, said social and economic conservatives joined to defeat the bill because they both think it's bad for Georgia.

We can be thankful that legislators during this session have given an ear to understand that the end does not always justify the means and that we can't always put and should never put money over morality, Griffin said.

Information from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was used in this report.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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Casino gambling bill dead for this year - WSB Atlanta

Arrested Chinese nationals to undergo inquest proceeding at DOJ for violation of the Cybercrime Law. TETCH TORRES-TUPAS/INQUIRER.net

The police on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal cases against 15 Chinese nationals arrested in an illegal online gambling den in Pasig City the other night.

A complaint for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 or Illegal Gambling and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 have been filed against the suspects identified as Wu Haotao, Hu Ha, Li Jing, Fei Yang, Guo Ming Jie, Jiang Peng, Lin Peng, Li Jian, Zhang Xian Jie, Guo Han, Wei Xue Ling, Xu Zhixia, Shi Yun, Gao Zi Zhuang and Lian Ling Fang.

The complaint filed by the PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group will be handled by Assistant State Prosecutor Jeannette Dacpano.

They were arrested at YD International Incorporated in Pasig City.

The raiding team seized computers, mobile phones, tablets, Chinese ATM cards, passports and identification cards from the suspects inside the office owned by Jonah Tee and Mica Wang.

Police said YD had no permit to operate and the Chinese nationals only have tourist visas. JE

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15 nabbed Chinese nationals face illegal gambling raps - Inquirer.net

A golf club couldn't afford to maintain its greens and began to lose members after a would-be accountant stole more than $330,000 in bar takings and membershipfees.

Aspendale's Rossdale Golf Club was forced to sell part of its land to stay afloat after Sharon Breyiannis stole the money to feed her gambling addiction.

Breyiannis was on Tuesday jailed for three years and four months after admitting to the theft.

It was Breyiannis' job to deposit membership fees and takings from the bar and pro shop into the club's account, but she instead either kept the cash and manipulated an accounting system or diverted money into her own account to fund her pokies addiction.

County Court judge Graeme Hicks said the thefts had a "snowball" effect on the golf club.The condition of the course deteriorated because the club could not afford to maintain it, which in turn drove members away, the court heard.

The thefts also caused great stress for those who ran the club, given the financial problems and declining membership.

Judge Hicks delayed sentencing on Tuesday after he was told Breyiannis had failed to begin paying back the $331,855 she stole by agreeing to relinquish her share of the mortgage of her family home.

After an adjournment, the court heard she would no longer resist an application by prosecutors to claim back the money. Judge Hicks ordered the club be repaid the money, although it was unclear when this would happen.

Breyiannis quit her job in 2011, when the club's auditors discovered financial irregularities, was arrested at the start of 2014 and finally pleaded guilty to three representative charges of theft.

Judge Hicks said the mother of two adult sons began working at Rossdale in 2002 as a receptionist but was promoted to lookafter finances when other staff left, but often felt overwhelmed and stressed in her role. She gambledheavily to cope, the court heard.

Judge Hicks said Breyiannis' offending was serious given it was hard to detect and often committed by people in positions of responsibility. Deterring others from similar offending was important, he said.

But he acknowledged Breyiannis' guilty pleas, remorse and excellent prospects for rehabilitation.

She must spend two years in jail before she is eligible for parole.

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Gambling addict jailed after stealing $330,000 from golf club - The Age - The Age

The compulsion of betting, wagering, winning and losing will be the focus of an upcoming public forum hosted by the Newington Kiwanis Club.

On Monday, Feb. 27, the club will present two members of Gamblers Anonymous at its monthly speaker meeting at Paradise Restaurant, 10 East St., New Britain.

This event is a must see for family members and friends of susceptible persons as well as for those who find themselves enchanted by the possibilityof the big win, Kiwanis Program Chairman Al Cohen said. With the advent of so many well-publicized gambling facilities, the temptations of the big win may ensnare ordinary persons from all levels of life.

Cohen has invited two Tonys to tell their tales that evening both recovering gambling addicts. Tony M. is driving down from his home in Massachusetts, to reach people who might be considering putting an end to their games.

Our numbers have dwindled through the years; less people seem to be seeking help, Tony M. said Tuesday. We believe there arent necessarily less people out there that have the addiction, just less people seeking help. Thats why this is a great opportunity to have the voice of Gamblers Anonymous be heard.

A recovering alcoholic might count the days since their last drink; Tony placed his last bet on Dec. 5, 2004.

Ive been clean over 12 years. My relationships with my children, my wife and family members have gotten better. My life in general has gotten better.

The struggle of a gambling addict follows the same vein as that of a drug or alcohol addict. Gambling, however, is not as easily recognizable as the latter types of addictions.

It will make a good person do some things they wouldnt normally do, Tony M. explained. Steal and lie to people they love. But its more of a hidden disease. If a person is drunk or on drugs you can usually tell, but if a person is a compulsive gambler you cant read that just by looking at them.

He met the other Tony, who lives in southern Connecticut, at a GA meeting nearby. The pair will both share their stories and answer questions from the audience at the upcoming event.

Theres no cure for this, you dont graduate or anything like that, Tony M. said. Its something you have to work on pretty much the rest of your life.

Radio and television host Steve Parker will conduct the program, which begins at 7 p.m. Those who wish to dine are encouraged to arrive earlier. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome. The Newington Kiwanis free public forum nights began in 1986 and reoccur on the last Monday of each month except May and December.

The American Psychiatric Association defines pathological gambling as a medical disorder directly impacting over two million people in the U.S. Warning signs include an obsession with having to get the mail, missing work, strange phone calls, disappearing for long periods of time, lying, missing money, calls from bill collectors and irritability.

For immediate help with a gambling addiction, call the Gamblers Anonymous hotline at 855-222-5542.

Erica Schmitt can be reached at 860-801-5097, or eschmitt@centralctcommunications.com.

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Newington forum on gambling addiction today - Bristol Press

Theres no such thing as luck, but compulsive gamblers should at least feel fortunate that the states largest employer is introducing a problem gambling program that locals will begin seeing soon.

While it isnt perfect, the GameSense program MGM Resorts International will unveil by the end of the year has the potential of providing a technological tap on the shoulder to players who cant quit gambling when they should.

MGM was ordered by Massachusetts gaming regulators to implement the program in that state when MGM Springfield opens its doors next year. When company officials took a look at GameSense, they decided to introduce it to all its U.S. properties, including 10 in Las Vegas.

MGM is partnering with the British Columbia Lottery Corp. to introduce the high-profile awareness program.

Its expected that GameSense will have a visible presence in MGM casinos with signage, kiosks and a team of advisers who will be trained to look for and talk to distressed gamblers who probably should have quit playing earlier.

One of the missions of GameSense will be to educate people about how gambling works so that they make better decisions about their play limits. Bo Bernhard, the executive director of UNLVs International Gaming Institute, says GameSense will function like a product label, giving consumers detailed information about the entertainment theyve chosen to participate in.

Its going to mean blowing up some of the commonly held misperceptions about slot machines, such as this machine is due to hit or that a certain machine is cold or hot. The reality is that a player has the same random odds for a favorable outcome every time the game is played.

MGM also is giving UNLV $1 million over five years to gather research on problem gambling, and that research and some policy and regulatory questions MGM will have to review could lead to even greater player awareness.

Imagine if a player could set limits for time or money spent playing and place those parameters onto the players loyalty card. When a player reaches that limit of time or money, the machine produces a reminder to the player. At that point, the player must make a decision: Should I reject the self-imposed limitation, or should I stick to the commitment I made?

Clearly, a player can simply remove the loyalty card and quit playing or go someplace else to gamble.

Alan Feldman, executive vice president of global government and industry affairs for MGM and a longtime advocate for problem gambling awareness programs, said some research has suggested that getting an earlier reminder about nearing the limit for time or money spent has produced a negative result. Instead of winding down, the player increases bets or tries to chase a loss more aggressively.

Thats why the UNLV research, which will be shared with the University of British Columbia and Harvard Universitys medical school on addictive behavior, is so important. The right balance must be struck to be effective, and researchers will try to find out what that is.

GameSense doesnt have all the answers.

But its a good start.

Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.

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MGM's new problem gambling program designed to raise awareness - Las Vegas Review-Journal

In a bid to move Japans casino policies forward, members of the opposition party have come up with a new legislation that will deal with problem gamblers in the country.

The Osaka-centric Nippon Ishin no Kai party is hoping that a cooperation with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will boost the citys chances of being picked for one of the casino resort licenses, the Japan Times reported.

The Nippon Ishin bill sets out a variety of measures to deal with problem gamblers to ensure that the problem is dealt with in a comprehensive manner, said Nippon Ishin policy chief Hitoshi Asada, according to the news outlet.

Nippon Ishins bill, submitted to the Upper House in early February, targets problem gamblers and their families. In it, the opposition party identified the need for policies to deal with crime, suicide, poverty, debts and other problems that occur as a result of problem gambling, noting the need for the creation of a basic program that will be subject to revision at least once every five years. The bill is also seeking a set of rules for casino advertising and admission charges.

But more than that, Nippon Ishins bill wants puts the obligation of dealing with problem gamblers on central and regional governments, casino operators, the people of Japan and health professionals, according to the report.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abes LDP is already preparing new legislation detailing methods gambling operators can employ to reduce problem gambling behavior. Under LDPs proposal, the new legislation will offer guidelines for municipal governments and gambling operatorsincluding the countrys ubiquitous pachinko hallssuch as allowing families to apply for bans on their relatives patronizing gambling venues, similar to programs available in Singapore. The measures could also include new restrictions on online horse betting, one of the few forms of wagering currently allowed in the country.

Nippon Ishin, which has its own timetable for an Osaka casino, is hoping their bill will help drive the Diet debate on casino rules forward so that the second integrated resorts bill will pass by the end of the year.

Osaka Gov. Ichiro Matsui, also a co-leader of Nippon Ishin, said the ideal scenario is that at least part of an integrated resort would open in Osaka by 2023, and that would be in operation to welcome the World Expo in 2025.

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Osaka group lodges problem gambling bill to boost Japan IR chances - CalvinAyre.com

Last updated18:32, February 27 2017

JOHN WOUDSTRA/FAIRFAX NZ

Influence over the operation and profits from pokie machines is at the heart of a trial that began on Monday.

A father and son prominent in horse racing circles have gone on trial alleged to have deceived gambling authorities about the son's involvement with pokie machine operations, and distributing theprofits.

The charges against them do not specify sums, but the charitable trust in which it was alleged the son was "significantly influential"distributed more than $11.8 million in grants between December 2009 and July 2013, the Serious Fraud Office alleged.

It was alleged the son, Michael Joseph O'Brien, 57, of Blenheim, was running an "invoices for grants" scheme with racing clubs, from which he got an income and they received grants.

NIC GIBSON/FAIRFAX NZ

His ailing father, Patrick Francis O'Brien, spent much of his 83rd birthdayin a room at the Blenheim courthouse watching on a screen while thetrial tookplace atthe High Court inWellington. PatO'Brien was an accountant and a former chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand.

READ MORE: *SFO $30 million gaming charges, four plead not guilty *$30 million at centre of pokie probe *Inquiry into pokie grants looks likely to hit home

MikeO'Brien,Paul Anthony Max, 60, of Nelson, and a 56-year-old former Department of Internal Affairs employee whose name was suppressed, were also on trial. Each has pleaded not guilty.

ROBERT KITCHIN/FAIRFAX NZ

Due to ill-health, Pat O'Brien was allowed to remain in Blenheim and "attend" his trial by a video link.

The Secretary for Internal Affairs has to approve thosewith significant interests in the management, ownership, or operation of gamblingmachines and the charitable trusts that distribute the profits. It wasalleged that in 2005 MikeO'Brienwas considered unsuitable because of conflicting interests.

At the start of the trial, expected to last several weeks, prosecutor Grant Burston said MikeO'Brien had a deep involvement with racing,andhad described himself as a lobbyisthelping racing clubs obtain grants. Heinvoiced clubs forhis services.

When it became more difficult to getgrantsfor horse racing, MikeO'Brienwas behind the setting up of a gaming machine operator, Bluegrass Trust.

DEREK FLYNN/FAIRFAX NZ

Former Harness Racing NZ chairman Pat O'Brien, pictured in 2010.

With control of thenet proceedshe was able to ensure money could goto the clubs he invoiced,enablingthe schemeand his incometo continue, Burston said.

But the charges did not focus on the money O'Brien received.

MikeO'Brien and Max faced 10 charges alleging that, between 2007 and 2010, they obtained 10 venue licencesby concealing O'Brien'ssignificant interest in the ownership, management or operation of the trust that was licensed to run the machines, by transferring his interest to Max.

ROBERT KITCHIN/FAIRFAX NZ

Mike O'Brien invoiced racing clubs who received grants, it was alleged.

Mikeand PatO'Brien and the man whose name was suppressedfaced two charges together, of obtaining an operator's licence for Bluegrass, and control over the proceeds of gambling,by false representations that MikeO'Brienwas not involved.

MikeO'Brien andMax face a group of charges relating to getting venue licences for three businesses in 2009 and 2010 by concealing O'Brien's involvement.

ROBERT KITCHIN/FAIRFAX NZ

Paul Max allegedly held Mike O'Brien's interest in his name to conceal O'Brien's involvement.

-Stuff

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Deception alleged in control over pokie machine gambling and profits - Stuff.co.nz

NRL chief Todd Greenberg on Sunday defended the game's commercial links to gambling in the wake of the allegations levelled at Tim Simona, insisting administrators were working hard to maintain "a really strong balance"between the sport's integrity and catering for thousands of supporters who enjoyed punting on the competition.

League Central last year agreed toa $60 million deal with Sportsbet in making the corporate bookmaker league's official betting partner and is also reaping a far greater windfall from the gambling industry than in previous years thanks to lucrative percentage-of-turnover contracts secured with betting agencies in 2015.

The emergence this month of an NRL integrity unit investigation into Simona'salleged betting activity on the game - the Wests Tigers centre is facing deregistration amid claims he arranged bets on opposition players - came with news that a NSW police strike force was still probing unrelated allegations of match fixing in the game.

Greenberg indicated the misconduct of individual players did not mean the NRL should scale back its relationships with gambling outlets.

"There is a really strong balance here," he said during an interview with ABC News 24 aired on Sunday.

"I made some strong comments last year you'll remember about anyone involved in match fixing or gambling inside the game against the rules will face life bans and I stand by that because that really cuts to the absolute core of the integrity of the sport. For you and I to turn up every week to watch that contest, we need to know that's pure. Anyone who gets in theway of that will absolutely not be welcome back.

"But we do have to find a balance because people, particularly in this country, they love to have a bet. And we're not going to get away from that. So whether or not we have branding or not, people are still going to be looking to have a wager on the game.

"What we need to do, though, [is]we need to talk and market ourselves to those people who want to do that. We've got to make sure that we're very fundamental in how we have principles around those sorts of agreements. We're trying very hard in this space.

"There are a lot of my friends, a lot of your friends, who really enjoy to have a punt on a weekend, whether it's football, whether it's cricket or the horses. A lot of people in Australia enjoy punting. It's a difficult way to find this balance between enjoying the game but also making sure we're responsible."

Simona has until Friday to present his case to the integrity unit after being provided with documentation from the NRL relating to the case against him last week.

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NRL chief Todd Greenberg defends code's commercial ties to ... - The Sydney Morning Herald

Pharaoh's Secret Temple video gaming machine at Tropicana Casino. Noah K. Murray/Special for the Record(Photo: Noah K. Murray/Special to NorthJersey.com)

These video game gambling machines - such as Danger Zone - in Atlantic City are the first of their kind in the U.S.(Photo: Noah K. Murray/Special for the Record)

Thousands of slot machines stillawait visitors to any Atlantic City casino, as they have for almost 40 years.

But at Tropicana and the three Caesars Entertainment casinos, a handful of new machines amidthe slots areintended to lure those seeking a different gambling experience.

The words VIDEO GAME GAMBLING on the sides of the Danger Arena and Pharaohs Secret Temple games beckon patrons, andlast week, the games the first such skill-based gamesat any casinos in North America,game maker GameCo Inc. said attracted some novices.

"Danger Arena is a first-person action game that appeals to a more 'core' gamer audience, similar to XBox games like Call of Duty," said GameCo founder Blaine Graboyes. "Pharaoh's Secret Temple appeals to a more casual audience and is similar to mobile 'match 3' games such as Candy Crush."

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Danger Arena machines debuted in October, while the latter game was just installed at Tropicana last week. Both are now offered at each of the four casinos, with a total of 30 machines.

Part of the goal of the casinos is to getmillennials many of whom play video and social media games regularly but arent attracted to slot machines to spend more time and money because oftheir enjoyment of the games. Atlantic City casinos are eager to find new profit sourcesbecause the city's combined casino revenuehasfallenby more than 50 percent since Pennsylvania and New York opened their casinos near the New Jersey border in 2006. The number of casinos has declined to sevenfrom 12 in 2014.The video games are an example of efforts by state regulators to consider a variety of gambling options to help boostAtlantic City casinos and raise more tax revenue.

Reaching millennials is not just a concern in Atlantic City. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority saidthe percentage of visitors there who gambled had declined to 71 percent in 2014from 87 percent in 2006. The percentages of those who gamble by age group is telling. Seventy-eightpercent of baby-boomer visitors to Las Vegas gamble, followed by 68 percent ofGeneration Xand 63 percent of millennials.

Graboyessaidvideo games have been around so long that even somepeople in their 40s and 50s are experienced players. (Duringseveral hours at Tropicana and Caesars, no senior citizens were observedeven considering playing the video games.)

"We staff brand ambassadors at the games to answer questions and collect exit interviews, and from that we know that 60 percent of players so far have been under 40 years old," Graboyes said. Graboyes, who founded GameCoin 2015, said in September that the company had raised $8.3 million in venture capital to fund the launch at the Atlantic City casinos.

Peak activity, not surprisingly, has been nights and weekends. Half of the players interviewed said they would not have gambled if not for the video game machines, which Graboyes said bodes well for casino revenue. About 90 percent of the money gambled has gone back to the players, Graboyes added, which is similar to what casinos pay back on slot machines.

Atlantic City was chosen as the first location for the games,Graboyes said, to pay homage to his childhood visits to Atlantic City from Bucks County, Pa.

This is the first time Ive seen something like this, so I figured Id give it a try it looks kind of fun, said Kayla Jones, 30, of New Haven, Conn., after a couple of rounds of Danger Arena. Guys will definitely like this.

Another millennial, Mike Wasyliszyn of Carteret, looked over the Danger Arena games but then walked away.

I like to gamble, but I wouldnt gamble over video games its two totally separate things, Wasyliszyn said. I play Xbox and I like video games, but if I want to do that, Ill just stay home. Here, I prefer games like blackjack or craps.

Justin Miele, 38, of New Rochelle, New York, perused the games as well but said he declined because he is not a big video gamer.

I have some friends who would be interested in this, though, Miele said. Thing is, I havent seen anyone actually playing it yet.

Indeed, the games drew little notice at Tropicana at lunchtime on Feb. 17, a Friday, even with the PresidentsDay holiday weekend ahead.

Carlyn Davis of Queens, though, did take a chance on Pharaohs Secret Temple.

Ive played this type of game on my [smart]phone, Davis said. I have younger relatives who play slots, but theywould prefer to do this, I think.

I like to gamble, but I wouldnt gamble over video games its two totally separate things. I play Xbox and I like video games, but if I want to do that, Ill just stay home. Here, I prefer games like blackjack or craps.

Yeong Kim, who was visiting from Fairfax, Virginia, said he didnt much care for Pharaohs Secret Temple after a few tries at Caesars. (Ballys and Harrahs also offer the games).

My wife likes it more she says its like Candy Crush, Kim said. My kids would love it, though;they are 27 and 25. Ill tell them about it.

David Gargaro of Baltimore found that the Temple game reminded him of Bejeweled, another popular video game.

But theres too much skill involved, Gargaro, 30, said with a laugh. Its more daunting when youre gambling with real money, I suppose.

Only Jason Mejzak, 42, of Williamstown,in Gloucester County, found his experience so unappealing that he has written off the games for good.

The screen doesnt work, its too greasy, Mejzak said.

Players can choose five price points from 50 cents to $20 with either game. With Danger Arena, players must wipe out seven 'botsin 45 seconds to break even while knocking off 10 of the cartoon robots gets you 25 times your money.

There are 10,000 unique maps, or virtual locations, with Danger Arena each with a different level of difficulty. That means that as with poker and blackjack, luck as well as skill plays a role because an easy board could lead to easy money, while even a very skilled player could be overmatched by one of the most difficult maps. The maximum payout in one game on Danger Arena is $5,500,if a player lucks into the maximum instant cash prize of $5,000, then bets $20 and knocks off 10 or more 'bots to win 25 times his or her bet.

Graboyes said he plans to roll out more new games racing and martial arts fighting are among the other types and inmore locations overthe course of the year. Some of the new sites will be other Atlantic City casinos.

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Video game gambling arrives in Atlantic City - NorthJersey.com - NorthJersey.com

Pharaoh's Secret Temple is one of the first video game gambling offerings in North America - so far the games only can be played in Atlantic City at four casinos, including Tropicana.(Photo: Noah K. Murray/Special for the Record)

It started with Danger Arena a first-person action game in the realm of Call of Duty.

Next came Pharaohs Secret Treasure a Match 3 game a la Candy Crush.

Next month, the latest in video game gambling offerings at Atlantic City casinos will be Nothing But Net a basketball shooting game. (For all the details on this new industry, and why Atlantic City's casinos are the first in North America to have the games, click my story here.)

I think this might be our first really big hit, said Blaine Graboyes, CEO of GameCo., the company behind these games. Its so easy to play just one big button. Anyone can do it. With Danger Arena, if you dont play Xbox or PlayStation, youre probably not going to be very good.

Graboyes told me that a customer gets 12 shots, with each valued at a different amount. Thats the variable that intersects with the skill get a bunch of high value chances, and you are more likely to get enough points to break even or perhaps win money. The animation lets you know what each shot is worth.

Net will be in Tropicana and the three Caesars properties in Atlantic City, and Graboyes said all seven AC casinos likely will be offering video game gambling in the next 30 days. Atlantic Citys months-long monopoly on these games wont last, however, as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut also will launch these games in March.

Graboyes said he just finished the application process to Nevada regulators, setting up the possibility of Las Vegas casinos joining the party sometime this summer.

While the couple of dozen video game gambling machines are dwarfed by the slot machine inventory, more and more such games are on the way. Look for hidden object games, fighting, racing, space combat, and bubble shooter, Graboyes said.

We are working to appeal to all gamers the average age is 35, and its 50-50 male and female, he added.

Look for big name brands on new games, too think Terminator, Mission Impossible, Ferris Bueller, Paranormal, and so forth.

Finally, Graboyes enthusiastically confirmed that he has the same experience people-watching around these games as I do. He even mentioned a spot where I visited last week the 10 North Lounge at Tropicana in Atlantic City.

Isnt it interesting? asked Graboyes. Its like they just dont know what to do when they approach the games. Theyll almost be afraid to touch it, like the game might bite them. Ive seen people stand by them for 10 minutes, just looking.

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Here's what's next in video game gambling in AC - NorthJersey.com

JEFFERSON CITY Missouri and Illinois residents soon could have thousands of new slot machines clanging and blinking in their midst.

In Missouri, two lawmakers are pushing plans to legalize video gambling in bars and fraternal organizations as a way to generate money for education.

In Illinois, Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, has introduced a proposal to allow slot machines at the Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, a car racing track located just minutes from downtown St. Louis.

In both states, the proposals would allow video gambling in establishments where it has previously been prohibited.

In Missouri, the legislation would allow up to five video gambling machines in taverns and restaurants and up to 10 machines in benevolent organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The state would then collect a split of the money generated by the machines.

Missouri Rep. Bart Korman, R-Warrenton, is sponsoring one of the measures. He said the revenue could help pad the states checkbook.

When you look at the budget situation we have, I think its something we need to have a conversation about, Korman said.

In particular, hed like to see revenue generated by the slot machines to go toward schools.

The cost of busing is an important issue in rural areas, Korman said. Student transportation has been cut year after year.

A similar proposal sponsored by Missouri Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, would earmark 35 percent of the receipts generated by video gambling to higher education.

The legislation is similar to a measure approved in Illinois in 2009; it didnt get underway until 2012.

Since then, Illinois has seen an explosion in the number of establishments offering video gambling.

After four years, the number of businesses with at least one terminal tops 5,700. The total number of machines is nearing 25,000, according to statistics compiled by the Illinois Gaming Commission.

Video gambling generated $277 million for Illinois in 2016. Local governments received $55.4 million.

Bringing a mini-casino to the Gateway race track would add to that total.

Claybornes proposal amends Illinois video gaming act to allow up to 200 terminals at a licensed motorsports park. Gateways facilities already include a drag strip, a 1.25-mile superspeedway, a 1.6-mile road course and tracks for go-karts and off-road vehicles.

Gateway spokeswoman Susan Ryan said the proposal would help diversify the facilitys income stream.

The long-term success of this business requires a diverse revenue base including non-racing entertainment options such as festivals, charity events, private parties, concerts and gaming, Ryan said in a statement.

Clayborne, whose proposal has not been scheduled for a debate, could not immediately be reached for comment. His proposal is separate from a larger gambling proposal that was floated as part of a package designed to end Illinois long-running budget stalemate.

Under that proposal, Illinois would get new casinos in Chicago and its south suburbs, Waukegan, Carterville, Rockford and Danville.

The casino industry in both states is primed to fight the expansion of slots.

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association is opposing Claybornes idea, primarily because it could lure gamblers away from the Casino Queen, located less than five miles away in East St. Louis.

Its just such a big proposal and the Casino Queen is so close by, said association executive director Tom Swoik.

The Missouri Gaming Association, which represents 13 casinos, opposes the expansion of video gambling in Missouri because it also would cut into the casino market, executive director Mike Winter told the Post-Dispatch.

Illinois experience offers evidence that casinos have been affected by the explosion of video gambling.

In December 2007, for example, Illinois fleet of riverboats was drawing 1.3 million visitors. A decade later, that number had dropped to under 950,000 visitors. Receipts also have dropped in the past decade.

Illinois law also has led to a new breed of gambling parlors.

Business owners have launched chains of so-called gambling cafes hoping to draw customers who wouldnt otherwise go to bars. A chain called Lucys Place, for example, was originally designed to attract women over 40. Other similar operations are named Nikkis, Dottys and Pennys.

In Missouri, it remains unclear if Gov. Eric Greitens supports an expansion of gambling. His office did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said he opposes gambling revenue as a way to fix the state budget. But he wont block the proposal from coming to the Senate floor for a debate.

Im not a fan of legalizing gambling to plug any hole for anything, Richard said. The Senate is supposed to be for open and fair discussion, so thats what I try to do, regardless of my support or not.

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Push to expand gambling underway in Missouri and Illinois - STLtoday.com

Sutton goalkeeper Wayne Shaw is at the centre of a betting probe after eating a pie on the substitutes' bench during an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

The 46-year-old has admitted he knew Sun Bets were offering 8-1 odds against him doing so.

Both the Gambling Commission and the Football Association are now investigating whether the incident broke any rules.

:: Pie-eating goalkeeper Wayne Shaw resigns from Sutton Utd

Nicknamed the 'Roly Poly Goalie' because of his 20st weight, 46-year-old Wayne Shaw is employed by Sutton as a reserve goalkeeper and as part of the coaching team.

He said: "A few of the lads said to me earlier on, 'What is going on with the 8-1 about eating a pie later on?'

"As I say, Sun Bets had me at 8-1 to eat a pie. I thought I would give them a bit of banter and let's do it. All the subs were on and we were 2-0 down.

"I went and got it at half-time from the kitchen, I had it all prepared and ready to go. It was meat and potato.

"I think there were a few people (who backed it). Obviously we are not allowed to bet. I think a few of the mates and a few of the fans. It was just a bit of banter for them.

"It is something to make the occasion as well and you can look back and say it was part of it and we got our ticket money back."

Gambling Commission enforcement and intelligence director Richard Watson said: "Integrity in sport is not a joke and we have opened an investigation to establish exactly what happened.

"As part of that we'll be looking into any irregularity in the betting market and establishing whether the operator has met its licence requirement to conduct its business with integrity."

The FA is also looking into the incident, saying in a statement that they are "investigating whether there has been a breach of FA regulations in relation to betting".

The FA rulebook says: "A participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on (i) the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in, a football match or competition."

Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Sutton chairman Bruce Elliott said: "Wayne is a top man. I didn't know anything about it. He has got himself in the papers again and the fame obviously has gone to his head a little bit, but we will soon bring him back down to earth, don't worry about that."

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FA and Gambling Commission probe Sutton goalkeeper Wayne Shaw's pie-eating - Sky News

William Hill announced a 1% rise in pre-tax profit. The government is reviewing the harm TV gambling advertising may cause. Photograph: Neil Hall/Reuters

The man tipped to lead the UKs second-biggest bookmaker has broken ranks with the industry by offering support for a curb on TV gambling adverts.

Betting companies have largely rejected suggestions that their ads are seen by too many vulnerable people and children, but William Hills finance director said he understood peoples concerns.

I have teenage children and we are sympathetic to some sort of curb or some sort of review around the level of advertising, said Philip Bowcock.

Asked if companies were glamourising gambling, he claimed William Hill was more cautious than some high street rivals.

You could say that we are a little bit more corporate, but we try and be responsible about what we promote, he said.

Bowcock, the interim CEO after the departure of James Henderson last July following successive profit warnings, is among the favourites to be named chief executive, with a decision due within weeks.

His comments on advertising, as the company announced a 1% increase in pre-tax profit to 226m, come as the government reviews the potential harm caused by fixed-odds betting terminals and TV advertising.

The gambling industry has largely been defensive about the impact on children of TV advertising, which is banned before the 9pm watershed, except during sports events. The Remote Gambling Association, which counts William Hill among its members, rejected the need for curbs on the industry last year. And the Association of British Bookmakers has pointed to voluntary measures such as scrapping adverts for free bets before the watershed.

But one industry source said backing restrictions on daytime TV ads may benefit William Hill.

If youve got hundreds of shops with your name in the window, youve got much greater exposure than someone like Sun Bets, who have to do stunts with pies to get their name into the market, said the source, referring to the controversial incident involving the Sutton United reserve goalkeeper Wayne Shaw.

GambleAware recently launched adverts highlighting the risks of addiction. The ads, one addressing fruit machines and one highlighting online gaming, appear on YouTube for internet users in the north-east and north-west of England, but could be rolled out nationally.

The charity wants gambling companies to agree to one of its adverts being broadcast for every 20 of their own.

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William Hill's potential next CEO backs curbs on TV gambling adverts - The Guardian

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A slots parlor at the Mohegan Sun Pocono casino. State lawmakers and the Wolf administration are poised to extract even more revenue from gambling. (Times-Tribune File)

State government leaders long have gambled with the states financial health. They rolled snake eyes, for example, when they vastly increased public pension benefits in 2001 without a mechanism to pay for it. So there is symmetry in their current efforts to make more gambling the answer to the financial problems that their own wayward bets have produced.

The state government has a systemic deficit of about $3 billion. That is the accumulated effect of lawmakers refusing to modernize state tax policy and pretending at meaningful pension reform all for fear of the political risk.

But for politicians, there is no risk to expanding gambling, taxes on which are collected by third parties casinos, racetracks and lottery agents rather than directly by the state.

Its no wonder, then, that lawmakers already are pondering casino-operated internet gambling and fantasy sports gambling. And, during budget hearings this week, state lottery Director Drew Svitko told legislators that the administration wants to put lottery games online.

What were not talking about is just selling our existing product online ... as much as were talking about selling a new type of product, an interactive, engaging, more relevant product to a different audience, he said.

Unlike many past gambling proposals, this one at least is honest. At the beginning, advocates pressed casino gambling as a means to capture dollars that Pennsylvanians already were losing in Atlantic City. The objective was not to create new gamblers, they said, but to capture existing gamblers.

That, of course, was baloney. The reason for the interest in internet gambling is that even existing gamblers get old. Some even die. To capture new generations of gamblers, the enterprise must venture into cyberspace, where younger people live on their multiple devices. The administration admits, at least, that the new initiative is aimed at a different audience.

Pennsylvania casinos already produce more state revenue than in any state other than Nevada. Gamblers lost $3.21 billion to Pennsylvania casinos in the 2016 calendar year, $1.39 billion of which went to Harrisburg in taxes.

In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the state lottery sold a record $4.13 billion worth of tickets, paid out a record $2.63 billion in prizes and turned over $1.12 billion to the treasury.

Yet that is not enough for gambling-happy legislators who embrace indirect taxes while ignoring the social dysfunction that it fosters (note the frequent reports of arrests of people who steal from employers and civic groups to cover their legally accrued gambling debts).

Pennsylvania has enough gambling to satisfy old and new gamblers alike. Lawmakers and the administration should stop being croupiers and start working to reform state tax policy, fix the pension systems and foster the economic growth needed to resolve the states crisis.

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Gambling is state policy - Scranton Times-Tribune

This is post 1 of 3 in the series Who Are Philippines Largest Casino Tycoons and How They Will Benefit from Dutertes Online Gambling Crackdown

Alongside his deadly war on drugs, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte recently started his anti-gambling campaign. Online gambling must stop, were Dutertes words during his very first cabinet meeting on June 30, 2016. The Philippine President has vowed to destroy online gambling and electronic gaming parlors that have been loosely regulated.

Accordingly, on February 2, 2017, he passed an executive order (EO 13), directing law enforcement agencies to step up the fight against illegal gambling and clarifying the authority of online gambling operators. The license to operate online gambling granted to qualified operators shall not be assigned, shared, leased, transferred, sold or encumbered to any other party. Any gambling operator desiring to operate outside the jurisdiction of the government authority which issued its existing license shall apply for a separate license with the appropriate authority, the EO read.

While this does cast dark clouds over online gambling operators in thePhilippines (EPHE) (PIE), it raises hopes for casinos owners and operators. Casinos in thePhilippines should gain more prominence with online gambling being curbed, as casino operators in Asia attempt to cash-in on the entertainment needs of the rising middle class of the region.

Within Asia, casinos operators (BJK) (PEJ) have long focused on Macau as their revenue earner. Companies such as Las Vegas Sands(LVS),Wynn Resorts(WYNN), andMGM Resorts(MGM)already operate properties there. Being the only Chinese territory where casino gambling is legal, Macau has long held the reputation of being one of the most popular and profitable gambling destinations.

However, the last three years havent bagged much windfall for gaming and casino operators in Macau. Reasons for this slowdown include:

With sliding revenues from their Macau-based casinos, we may see operators shifting their focus toward the Philippines, which stands to swing to prominence as an alternate entertainment hub. The country is already contending with Macau and Singapore to become a major gambling hub.

The next article in this series looks more closely at the owners of these gaming companies and their revenue growth prospects.

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Which Philippine Business Tycoons Benefit Most From Duterte's Online Gambling Crackdown? - Frontera News

WEST PALM BEACH

A 59-year-old Boynton Beach man was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to get help for a gambling problem that he claimed led him to embezzle roughly $1.7 million from construction companies where he worked.

Alan Gainsborg was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra to pay $1.1 million in restitution to MSP Enterprises Inc. and PH Developers LLC, two Boynton Beach development companies owned by Michael Puder. He repaid roughly $560,000 and handed over the deed to his house when his scheme unraveled and he was fired in November 2015, according to court documents.

Gainsborg, who pleaded guilty in December to two charges of mail fraud, was allowed to remain free on bond. He is to turn himself in on April 24.

With the help of a Deerfield Beach man who wasnt charged, federal prosecutors claim Gainsborg sent fake invoices to Puder. When Puder questioned the bills, Gainsborg ran them through two general contractors. Those men, however, didnt know Gainsborg was stealing from Puder and didnt make any money on the scam, prosecutors said.

Gainsborg began working for Puder in July 2013. Puder is a developer of both commercial and residential projects, including the 130-home Waterview at Boynton Lakes, 115-home Montego Bay at Boca Pointe and The Grove, a 550-unit townhouse complex in Boynton Beach.

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Boynton man gets two years for embezzlement he blames on gambling - Palm Beach Post

Brent Musburger is back.

He might be retired from announcing, but that doesnt mean Musburger hasdropped from public view. On Thursday,he dropped a link to his debut column for Vegas Stats & Information Network, which offers sports gambling news, analysis and data.

The column is titled, New-look Pelicans bring NBA back in style, and it touches on former Kentucky stars DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis joining forces in New Orleans.

Heres part of the piece:

LAS VEGAS We have not seen any NBA basketball in nearly one week and yes, I am counting that All-Star Game that was not basketball at all. The drought ends tonight.

It looked like the headline game of the night would be the Clippers at the Warriors, with Golden State a 12-point favorite. But that was before Sundays eye-opening trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins from Sacramento to New Orleans, turning two games that were of no interest into the games that carry some intrigue tonight.

Now all eyes are going to be back on the same arena where Sundays defense-less exhibition gives way to tonights matchup of the Houston Rockets and the new-look Pelicans. In New Orleans they are calling the big, new pairing of Cousins and Anthony Davis Boogie and Brow. As NOLA.com put it, they could be New Orleanss best combo since red beans and rice.

In one sense Cousins and Davis bring the game closer to the baseline than teams are used to playing, so that will create a challenge on defense for the Rockets. But Cousins and Davis are very similar in style, and it may take a while for them to mesh and find their comfort zones.

In addition to the NBA buzz, Musburgeraddresses a bit ofNASCAR news in his column. (Sorry, theres nothing about college football yet.)

Its cool to see him be so versatile. That shouldnt be a surprise, given that he had experience as a play-by-play announcer or a host for the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, in addition to the MLB playoffs, NBA Finals, FIFA World Cup and NCAA tournament. He worked for ABC and ESPN since 1990. He called college football and basketball games for the SEC Network since 2014. Earlier in his career, he worked for CBS Sports from 1973-1990.

It will be fun to see what kind of thoughts Musburger drops in the future. The college football opinions, if there are any,should be amazing.

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Brent Musburger writes fantastic debut column for Las Vegas-based sports gambling website - SECcountry.com

Miami Herald

Florida lawmakers headed for showdown over dueling gambling bills Miami Herald Florida House and Senate committees on Thursday approved vastly different approaches to the future of gambling in Florida, with the Senate opening the door to massive expansion of slot machines and Indian gaming, while the House attempts to retract ... House, Senate At Odds On Gambling PlansCBS Local House And Senate Gambling Bills At OddsWFSU Legislators on collision course over gamblingGainesville Sun Naples Daily News -Casino.Org News -SaintPetersBlog (blog) all 16 news articles »

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Florida lawmakers headed for showdown over dueling gambling bills - Miami Herald