Barclays is implementing a cooling off period for its customers who elect to switch off their gambling-related transactions. The new feature that will make customers wait for at least 72 hours before they can resume with gambling payments will be introduced in the coming weeks.

In December 2018, Barclays introduced a protective option for its clients to allow them to self-exclude from gambling by turning off gambling transactions, and the feature has been used more than 570,000 times ever since. During the coronavirus-induced lockdown only, the banks gambling block has been activated 187,000 times.

The ability to block gambling transactions through your bank card or app is incredibly helpful to those struggling to control their gambling, and is ideally used together with other practical tools such as self-exclusion, blocking software, and specialist support and treatment around the issue.

The new 72-hour time delay that Barclays will be adding to the feature will further improve the ability of its customers to control their gambling behavior as it comes after careful consideration of clients feedback. Any attempts to make a transaction on gambling websites, apps or venues before this periods expiration will be automatically declined by the bank.

Customer feedback on our gambling control showed us there was more we could do to help and weve worked closely with them to design the solution. Our customers have told us this 72-hour time delay gives them a real pause for thought and helps when they are tempted to return to gambling.

Whenever customers decide to switch gambling back on after activating the feature, a pop-up window will show on the screen reminding them that they will need to wait for the cooling period to expire before making any payments to gambling operators.

Weve long campaigned for banks to offer customers gambling blocks with a cooling off period, as this can make a huge difference in helping people stay in control of gambling and avoid serious financial problems. Were delighted that Barclays has taken this step and hope that other banks will follow suit.

Barclays is one of the banks which take gambling harm prevention seriously, as there are other control tools at the disposal of its customers, among which setting a spending limit for a single transaction, cash withdrawal limits as well as complete temporary freeze of cards when clients feel they are losing the grip on their spending entirely.

Barclays also has a gambling support page where it provides guidelines for its customers how to realize they are getting out of control. Feeling stressed or worried, getting into debt or struggling to pay for food and bills due to money being spent on gambling are among the signs mentioned on the banks support page.

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Barclays Is Beefing Gambling Block Feature with Cooling off Period - GamblingNews.com

07:4712 Sep

An affair with a 20-year old actress, ensuing blackmail and $100million lost in the casinos thats how NBCUniversals Ron Meyer ended his $25million a year job and the details are almost beyond belief.

The 75-year old media and entertainment executive was known as the biggest craps player ever to casino insiders, described by one as being in the top three most sought-after whales.

News of his $multi-million gambling habit emerged after he stepped down from his NBC Vice Chair role last month, citing an affair with a actress 47 years his junior.

Meyer claimed he was facing extortion threats from an unnamed woman, the accusations believed to involve the English actress, Charlotte Kirk.

He added:

It was the emergence Meyers incredible gambling habits, however, that made the headlines this week, tales of losing more than $7million in a single night emerging.

A Daily Mail source claims Meyer would blow between $5million and $7million at Caesars. Once he exhausted his credit line there, the VP would take him to Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut where he would blow $3-5million as well at each place.'

The California-born former talent agent was also reputed to be in the hole for several million dollars' to mobsters during the 80s and 90s, according to Powerhouse: The Inside Story of CAA author James Miller.

Miller claimed that Meyer narrowly avoided serious violence keeping 'both legs operative, genitalia intact' - by borrowing $millions from movie producer Ray Stark.

The anonymous casino insider who emerged recently told reporters:

That involved VIP stays in penthouse suites, with a helicopter and luxury limousine on hand to transfer him between casinos and hotels, and $million+ lines of credit.

Meyer also had to sell his $125million Malibu home, his 2018 divorce revealing that his wife knew nothing of the massive gambling habit.

'In the divorce settlement his wife asked for a forensic accounting, because she thought he was hiding the money. But he wasn't hiding the money, he just blew it,' reported the Mail.

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$100million Gambling Losses, Illicit Affair and Extortion - the Downfall of Ron Meyer - PokerTube

Jason White, Special to the Courier & Press Published 11:36 a.m. CT Sept. 11, 2020 | Updated 11:39 a.m. CT Sept. 11, 2020

Editor's note: We're glad to welcome back Jason White (aka "The Commish") for a regular look at gambling each week.

Last year, Jason's picks were correct 59 percent of the time (50-34-3). This season, with limited college football schedules, he will be focusing on the National Football League.

His first picks of the season, along with a couple of prop bets, follow.

BUCCANEERS (+3 ) @ Saints: In 2019, Tampa Bay was able to win seven games despite the fact that quarterback Jameis Winston threw a mind boggling 30 interceptions. But six-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady is now running the show, and he has no shortage of offensive weapons at his disposal. Its usually not a good idea to pick against the Saints at home, but the pandemic protocol fan restrictions will take away some of the home field magic. Take advantage of one of the few times this season when Brady and the Bucs will be getting points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)(Photo: Chris O'Meara, AP)

BEARS (+3) @ Lions: When you think of the Chicago Bears, you think defense. Despite injuries to key defensive players, the squad performed at an extremely high level in 2019. Now healthy, this defense is ready to wreak havoc once again. But the offense of the Bears will have to contribute. In 2017, the Bears moved up to the No. 2 overall pick in the draft to select Mitchell Trubisky. In a draft where both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were available, the decision to take Trubisky has been widely criticized. Its make or break time for both Trubisky and head coach Matt Nagy, and I think they get off to a great start in Week 1 while riding the coattails of their stellar defense. Lions quarterback Matt Stafford will be running for his life on Sunday.

OVER (39 ) - Jets @ Bills: This is the lowest point total on the board and I think its too low for this Week 1 matchup. The number is primarily based on the fact that the Bills went 4-12 against the point total last season. And while the Jets defense (led by defensive guru Gregg Williams) is stout, the addition of Stefon Diggs to the Bills offense is going to open things up for quarterback Josh Allen this year. I look for Allen to have a great day in the air and with his legs to get enough points to push this pick over the top.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen during practice. (Photo: JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE)

GIANTS (+6) vs. Steelers: This Monday night matchup opened with the Steelers favored by 3 points and has ballooned to a six-point spread at the end of the week. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is returning from an injury, and the Steelers are led by one of the best head coaches in Mike Tomlin. But Daniel Jones gets to hand the ball off to Saquon Barkley, and the offense will be productive with new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett calling the plays. Despite the heavy money being placed on Pittsburg, I think the line has moved too far and the Giants will stay within the spread.

14. Colts If Philip Rivers has anything left in his arm, the Colts will make the playoffs.(Photo: Michael Conroy, AP)

Prop bets:

OVER (2 ) - Total touchdowns scored by COLTS vs. Jaguars (-165): Despite not getting a great rate of return, this is a classic bet to help with bankroll management. I trust Frank Reich and the Colts offense to make this happen by early in the 3rd quarter.

OVER (51.5) - Total rushing yards by Todd Gurley (Falcons) vs. Seahawks (-110): While theres still a mystery surrounding the health of Todd Gurley, he continues to be productive on limited touches. Dont be discouraged when he limps back to the huddle after his first run. I expect him to rip off enough productive runs to win this pick.

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The Commish's gambling picks for Week 1 of the NFL season - The Gleaner

My goal with this post is to enable you to understand the psychology of gambling well enough that you can start taking control of your gambling hobby. The idea is to become a winner, and that starts in the mind. Im convinced that almost everyone has a winner inside, and the trick is to find the code to unlock that winner.

And my hope is that this post will set you off down the road to awakening the winner within.

Consistency is everything.

Ive written before about the differences between gambling with a positive expectation versus gambling with a negative expectation, but heres the deal:

If you gamble with a positive expectation some of the time and a negative expectation some of the time, you might as well be gambling with a negative expectation all the time.

This means if youre an expert poker player, and you need a change of pace, dont go blowing your money at the roulette table. If you need a change of pace, learn to count cards and go win money at the blackjack table instead.

It does you no good to book five small winning sessions if you just blow it on your 6th gambling session.

Im not as big a believer in trying to manage your state of mind as some success gurus like Tony Robbins are. Robbins seems to think you should try to control your mental state all the time, learning to associate painful emotions with stuff you dont want to do and feel-good emotions with stuff you do want to do.

Ive also done a lot of work with a therapist who says theres no such thing as a negative emotion. I know what she means, but I still dont enjoy grief.

Cognitive behavioral therapy works from the supposition that if you change your thoughts, your behaviors will change, too. After all, before you do anything, you have some kind of thought that leads you to that decision.

How does all this apply to gambling?

Mostly it just means you should pay attention to your state of mind when youre embarking on a gambling session. If youre feeling depressed or tired, maybe you shouldnt be at the blackjack table. Its easier to make a bad decision when youre in a bad state of mind.

You might be able to psyche yourself up occasionally, but it might also be good to just feel your feelings and avoid gambling when youre feeling bad.

I dont mean you get to make up the rules to blackjack as you go along.

Instead, Im suggesting that you have your own rules for your behavior in gambling situations.

Heres an example:

My friend Drunk Gary has a rule when hes playing blackjack for real money. When he has a hunch, he listens to it. A lot of gamblers have that rule.

I have a different rule when I play blackjack. I ignore all my hunches and stick with basic strategy.

You might have a rule that you only play blackjack when a single-deck version is available, and you deviate from basic strategy whenever the count says that its appropriate. (Im not talking about Count Dracula, here Im talking about people who count cards. The count is just a measure of how many high cards are left in the deck.)

Other people have rules they follow for how much money theyre willing to lose before calling it a day, while others have win goals that signal that its time to quit. I know some gamblers who stay in a game as long as the math is positive expectation for them. They only quit when theyre too tired to continue to win money.

Its easy to have low standards as a gambler. For example, you might think its no big deal to put $100 into a slot machine once in a while.

Thats not a winning decision, though.

Real gambling winners only make positive expectation bets, and you cant get a positive expectation on a slot machine no matter what youve read on the internet.

That little $100 losing session is the kind of leak you need to plug if youre really going to win at gambling consistently.

You also want to raise your standards for what kinds of bets youre willing to make. If you insists on only gambling when the odds are in your favor, youll eventually become a winner just because of the math behind the games.

Heres an example:

Drunk Gary loves to play blackjack, and he visits a casino in Las Vegas that offers $5 blackjack. But this game has a 6/5 payout for a natural. Gary doesnt care. He just wants to stay in action.

On the other hand, I refuse to play ANY blackjack game with a 6/5 payout. My standards are higher than that. Id rather not play than play such an inferior game.

Changing that payout adds 1.5% to the house edge, which makes any edge you might get counting cards null and void.

Losers just like being in action. They dont associate losing with pain or winning with pleasure.

Thats an important distinction to make. Youll see slot zombies losing money hand over fist enjoying (if you can call it that) a day in front of the one-armed bandits.

But I have a more important distinction for you:

You should be so focused on making good decisions that winning and losing just arent as important anymore.

If you get all your chips in the middle of the table before the flop when you have pocket aces, youve done great even if you lose the hand.

Thats because youve made a good decision that will result in long-term winnings.

You just have to stay in the game long enough.

Imagine never playing real money slots again.

Does that sound like a big commitment?

Now imagine spending 40 hours a month reading poker books for the next year.

Thats a big commitment, too, right?

These are the kinds of commitments winning gamblers make as a matter of course throughout the year.

You must become committed to learning how to make sensible decisions consistently.

Then you have to become so dedicated to doing so that you never make bad decisions when gambling.

Thats a commitment that makes marriage pale in comparison.

When casinos that are part of a publicly-traded company discuss earnings, they dont have the option of explaining that they just had a run of bad luck during the last quarter. They must justify their earnings based on how theyve managed the business.

Gambling is, at its core, an exercise in math and execution. Get the math wrong, and youll lose. Ignore the math and do something that isnt mathematically optimal, and youll lose.

Casinos are consistently profitable for two reasons:

Being a winning gambler at least doing so consistently means finding a way to flip that mathematical edge in your favor.

Getting lucky just isnt good enough unless you get lucky once early in your gambling career and quit forever.

Einstein said that compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe, but when it comes to gambling, expectation is the most powerful force in the universe.

The two are closely related, anyway.

If you can remember that luck happens but isnt what makes you a winner, you stand a chance at winning in the casino.

How do you awaken the winner within?

You need to examine your belief systems about gambling and change them.

When those belief systems change, your behavior will change, too.

Winners take different actions from losers, and you want to learn how to take those actions and do so consistently.

Read more:

How to Win More at the Casinos - Psychology of Winning Gamblers - BestUSCasinos.org

Everyone knows that Japan is one of the coolest places to visit in the world. Featuring ancient art techniques, fascinating architecture, traditional music, and amazing food, Japan continues to be a hotspot for tourists from all over the globe.

One thing you may not associate Japan with is gambling. Thats because there are currently no casinos in Japan, however, it looks like there will be in the very near future. Even without casinos, there are some interesting things to gamble on.

Lets take a look at some places you can visit in Japan where you can gamble as well as take in the beautiful culture this country has to offer.

Here are three memorable places to visit while gambling in Japan.

Pachinko is a unique Asian gambling game and is most well-known in Japan. Its a form of pseudo-gambling that the vast majority of the Japanese population engage in.

There are Pachinko parlors spread all over Japan and if there is one place visitors should go its the Maruhan Shinjuku Toho Building where tourists can easily learn to play Pachinko.

There are over 1,000 gaming machines at the Maruhan Shinjuku Toho Building, consisting of pachinko and pachi-slots. You can get a membership card and rack up points from multiple visits and exchange them for prizes.

You can possibly exchange your points for cash, but the parlor isnt officially associated with businesses that will give you money for your points. Your best bet would be to ask another player at the parlor how and where to do this.

The staff at the Maruhan Shinjuku Toho Building speak Spanish, Turkish, Korean, Chinese, and English, and they are more than willing to help you while you are there. Shinjuku has some awesome historic sights to see such as the Shinjuku Samurai Museum. You can get a group tour in Chinese, Korean, English, or Japanese.

Once the tour ends, you can dress up as a samurai, or if you prefer you can wear a kimono instead. Sword fighting performances can also be viewed at the museum. If you want to learn some samurai moves, you can do that as well with the assistance of a choreographer.

You can easily travel from the past into the future by walking down the street from the Shinjuku Samurai Museum to the Robot Restaurant. This place is quite the spectacle, and while you are waiting for a table, you will be entertained by a robot band.

The name Robot Restaurant can be somewhat misleading, as there are only some light snacks available on the menu. The Robot Restaurants main focus is the show you will enjoy once inside.

Shinjuku is located in Tokyo, and Im sure most people dont think of beautiful green parks when they think of Tokyo but Shinjuku has just that.

At the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, you will enjoy what used to be the Emperors private garden. Springtime is the quintessential time to visit as that is cherry blossom season. However, this park is still beautiful all year long.

Horse racing is extremely popular in Japan, and there are over 20,000 races held every year. Betting on horse racing attracts the most serious gamblers from Japan and around the world. If you want to have the real horse racing experience, you must go to the Kyoto Racecourse in Kyoto.

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The Kyoto Racecourse was built in 1999 and can hold 120,000 people. This venue consists of a jump course, a dirt course, and two turf courses. Races are held year-round at the Kyoto Racecourse. Betting on horseracing in Japan can be quite lucrative, so you might just walk away as a big winner.

One of the best things about the Kyoto Racecourse is that it is in Kyoto. Surrounded by beautiful cherry trees on top of a magnificent hill, you will find the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There, you will find the Jishu Shrine that was built for the god of love.

If you are a fan of beautiful scenery and monkeys, then you will want to visit Monkey Park Iwatayama. Now, consider yourself warned, there are monkeys everywhere, swinging from trees and always looking for an opportunity to steal some food from you.

Make sure that if you have any bags or a backpack with you that you keep them zipped up. These monkeys have no problem going through all of your belongings in search of some food or a free souvenir.

If you are looking for entertainment in Kyoto, the Gion district is just for you. There, you will find geishas, theatres, and some very talented artists.

Make sure to catch a kabuki show at the Minamiza Theatre. A kabuki show is a type of theatre that includes bright colors, elaborate makeup, and ancient dance techniques.

If you are superstitious, make sure you make your way down to the Yasui Konpira-gu Shrines magical stone. There, you can write down your dreams and offer it to a magical stone.

While in the Gion district, you can also enjoy great food as there are a huge number of cafes there. A short 20 kilometers away from Kyoto is the town of Kurama. While there you can travel to the top of Mt. Kurama where you will find an amazing Buddhist temple by the name of Kurama-dera. You will also find a beautiful hiking trail located just past the temple.

You will see birds, deer, and monkeys as you travel the trail.

Japan is very famous for its unique style of bicycle racing known as Keirin. Keirin emerged after World War II and is one of the most popular sports to bet on in all of Japan. It consists of nine cyclists doing laps around a velodrome.

Initially, this sport was developed for the sole purpose of being gambled on, but today, it is also appreciated as one of Japans finest sports. The Omiya Velodrome is a perfect place to get in on the action of betting on Keirin. Located in Omiya-ku, Saitama, the Omiya Velodrome has an oval whose circumference is 500 meters.

Omiya-ku is usually just thought of as a hub that connects Tokyo to the northern parts of Japan. However, it is an excellent tourist spot as well. Omiya actually means great shrine. There, you will find the Hikawa Shrine that dates back to 473 BCE. Surrounding this shrine are bridges, ponds, and other smaller shrines.

To learn more about Omiya-kus history, you can visit the Omiya Railway Museum. Omiya has always been a transportation hub in modern times and plays an important role in the Shinkansen bullet train network.

Among the cool things you will see at this museum is an Imperial carriage that was used by Japanese royalty as well as steam locomotives and model trains from Japanese history.

If you are an even bigger history buff, you will want to make sure to pay a visit to the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore. Here, you will find ancient pieces of fine art from 1000 BCE, as well as more modern works from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Visitors can also make folk crafts at some of the workshops that are held regularly. Omiya-ku also has a park that is well-known for its cherry blossoms as well as its apricot and red pine trees.

A visit to Japan wouldnt be complete without seeing some bonsai masterpieces. At the Omiya Bonsai Village, you will see not only bonsai masterpieces but bonsai related artifacts as well. This village is also home to the Great Bonsai Festival which is held every May.

The Omiya Bonsai Village is only a short walk from Omiya Koen Station which is located on the Tobu Urban Park Line.

Japan is unlike any other country you will ever visit. The beauty of its culture and nature is unparalleled. Couple this with some unique gambling opportunities and you have a potential trip that will change your life forever.

Again, it is anticipated that land-based casinos will soon be in operation in Japan within the next couple of years. So, now is the best time to be thinking about planning a gambling trip to Japan.

Did you enjoy reading about these places to visit while gambling in Japan? If so, let me know in the comments.

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Attractions and Gambling in Japan - Memorable Activities in Japan - BestUSCasinos.org

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Parimatch has been confirmed as Leicester Citys new Official First Team Training Wear Partner ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Parimatch, an international betting and technology company based in Cyprus, will see their branding appear on the training and warm-up wear of Leicester Citys First Team squad during all domestic and UEFA Europa League fixtures for the upcoming season.

The partnership will also see the companys branding visible on pitch-side LED advertising boards at all home Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup games, as well as on interview backdrops for all top-flight fixtures at the King Power Stadium and on the Clubs social media channels.

Harj Hir, Head of Partnerships at Leicester City, said: We are really pleased to partner with Parimatch, an exciting international brand. We look forward to working together and helping to grow each others international profile.

Parimatch connect traditional and emerging markets with an innovative betting platform and are one of the most popular operators within the CIS region, and are shortly launching a new site specifically created for customers in Great Britain.

The company prides itself on a reliable, and responsible, experience across an original mobile-orientated digital platform. Their betting products provide an exciting form of entertainment that enhances customers enjoyment of sport and gaming.

Sergey Portnov, CEO at Parimatch said: This is a fitting and excellent partnership for Parimatch. Firstly, the Premier League is one of the greatest and most popular competitions in the world. Our brand belongs on this stage. Secondly, we see a lot of similarities between ourselves and Leicester City Football Club. Leicester are the great surprise story of the Premier League. Their title win in 2016 will be forever remembered around the world and they have since firmly established themselves amongst the Premier Leagues elite. Yet, just over ten years ago they were playing in third tier of English football. Their meteoric rise is because of their shrewd management and drive to succeed. Parimatch are also underdogs in the international gaming industry. We have had to overcome many obstacles and continue to better ourselves to get to where we are today. Leicesters indelible spirit will help ensure we remain on this exciting path.

Ivan Liashenko, CMO at Parimatch added: Leicester City will be forever known as the miracle makers because of their extraordinary Premier League title win. At Parimatch we believe that miracles can only be made through hard work and a fighting spirit. We are delighted that Leicester City have chosen Parimatch as their Training Wear Partner and as an Official Betting Partner. Working with Leicester City ensures that Parimatch is partnering with a club that embodies the same values we hold at the heart of our business.

In July 2018, Parimatch became the official betting and wagering partner for the UFC in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), while they are also the shirt sponsor of APOEL FC in the Cypriot First Division.

Furthermore, the Parimatch Foundation was launched in 2018 and has significantly invested in promoting health and wellbeing through empowering education and community participation in sports.

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As a historic NFL season kicks off Thursday, there is still so much that bettors and bookmakers dont know. How will home-field advantage be impacted without fans in the stadium? How will teams be affected by not playing any preseason games (or intersquad scrimmages)? How will COVID-19 impact the season?

Bettors and bookmakers alike have had to prep for an NFL season unlike any other, including less public information without any preseason games, and a plethora of other betting options not normally available this time of year.

Its been like March in August, Chuck Esposito, sportsbook director at Stations Casinos, said.

Ive spent more time reading through the house rules in the last month than I have the previous decade, Dave Sharapan, a longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker, joked.

We asked bookmakers across the country what NFL home-field advantage was worth this season, how they were dealing with all of the uncertainty and more.

Ask five different bookmakers and youll get five different answers on how much home-field advantage is worth in the NFL and the impact of reduced (or zero) fans in stadiums.

For years, the general perception was that bookmakers gave home teams three points and adjusted based on the strength of the home-field advantage, travel and other factors. As others have noted, though, home-field advantage has been declining for years and most teams home stadiums arent worth a full three points. Last season was the first NFL campaign in which visiting teams outscored home teams, John Sheeran, director of trading at FanDuel Sportsbook, noted.

The media has overreacted to home-field over the years, Sheerhan said. While its a certainly a small size [of visiting teams outscoring home teams], we have a degree of confidence that home-field advantage is diminishing.

Another variable is that for the first time in NFL history, different teams will have variable amounts of fans in the stadium at home games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than two-thirds of NFL teams announcing they wont have fans at home games to begin the season, home-field advantage could diminish even further. The Seahawks will travel nearly 29,000 miles in 2020, the highest total in the league, for example. Teams coming to Seattle will still have to get there, but now wont have to face the Seahawks feared 12th Man as well.

I do think home-field is an impact, but the biggest impact is when the road team is on offense and has trouble communicating, said Chris Bennett, sportsbook manager at Circa Sports. It feels like less than a full point difference from a normal season.

Especially Week 1, I think its worth nothing to some teams and up to 1.5 points for others, Chris Andrews, a sportsbook director at Las Vegas South Point Hotel & Casino, told me over the phone. Particularly Week 1, when these coaches have known their opponent for several months, I think home-field is worth less. After that, well see.

Every bookmaker I spoke with acknowledged that home-field advantage was one of many unknowns surrounding an unprecedented season.

There are still so many variables that Im not sure theres a lot you can do as a bettor or bookmaker, Bennett said. Im not really doing anything special.

Normally, August is a time for preseason football, which not only builds anticipation for the regular season by discussing training camp standouts and analyzing roster cuts and injuries, but also provides sportsbooks with a good portion of their August handle.

However, with Major League Baseball, golf and MMA, and with the NBA playoffs, Stanley Cup playoffs and other sports being played at a time when they normally wouldnt be, anticipation for the NFL season has been lacking for bettors.

Weve been in a position where there is a whole degree of uncertainty that weve never thought about before and bettors have been slower to move than they normally would be, across all sports, Sheerhan said.

I would agree that its the least-hyped football season in memory due to everything thats happening with the other major sports, said Tom Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata in Atlantic City. Football has taken a back seat.

The shutdown of major sports in March due to COVID-19 hurt the bottom line for bookmakers, but also allowed them to offer markets they wouldnt ordinarily offer (remember the pingpong craze in April and May?) and prepared them for a new time in bookmaking in which events could be postponed or canceled at any time.

Bookmakers have had to reach out more consistently to regulators for new events (seven-inning MLB doubleheaders) and be quick to react to rule changes in various sports.

Weve needed to be quite agile and nimble, and react to more breaking news as it comes through, Sheeran said.

For both bettors and bookmakers, it has been a feeling-out process that will continue into football season.

With all the constant changes, it has been very challenging, Gable said. Trying to keep up with all of the news is tough. As a bettor, its probably frustrating as well.

Ben Fawkes writes for VSiN.com, The Sports Betting Network.

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Diving into the great gambling unknowns of the 2020 NFL season - New York Post

If youre looking for a combination of an easy gambling game and a low house edge, baccarat is exactly what youre looking for. The house edge is lower than almost every other option in the casino, and you only need to know how to make a single wager.

Everything you need to know about baccarat is based on math, but you dont have to figure out any of the logistics by yourself. Here are five things that you need to know about baccarat math. Once you learn these five things, you can quickly use them to help you win.

This page is about baccarat games available at smaller tables. This is called midi or mini baccarat, and the casino has a dealer that runs the game. The baccarat game at larger tables is basically the same, but players are more involved in dealing the game.

The thing about baccarat that can be a little bit confusing is the commission that the dealer takes out of winning banker wagers. This isnt a big deal, but some players struggle with understanding the process and how it influences how much they win or lose.

Basically, any time you place a wager on the banker hand and win, the casino collects a 5% commission. This means that if you make a wager of $100 and win, you only get back $95. Or, if you bet $20, you only get back $19.

This seems simple enough, but where some baccarat players get confused is when they try to understand the house edge on the banker hand wager. The house edge on this wager is 1.06% after the casino collects the commission. This is really all you need to know.

The problem is, if you dont understand that this is the edge after the commission, it might lead you to think that the player hand wager is better. The banker hand wager is always the best bet when you play baccarat. You dont have to compute the commission, so theres really no reason why you shouldnt make the banker hand wager every time.

Its best to make wagers that are easy to compute the commission so you know that the dealer doesnt make a mistake. If you usually wager $20 a hand, keep a stack of $1 chips. The dealer can pay you $20, and you can slide a $1 chip forward to pay the commission.

The second wagering option at the baccarat table is the player wager. The player hand doesnt charge a commission when you win. But even without the commission, it has a slightly higher house edge. The house edge on the player hand wager is 1.24%.

This is not the worst wager you can make, and in truth, it doesnt cost you too much more to wager on the player hand than the banker. Here are some exact numbers to show you the long-term difference in losses.

As you can see, the expected loss difference, even at $10,000 total wagered, is only $18. This means that if you simply want to avoid the commission that comes with the banker hand wager, you can lose a small amount more in the long run and use the player hand option. The choice is yours.

I still recommend the banker option because the casino takes care of taking the commission. This way, you dont have to do anything except make the wager.

I know that this page is about baccarat math, but theres no need to dig very deep in the math behind the tie wager in baccarat. The main reason why is because the tie bet is so bad that you should never make it, no matter what.

The house edge at most baccarat tables for the tie wager is a huge 14.36%. Let me put this in perspective a couple of different ways.

The first way to put this in perspective is that almost every other wagering opportunity in the casino is better than this.

Another way to put this in perspective is to do some quick math to show your expected loss on the tie wager. Every $100 you wager on the baccarat tie option costs you $14.36. Every $1,000 you risk on this wager costs you $143.60.

Skip the math behind it, and simply skip the tie wager option at the baccarat table.

Im going to give you the answer to the question first because its simple. The best wager size when youre playing baccarat is the smallest wager you can make. When youre playing baccarat in land-based casinos, this is the table minimum.

When youre playing baccarat in an online casino, this is the smallest wager they accept.

The reason why you should always make the smallest baccarat wager that you can is because this is the best way to alleviate the house edge. Youre always going to be at a disadvantage in the long run when you play baccarat.

This is the answer to what size wager you should make when playing baccarat. This means that the best course of action is to not play at all, and the second-best course of action is to always make the banker wager with the lowest possible bet amount.

This advice is true for almost any casino game you play. You need to learn the best strategy, then play with the lowest possible bet amount. Any gambling option that has a house edge, and this is almost all of them, needs to be played with the lowest wager possible.

It might seem strange to find a section about baccarat and slot machines on a page about baccarat math, but theres something important that every slot machine player needs to know.

People play slots for many different reasons, but one of the main reasons they play is because its easy. All they have to do is put some money in and press a button. The biggest problem with slot machines is that they have a higher house edge than most other gambling options in the casino.

You might think that this doesnt make as much difference because youre making smaller wagers, but this is offset by how many wagers you make in an hour.

If youre wagering $2.50 on every spin and take 550 spins every hour, youre risking $1,375 every hour. Compare this to wagering $20 on every hand at a baccarat table and playing 70 hands every hour. In this case, youre risking $1,400 every hour.

Now, consider how much you can expect to lose playing slots and baccarat. If the slot machine has a 5% house edge, youre expected loss is $68.75 every hour. Your expected loss playing baccarat is only $14.84.

As you can clearly see, baccarat is much less costly to play than slot machines. And its just as easy to play online baccarat as it is to play online slot machines. All you have to do is place a bet on the dealer hand. Everything else is taken care of by the casino, just like when you bet on slot machines.

Many gamblers worry about the need to understand how baccarat is played and scored. Youre welcome to learn all about how to score baccarat hands, but you dont need to know anything about the game to play.

The only reason why you might want to learn how to score baccarat hands is to make sure the dealer doesnt cheat you out of a win. And this isnt something you need to worry about in most modern casinos.

Baccarat is as simple as any game in the casino. All you have to do is place a wager and wait for the result. And baccarat offers a much lower house edge than slot machines and many other options in the casino.

The best strategy is to use the banker hand every time you play, even with the commission on winning wagers. With a house edge of just over 1%, your bankroll is going to last longer and youre going to have a better chance to walk away from the table a winner than most games give you.

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The Math Behind Casino Baccarat - Win More Using Gambling Math - BestUSCasinos.org

Mr. Grewal adamantly denies these allegations as he has done steadfastly since 2018

Grewal, whose full name is Rajvinder Singh Grewal, was a lawyer before entering electoral politics, having graduated from York Universitys Osgoode Hall Law School. He returned to a private law practice after leaving Parliament, according to his LinkedIn resume.

The Law Society Tribunal alleges he used false pretences to obtain or borrow money from six different people in 2016 and 2017, while he was a Liberal MP.

His first loan or payment, for $50,000, was on June 27, 2016. An amount of $250,000 was received on May 28, 2017, $200,000 two weeks later on June 12, and another $250,000 on June 20.

The last two amounts from individuals came at the end of 2017: $100,000 on Dec. 4 and $250,000 on Dec. 19, according to tribunal documents.

He is further accused of defrauding a corporation, which was a legal client, by using false pretences to borrow $200,000 in February 2018, the tribunal records say. He further faces discipline for allegedly misleading his corporate client about the purpose of the loan.

The documents do not identify those providing the money. The Law Society allegations were filed Aug. 10.

This matter is on-going. Pending the outcome of proceedings, Mr. Grewal is able to practise as a lawyer licensee of the Law Society. There is nothing to report regarding bankruptcy, practice restrictions or undertakings, the Law Society said in a written statement.

The RCMPs Ottawa-based Sensitive and International Investigations unit laid the criminal charges. The unit handles domestic corruption and political investigations.

A mandate of the unit is to investigate allegations of financial crimes such as fraud, corruption and procurement against senior federal employees as well as allegations of fraud, financial crimes, corruption and breach of trust against elected officials, senators or executives of the federal government.

Grewal is scheduled to appear in court in Ottawa on Oct. 6.

Email: ahumphreys@postmedia.com | Twitter: AD_Humphreys

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Liberal MP who quit over massive gambling debts charged by RCMP over 'millions' in personal loans while in office - National Post

Ukranian Security Services (SBU) arrested officials in the Smila region of the country for alleged corruption related to illegal gambling. A local prosecutor and a high rank policeman were detained after being discovered to have accepted bribes.

The head of one of the branches of the National Police in the region, as well as one of the heads of the local prosecutors office have been arrested by the SBU for receiving the equivalent of more than 1,500 in local currency from the owner of an underground gambling establishment. The payment was related to a monthly fee the businessman agreed to pay to the high ranking officials, who in exchange, promised to turn a blind eye.

The police chief was arrested at his workplace as an accomplice to the prosecutor who was detained under Article 208 of the countrys Criminal Procedure Code. The illegal gambling establishment was raided and shut down and investigators are currently looking into other possible accomplices in the illegal activity.

The directorate for combatting corruption and organized crime within the SBU, the State Bureau of Investigation and the National Police of Ukraine worked in collaboration on the case, under the guidance of the Office of the General Prosecutor. The arrest shows the determination of Ukraine authority to enforce a new regulation in the sector and legalize the industry which was outlawed in 2009, while tackling all illegal operations.

Under the new legislation which was approved by the President last month the country will allow land-based gaming establishments such as casinos, as well as online gaming, albeit the two gaming verticals will be charged different tax rates the legislation for which is still to be approved.

In June, the Parliament of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada, passed Bill 2285-D to approve casinos and sports books, with the prerequisite for casinos to be located within hotels. The bill that was initially introduced in 2019 also stated licensing fees for gambling operators, and online gambling will have a 1million for a five-year license fee, while sports books will have to pay 2.28 million.

The bill also introduced certain restrictions for business owners within the sector, setting a ban on residents from countries which are considered aggressive towards the country. However, until the signed into law legislation is implemented, authorities are adamant to tackle and prosecute all forms of illegal gambling, including iGaming, as they recently ordered locals internet service providers (ISPs) to block multiple domains of offshore operators.

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High Rank Prosecutor and Head of National Police Branch Arrested in Ukraine - GamblingNews.com

The latest report on ' Gambling Mobile Games market' Added by Market Study Report, LLC, provides a concise analysis of the industry size, revenue forecast and regional spectrum of this business. The report further illustrates the major challenges and the latest growth strategies adopted by key players who are a part of the dynamic competitive spectrum of this industry.

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Gambling Mobile Games Market to Witness Robust Expansion Throughout the Forecast Period 2020 - 2026 - AlgosOnline

SIBU: Power supply has been disconnected to 41 illegal online gambling premises 37 in Sibu and four in Dalat in a massive crackdown.

Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said a combined operation involving police and Sesco (Syarikat Sesco Berhad) was conducted from 1pm to 4.30pm on Thursday (Sept 10) to disconnect electricity supply to these illegal gambling premises.

The team included an assistant superintendent of police, two inspectors and 10 policemen. Joining them were seven technicians from SEB.

"All of these premises had been issued notices on the disconnection," he said.

ACP Stanley said the process of cutting off electricity supply was smooth. It was carried out under Section 21A of the Common Gambling House Act 1953.

Mukah OCPD Deputy Supt Jimmy Panyau said the successful operation in the four premises in Dalat, Stapang, and Oya area meant they could no longer continue illegal online gambling activities.

"We will continue with the operation until such activity is wiped out from the district," he assured.

He also welcomed information from the public on any illegal online gambling activity for the police to act on.

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Power disconnected to 41 illegal gambling outlets in Sibu, Dalat - The Star Online

US commercial gross gambling revenue (GGR) continued to recover in July as more casinos and other venues reopened following the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) shutdown.

Operators generated $2.83bn (2.19bn/2.40bn) during the month, which represented a 56.4% rise on the $1.81bn recorded in June and the third consecutive month of sequential growth. However, Julys total was down 23.9% year-on-year, as operating restrictions such as capacity limits continue to impact operators.

However, the latest figures from the American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed significant growth in the sports betting market, with revenue up 86.2% year-on-year to $69.0m. iGaming was the standout performer, however, with revenue rocketing 253.6% to $142.9m.

Land-based slots were by far the main source of income in July, with revenue amounting to $1.88bn for the month, down 26.8% on last year, while table game GGR also fell 36.3% to $482.1m.

Looking at the performance of individual states, Nevada was some way out in front with $756.8m in GGR, though this was 26.1% lower than last year, as its casino and gambling venues continued to operate at reduced capacity.

Read the full story on iGB North America.

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Betting & igaming contribution to US gambling grows in July - iGaming Business

On August 25, 2020, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen (R) announced that three initiatives that would authorize and tax gambling at racetracks in Nebraska would not make the ballot after three NebraskansDr. Richard Loveless and Ann and Todd Zohnersubmitted written objections regarding the ballot language of the initiatives. The objections were filed on August 7 after Keep the Money in Nebraska, the campaign behind the three initiatives, submitted over 465,000 signatures on July 2 for the three petitions. Secretary Evnen determined that all three petitions were not legally sufficient, thereby disqualifying them from the November ballot. Keep the Money in Nebraska plans to appeal the secretary of states decision.

Constitutional Amendment to Allow Laws Authorizing Gaming at Racetracks Initiative: The initiative would have amended the Nebraska Constitution to allow the enactment of laws that authorize and tax gambling conducted by licensed gaming operators and held at licensed racetrack enclosures. Secretary Evnen argued that the language of the constitutional amendment would mislead voters. He said, The Constitutional Initiative effectively puts forth dual proposals: (1) authorizing expanded gambling at tribal casinos and (2) authorizing expanded gambling at racetracks by authorized operators. But the first proposal is hidden from the voters and impossible to ascertain from the text of the proposal. Putting forth dual propositions in a single proposal violates the single-subject rule as it does not permit voters to express a clear preference on dual propositions.

Authorizing Gaming at Racetracks Initiative: The initiative would have allowed games of chance by authorized operators in licensed racetrack enclosures; established a Nebraska Gaming Commission to regulate games of chance; and exempted gaming at racetracks from rules and penalties that govern other forms of gambling. The objectors argued that the provisions of the initiative violated the single-subject rule, which requires ballot initiatives to address a single issue or subject, because the initiative concerned regulation and taxation. Secretary Evnen disagreed with the objectors reasoning but determined that the initiative violated the single-subject rule because the inclusion of tax breaks for licensees [does] not have a natural and necessary connection to the primary purpose of regulating gambling.

Tax on Gaming at Racetracks Initiative: This initiative would have enacted a 20% tax on gambling revenue from games of chance operated at licensed racetracks and allocated 75% of the revenue from the tax to state funds for property tax relief and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and 25% to the county or local jurisdictions in which the racetracks are located. Secretary Evnen argued that The property tax relief provisions contained in the Tax Initiative constitute logrolling and violate the single-subject rule.

As of August 26, 2020, three statewide ballot measures were certified for the general election ballot in Nebraska. One is a citizen-initiated measure that would cap the interest rate on payday loans. Two are constitutional amendments referred to the ballot by the state legislature.

The full text of Secretary Evnens letter can be found here: https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/sos.nebraska.gov/files/doc/news-releases/Games%20of%20Chance%20Ballot%20Initiatives%20Determination%20Letter%202020.pdf

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Three initiatives that would authorize and tax gambling at racetracks in Nebraska will not make the November ballot - Ballotpedia News

Get comprehensive research providing detailed regional analysis and growth outlook of the GlobalOnline Gambling and Betting Marketin the latest research report added by Big Market Research.

The report is an exhaustive analysis of this market across the world. It offers an overview of the market including its definition, applications, key drivers, key market players, key segments, and manufacturing technology. In addition, the study presents statistical data on the status of the market and hence is a valuable source of guidance for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Additionally, detailed insights on the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and market shares for key vendors are presented in the report.

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By Key Players:NetEnt AB, GVC Holdings Plc, 888 Holdings Plc, Ladbrokes Coral Group Plc, Fortuna Entertainment Group, Playtech Plc, William Hill Plc, Kindred Plc, Amaya Inc, Paddy Power Betfair Plc

A proper understanding of the Online Gambling and Betting Market dynamics and their inter-relations helps in gauging the performance of the industry. The growth and revenue patterns can be revised and new strategic decisions taken by companies to avoid obstacles and roadblocks. It could also help in changing the patterns using which the market will generate revenues. The analysis includes an assessment of the production chain, supply chain, end user preferences, associated industries, proper availability of resources, and other indexes to help boost revenues.

Regions & Top Countries Data Covered in this Report are:Asia-Pacific (China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland), North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Middle East & Africa (GCC, North Africa, South Africa) , South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru).

The Online Gambling and Betting Market is gaining pace and businesses have started understanding the benefits of analytics in the present day highly dynamic business environment. The market has witnessed several important developments over the past few years, with mounting volumes of business data and the shift from traditional data analysis platforms to self-service business analytics being some of the most prominent ones.

With the help of in-depth research offered in the report, readers can effortlessly get detailed analysis of the key dynamics of the Online Gambling and Bettingmarket. The report also offers competitive landscape by providing detailed information on trends in competition, prominent players, and nature of competition. Additionally, it offers detailed analysis of the key segments of the market that helps in understanding the global trends in the Online Gambling and Betting Market. An overview of each market segment such as type, application, and region are presented in the report. Additionally, the report presents drivers, limitations, and opportunities for the Online Gambling and Bettingindustry, followed by industry news and policies.

Online Gambling and Betting Market By Type:

PokerCasinoSports BettingOther

Online Gambling and BettingMarket By Application:

EntertainmentCommercialOther

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The report provides insights on the following pointers:

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America market size (sales, revenue and growth rate) of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

Global major manufacturers operating situation (sales, revenue, growth rate and gross margin) of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

Global major countries (United States, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru) market size (sales, revenue and growth rate) of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

Different types and applications of Online Gambling and Betting industry, market share of each type and application by revenue.

Global market size (sales, revenue) forecast by regions and countries from 2020 to 2026 of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

Upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment, downstream major consumers, industry chain analysis of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

Key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks analysis of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting industry.

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Our analysis involves the study of the market taking into consideration the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please get in touch with us to get your hands on an exhaustive coverage of the impact of the current situation on the market. Our expert team of analysts will provide as per report customized to your requirement.

Table of Content:

Industry Overview of Online Gambling and Betting

Major Manufacturers Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting

Global Price, Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Regions, Manufacturers, Types and Applications

North America Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Countries

Europe Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Countries

Asia Pacific Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Countries

Latin America Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Countries

Middle East & Africa Sales and Revenue Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting by Countries

Global Market Forecast of Online Gambling and Betting by Regions, Countries, Manufacturers, Types and Applications

Industry Chain Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting

New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Online Gambling and Betting

Conclusion of the Global Online Gambling and Betting Industry Market Professional Survey 2020

Appendix

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Online Gambling and Betting Market to Witness Robust Expansion Throughout the Forecast Period 2024 : NetEnt AB, GVC Holdings Plc, 888 Holdings Plc -...

The text below is an advertorial article that was not written by Cryptonews.com journalists.

The use of bitcoin has become more and more frequent recently. The use of the most popular cryptocurrency is increasing, especially in the online casino industry, lotteries and sportsbooks. Even though some find it as a confusing and scary option, there is no reason why you shouldnt try.

There have been some problems with the industry of online betting since the beginning of the use of the internet. When it comes to casinos, just a few of them use only the bitcoin, while others use bitcoin as the addition to traditional currencies. Characteristics of the Bitcoin casinos that have turned the industry upside down, provide a lot of benefits for consumers. The product that can be a lot cheaper than the fiat-based systems offers an edge of 1% to 2%, while fiat-based casinos often charge 5% or even more for their games.

What helps bitcoin casinos to work is the software. Therefore, many casinos invest in developing their software, while others, usually less powerful casino companies use the rental version and adopt it by adding some features. To build trust, many bitcoin casinos openly discuss how the software work. The most popular game in bitcoin casinos is Poker. However, there are other interesting games as well. New ones are always being invented too.

While it seems that in many industries paying with bitcoin is quite complicated and usually not legally allowed, using bitcoin in betting is a completely different story. Because of the differences between the use of bitcoin in gambling and other industries, bitcoin casinos blossomed.

Apart from benefits regarding edges that are already mentioned, when gambling on bitcoin casinos, there is a real proof of solvency. Fiat-based casinos can promise an impressive jackpot but do they have resources to pay it out. Another benefit is related to Provably Fair gaming technology. It helps gamblers relax. They can be sure that, after placing the bet, the game will be fair. However, keep in mind that not every bitcoin casino has this kind of security.

Besides, its the online nature of the game that contributes to its popularity. Players from all over the world can easily play whenever they want. Some variations are not allowed with traditional currencies but happen to be common with bitcoin. So these variations must be one of the reasons for the popularity of bitcoin casinos.

Payments in traditional currencies help to identify players and casinos. However, when using bitcoin, individuals stay anonymous, which questions the fair business practices. While casinos that operate with traditional currencies require a lot of information, bitcoin casinos dont even ask for an age when verifying users.

Regulating bitcoin casinos is very complicated on a global level, so legal problems can be expected in some legislation.

People feel comfortable with doing something with a long tradition. That makes them feel safe. However, many say that after trying gambling in bitcoin casinos, because of many benefits that kind of gambling provides, gamblers wouldnt go back to traditional paying methods. Because of some ethical reasons that are always related to controversial cryptocurrencies, future challenges can be expected.

Link:

How Bitcoin Gambling is Being Accepted Into Mainstream - Cryptonews

A

head of his appearance at Septembers SBC Summit Barcelona - Digital, Rank Groups Director of Public Affairs David Williams spoke to Yogonet about the Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca and Enracha operators approach to player safety and how the industry can respond to political pressure on the issue of safer gambling.

What are the main safer / problem gambling issues faced by Rank? And do they differ much between land-based and online, and between casino and bingo?

The overarching requirement for any operator to make a meaningful improvement in safer gambling progress is to deliver a positive shift in colleague behaviour. This is most obvious in our venues with front-line staff in the vanguard of giving our customers a safe and enjoyable experience, but the cultural imperative to ensure every colleague in the business subscribes to the need for excellence in this space is huge, irrespective of platform. How we train our colleagues and how we manage customer interactions - on our digital platforms and in our venues - is critical to securing the right level of protection without introducing clunky and needless friction for the customer.

Did the UK Gambling Commissions additional guidance on customer interaction during lockdown have much impact on the business? And is any of it worth continuing with?

The UKGCs additional guidance must also be seen alongside the Ten Pledges provided and implemented by Betting & Gaming Council members, including Rank, who were keen to get on the front foot and demonstrate an elevated commitment to safer gambling as the unforeseen impacts of lockdown played out. Securing the correct balance between responding to the elevated challenges possibly faced by some customers during a pandemic whilst also ensuring operators are able to continue on their own roadmap of progress without being derailed by poorly-conceived mandates will always be important. Safer gambling is always evolving and, as operators, we welcome all measures that better protect those customers who need protection. By the same token, we need to resist and remove any unnecessary, untargeted friction that does little to benefit customers and serves only to increase the burden on operators and frustrate the vast majority of customers whose enjoyment of gambling may be compromised by clumsy barriers or interventions.

Problem gambling has caught the attention of politicians in the last few years and the likes of the Gambling Related Harm APPG and the Social Market Foundation have made a wide range of proposals (including stake limits for online slots, a total ban on gambling advertising and VIP schemes, a monthly deposit limit, and a single sign-on mechanism for all online operators). Do any of the recent suggestions really tackle the problem? And are there any you would like to see become law?

We welcome all constructive input to the ongoing discussion which seeks to offer better protection to those customers who experience gambling-related harm whilst ensuring operators are able to safely grow their well-regulated businesses with safer gambling at its core. Frustratingly, in some but not all cases, a desire to secure headlines at the expense of evidential analysis has led to a distortion of the discussion which, in real terms, will not protect those who need the most protection. Some of the most eye-catching proposals are unlikely to be a panacea in the way in which they have been presented, and will ultimately trigger sequences of events which could take those experiencing (or at risk of) gambling-related harm further away from the help they would get within the regulated system. Some recommendations - including the role of an Ombudsman, and securing appropriate levels of funding to support targeted RET services - are clearly sensible.

What can the betting and gaming industry do now to improve player safety, and in doing so, get ahead of calls for much tighter regulation?

The progress that the industry has made in the past year or two - irrespective of whether or not the progress has translated into public or media perception - has been significant. Tightening of regulation, where targeted and founded in evidence-based analysis, is not something the industry ought to resist. Beyond that, however, safer gambling must no longer be allowed to exist in a compliance-oriented silo. Operators must demonstrate a far more ambitious vision to embed safer gambling into the culture of our businesses by demonstrating faultless behaviour at every customer touchpoint. Rewarding excellence amongst colleagues and empowering customers to feel safe when they are engaging with us will rightly improve our chances of ensuring we are not subjected to misguided and poorly targeted regulatory creep.

Could technology have a greater role to play than regulation in improving player safety?

Data is indisputably king. Both in venues and across our digital platforms, the more high-quality data we can rely on to inform our safer gambling practices, interventions and systems, the better. However, it is only part of the story, and without the cultural desire from every single colleague to play their part in using data appropriately to provide a richer, safer customer experience, well only get half way down the road. Blending the very best technological tools with the right mindset from colleagues who can use the technology will bring about more compelling improvements to the safer gambling piece than we might have imagined.

David Williams will be speaking in the Payments & Compliance Zone at SBC Summit Barcelona - Digital, the virtual edition of the global betting and gaming show. The event takes place on 8 - 11 September, and full details of the agenda, line-up of 200 expert speakers and the interactive exhibition are available from the official website. To join the 10,000 delegates from around the world, click here to register for free.

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'Safer gambling must no longer be allowed to exist in a compliance-oriented silo' - Yogonet International

Disclaimer: The text below is a press release that was not written by Cryptonews.com.

When cryptocurrencies first appeared, people were skeptical as they were unfamiliar with the way they worked. But, not too long after, crypto took the world by storm and made its way into almost every industry, especially online gambling, where players are always searching for safe ways to make payments to their accounts.

Thanks to their functionality, ease of use, top-notch secure technology, more and more gamblers are choosing cryptocurrencies over fiat money. Over time, a myriad of cryptocurrencies have appeared, but not all of them are worth trying out. Therefore, we have decided to choose the best cryptocurrencies you can use in online gambling without worrying about the safety of your info and money.

Bitcoin has been in the game since the beginning, and thats why its one of the most popular options when it comes to crypto payments. Even though the competition is heating up, and new cryptocurrencies are continually appearing, Bitcoin still manages to stay in the first place as the most common crypto payment option.

Initially released in 2018, EOS crypto is one of the newest additions to the cryptocurrency world, and it has quickly risen to the top of the ladder thanks to free transactions, speedy payments, and state-of-the-art security measures.

Safety has always been players top priority, but platforms that support EOS payments come with additional security, as EOS is thought to be among the safest crypto technologies available today. Since its a new payment option, you can read this intro to EOS crypto, to make yourself familiar with its benefits.

Similar to EOS, Ethereum is another blockchain-based crypto coin that uses smart contracts. That makes it impossible for third parties to get involved and makes every transaction perfectly safe. Thanks to the advanced technology, many players opt for this type of altcoin when they are making deposits and withdrawals in online gambling platforms.

Dogecoin stands out with its design because its symbol is a Shiba Inu dog. Even though no one was taking this crypto coin seriously in the beginning, it quickly became a full-fledged cryptocurrency platform with millions of users worldwide. Today, most online casinos that support digital coins include Dogecoin in their offer.

Usually referred to as the Bitcoin twin, Litecoin is an autonomous and decentralized currency that uses a more complex algorithm that allows it to process transactions faster than Bitcoin. Thanks to its speed, punters and casino players often choose Litecoin as their favorite payment option.

The blockchain technology is always changing, adding new features and improving its performance. The online gambling industry and its users benefit from the use of cryptocurrencies, and heres why:

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Guide to the Best Cryptocurrencies Used in Online Gambling - Cryptonews

The house always wins, even in the midst of a pandemic. In the early days of lockdown, as the stock market lurched into stomach-churning freefall, the share prices of Britains gambling powerhouses also tanked.

The cancellation of sports events cut off the steady revenue stream that many had come to enjoy, not just from horse racing but, increasingly, from football betting, which typically involves small stakes but extremely high volumes.

With no certainty over the return of sport and of the football cash cow in particular the immediate future looked bleak. Since then, two things have happened.

First, football has returned behind closed doors and the fixture calendar boffins are making up for lost time by scheduling games more or less every day, with more of them televised than ever before.

Second, firms with a strong offering in areas such as online poker and casino games have enjoyed a significant uptick in website traffic, as the boredom of lockdown helped spur new account sign-ups.

On Thursday, the worlds largest online gambling firm, Flutter Entertainment, will update the market on its performance in the six months to the end of June.

Flutter the owner of Paddy Power Betfair has been one of the most resilient performers in the sector, thanks to its scale and diversification in both geography and the products it can boast since its $6bn mega-merger with Canadas The Stars Group, which includes Sky Betting and Gaming.

While some UK rivals such as William Hill still rely all too heavily on UK sports betting customers, Flutter has an array of impressive arrows in its quiver.

The deal with Stars saw it acquire PokerStars, one of the leading global brands, as well as a sizable presence in Australia and an improved casino range. This, according to Russ Mould, investment director at stockbroker AJ Bell, made Flutter one of the firms best-suited to helping or entertaining the UKs population while it was under lockdown.

Flutter also owns FanDuel, a fantasy sports betting site used by more than 8 million sports fans in the rapidly expanding, newly liberalised US market in which Flutter like every British gambling company is trying to establish a beachhead.

Covid-19 will probably result in a faster rate of US sports betting legalisation, potentially followed by online casino legalisation, in our view, say analysts at Jefferies.

All of this helps explain why Flutter Entertainment is valued at more than 40% more now than it was at the start of March, while rivals GVC (owner of Ladbrokes Coral) and William Hill have struggled to make up the ground they lost during lockdown.

Industry insiders say management at Flutter have also put in a more impressive performance than their rivals, particularly after GVCs veteran boss, Kenny Alexander, announced his intention to step down.

Any signs in Thursdays numbers of a stronger-than-expected recovery in sports betting could provide a further shot in the arm, not just for Flutter but for some of its more sport-focused peers, too.

And yet not all is rosy in the gambling garden, and 2020 could prove to be one of the most important years in the history of the UK industry, a sector which is genuinely world-leading.

So far, firms including Flutter and casino-focused rivals such as 888 have navigated the choppy waters of the pandemic adroitly.

But this year will also see the government kick off its review of the 2005 Gambling Act, the legislation introduced by Tony Blairs government that gave Britain one of the most liberal gambling markets in the world, and created the industry we see today. There is a broad cross-party consensus that the regulatory pendulum must now swing back in the other direction.

If that happens, as with the pandemic, Flutters size and diversification will serve it well.

But it will also make the stakes for its US expansion much higher, and with no shortage of competition for American punters, that is going to be a fierce battle.

Flutter and the broader industry have ridden out the coronavirus pretty well but the real dangers still lie ahead.

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Gambling recovered from Covid, but could now be laid low by legal hurdles - The Guardian

In April and May combined, when Nevadas casinos were closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, statewide gaming revenues totaled $9.44 million, a more than 99 percent decline over the same two months in 2019.

Gaming win came from mobile sports wagering on Belarusian soccer, Korean baseball, Chinese table tennis, other non-traditional games and gambling on WSOP.com Nevadas lone online poker site.

It was a different story in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Both states casinos were also closed, but New Jersey gaming revenues totaled $178.4 million over the two months. Pennsylvania reported $108 million.

The difference was online gaming, which accounted for more than 75 percent of the revenue.

The websites in those states are not just dedicated to poker but also include wagering on table games and slot machines with the same themes found in traditional casino settings.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania have multiple online gaming websites affiliated with gaming companies tied to Nevada, including MGM Resorts International, Golden Nugget and Caesars Entertainment, which owns the World Series of Poker-affiliated WSOP site.

From our organizations perspective, Nevada is missing out, said John Pappas, spokesman for the Washington D.C.-based iDevelopment and Economic Association, which goes by iDEA Growth, a trade organization for the digital and interactive gaming community.

We recognize that change in Nevada has to be spearheaded by the brick and mortar casinos, Pappas said. There can be a tremendous amount of benefit.

Eilers and Krejcik Gaming Research analyst Chris Grove said a healthy debate could take place in comparisons of New Jerseys growing online gaming market with Nevadas online casino potential.

Its evident to us that the introduction of online casino would have an additive impact on the total amount of gambling revenue generated by the Nevada locals market, Grove said.

A Caesars representative said the company wasnt aware of momentum in Nevada for legalizing online casino games. A spokeswoman for BetMGM MGMs joint venture online wagering application said it would offer online gaming once its allowed in Nevada.

Texas casino and restaurant developer Tilman Fertitta is spinning off Golden Nuggets online gaming business into a public company this year, looking to grow outside its market-leading presence in New Jersey. Nevada, where Fertitta owns the Golden Nugget casinos in downtown and Laughlin, could be a target.

We look forward to expanding our operations to Pennsylvania and Michigan, where our licensing process is ongoing, Golden Nugget Online Gaming General Manager Thomas Winter said in a statement. We are closely monitoring the legislative momentum in other states.

Nevada lawmakers legalized internet gaming for a brief time in 2002. The efforts were halted when the Department of Justice advised the state that federal law prohibited internet gambling.

After the Federal Wire Act was reinterpreted by the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2011, a handful of states explored online gaming legalization. Nevada lawmakers approved online poker in 2013.

Today, five states offer online gaming Delaware, Pennsylvania, Nevada (poker only), New Jersey and West Virginia. Michigan has legalized online gaming but has not yet gone live with the activity. Seven states had online gaming legislation pending in the spring before the coronavirus outbreak caused lawmakers to suspend sessions indefinitely.

Earlier this month, the American Gaming Association said the impact COVID-19 had on second quarter gaming revenues nationwide amounted to a 79 percent decline compared to a year ago. All gaming verticals but one online gaming showed double-digit decreases.

Combined, the five online gaming states produced revenues of $402.7 million for the quarter, an increase of almost 254 percent.

AGA CEO Bill Miller noted the quarter was the first time that online gaming recorded higher revenues than sports betting, which was legalized in May 2018.

What about Nevada?

So why hasnt Nevada legalized online casinos?

The simple answer is lack of consensus in the casino industry.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. has not moved from its nearly decade-long opposition to online gaming. Company Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson once vowed to spend millions to kill the activity.

On the other end of spectrum, billionaire media mogul Barry Diller spent more than $1 billion through IAC/Interactive Corp. this summer to acquire a 12 percent ownership stake in MGM Resorts. His primary focus is MGMs interactive gaming business.

Diller, who is chairman and senior executive of IAC, said online gaming currently comprises a tiny portion of its revenue. Its so small, he said, that it rounds down to zero.

In 2018, MGM Resorts and United Kingdom-based sports betting conglomerate GVC Holdings partnered to form Roar Digital, which oversees the BetMGM app. The product is live in seven states and expects to be operating in 11 states by the end of 2020.

There is a digital-first opportunity within MGM Resorts already impressive offline businesses, and with our experience, we hope we can strongly contribute to the growth of online gaming, said Diller, who founded Fox Broadcasting and USA Broadcasting.

Other Nevada-based casino operators have launched online gaming outside of the Silver State. Caesars has online gaming sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania while Boyd Gaming is a partner with FanDuel in an online casino in Pennsylvania that is tied to Boyds Valley Forge Casino.

Grove said Nevadas unique gaming market is unlike the rest of the country in its saturation of casinos geared to different customer demographics.

Nevada has a far greater variety of retail gambling outlets, a smaller population, and a greater density of total population proximate to the full range of retail gambling outlets than youll find in any other state, Grove said. All of that makes precise forecasting of Nevadas online casino potential a challenging task.

Adding online casinos in Nevada

If state gaming regulators with casino industry backing decide to add online casinos, there isnt a need to go back to the Legislature.

Longtime gaming attorney Tony Cabot, now a Distinguished Fellow in Gaming Law at UNLVs Boyd School of Law, said the framework is clearly in place following the passage of previous efforts.

The gaming commission was uncomfortable doing anything beyond poker, Cabot said. The regulations governing internet casinos would just have to be approved.

Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan said the Gaming Policy Committee, under then-Gov.Brian Sandoval, met in 2016 and discussed online gaming and future opportunities for Nevada.

However, there was no decision to expand interactive gaming beyond internet poker at that time, Morgan said. Still, state gaming law allows interested parties to petition the Nevada Gaming Commission for regulation changes.

If a policy decision is made to expand interactive gaming beyond internet poker, the Gaming Control Board will fulfill its statutory duty to ensure interactive gaming is properly regulated, Morgan said.

Cabot, who has written extensively on internet gaming, questioned whether Nevadas market size could support the investment casinos would need to make to launch full-scale online gaming. He believes one casualty would be the growing social gaming business, where customers play free casino games and slots online in exchange for virtual tokens.

Pappas said internet gaming would only enhance a casinos offerings.

Nevada has done a great job embracing mobile sports betting, Pappas said. The state needs to take it one step further.

Online poker history

After launching in 2013, Nevada at its height had three poker websites: WSOP.com, South Points Real Gaming and Station Casinos Ultimate Poker, which was the first to launch in April 2013, but was closed after 19 months.

By statute, state gaming regulators only release gaming revenue figures when there are three reporting businesses. Just once in the eight months that Nevada had three poker sites did online gaming combine to produce more than $1 million in revenue $1.037 million in June 2014.

In 2015, Nevada signed a multistate poker network agreement with Delaware where players from the two states could share poker tables and tournaments. The network still exists, and New Jersey joined a few years later.

Growing business

Internet gaming has not expanded at the same pace as sports betting, which is now available in 18 states with another four states potentially able to launch before the end of 2020. In 2019, gamblers nationwide legally wagered more than $13 billion on sports, a figure that was easily on track to be crushed in 2020 until COVID-19 shut down college and professional sports and the gaming industry.

While the interest for digital gaming has picked up, Nevada could be left behind.

Boston-based DraftKings went public in April and since June, the company has launched sports betting in Colorado, an online casino in Pennsylvania, sports betting in Illinois and an online casino in West Virginia. DraftKings is working to enter the Virginia and Tennessee markets for sports betting and Michigan for sports betting and online gaming.

DraftKings does not have any operations in Nevada.

Penn National Gaming, which operates Tropicana Las Vegas, M Resort and two casinos in the northeastern Nevada town of Jackpot, is preparing to roll out a sports betting and online game app in partnership with sports media platform Barstool Sports.

Penn spent $163 million to acquire 36 percent of Barstool in February, looking to attract the platforms 66 million-member fan base.

Penn CEO Jay Snowden recently told private investors at a meeting hosted by Truist Securities that the Barstool branded app would launch in Pennsylvania in September and in Michigan by November. New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia and Colorado would roll out in early 2021, he said.

Nevada was not mentioned, and no reason was given.

Some analysts suspect the IAC investment into MGM Resorts could jumpstart online gaming in many states, including Nevada.

IAC is clearly taking a long-term view of the online opportunity within gaming, said Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Carlo Santarelli.

James Wheatcroft, a United Kingdom-based gaming analyst for Jefferies, expressed a bright future for the U.S. online gambling market, projecting $19 billion in revenue from sports betting by 2023.

We anticipate that (internet) gaming is the next logical step in the legislative process, with casino-oriented MGM well placed to benefit, he said.

Disclosure: Chris Grove, mentioned in this story, has donated $2,550 toThe Nevada Independentthrough 404 LLC.

Howard Stutz is a freelance gaming reporter for The Nevada Independent and the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He has been a Nevada journalist for 30 years. He can be reached athowardmstutz@gmail.com. On Twitter: @howardstutz.

The Nevada Independent is a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization. The following people or entities mentioned in this article are financial supporters: Anthony Cabot$505.00; Boyd Gaming$31,500.00; Brian Sandoval$550.00; Caesars Entertainment$155,200.00; MGM Resorts International$957,500.00; Sandra Douglass Morgan$100.00; and Station Casinos$100,000.00.

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As online gambling expands in the U.S., experts worry Nevada could be left behind - Northern Nevada Business Weekly