Category Archives: Gambling

Florida Education Champions, sponsors of a sports betting initiative, have submitted 194,287 valid signatures as of Dec. 17.

The measure would authorize sports betting at sports venues, pari-mutuel facilities, and online in Florida. The Florida State Legislature would need to pass legislation to implement the constitutional amendment such as providing for licensing, regulation, consumer protection, and taxation. The amendment would require all online sports betting tax revenue to be dedicated to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of the Department of Education. Online sports betting could be conducted by (a) Native American tribes and (b) entities that have existed for at least one year and that have conducted sports betting in at least 10 other states. Such entities could begin conducting sports betting no later than eight months after the amendment is effective. Other entities or organizations could conduct sports betting no sooner than 20 months after the amendment is effective if authorized by state law.

Florida Voters in Charge, sponsors of a casino gaming expansion initiative, had submitted 282,529 valid signatures as of Dec. 17. The initiative would expand casino gaming in Florida by allowing businesses with active cardroom licenses to offer casino gaming as long as they are (a) located 130 miles in a straight line away from any of the seven Seminole tribal casinos and (b) expend $250 million in capital investments (new development and construction costs on the gaming complex) within three years after submitting a notice of commencement of casino gaming.

To qualify for the 2022 ballot, campaigns must submit 891,589 valid signatures. Initiative signatures must be verified by February 1, 2022, and must be submitted to county officials long enough before that date to allow for the verification process. County supervisors of elections have a maximum of 30 days to verify signatures and submit them to the secretary of state. Campaigns are targeting Dec. 30 as their final signature submission date. Florida also has a signature distribution requirement, which requires that signatures equaling at least 8% of the district-wide vote in the last presidential election be collected from at least half (14) of the states 27 congressional districts.

Proposed measures are reviewed by the state attorney general and state supreme court after proponents collect 25% of the required signatures across the state in each of one-half of the states congressional districts (222,898 signatures for 2022 ballot measures). After these preliminary signatures have been collected, the secretary of state must submit the proposal to the Florida Attorney General and the Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC). The attorney general is required to petition the Florida Supreme Court for an advisory opinion on the measures compliance with the single-subject rule, the appropriateness of the title and summary, and whether or not the measure is facially valid under the United States Constitution. So far, only Florida Voters in Charge have met the signature requirement to qualify for this review.

According to campaign finance reports covering through Nov. 30, $100.27 million had been raised by committees surrounding the initiatives. Florida Voters in Charge, sponsors of the initiative to expand casino gaming, reported $28.06 million in contributions. Las Vegas Sands Corp gave $27.06 million and Poarch Creek Band of Indians gave $1 million. The committee reported expenditures totaling $27.45 million.

Florida Education Champions, sponsors of the sports betting initiative, reported $37.09 million in contributions ($22.7 million from DraftKings and $14.38 million from FanDuel) and $26.77 million in expenditures.

Standing up for Florida registered to oppose both initiatives. The Seminole Tribe of Florida gave $10 million to the committee. Seminole Gaming gave $10 million to another committee, Voters in Control, which then gave that $10 million to Standing up for Florida.

Politico reported on November 29, 2021, that the Seminole Tribe of Florida was paying petition gathering firms to not work in Florida during the 2022 midterms as part of an effort to block rival proposed gaming constitutional amendments a strategy that also includes running a separate informal signature gathering operation and hiring workers that interfere with other petition gatherers.

Seminole spokesperson Gary Bitner said the tribe assembled the best team of political consultants in the country [and is] currently engaged to oppose multiple outside interests that have initially invested a combined $60 million in PAC money to hire more than a thousand people to fight the Tribes success.

Las Vegas Sands (donors to Florida Voters in Charge, supporters of the casino expansion initiative) filed a lawsuit asking a judge to order the Seminole Tribe to stop the petition blocking effort, but later withdrew their request for an emergency injunction, saying, We will not allow any distractions, legal maneuvers or the tribes egregious blocking tactics to distract us from that mission. Therefore, we have decided to withdraw our request for an emergency injunction so our team members can remain focused on gathering signatures and not be held up in the courtroom. With our effort reaching this critical stage and our signature gathering progress in full swing, we will not be deterred by legal maneuvers seeking to bring our on-the-ground team members out of the field and tie them up in legal proceedings.

The Florida State Legislature referred two constitutional amendments to the 2022 ballot. One would abolish the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and the other would allow the state legislature to pass laws prohibiting taking flood resistance improvements into account when calculating a propertys assessed value for property tax purposes.

A total of 78 measures appeared on the Florida statewide ballot between 2000 and 2020, including six measures that appeared on the statewide ballot in odd-numbered years. Of the measures, 71.79% (56 of 78) were approved by voters and 28.21% (22 of 78) were defeated. From 2000 to 2020, an average of about seven measures appeared on the ballot during even-numbered years in Florida.

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Proponents of Florida gambling initiatives aim to submit signatures by Dec. 30; $100 million has been raised surrounding the two measures Ballotpedia...

Empire City Casino reopens

Empire CityCasino in Yonkers reopened Sept. 21, 2020 after being closed since March due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Peter Carr, pcarr@lohud.com

ALBANY - Some of the nation's largest casino operators submitted preliminary details early this month in a bid to win three lucrative gambling licenses in New York City and its suburbs.

The request for information submissions, which were largely redacted by the state Gaming Commission, was the first major step in what will be a high-stakes battle over the next year to scorethe casino licenses in the country's largest untapped market: New York City.

The effort extends to the suburbs, where Empire City Casino in Yonkers has been for years lobbying to be able to turn its sprawling racetrack with video-lottery terminals into a full-scale casino with table games, slot machines and Las Vegas-style amenities.

Our response to the New York State Gaming Commissions Request for Information regarding downstate full-scale casino licenses was, in short, 'were ready to go,' MGM Resorts International, the owner of Empire City and Yonkers Raceway, said in a statement.

"A full gaming license at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts will be a game-changer for Westchester, the Bronx, and the state."

In 2013, New York voters approved a referendum to allow seven private casino licenses to be issued. The state Legislature voted to let four upstate casinos in the Finger Lakes, Schenectady, the Catskills and the Southern Tier after winning a bidding contest have exclusive gaming rights until 2023.

So the three licenses remain outstanding, and the gambling giants are eager to win them and build casinos in the five boroughs, especially Manhattan, as well as possibly Long Island and Westchester.

Already, Empire City and the Genting-owned Resorts World New York City in Queens dominate the region's gambling market with their racinos, but both are vying for the right to expand to full casinos.

We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the Gaming Commission during this process, and, if granted a full casino license, we are uniquely positioned to provide elevated support to New York immediately," Resorts World, which also owns Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County, said in a statement.

"This would mean creating more good-paying union jobs, increased revenue for public schools, and significant economic benefits for the local community without delay."

UE Resorts International, Inc.;Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Wynn Resorts;Rush Street Gaming;Hard Rock International; Bally's Corporation and the Water Club in Manhattan also submitted proposals.

More: New York picks 9 vendors for lucrative mobile sports betting. What happens next

More: New casinos in downstate New York soon? Why you shouldn't bet on it

Casino companies have for years been pressingNew York to open up the bidding sooner than 2023, offering$500 million each to the state for a casino license and to pay the four upstate casinos to have the moratorium lifted.

But the efforts have not succeeded in Albany. Now the next step would likely be a formal bidding process and review by the Gaming Commission. In 2014, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo set up a separate task force to award the upstate licenses.

In the meantime, finding out what the casino companies are proposing remains largely a secret.

The Gaming Commission said it redacted most of the details in the submissions at the request of the companies, saying the information is propriety and was needed, at times, to protect personal privacy.

But the commission said in the documents that it did not confirm "that any of those redactions are consistent with the New York Freedom of Information Law."

Brad Maione, a commission spokesman, defended the decision to redact the information, saying it wanted to get out the names of the companies as soon as the deadline to do so expired.

He said the commission will continue to review the applications to see what further information can be released.

"Our evaluation of what is reasonably and correctly requested to be withheld by submitters pursuant to Public Officers Law is ongoing and changes to what is redacted is likely to change over time," Maionesaid.

Blair Horner, legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group, said the Gaming Commission should release as much information as possible about the interested casino bidders under the Public Officers Law.

"These are not hard questions to have answered by the Committee on Open Government," which advises on the release of what information is public, he said.

Shoshanah Bewlay, the agency's executive director, said in an email that the commission appears to be following state law because it is proactively disclosing the proposals in accordance with state statute.

And not all the proposals were redacted.

For example, the Water Club, the upscale venue on Manhattan's East Side, said it would like a license for"a smaller boutique (Monte Carlo) style casino that is easily expandable."

Rush Gaming, which owns Rivers Casino in Schenectady, also submitted an unredacted proposal, saying it would like an opportunity to build a casino in the downstate market and develop synergy with its upstate facility.

"The massive downstate market can easily accommodate three casinos, and we enthusiastically support authorizing all three licenses to maximize (the) economic benefit to the state," Rush Street's proposal states.

More: Is New York moving closer to adding NYC-area casinos? Here's maybe why

More: How the pitch for New York City casinos could save the upstate ones

Joseph Spector is the Government and Politics Editorfor the USA TODAY Network's Atlantic Group, overseeing coverage in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.He can be reached at JSPECTOR@Gannett.com or followed on Twitter: @GannettAlbany

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Gambling giants eye New York City-area casinos as three coveted licenses are up for grabs - The Journal News

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A Columbus teacher and resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in Federal Court, according to a news release.

Trenna Denise Trice, 59, pleaded guilty on Dec. 20. Authorities identified 109 checks and 265 credit card transactions fraudulently deposited. Trice cited her gambling addiction as the motivation behind her actions.

Trice is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison, which will be followed by three years of supervised release with a $250,000 fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2022.

The FDIC Office of Inspector General investigation of Trices financial activities began in May 2019 due to reports of hefty casino losses funded by an unknown income source. The investigation revealed that Trices job as a Muscogee County School teacher was her only source of active income, although she previously worked at a dental office and as a campaign-coordinator for the Columbus branch of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Trices responsibilities as a campaign-coordinator included collecting cash, credit card contributions and check payments. These transactions encompassed both donations and ticket sales.

The UNCF cut ties with Trice in 2017 after questions regarding her financial irregularities, and she was terminated from the dental office for similar reasons. She also collected donations for SAMARC, a non-profit that runs an annual basketball camp for children in Columbus.

Agents found that Trice redirected small donations for her own personal use, while larger contributions went to the intended source. Overall, they found 109 checks and 265 credit card transactions fraudulently deposited into her personal account.

Trenna Trice abused the trust of two non-profits, a small business and many individual citizens when she choose to steal money intended for others to fund her gambling addiction. Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney

Peter D. Leary, U.S. Attorney, remarked on Trices actions.

Trenna Trice abused the trust of two non-profits, a small business and many individual citizens when she choose to steal money intended for others to fund her gambling addiction, said Leary. I commend the FDIC-OIG investigators who unraveled her web of lies through their extensive investigation.

In total, the FDIC Office of Inspector General reports that Trice stole $240,259 from the following sources:

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Columbus woman stole $240,259 from non-profits to feed gambling addiction - WJBF-TV

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In modern internet casinos in the UK, the quickest games to enjoy are slot machines. This is due to the fact that slot machines are completely random, and that none of the games can influence your winnings.

What counts most is where you can choose to play, whatever game you want to play, as well as, most crucially, when you decide to quit. If you're new to gambling, you'll learn how to play online slots and other casino games operations in this article.

Do you know The New Tech Behind Online Slot Games? Aside from the multitude of games available online, the simple principles for all slots are just the same.

There are pay lines, icons, as well as reels on every slot machines for beginners. Advanced slots offer even more special symbols that really can enhance your gaming by triggering bonus rounds, free spins, and much more cash awards.

Thousands of elements, themes like fruit slot machines, as well as pay lines are available on almost every online slot machine these times. It's critical to check the casino's licence, terms of service, as well as bonus policy when looking for a trustworthy online casino.

There are numerous casino reviews available online helping you in How to Choose a Slot Machine. This also allows you to make an informed decision depending on the merits and reliability of the casino. Look up what other gamers have said about the casino site you want to participate at on Google.

According to our casino expert Alexandra vasilkova, most online casinos allow you to check out their games for free by simply registering. Look for titles that are appropriate for you to play on the internet.

The signup process is straightforward, needing you to put in your personal information, email address, date of birth, as well as full name. This information is required by any online casino so that you can be identified when users log in to play.

Online slots are simple to win, so don't be fooled by your lack of experience. You don't have to become a pro to play online casino games.

It's time for us to start spinning the reels when you've chosen a game. It's simple to control the slots: look at the paytable to discover which symbol pays the most, then adjust your stake size accordingly. Simply press the spin button, and you're ready to play online slots.

When it comes to online slot strategy, knowing when to stop is crucial. You'll have to quit spinning the reels sooner or later, it does not matter how much fun you're having.

Or, at the very least, take frequent pauses. Before you start spending all of your savings, make a budget. Remind yourself that it is critical to saving money on a regular basis.

Slots come in a variety of styles, so you'll have to keep on playing to enhance your gambling experience. However, prepare to be in a situation where you're not consistently winning. When a game no longer appeals to you, look for alternatives.

If you're concerned about spending money at the start of your gambling career, start with free game variants before investing real money. The most essential thing to remember is to try new things on a regular basis. Themes, functionalities, as well as new games, abound in the gambling world.

Before beginning to spin the reels, all casino gamers must develop a budgeting strategy. Set up your entire account it should be simple and take only a few minutes. Split your budget by the amount of money you have and the number of times you'll be travelling.

In conclusion, It's a lot of fun to play online slots. New intriguing slots are constantly being released by game developers as well as the gaming industry. However, you must keep in mind that gambling is a sort of amusement that must be enjoyed.

Make sure you choose to have a game that reflects your personality while visiting a reputable casino website. Every game has its own backdrop, subject, and music - these games are based on old tales and playing online slots will undoubtedly transport you to a fun and amazing world.

DISCLAIMER: Branded Voices features paid content from our marketing partners. Articles are not created by Native News Online staff. The views and opinions expressed in the Branded Voices are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Native News Online or its ownership. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

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Are online slots easy to play? A Guide Through the Gambling World - nativenewsonline.net

The gambling industry is an ever-evolving sector. Consumer habits, technological advances and influential regulatory changes act to reshape and redefine gambling in this country on a continual basis.

This is a sector where new tech drives innovation we only have to look at the rise of many novel gambling products to realise how far the industry has moved on in recent times.

The 2005 Gambling Act is due to be reviewed, so now looks like the right time to go back to basics and understand the definition of gambling, in the context of how the industry might look in 2022.

For example, the Gambling Commission recently investigated fantasy football, and NFT trading operator, Sorare, specifically assessing whether its activities in Great Britain constituted gambling and if an operating licence should be required.

Sorare is a cryptocurrency-based football game in which players trade virtual football cards. It argues its NFT values are conducted through a randomised mechanism, and that its fantasy games have no pool betting or fixed odds outcome. Therefore, they have no licensing requirement.

Imogen Moss, solicitor and gambling industry and regulatory expert at Poppleston Allen, explains that seeking to define gambling is an ever-evolving issue for an industry where novel products are continually hitting the market.

Focusing first on gaming, we ask Imogen to define each of these three gambling activities.

The wording of the Gambling Act definitions is broad and captures a lot of different activities.

Simply put, Gaming is a game of chance for a prize, that isnt a sport. It can include elements of skill but must include some element of chance. There isnt a requirement for other participants to be involved. A prize must be involved and means money or money's worth. This encompasses casino games, such as: roulette, card games like poker and bridge, board games like backgammon, and more traditional gambling activities like bingo, to name a few. Importantly, other low-key activities may be included, such as Chase the Ace.

Betting is making or accepting a bet on the outcome of an event or competition, the likelihood of anything occurring, or whether anything is true. This is largely defined and captures the majority of scenarios where the outcome of something is unknown to the player.

So what about lotteries? Thats not so straightforward, right?

Lotteries are split into two different types: simple and complex.

A simple lottery is where participation is paid, prizes are allocated, and the allocation is by a process wholly reliant on chance. This is your basic raffle, where a ticket is bought, winning entries are drawn, there may be a selection of random numbers included, and winners who receive a prize.

A complex lottery, unsurprisingly, is a little more complex. This still requires payment to participate, and the prizes are allocated. However, they are allocated by a series of processes, with the first being wholly reliant on chance. A good example of this is where the first stage of a competition involves randomly picking people to go through to the second stage, and where the second stage would involve answering a general knowledge question.

OK, so the industry defines gambling under these three umbrella terms. But what happens when these terms overlap? Game developers are always pushing the boundaries of innovation what happens when these new products fail to fit into a single category?

The broad wording of the definitions lends itself to novel products. It is not hard to imagine possible overlaps between the three, where operators produce novel products and ideas that could fit into more than one of the definitions. There are sections of the Gambling Act that aim to clarify how these should be treated.

So, what is the relationship between the three definitions? Which has superiority over others?

If a transaction satisfies both the gaming and betting definitions, then this will be defined as betting if the transaction is pool betting, with any other transactions treated as gaming.

If an arrangement satisfies both the gaming and lotteries definitions, if the structure involves more than three processes to win a prize, then this will be classed as gaming. If there are not more than 3 processes, it is likely that the lottery requirements would take precedence. At this stage, either a Lottery Operating Licence would be required, or the structure would need to be compliant with the Exempt Lottery limitations; this includes private, workplace, customer, residents and small society lotteries. It can be a complex area!

If an arrangement satisfies both the betting and lotteries definitions, the default position is that the arrangement is betting, unless it is structured and promoted under a Lottery Operating Licence, or falls within the exempt lottery categories and criteria.

Operators sometimes come to us with arrangements that may appear to be gambling, but can actually fall outside of the Act and do not require a licence. These are usually types of competitions, such as Spot the Ball, which could be structured as free prize draws or prize competitions.

Right, so you dont need a gambling licence to run certain types of competitions, but there must still be grey areas around NFT trading and cryptos, right?

Operators must be very careful and should seek professional advice if they intend to carry out these types of arrangements / competitions without a licence. If not done properly, they may inadvertently be an illegal lottery or fall within the definition of betting or gaming. NFT trading and crypto need to also consider potential financial services and registration with FCA, where relevant.

That makes sense. But do the lines still get blurred even after the launch of a novel product?

One significant grey area when considering any activity that is not betting, is the impact of the precise structure of the gambling process.

Some entrepreneurs and software developers may have innovative game ideas, which would be classed as a lottery if the mechanics are not constructed correctly.

Importantly, the lottery requirements being focused on raising funds for good causes may not be appropriate for a potential commercial enterprise. An important consideration for any novel product, where not betting, should be whether or not the activity falls within the gaming or lottery definition.

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Ask the expert Q & A: Why the definition of gambling is more important than ever - Gambling Insider

An alleged illegal gambling operation in a gas station was busted Monday morning by the Beebe Police Department.

Beebe police seized three gambling machines from VP Racing Fuels at 2015 W. DeWitt Henry Drive. The gas station was closed to the public beginning around 10:15 a.m. while a search warrant was being executed.

Beebe Mayor Mike Robertson said the police department had received some complaints regarding that station that led to investigations that warranted the police being there this morning. Robertson was in the parking lot of the gas station when officers started arriving on the scene but didnt stay.

We are going to continue to enforce any type of lawful actions throughout the city, whether it be drug and state law or city ordinances; we are going to continue to enforce them, Robertson said.

The owner of the station, identified by police as Abdul Tawab, was called to the station and arrived around the same time. He was observed by The Daily Citizen giving a key to police. A woman, whom police said was a manager at the station, was filling out paperwork. She left with police and later returned. The owner left at 11:10 a.m. and then was called about returning to the gas station, according to the police.

The business also was cited by Beebe Code Enforcement Officer James Squires for being in violation of Beebe Ordinance 2010-4 that deals with sale of drug paraphernalia. The business was allegedly selling glass pipes that are used for smoking methamphetamines.

If they were selling them, they should have been cited, Robertson said. Its against the city ordinance. We went through that, what, less than six months ago, and we went to all the locations and gave them warnings and there have been tickets issued since then by the city. There have been tickets issued by the state, so we will continue to enforce the illegal activities that happen within our city; were going to enforce them..

The Daily Citizen contacted Beebe City Clerk-Treasurer Carol Westergren to find out the name listed on the business license of VP Racing Fuels; however, she said the business was not listed as having a business license for this year.

The gambling bust followed Beebe police getting a phone call in the early part of December, according to Capt. Barron Dickson. There was a lady who was mad. She had a friend I think it might have been her husband who spent his entire paycheck on gambling, and she said not only was he gambling, they were paying out cash, which is what caused the addiction and caused him to lose his entire check. So, we started an investigation then. We got enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.

Dickson said the owner cooperated Monday and opened the safe so that it did not have to be seized. He said there was nothing in the safe of a lot of importance, though.

After we finish our investigation, well put together what we have found and deliver that to the prosecutor and she will be the one to decide if there are charges that need to be filed or not, Dickson said, adding that it will likely be after the new year before the case is delivered to the 17th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorneys Office. Theres a lot to go through and a lot to put together.

The bust in Beebe follows 45 electronic gambling machines being seized from gas stations in White County in September along with approximately $40,000 in illicit funds which were being used to illegally maintain a gambling establishment, according to Detective Lt. Chancey Warden of the White County Sheriffs Office.

The seizures took place Sept. 3 at three locations within the county after a lengthy investigation Warden wrote. The sheriffs office in collaboration with the Searcy Police Department executed search warrants at the Exxon gas station at 3097 Arkansas Highway 5 in El Paso, owned by Sohai Karanti; the Citgo, also known as Searcy Mart at 401 N. Maple St. owned by Wasim Shalzad; and the Exxon Station and Bait Shop at 2936 S. Main St. owned by Zeenat Azad.

Warden said the search warrants were the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation that started after the sheriffs office received complaints from several people. The Stone County Sheriffs Office in Mountain View and the Marshall Police Department reportedly executed warrants in their jurisdictions.

We appreciate the tips, complaints and information from our local citizens that led to this investigation being successful, Sheriff Phillip Miller said.

White County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Scott Seiders said Monday afternoon that Detective Sgt. Joshua Biviano is still working through that investigation. There was a lot of evidence seized during our main search warrant and that is still being worked through, so on our side the investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending.

Dickson said Biviano also was a great help to the Beebe Police Department during its investigation.

Its something we have not dealt with in Beebe so he provided us a lot of knowledge and insight into the gambling issue, Dickson said.

Dickson said although he cannot remember a time the department has dealt with illegal gambling machines, its really not a wise thing to do in a town this size where everybody talks.

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Beebe police seize three illegal gambling machines from gas station Monday - Searcy Daily Citizen

Atlanta release date coming in 2022

If you see one foreign film in 2022 make it this delicate, fairy tale-like film from French director Celine Sciamma about a little girl who has just lost her beloved grandmother and finds solace when she meets a girl her age who lives a short walk through the woods. Sciamma has a gift for rendering the intense relationships between children that can make adults seem almost tangential.

The Lost Daughter

On Netflix Dec. 31

This was a great year for women filmmakers including actress Maggie Gyllenhaals directorial debut working from a novel by Elena Ferrante. Oscar-winner Olivia Colman is a professor vacationing on a Greek island who becomes fascinated by the beautiful young mother (Dakota Johnson) she sees at the beach. The mysterious woman ignites painful memories of early days with her own daughters in this examination of the emotional messiness of motherhood.

The official Japanese entry for Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, "Drive My Car" stars Hidetoshi Nishijima as a stage director mounting a production of Chekov's "Uncle Vanya" in Hiroshima and Toko Miura as the young woman assigned to chauffeur him.Courtesy of The Match Factory

Credit: Handout

The official Japanese entry for Best International Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, "Drive My Car" stars Hidetoshi Nishijima as a stage director mounting a production of Chekov's "Uncle Vanya" in Hiroshima and Toko Miura as the young woman assigned to chauffeur him.Courtesy of The Match Factory

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

Drive My Car

Opens Jan. 14 at Atlantas Plaza Theater

A theater director staging a multilingual version of Chekhovs Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima develops a profound relationship with his young female chauffeur in this deeply moving Japanese film about the power of storytelling adapted from a book by Haruki Murakami that is Japans entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Titane

Available on Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes and more

Some have called this French horror film directed by Julia Ducournau the most shocking film of the year. In a powerhouse film debut, Agathe Rousselle is a showgirl at underground car shows who has an unusually erotic relationship with a vintage Cadillac. There is no way to predict or prepare yourself for the twists and autoerotic turns in this wild ride, but if you are up for something audacious, Titane is for you.

Hive

Streaming now on Kino Marquee

A woman tries to navigate the cruel, patriarchal culture in her tiny village and come to terms with the disappearance of her husband during the war in Kosovo. Based on a true story, this second film from director Blerta Basholli about the long-lasting ripples of war was a big winner at the Sundance Film Festival.

Kodi Smit-McPhee (left) and Benedict Cumberbatch star in "The Power of the Dog."Courtesy of Netflix/ Kirsty Griffin

Credit: KIRSTY GRIFFIN/NETFLIX

Kodi Smit-McPhee (left) and Benedict Cumberbatch star in "The Power of the Dog."Courtesy of Netflix/ Kirsty Griffin

Credit: KIRSTY GRIFFIN/NETFLIX

Credit: KIRSTY GRIFFIN/NETFLIX

The Power of the Dog

Netflix

Jane Campion (The Piano) hasnt made a film in twelve years and her return to form packs a wallop. Her revisionist Western about rival rancher brothers (Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons) in 1920s Montana is an unsettling, tense examination of violence and misogyny tied up in our definition of manhood.

Flee

Atlanta release date coming in 2022

This innovative blend of animation and documentary from Danish director Jonas Poher Rasmussen tells the story of Afghan refugee Amin as he recounts his escape from war-torn Afghanistan in the 80s to Russia and then Denmark, and the cruelty and sense of rootlessness he experiences along the way in this powerful rendition of the immigrant experience.

"The Mitchells vs. the Machines" is a clever, slyly subversive animated comedy about a far-from-ordinary American family sticking together amidst a robot apocalypse.Courtesy of Netflix

Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

"The Mitchells vs. the Machines" is a clever, slyly subversive animated comedy about a far-from-ordinary American family sticking together amidst a robot apocalypse.Courtesy of Netflix

Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Netflix

Genuinely clever and occasionally subversive, this animated film is about a budding film student Katie grappling with her identity and her strained relationship to the family that has never quite gotten her. But Katie proves unusually resourceful in saving the folks from a legion of demonic robots under the command of a Siri-like iPhone personality in this very funny, fast-paced film that makes a lot of on-point jokes about our dependence on technology and Apples cult of tech.

Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth, premiering in select theaters on December 25 and globally on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022.Courtesy of AppleTV+/Alison Rosa

Credit: Alison Rosa

Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth, premiering in select theaters on December 25 and globally on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022.Courtesy of AppleTV+/Alison Rosa

Credit: Alison Rosa

Credit: Alison Rosa

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Limited theatrical release Christmas. On Apple TV Jan. 14

Denzel Washington stars in this adaptation of William Shakespeares play about power and its corruptive influence. Director Joel Coen (No Country for Old Men) delivers a stylish, spooky retelling with incredible black and white cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel that has echoes of the best work of Orson Welles, Ingmar Bergman and the German Expressionists.

Felicia Feaster is the co-founder of the Atlanta Film Critics Circle and a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association.

Excerpt from:

A clever animated comedy and moody gambling drama among the best films of 2021 - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Canada and the USA have both been more prudish when it comes to betting, especially online,compared to their European counterparts, but the laws in both countries have changed recently,making it easier than ever to bet online. This is true of both sports betting and online casinos.

Sports betting in Canada and the United States of America used to be highly limited. Even inplaces where you could actually place a bet in Canada, this had to come in the form of parlaybetting. For players from the United Kingdom or continental Europe, this is the same as a multiple oran accumulator bet, a multi-stage bet that requires every single contingency to come off for the betto pay out (such as predicting the results of half a dozen football matches). Naturally, this meantpayouts were higher due to longer odds but also made betting far less appealing to most people dueto the low chances of success.

This has, however, changed, bringing both North American nations closer to the situation thathas long been the case on the other side of the Atlantic. And not before time, as sports are evenmore popular than the likes of Harry Potter when it comes to entertainment, and the chance to bet onthem fairly and legally has been welcomed by most people.

Sports betting is not the only area where substantial liberalization has occurred in recent years,with online casinos now far more accessible in North America than they were a decade ago.Canadian legislation is a little grey, with offshore betting the way most people choose to play, whileincreasing numbers of US states are legalizing onshore casinos. An in-house legal advisor at http://www.online-casinos.ca researched and put together a list of top gambling legal experts for those who want to know more about the ins and outs of howthings stand in Canada.

The US has long been more hardline when it comes to betting opposition, but in 2018 theSupreme Court struck down a federal law (the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act)that prohibited bets on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports in various states. In addition,the same ruling gave the green light to states that wanted to legalize sports betting. While not everystate has opted for this (Utah and Hawaii being the stand out opponents of sports betting), manystates have by now either implemented laws to enable sports betting, or are in the process of doingso.

Previously, Nevada had been the only state in which an individual could make a single eventsports bet. Illegality proved little bar to betting, though, with around $150bn illegally bet on sportsby Americans, according to the American Gaming Association. Ironically, this liberalizing attitudetowards betting (as with certain types of drugs) is in completely the opposite direction to recent abortion law changes.

Its slightly counter-intuitive that Canada should lag behind the USA on this matter, givenCanadians have historically been more accepting of betting, but it was partly due to fears of losingcustom to a more liberal American approach that led Canadian lawmakers to ditch the parlay bettingrequirement for sports. Bill C-218 decriminalized single event sportsbetting and came into force on 27 August 2021.

As the MP for St. Catharines, Chris Bittle, explained, the measure is designed to help fight theblack market which not only removes funding for criminal enterprise but also increases the taxrevenue of Canada and boosts the countrys economy. Given the Canadian Gaming Associationestimate of single event sports betting via the black market being worth some $10bn a year, thepotential for increased tax revenue is substantial

Single event sports betting has thus been legalized in Canada and remains under the control ofindividual provinces and territories, excepting horse racing (which is still under the auspices of theCanadian Pari-Mutuel Agency).

And that concisely sums up how betting laws have changed for the better in both Canada andthe USA, enabling more people to freely bet on single event sports betting on a state-by-state (orprovince-by-province) basis.

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Gambling Laws In Canada and The USA That Changed The Game - Federal Regulations Advisor

Lets say you have some money. Youve already met your basic needs and you want to use this money to ensure the long-term safety and security of you and your family. Youre not a financial expert and you dont have any degrees or certificates in finance and your job is not in this sector. Youre not sure what to do with your money, so you invite the public to an open forum to present their ideas on what you should do.

At first, you hear from financial experts, with years of education, training, and job experience, who present a lot of data in complicated tables and graphs that demonstrate you should have a clear and diversified investment strategy to meet your goals. Since you are not an expert, you find the data boring, confusing, and a bit overwhelming. You ask some questions, but you still dont comprehend everything that theyre saying and their advice contradicts other advice you have heard. Youre also a bit skeptical because you have some friends who got burned by other trusted financial advisors who claimed they were acting in their clients best interests and lost a lot of money.

Next you hear from a much more passionate crowd of speakers who claim that data presented by the financial experts is clearly false. They present data theyve read on the internet and present it in a way that refutes the experts investment strategies and they propose that you should gamble all of your extra money.

At this point, what do you do with this conflicting information? The first step is to understand that every action, or inaction, caries a degree of risk and benefit. If you invest your money, you might gain or lose in both the short term and long term. Data shows that with a sound investment strategy, the odds are great that you can achieve your goals in the long term. However, while many financial advisors act as true fiduciaries, you are reminded that some are greedy and self-serving. If you gamble all of your money, you may win big and very quickly which would feel great. However, the data clearly show that although you may win in the short term, you will almost certainly lose in the long term. If this was not true, casinos would not exist.

A similar scenario took place at the El Paso County Board of Health Meeting on December 15, which I attended. In considering the resolution, That the Board of Health hereby finds the COVID-19 vaccines are a critical prevention strategy to protect the health and well-being of El Paso County communities and to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, the Board listened to public comment from a variety of people. Some speakers were physicians, epidemiologists, and other health professionals with years of education, experience, and who have cared for many patients who have both survived and died from COVID-19. Other speakers presented contradictory data they believed to be true and backed by skepticism of the health care and pharmaceutical industries and by personal anecdotes to justify their position.

The job of the Board of Health is to use their collective expertise to carefully consider and analyze complicated and conflicting data and make decisions about public health where the benefits outweigh the risks. Our current COVID vaccines are not perfect, and no vaccine, medication, surgery, or public health intervention has ever been perfect. Since COVID vaccines often cause mild side effects, rarely cause severe side effects, and most people survive COVID infections without severe complications, choosing to get the vaccine can feel more like gambling to some people. However, given that COVID infections carry a far greater risk of severe side effects and death than vaccinations do, then choosing to not get vaccinated is the far greater gamble based on current data. In other words, if you get COVID and survive, you are lucky.

Unfortunately, there are a growing number of very young and healthy unvaccinated people who are decidedly unlucky and are dying of COVID complications. Thus, if your primary goal is avoiding serious illness and death from COVID, not getting vaccinated is by far the biggest gamble.

People should be skeptical of an imperfect health care system, especially if they or their loved ones have been harmed or when they hear stories of physicians, health systems, and companies who participate in unscrupulous behaviors for their own benefit. However, after you consider complicated health information, if youre still not sure what decision to make, should you listen to and carefully consider perspectives of health care experts and ask questions so you can be as certain as possible before making an informed decision? On the individual level, this is your decision. The Boards vote on this resolution did not mandate any individual to receive a vaccination but it does provide clarity based on current evidence.

Dr. Wallace is an Internal Medicine Physician and Associate Dean for Colorado Springs Branch at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. His viewpoints are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of his employer.

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GUEST COLUMN: Investing in, and not gambling with, our lives - Colorado Springs Gazette

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Technology has brought about many changes in the casino industry, from table minimums to online gambling. But there is one thing that technology has not brought trust. Whether you are playing at a private casino or participating in an online game, technology is never 100% reliable. Sometimes it makes every win a loss and vice versa. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to make money with the right amount of luck and preparation.

One of the most important aspects of gambling is the experience of actually playing. The excitement and anticipation are just part of the game. One way to make sure you get this experience is by taking turns, even if it means youre waiting for hours. This can be a problem in online games where people have to wait until others find free time to come online and play with them. Another major aspect of gambling is human interaction with an actual individual at the table or in a role-play game. Poker and blackjack are the most popular games played at the table, but other games such as craps and roulette are gaining popularity. A person will most likely have various emotional responses to their decisions in these games, but that is what makes these games so great!

Another idea that can be applied to online betting games would be socialisation. At private casinos, you can meet new people every day of the week with different interests. This can increase your chance of finding new interests and getting to know people. You can even find like-minded people and make new friends!

There has been a significant change in the way that people bet, especially since smartphones and apps have been introduced. The reality of instant betting is becoming a new norm in terms of how people want to gamble, as many more people prefer to do it on the go instead of going through the whole process at home. There are two ways in which smartphones and apps have changed traditional betting: the first is that they enable traders to bet remotely and secondly, they allow users to make bets using their phones camera. The way that people have started betting has transformed and reflected the way in which mobile phones and apps have revolutionised gambling.

Taking traditional betting to a new level, smartphones and apps have been utilised by gamblers to enhance their betting experience. When people are out and about, they can make a bet on the go by sustaining the betting service via their mobile network. Apps have also enabled punters to enjoy exclusive offers as well as rewards, making gambling more fun and accessible when they are not in their own homes.

Another advantage of using a phone to make a bet is that it has made the process much faster. Traditionally, punters had to visit a bookmaker in order to place a bet. However, now with apps and mobile betting websites, traders can place a bet in a matter of seconds. This has changed the way that people gamble as they can do it on the go. Moreover, smartphones and apps have made it easier for traders to find promotions and special offers that meet their requirements making gambling more convenient as well as cost-effective.

Gamblers are flocking to mobile apps in droves, and more than one-third of US adults play gambling games on their smartphones. Mobile apps have been especially popular with millennials as theyre much more likely to be playing time-wasting games on a cell phone rather than at a land-based casino or gaming centre.

This trend is expected to continue as smartphone penetration rises, particularly among gamblers who would find it difficult or inconvenient to travel away from work for a day out at the blackjack table. Furthermore, the convenience of mobile apps makes them a more solid bet for casual players who are more likely to play when theyre at home. Mobile gambling apps have been around for a while now, so its time we start understanding how theyre going to evolve over the next few years and what that means for struggling state lotteries. The biggest trend in mobile gambling is that gamblers are not just playing games with their phones. Theyre also using mobile payment solutions to buy things like mix drinks or gold bullion or even sending gift cards.

The rise of mobile gambling has a lot of implications. It means that the state lotteries are going to face some stiff competition and that the marketing dollars theyre spending on TV commercials will be difficult to come by. It also means that these states will need to adjust. The lottery themselves are not at all equipped to deal with the rise of mobile payment solutions, but they will have no choice but to become more progressive in their thinking and planning if they want to remain relevant in this new age.

Please gamble responsibly.

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How Technology Has Influenced the Gambling and Casino Industry? - Varsity Online