Category Archives: Online Gambling

In this article we provide an update on recent developments on the status of parliamentary and industry reviews considering potential prohibitions on the use of credit cards for gambling purposes. The importance of such reviews has been heightened by the recent COVID-19 influenced growth in online gambling as a form of accessible entertainment, with funding by credit card being a convenient and popular method for making deposits into gambling accounts.

A recent submission by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) stated that online gambling now accounts for 55 per cent of all gambling, with 25 per cent of Australian adults having gambled online in the past 12 months.1

Current status

Currently, Australians cannot use credit cards when gambling in terrestrial licensed venues, casinos and TAB outlets. However, the same cannot be said for online gambling where credit card use is currently permitted.2

Some bank issuers have already independently moved to prevent their customers from transacting with gambling companies using their credit cards. This includes American Express, Bank of Queensland, Bendigo Bank, Citibank, Macquarie Bank, Suncorp Bank and Virgin Money.

There have recently been a number of bodies considering whether the use of credit cards for gambling purposes remains appropriate, particularly following high profile moves in other jurisdictions to prohibit the use of credit cards. For example, in April 2020, the Gambling Commissions ban on gambling businesses allowing consumers in Great Britain to use credits cards to gamble took effect.

Among the entities considering the issue, the ABA delivered a Report in December 2020. The ABA received submissions from 40 parties, including gambling industry participants, member banks and other interested stakeholders. Although the ABA did not ultimately recommend a particular course of action due to concerns regarding coordinated conduct under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), the Report examines pros and cons associated with proscribing the use of credit cards for gambling services. We outline some of their findings below.

A Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services has also been undertaking an inquiry into regulation of the use of financial services such as credit cards and digital wallets for online gambling in Australia. The terms of reference include, among other things, assessing the extent of consumer detriment, the potential for a mandatory industry code, regulatory approaches used in other relevant jurisdictions and the level of existing voluntary bans by Australian financial institutions. Submissions to that inquiry closed on 25 June 2021 with public hearings in August and September 2021.

Most recently, the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee (Committee) has been considering the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Prohibition on Credit Card Use) Bill 2020 (Bill) introduced by Senator Stirling Griff and referred to it by the Senate on 18 March 2021. The Committee delivered its report in October 2021. We examine their key findings below.

The ABA Consultation Report - Use of credit cards for gambling transactions

In November 2019, the ABA utilized the independent research agency YouGov to conduct a survey asking whether Australians agreed or disagreed on using credit cards for gambling. A key finding of the survey was that 81% of Australians thought that the use of credit cards for gambling should be restricted or banned.3 Another finding of the report was that 30 of the 40 submissions supported the view to prohibit credit card use for gambling. Some of the main reasons behind such a stance is to reduce problem gambling and to ensure for consistent gambling regulation across Australia.

The report also contemplated the reasoning for those who had the opposite opinion. Respondents against such a ban argued that it imposes on personal freedom and that it punishes individuals who are not problem gamblers. Submissions and feedback from the survey also revealed the opinion that banning the use of credit cards does not address the underlying gambling addiction, will not reduce the risk of problem gambling, and in some circumstances may cause more harm as gamblers move to illegal offshore gambling websites.4

Additionally, it was argued that newsagents and lottery charities could be negatively impacted by such a ban. Tabcorp estimated that a ban could reduce the incomes of lottery agents and newsagents by between $17 million and $44 million per year.5 Lottery West, the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association, Tabcorp and some registered lottery charities put forward submissions explaining that lottery products cause minimal harm, and for this reason, should be excluded from any ban on using credit cards for gambling transactions.6

Overall, as mentioned above, the ABA did not recommend a particular course of action.

The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Prohibition on Credit Card Use) Bill 2020

The Bill would amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Interactive Gambling Act) to implement a ban on the use of credit cards for betting using certain regulated interactive gambling services. Senator Griff explained that the main purpose of the Bill was to:

The Bill would have created civil penalty and criminal offence provisions for a person who accepted, facilitated or promoted credit card payments for interactive gambling services after the six month transition period, with significant financial penalties of up to $166,500.

Submissions in support of the Bill

Many associations such as the Alliance for Gambling Reform, Customer Owned Banking Association, the Australian Institute of Family Studies, Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation and the Salvation Army, have made submissions supporting the Bill with their reasoning aligningwith the argument to protect Australians from problem gambling and to also make the rules and regulations for land-based gambling the same as online gambling.8

Submissions against the Bill

A number of parties cited concerns with the Bill including Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and Tabcorp. RWAs arguments against the legislative change stem from their main position that there 'is no compelling evidence to indicate links between the use of credit cards across online betting platforms and the incidence of problem gambling'. Additionally, arguments were put forward that safeguards are already in place with major online wagering operators and card issuers themselves to protect Australians and that these could be strengthened. 9

Tabcorp cited concerns within their submission regarding the definition of credit card in the Bill being too broad and recommended that betting vouchers and bonus bets be expressly excluded from the definition of credit card. 10 Tabcorp also identified concerns that the Bill would extend the prohibition to apply to newsagents and lottery agents and their sale of lottery tickets and that such a change could reduce the incomes of lottery agents and newsagents by approximately $44 million per year. 11

The Committees findings

The Committee considered all the submissions and ultimately came to the recommendation that the Senate should not pass the Bill. Though the Committee recognized that individuals using credit cards for online gambling can experience harm, they reported that there is limited research into the drivers and the extent of the potential harm. 12 Correspondingly, they argued that such a legislative change could impact an individuals choice and autonomy. The Committee further stated that as there are still several unintended consequences identified in the Bill, such as the definition concerns pointed out by Tabcorp, these issues should be resolved before passing such an amendment. Aiding their decision against the legislative change was the argument that financial institutions already play a major role in issuing and operating credit cards in accordance with legislation such as the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

It also should be noted that the dissenting reports from the Australian Greens' and from Centre Alliance Senator Stirling Griff both recommended that the Bill be passed.

Conclusion

Judging from the Committees recommendation, it is far from clear that legislative change will occur in Australia in the near future regarding the use of credit cards to deposit funds into online gambling accounts. We await the outcomes of the Parliamentary Joint Committees inquiry with interest.

At this stage, and given indicated industry support, a voluntary industry approach in combination with action by credit card issuers appear more likely to bring about change in this space in the short to medium term.

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An update on the use of credit cards to gamble online in Australia - Lexology

DraftKings is unifying its rewards program into a single system to give players a clearer view of their current rewards and status, and reward players regardless of what games they play or bets they place.

The new program, DraftKings Dynasty Rewards, unifies all DraftKings verticals into the new system, meaning players will only need to look in one place to know the score on their rewards. It is also designed to make the rewards process easier and more transparent for users. The new system remains based on the DK Crowns, but it puts casino play, sports betting, and fantasy sports activity under one rewards roof.

The new system isnt that different from what a lot of other operators offer, but that is a welcome standardization and simplification. With the new unified program, nearly every $1 spent on DraftKings in any way qualifies the player for DK Crowns and special prizes and merchandise.

DraftKings Casino offers legal online gambling to residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia!

Dynasty Rewards is active on DraftKings now and provides a unified experience for a players rewards. DK Crowns, basically the loyalty points of the new system, are earned through various betting or marketplace activity on the site.

Crowns contribute to a new loyalty level system that provides increasing value as players earn more Crowns. Starting at bronze and moving up the scale to Onyx, players get special rewards at all levels, but they get juicer as a player accrues more Crowns.

The Bronze level opens the door to basic rewards like access to the Dynasty Store, and missions, achievements, and promos. After that, the sky is the limit with the highest tiers offering VIP and live experiences, to name just a few.

Bet on your favorite sports with DraftKings Sports available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey!

There are a few ways to redeem the Crowns once they are earned. Of course, all players (except for users in Indiana) can spend points in the DK Shop, but players can also cash in Crowns for DK Dollars, which can be used for wagering or other activities on DraftKings just like real money.

Crowns are exchanged at a rate of 550 Crowns for 1 DK Dollar, and 1 DK Dollar is the equivalent of $1 in cold hard cash for use on DraftKingsit just needs to be wagered once on any game to be able to withdraw. On top of that direct value, Crowns are also good for tickets, travel, merchandise, and even donations to charity. There are always new choices in the list too, so check back often to see what is on offer.

The new Dynasty Rewards at DraftKings looks to be a simpler and more satisfying experience for the players. It is live now for all gaming verticals, in all US states with DraftKings is active.

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DraftKings Reveals All New Rewards Program for Online Casinos and Sportbooks Across the US - Pokerfuse

Posted on: November 18, 2021, 02:52h.

Last updated on: November 18, 2021, 03:46h.

Some 60 Thai workers allegedly trafficked and ransomed by an online gambling outfit in Cambodia were repatriated Monday to their home country.

According to The Bangkok Post, the victims were deceived into working for the illegal operation after answering false job advertisements in Sihanoukville, a casino boomtown on Cambodias west coast.

Once there, they were kept in slave-like conditions. Those who refused to comply were beaten and threatened with being sold for slave labor. They were rescued after their captors demanded a ransom from their relatives, who were able to notify Thai authorities.

The Post reports the relatives pleas were amplified by social media and reached the ears of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He ordered the Royal Thai Police to cooperate with Cambodian authorities to intervene.

Authorities arrested four Chinese, four Cambodians, and two Thai suspects at the scene.

Two weeks earlier, three Thai women were rescued from an underground online gambling operation under similar circumstances, the Post said. The women, identified only as Jenjira, Pornnapa, and Sasinipa, were being held by an online gambling operation in Poipet, another Cambodian boomtown on the Thai border.

Police said the women were being held by their Chinese employer who demanded a ransom of 10,000 baht each (around $306) for their release. Thats about half the average monthly wage in Thailand. The man threatened to sell the women to a call center gang in China if the ransom was not paid.

The women have been in quarantine for the past two weeks because of coronavirus-related travel restrictions, but are now home and being interviewed by police.

These are just the latest of many reports coming out of Cambodia about human trafficking linked to the countrys illegal gambling industry, much of which is reportedly controled by Chinese triads.

A study published in September by the Thompson Reuters Foundation found that foreign workers and tourists stranded in Cambodia because of the pandemic have become easy prey for these gangs. The countrys land borders are closed, and flights out are infrequent.

Most of the reports relate to operations based in Sihanoukville, which has become a gambling mecca for Chinese tourists in recent years. But there are also signs that the trafficking gangs are on the move.

The Khmer Times reports that many operators have moved north to Koh Kong and other provinces because of the rising costs of doing business in Sihanoukville. Others have moved out of Cambodia altogether, to countries including Liberia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where they can find better margins.

Cambodia prohibited online gambling from September 2019, bowing to pressure from its biggest trading partner, China. This makes it difficult for illegal operators to find cheap labor legally, which may partly explain the rise in trafficking and also the gradual exodus from Cambodia of the gangs that control it.

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Cambodian Online Gambling Rogue Operation Frees 60 Trafficked Thai... - Casino.Org News

As soon as the fearmongers come up with a new argument to suggest that the party is over, they are immediately drowned out by a shower of counter-fire. Will central banks cut back their support? Growth is robust and above average. Will rates have to go up? Inflation is transitory. Valuation multiples are high? So are growth rates. Public debt has exploded? Austerity policies are so outdated... The list is long, of course, but it illustrates the current state of mind and probably also the fact that investors are now living in the myth of divine intervention by central bankers in case of hard times.

Media coverage also plays an important role in this. When I say media, I mean both the "mainstream" channels, i.e. the traditional financial press, and social networks, which have become huge breeding grounds for ideas and influence. They often distill an optimism that is more widespread than in the traditional columns, which are quicker to draw out opposing points of view, through a kind of "contrarian" snobbery. These networks help to feed the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), and the rise feeds the rise. The stock market has almost become entertainment, but entertainment that can pay off. It's not so far from gambling, in a slightly more sophisticated version.

We are out of the Q3 earnings season. Not quite, actually, but the matter has been put to bed: the numbers were very good and helped to erase the spleen seen in September. We need to find a new reason for enthusiasm now, to pulverize the chronic doubts about the accommodative policies of central banks and the trajectories of key rates. It could be consumption. In fact, we are beginning to see news reports on the subject. The latest consumption figures are good, savings reserves are high. As such, Amazon's "Black Friday" and its slew of sequels will begin on November 26. But there is now also a "Black Friday before its time" that started this week. In a few years, it may start as early as September 1st, at the same time as Easter chocolates are put on the shelves. Still, it's consumption that could be the next index catalyst, so keep an eye on the numbers for the upcoming e-commerce orgy.

China is once again in the news this morning, with the announcement of a (small) sale of the troubled developer China Evergrande Group, and the difficulties in its technology segment, illustrated by Baidu and Bilibili, which have fallen after results close to expectations, but which raise questions about the strength of the advertising market. In Japan, indiscretions suggest that the economic support plan will be endowed with 55.7 billion yen, which did not have a particular impact on the indices, which closed slightly lower.

Todays economic highlights:

In the United States, the Philly Fed index for November and weekly jobless claims are followed by the index of leading indicators for October.

The dollar is up to EUR 0.8823, while the ounce of gold is rising towards USD 1865. Oil has been under pressure for the past few days, with Brent crude just above USD 80 per barrel and WTI around USD 78.29. Slight easing on US 10-year debt, paying 1.58%, while the Bund remains stoic at -0.25%. Bitcoin is back down slightly below USD 60,000.

On markets:

* Cisco Systems said Wednesday it expects revenue growth for the current quarter to fall short of Wall Street expectations because of supply chain strains that are eating into its costs. The stock fell 6.6% in after-hours trading.

* NVidia said Wednesday it expects fourth-quarter revenue to be above analysts' expectations, as the company expects strong growth in its data center business due to ongoing corporate investments in artificial intelligence and the metaverse, a virtual world touted as the future of the Internet. The stock was up 6.5% in pre-market trading and at least 12 analysts raised their price targets.

* Alibaba - The Wall Street-listed stock of the Chinese online shopping giant is down 3.8% in premarket trading after reporting below-consensus quarterly revenue and the lowest annual sales growth forecast since 2014.

* Amazon is considering dropping its credit card partnership with Visa in the U.S. after deciding Wednesday not to accept Visa-issued cards in Britain starting in 2022, calling the fees too high. The Amazon share is up 0.6% in pre-market trading on Thursday, while Visa is up 0.5% after giving up 4.7% the day before.

* Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced Thursday the signing of an agreement on the remuneration of neighboring rights after several months of negotiations.

* Macys raised its full-year revenue and profit forecasts on Thursday, despite fears of shortages due to supply chain tensions. The stock is up 3% in pre-market trading.

* Kohls raised its full-year sales outlook Thursday, sending the retailer's stock up 6.2% in pre-market trading.

* Coty on Thursday said it expects like-for-like annual sales growth of 6% to 8% over the next three fiscal years. The fragrance and beauty products group also raised its fiscal 2022 earnings forecast to a range of 20 to 24 cents per share, up from 19 to 23 cents, compared with analysts' consensus of 24 cents. The stock is up 1% in pre-market trading.

* JD.Com - The Chinese e-commerce group on Thursday reported revenue and profit for the quarter ended in September that beat Wall Street analysts' forecasts. The stock is up 1% in pre-market trading.

* AstraZeneca, which competes with Pfizer and Regeneron in monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19, released encouraging new efficacy data Thursday for its antibody cocktail, with six-month follow-up showing an 83% reduction in the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 compared with placebo.

* Starbucks opened its first cashierless coffee shop in New York on Thursday in partnership with Amazon, and the two groups plan to open at least three more in the U.S. by 2022. The new concept, based on technology developed for Amazon Go automated stores, is meant to address the labor shortage.

* Carlyle Group - The U.S. private equity firm announced Thursday that discussions for a possible takeover bid for British bank Metro Bank had failed.

Analyst recommendations:

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Trading is the new online gambling - marketscreener.com

Whether you are an experienced player, someone with deep pockets, or a novice nervous about gambling, a visit to a casino needs some careful preparations. And were not just talking about understanding how the various games work. The most important factor you need to take on board is how much money you should be willing to spend.

This shouldnt just be a case of saying something like: Oh, $50 sounds like enough to have a good time. Rather, you should adopt a more professional approach to your gambling spending. Doing so will make your entertainment last much longer and prevent you from spending more than you intended or indeed can afford to lose.

So, what is this method of setting your spending limits? The answer is something the industry calls bankroll management.

This simple yet extremely effective way to manage our funds relies on two key facts:

Sounds simple, right? Thats because it is. So lets tackle the first point, identifying your bankroll. This is not a case of just looking in your various bank or savings accounts and totting up how much money you have, or worse still, raiding your credit cards. Doing so is foolish you are not willing to lose all this money because you need a good portion of it for day-to-day living expenses, like food, mortgage payments, running the car, and that sort of thing.

Rather, you should consider your bankroll as only the amount of cash you are willing to commit to gambling. The nature of the game is that, of course, you might win, but equally, you might lose all this money. The bankroll should, by definition, be expendable.

Lets take an example. Although you may have $2,000 spare in your bank account, when you add up your liabilities, you, in reality, might only have $500 genuinely spare to spend on as you wish. If you wish to try some gambling at a casino, then this figure can be considered your bankroll.

Now that computation is out of the way; you need to figure out how to use it. For certain, it doesnt mean you can walk into a casino in Las Vegas like The Wynn, or log on to an online casino, head to the nearest roulette table and place the whole $500 on black. While you might win, doubling your cash instantly, theres a high risk of you losing and then having no bankroll left.

The answer is the effective bankroll management aspect of your funds. Many pro gamblers adopt this strategy from the very early days of their careers, and its something any player should use. To do so, always commit to spending 5% (some even suggest as low as 2%) of your current bankroll.

If 5% is the figure, and you walk into that same casino, now you know you can only spend $25 of your $500 roll on a spin on the roulette table. If you lose, it wont cripple you. If you win, you wont get too carried away, either.

The same applies to any casino game, whether its a hand of blackjack, a quick session on the slots, or a game of baccarat always limit your bets to 5%.

This is all what you might consider to be an aspect of responsible gambling, something that all the best casinos adopt because they wish to protect their players from harm. In many parts of the world, online casinos must be licensed, and to receive one, they must promote responsible gaming. Look at any respected UK gaming site, and at the bottom of the page, you will see links to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Gamble Aware, and GAMSTOP, which all promote safe gaming.

Just because you started limiting your bets at $25, which is 5% of your original bankroll, it doesnt mean you need to remain at that level. The whole point of bankroll management is that you always bet 5% of whatever your current bankroll total is.

Lets say you went to your local casino or logged on online to play and had a profitable session, winning $100. Now, your bankroll is $600, and you can revise your minimum bet upwards to 5% of that, which is $30 a bet.

But using the same logic, if you have a losing session, and your bankroll dwindles to $400, you can only bet 5% of that, so $20 a time.

The whole point is by being strict with yourself; you should find it really difficult to ever lose your entire roll. If things have gotten really bad and you have only $10 left, dont be tempted to try and double up and risk it all on one blackjack hand. Instead, stick to your limits and gamble just 50 cents.

Some people might apply upper limits to their bankrolls. In our example, if your role had reached over $1,000, you might consider taking all money over that figure off the table to reward yourself by buying something nice or putting it into your retirement fund. After all, gambling at higher stakes is not for everyone.

With these spending limits in place, you should enjoy your gambling much more because you wont ever feel stressed about your betting. At the end of the day, gambling in a casino is meant to be a form of entertainment, so have fun.

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Why the rise in social and sweepstake casinos? - TheWestNews

Technology has shaped the way we live our lives, from household chores, shopping, and communication, to even the games we play. Since the inception of online casinos in the 1990s, brick-and-mortar establishments are no longer the only way to wager.

The global gambling market has exploded over the past few decades. Thanks to the internet, its projected to reach $565.4 billion by 2022.

They arent hitting those numbers by sleeping at the wheel. Casinos are paying attention and putting new advancements in technology at the forefront of the gambling experience. As a result of their calculated evolution, betting from home or on the go has never been easier.

Perhaps one of the most significant steps forward for the entire industry was the introduction of mobile gambling. With the use of HTML5, users can play their favorite casino games in their phone browser as seamlessly as they would on a desktop. The graphics and game formats are specially developed for small screens, making them easy to access anywhere at any time.

Users can play table games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette or spin the reels at one of many slot apps for example. Even live dealer casinos are optimized for mobile devices.

The global sports betting market has seen massive growth over the past few years and is expected to reach $140.26 billion by 2028. More countries and states are legalizing retail and online sports betting at an increasing rate. With the addition of sportsbooks apps, revenue is only continuing to grow.

Apps allow users to bet on games whether theyre at home watching on the couch, out at the bar, or grocery shopping. With the convenience of wagering from your mobile device, the possibilities are endless.

Blockchain technology has changed the way companies, such as casinos, do business online. All transactions and functions are anonymous and verified on a decentralized ledger that everyone can access. This technology is especially crucial when it comes to cryptocurrencies, which betting sites frequently use.

Every card dealt and dice rolled is recorded and transparent with blockchain technology, guaranteeing that all moves gambling sites make are fair. It also ensures fast and secure payments by allowing users to skip a lengthy identification process.

The future is here. Will virtual reality replace real-life experiences? That is yet to be determined, but many are turning to the 3D digital experience when travelling isnt an option. When you can transport yourself to the Las Vegas strip in the blink of an eye, its easy to see why.

Not only can you stroll through the casino floor, play slot machines, visit the bar, or grab a seat at a blackjack table, there are other users with avatars doing the same alongside you. Its an engaging experience that provides a vital social element in a time when human interaction is lacking. Things may eventually return to normal, but with the convenience virtual reality offers, it will undoubtedly continue to rise in popularity.

Countries all over the globe have different laws and regulations when it comes to gambling, which could quickly become very confusing for those placing their bets on the internet. That is why geolocation tracking is one of the most valuable tools in preventing people from wagering in areas where its not legal.

The initial tracking technology was dodgy and often blocked people living near the border of their jurisdiction from accessing online casinos. A new method emerged that allowed operators to triangulate users locations by using the wifi networks closest to them. This technology also checks for VPNs to prevent bettors from bypassing the system. All of this allows online gambling sites to stay within the limits of the law and protect their visitors.

With the current accessibility of online casinos, theres never been a more advantageous time for bettors to enjoy their favorite games from home or on their phones. Gambling operators utilization of mobile advancements, apps, cryptocurrencies, and tracking barely scratches the surface of what the future holds.

While technology will continue to grow in ways we cant even foresee yet, one thing is certain. The gambling industry will remain on the cusp of the most innovative and exciting ideas.

Ashley Grasse is an avid traveler and has enjoyed more than a few nights in casinos around the US. She is currently employed by OUSC as a writer. She has always had a passion for the written word and loves to read. Most of her spare time is spent hiking, foraging, or swimming. Although she currently doesnt have any pets, she adores dogs immensely.

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Emerging Tech in the Gambling Industry - Tech Guide

If youre interested in finding out the technology that goes into creating some of the best Canadian casino sites, youre on the right page. Read on to find out more.

Developing a casino game is expensive, and the cost varies from one company to another.

For that reason, many casino sites join forces with developers to provide high quality games. Thats why players can find the bestreal money online casino Canadatitles without having to settle for anything short of outstanding.

Many of these games (slots, poker, roulette, baccarat, etc.) use RNG algorithms, while downloadable games use online-specific technology, like HTML5, Java, and so on. The latter allows players to play on the go while using their mobile phones.

Since online casino sites handle huge amounts of data, hosting costs represent a huge portion of the casinos expenditures.

That is why operators need to ensure players will remain on their websites as long as possible. Naturally, to keep players engaged for a long time, casino sites need to make sure that server downtime is out of the question.

As a result, both larger and smaller casino sites invest a lot of money in resources like online gaming hardware, software, and first-class servers.

You might be surprised to find that someCanadian casino sitesoffer the latest innovations in casino gambling virtual reality and 3D, which aim to deliver an immersive gambling experience. However, with new ideas constantly emerging, this kind of technology does not come as a surprise anymore.

Many online casino sites use these to mimic the settings of a real land-based casino. You can also expect to come across high tech sound effects, virtual reality representation, on-screen interactivity, 4K clarity, and more.

Youve probably been wondering how your favourite games always find their way to you.

Well, most players dont realise this, but online casinos use predictive analytics, which helps them know players gaming preferences. Thanks to this technology, online casinos can learn how to tweak their platform according to players gambling habits, preferences, and requirements.

Casinos do this to ensure their clients have a well-rounded gambling experience. Plus, this way, players get a say in what the casino offers.

Naturally, we need to mention the technology behind online payment methods, as it wouldnt be possible to join casinos without it.

Apart from good old credit and debit cards and the old fashioned bank transfers, most players rely on trustworthy e-wallets for their online casino transactions and for a good reason.

Compared to other methods, e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and similar allow safer and faster deposits and withdrawals.

These seamless electronic transactions eliminate P2P collisions, meaning third-party intermediation is not necessary. All the more, casinos use additional technology to secure such payments, like SSL processes.

Ultimately, the iGaming industry would not have improved as much without the technology behind mobile devices.

With the introduction of smartphones and tablets, the popularity of online casinos has been on the rise worldwide. You can read more about it inthis article.

The versatility and convenience of using mobile devices have drastically improved the relationship between users and online casinos.

For that reason, many experts believe that the mobile gaming industry is the one with the most potential. Thats why developers create games specifically for mobile devices, with improved graphics, animations, and many other benefits.

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A closer look at the technology behind Canadian casino sites Retail Technology Innovation Hub - Retail Technology Innovation Hub

For some gambling is considered shady because of its addictive reputation. For others, it is an actual addiction. But for most people gambling is just one of their favorite ways to entertain themselves. This is why the industry keeps on growing.

For some, it might be a surprise to find out how many people gamble just for the fun of it. Research shows that the vast majority of gamblers just play for fun. They are neither addicted to gambling nor expecting to win a million dollars. The gambling industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that is constantly growing. The online possibilities have made gambling an easy and accessible entertainment form.

Even though gambling is becoming more and more popular, it is still heavily debated around the world. Some countries have very strict legislation on this particular area, while others have legalized all types of gambling. The heavy debate revolves primarily around the addictive problems that gambling holds and the shady activities that surround gambling in some places. Follow the debate and news on gambling on Theguardian.com.

There is no doubt about the fact that gambling addiction is a real issue. It can be an awful addiction that ruins peoples lives completely. But research shows that no more than 5 to 8 percent of all people who gamble show signs of addiction. This is also in mild forms. The vast majority of gamblers play for fun and show no signs of addictive behavior.

Our digital society has made all types of online activities more popular. The possibilities online keep increasing at an astonishing pace. This is also true for online casinos. More and more people like to play games, gamble, and bet online. This means that the options available keep expanding as well. The games get better, and the number of providers increases.

The market is now so big that its hard to see the wood for the trees. Thats why guides like https://www.usonlinecasino.com/ exist. Here theyve gathered the best of the most trusted American casinos making it much easier for players to find a good online casino.

It is not only online gambling that is driven by the opportunity to have some fun. Brick-and-mortar casinos are still very popular all over the world. Most people in these casinos are looking for a night of fun and excitement in a thrilling environment. It is no secret that the house always wins, so even if one is hoping for the big jackpot, most people know that big winning is a possible extra and not the primary goal of spending a night in a casino.

It might be surprising for some that many people use gambling just like the cinema or other entertainment forms. They have a budget that theyre willing to spend to have fun in a particular time frame. Its just good news for everyone that gambling for many people is still mostly for the fun of it!

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For the Fun of It: How Gambling is Mostly an Entertainment Form - Alpha News Call

Below are all the states that offer legal online sports betting. However, dont make the mistake of believing all states to be created equal in their offerings. Each state has its own rules and regulations, with limits on what you can bet on, where you can bet, and the number of apps. Regardless, heres where you can use your phone or computer to make a wager on a sporting event in the US.

Arizona is one of the largest states to launch online sports betting. Arizona sportsbook licenses are split between professional sports outlets and Native American tribes in the state, but from a player perspective, its mostly the usual lineup of books like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. Now, the good news is that you can bet on in-state collegiate teams if you like. However, Arizona law does not permit the placement of individual proposition wagers on collegiate games, no matter whos playing.

Read more about Arizona online sportsbooks here.

Colorado has become one of the shining stars of sports betting in just a short period of time. Since launching in 2020, more than two dozen Colorado online sportsbooks have begun offering their services to Coloradans and visitors to the state. Most types of wagers are available in the state, but individual prop bets on college games are not permitted. In theory, all 35 of the casino properties in the state could offer online sports betting, but its still too early in the industrys lifespan to be at full capacity to say nothing of whether or not Colorados population even supports that many apps.

Learn more about Colorado online sports betting sites.

Connecticut launched online sports betting in October 2021. Because of the states small size and particulars of its stakeholders, there are only three Connecticut sportsbooks active in the state. The state lottery offers one of these books in conjunction with PlaySugarHouse. The remaining two books are reserved for Connecticuts two Native American tribes the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe (with DraftKings) and the Mohegan Tribe (with FanDuel).

Find out all the details on Connecticut sportsbooks.

Illinois allows online sports betting to take place in a somewhat begrudging manner. Since IL sportsbook apps began launching in 2020, state law has required patrons to register for their accounts in person. Thankfully, this provision will sunset in 2022 (hopefully). In the meantime, you can bet on many different sporting events in Illinois, but wagers on in-state colleges and non-sports events (like elections or awards ceremonies) are not permissible, according to the law.

Learn whats new for Illinois sportsbook apps.

Indiana beat its next door neighbor, Illinois, to the sports betting table by almost a year and has, in no small part, administered it much better than the Land of Lincoln. State regulations have permitted every Indiana casino to offer online IN sportsbooks, and almost every one has done so at this point. For the most part, you can bet on anything you like in the Hoosier State. However, eSports betting is not allowed, and the Indiana Gaming Commission retains quite a bit of discretion about live betting options.

Read more on how things work at IN online sportsbooks.

Iowas entry into sports betting came as a bit of a surprise, but the Hawkeye State is now home to more than a dozen online sportsbook apps. The good news is that most sporting events, including ones involving the University of Iowa and Iowa State, are available for wagering in Iowa. However, if you were planning on eSports betting or placing a wager on the Oscars, youre out of luck. You will also need to get those college bets on the Hawkeyes and Cyclones in before the game no live betting on in-state collegiate teams is permitted.

Go here for all the details on betting in Iowa.

Nevada is the original sports betting state and the first to offer online sports betting of any kind. You can find almost any sports wager you can imagine somewhere in the Silver State. However, despite its unmatched pedigree, Nevada remains a frustrating place to play for online sports bettors because of its registration requirements. Under state law, you must register and place your first deposit in person at your chosen NV apps home casino(s), and its a pain if youre not living in or visiting one of Nevadas few population centers.

Find out more about Nevada sportsbook apps.

New Hampshire is one of a handful of smaller states that has favored a monopoly-esque model for its sports betting industry. The only available app in the Granite State is DraftKings, which works in close partnership with the state lottery. However, you will be able to find some limited options through the lottery itself in the near future. Most wagers in New Hampshire are permitted, but in-state collegiate games are off-limits.

Heres what to know about sports betting in New Hampshire.

Since 2018, no state has benefited more from or pushed the envelope farther on sports betting than New Jersey. The Garden States hardfought Supreme Court victory opened the door for sports betting outside of Nevada, and state lawmakers have been quick to take advantage of their new freedom. The state is now home to nearly two dozen NJ sportsbooks, and many of the apps have served as a de facto home for New York City sports bettors. The only bets that you cannot make in New Jersey are on in-state college teams OR collegiate events inside state lines.

Check out all the details about NJ sports betting.

Michigan opened its online sports betting doors with a bang in January 2021, with 10 sportsbooks debuting on the same day. Since then, it has become one of the top states for sports betting, with more than one dozen Michigan sports betting apps offering service to Michiganders and their guests. For the most part, Michigan law does not prohibit any particular type of sports wager beyond high school sporting events. However, you cannot make prop bets on individual players in collegiate sports.

For more information, check out our page on Michigan sports betting apps.

Technically, you can bet on sports online in Montana, but the method for doing so is extremely limited and, frankly, is rather unpalatable. Montana permits only one sports betting app, Sports Bet Montana, to operate inside state lines, and you can only use the app while you are physically located at one of the states retail sports betting outlets. Additionally, the site is a joint effort between the state lottery and its lottery provider, Intralot, and famously offers exceptionally uncompetitive odds for betting. It is not uncommon to see opening payout ratios hovering around -118, which is a massive markup over the industrys standard -110.

Read more on how to bet on sports online in Montana.

Oregon is another state that chose to launch online sports betting as a state-run extension of its lottery. In fact, the Beaver State was able to take its first bets in Oregon in 2019 thanks to the Oregon Lotterys assertion that it retained the ability to offer sports betting through grandfathering under PASPA. At any rate, Oregonians can bet on sports through the Scoreboard app as much as they like. However, all college sports are off-limits for betting.

Read our data sheet on Oregon sports betting.

Pennsylvania was the first large state to offer online sports betting. The Keystone State debuted wagering on sporting events back in 2019 and hasnt slowed down since then. There are nearly a dozen sportsbook apps in service in Pennsylvania now. There are no restrictions on betting collegiate events or other sports in the state, but be aware that non-sporting events (elections, award ceremonies, etc.) are not permitted.

Heres more on how to bet on sports in PA.

Rhode Island is a great example of a state that has amended its sports betting positively since launch. Although the Ocean State debuted wagering on sports in 2018 as a retail-only endeavor, subsequent changes to the law have allowed for online betting and remote registration. Like other smaller states, Rhode Island operates with a state-run sportsbook app as its only option. You have a wide range of options through Sportsbook Rhode Island, but betting on collegiate events inside the state or on Rhode Island universities is not allowed.

Read about Rhode Island sports betting.

Tennessees entry into the sports betting world was a surprise on its own, given the states history with gambling. However, the fact that the Volunteer State was the first online-only sports betting state is even more shocking. There are now more than a half-dozen options for Tennessee bettors from which to choose, including a local TN sportsbook, Action 24/7. In-play wagers on collegiate events are not allowed, but everything else is on the table in Tennessee.

Learn more about online sportsbooks in TN.

Virginia became a sports betting state in 2021 and was only the second (after Tennessee) to launch as an online-only endeavor. However, with future plans for retail casinos and sportsbooks in the works in Old Dominion, its status as a nexus for mobile bettors is temporary. Nevertheless, there are now eight sportsbooks active in Virginia, and each one is a big name brand, like BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Barstool. You cannot bet on Virginia universities for the most part, but tournaments involving those teams (like March Madness) are exempt from this provision.

Check out our fact sheet on Virginia sportsbooks.

Sports betting is a bit complicated in our nations capital. The only app available throughout the city, GambetDC, is operated by the DC Lottery in partnership with Intralot. Meanwhile, the Caesars Sportsbook app operates only around Capital One Arena and BetMGM around Nationals Park. On top of that, you cannot bet on DC universities or college games inside the district.

Find out more about the unique setup of DC sports betting.

West Virginia is the quiet elder statesman of the American sports betting industry and was one of the first states to offer sports betting outside of Nevada. Even though the Mountain State is small, there are six different WV sportsbook apps available inside its borders. All six are partnered with one of the five casinos in the state. You can bet almost anything you like, but, curiously enough, eSports are not allowed as a betting vehicle unless all the participants are over 18.

Read the details about WV sportsbook apps.

Wyoming became the second state to launch sports betting without plans for retail versions when it came online in 2021. The states mixture of low population density, large land area, treacherous weather conditions, and lack of casinos outside of tribal locations in the western portion of the state made an online focus much more necessary than in other states. Wyoming is also one of the few states to set the gambling age for sports betting at 18. There are no real restrictions on the sports available for wagering in Wyoming, either, aside from the customary ban on high school sports.

Heres all you need to know about betting in Wyoming.

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Legal US Online Gambling - A State-By-State Guide in the US

There are many places around our planet that allow people to gamble online legally. They are most often operating in alliance with local gaming regulators and are legal gambling sites in the sense they are legally licensed to operate a website that operates as an online casino, bingo site, poker room, sportsbook or lottery site for example.

There are also places that dont have any internet gambling laws established. In those locations, its is not illegal to wager on the web because there arent any laws making it illegal. However, since they dont have regulations in place that means people are wagering at sites that are not licensed by local cyber gaming regulators.

All of these issues make the topic of legal online gambling somewhat confusing in the unregulated regions with no laws against gaming in cyberspace.

Lets take Florida for example. Florida does not have any laws on online betting established. So for players in Florida it is not illegal to bet on the net.

But players in Florida are not allowed to play at online casinos operating in Pennsylvania for example.

This is because in Pennsylvania, they have established laws about internet betting. So for players in PA, it is lawful to wager at internet casinos that are licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

As more states start their own adoptions of regulating online gambling sites in their state its important that state regulators and internet/mobile gaming operators build in safety measures to protect problem gamblers.

Like PA, West Virginia recently started to regulate internet casino gaming for people in state boarders. See the forums to learn more about the best online casinos in WV.

For most US players, offshore internet casinos remain available to people in the United States who are NOT located in a state with internet betting regulations. Players that do live in a state with regulated virtual wagering should only gamble at state regulated gambling websites.

Read through our USA online gambling guide to find more information on United States virtual betting laws covering sports betting, poker, lottery and internet casino gaming.

US players can also go with a number of free casino games platforms like Zone casino from msn.com. It offers free slots, poker, blackjack, bingo and more.

Find out what states have legal sports betting in our US sports wagering guide for real mobile sportsbook betting posted in the Questions & Answers gamblers discussion forums.

Excerpt from:

Best Online Gambling Sites - Gambling.org Since 1996