Daily Archives: May 10, 2023

It started last week with the Alabama baseball program, and now it has spread to two more schools in the state of Iowa. Gambling has been a topic of discussion for conferences around college athletics over the past year, but its now coming to a head.

Alabama fired baseball coach Brad Bohannon last week after he was alleged to have used a runner to place numerous bets at a sports book in Ohio. On Monday, news broke that Iowa and Iowa State both are dealing with problems stemming from student athletes and online gambling.

Iowa is dealing with an investigation into potential NCAA infractions regarding online wagering with 26 student athletes. Iowa State that it was investigating 15 athletes for gambling, adding to the problem. In total, that is 41 athletes in the state of Iowa currently under investigation for gambling.

The NCAA looks on as we sit at a crossroads between how schools are trying to prevent this type of situation and student athletes looking for ways around the system, which strictly prohibits gambling. Shouldnt we have seen this coming from a mile away when schools started partnering with gambling companies?

It wasnt long ago that schools were signing deals with online gambling companies, hoping to get a piece of the pie. Colorado signed an agreement with Pointsbet in 2020, with the school receiving kickbacks for new players using a referral code. LSU signed an agreement with Caesars sportsbook in 2021 to become the official gaming partner for LSU athletics.

LSU has always taken pride in providing fans with unique, innovative, and world-class experiences, and our new partnership with Caesars Entertainment will do just that, said LSU Athletics DirectorScott Woodward at the time. We share a clear vision of how athletics and entertainment can come together to enhance the fan experience and we are excited to join with Caesars to make that vision a reality.

These two schools joined others like Michigan State and Maryland to get into the sportsbook business. Though most of these deals did not get renewed, they set a precedent, with most of them advertising to students on campus. Did these schools not think about the ramifications of promoting online wagering to student athletes who know they cannot participate, but would certainly get the urge to find a friend who would?

Following the incident with Alabama baseball, I reached out to numerous student athletes about online gambling to ask if they participated. I wanted to know if they were taking a chance on their eligibility by placing a few bets, or using a friend to help them cash-in.

OutKick is not using any names, due to potential punishment from institutions.

In total, I spoke with eight different athletes from power-five schools, with three of them admitting that theyve had someone close to them place a bet for them. To some, it was real easy. But for others it wasnt a risk they were willing to take.

If I want to place a bet on an NBA game or a college football game, Ill just use a payment app to send over some money. Its not that difficult and I dont really think they could track it anyways,one student athlete told me. How are they going to know if I give a friend 40 bucks and let him use his account?

It could be as simple as that for some, or they could call a friend back home in a state where its legal and have them place a bet. Even though the NCAA has made it clear that gambling is not allowed, some just want to have a little fun on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

I know I shouldnt, but whats the harm? Look at all the money being made through these apps. Youre telling me I cant place a $10 parlay, just to add some action to the night? Our coaches discusses it with us maybe twice a year, another athlete mentioned to me. They arent out here preaching to us every week when weve got games to prepare for. Hell, I bet some of the coaches are putting a few bones on a game anyway.

The stigma around online gambling didnt stop schools from jumping in the boat when these companies were offering big contracts. Some schools invited it onto campus, but want to act surprised when an athlete partakes. You cant have it both ways.

We can only do so much to educate these athletes, a Big Ten official told OutKick. Were trying to get the message across, whether its meetings, email reminders or through their coaches. But there comes a point where its out of our hands. We just have to hope that they listen and know that the school, along with the NCAA will have to take action if they dont comply. If theyre old enough to gambleI just hope these folks take it seriously.

But there are still some who see this as too big of a risk. Knowing that college eligibility could be taken away by clicking place bet on their phone is such a gamble. If they were to get caught, it would be game over, so the risk is not worth the reward at the end.

I am old enough to go sit at a blackjack table, which Ive done when I go home. I can play slots all night long, but pulling out my phone or walking up to the counter is too much of a risk. Nowadays, nobody can keep their mouth shut anyways, so I risk somebody slipping up if I am around a group of guys. a power-five football player told me. I dont have the type of money needed to actually make any money to begin with, so theres no reason to risk it.

For others, if they really wanted to gamble on sports theyd find a way. But as we look around college athletics right now, its not hard to notice the influx of problems this is presenting. Just look at the past week, with three schools now dealing with their own gambling situations.

There is certainly a small crack in the dam right now, with what weve seen in the last nine days. Schools are doing everything in their power to prevent a bigger crack from opening, but they also know words only go so far.

Some colleges have been trying to backpedal their way out of what they once thought would be a profitable source of revenue. But in the end, inviting it onto campus in such a brash way probably wasnt the smartest move. I wouldnt call this a gambling problem right now; its more of a marketing strategy gone wrong. And the NCAA allowed it all to happen.

Its not that big of a deal to just wait until I am done playing, if I really want to waste my money gambling on games. But to act like its not going on is naive, and these coaches or administrators know it. I promise you its happening, a power-five basketball player noted. There arent players betting on their own games, at least I dont know anybody, but whether its online poker or a parlay involving the Lakers, some guys are taking the chance.

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The NCAA Might Have A Gambling Problem, The Stakes Getting Higher - OutKick

A close aide to Inspector Sua, a police officer accused of running a multi-billion baht online gambling network and money laundering scheme, died, apparently from suicide, in his detention cell at Khlong Luek police station in Sa Kaeo province yesterday (Monday).

Pongsathon Inamnuay, director of the Bureau of Narcotic Crimes at the Department of Special Investigations (DSI), told the media today that the suspect, identified only as Phakphum, was found dead in his detention cell yesterday morning, before he was due to be taken to the DSI for questioning.

Pongsathon said that the suspects death might be the result of stress, as the suspect had told his colleagues that he might commit suicide if he could not resolve his case this month.

The deceaseds remains will be sent to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for an autopsy.

Phakphum was charged with money laundering and organising illegal online gambling, but Pongsathon said DSI officials suspect that Phakphum might also have been involved in illegal narcotics trafficking by selling Happy Water, a synthetic drug cocktail, to gamblers.

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Suspect in online gambling network investigation apparently kills self in police detention - Thai PBS World

Cryptocurrencies are popular financial instruments used by people to trade, as a store of value, but also to play at mobile casino sites online gambling operators were among the first to add digital money to the list of accepted payment methods. Back in the day, when Bitcoin was regarded as a gimmick and people knew nearly nothing about this technology, casinos were keen on tapping into the potential of the blockchain. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing gambling niches and it has a bright future ahead

Paving the way for digitalization

We live in a digital world and live casino operators like JeffBet.com have long realized the importance of aligning to the new set of values. Modern online gamblers, just like online shoppers and regular people expect a fast and reliable service that keeps their activity anonymous. This is especially important for online gamblers, given the fact that this activity is still frowned upon in some parts of the world. Furthermore, some casinos cater to people from countries where gambling is insufficiently regulated or downright prohibited.

Blockchain technology isnt used specifically to dodge regulations, even though some players can take advantage of its decentralized structure. The biggest advantage it offers to live online casinos and the banking industry is a combination of speed and privacy. Funds are transferred to and from the online casinos accounts faster and anonymously. Players can rest assured that their gambling habits remain private, while they enjoy direct deposits and merely instant withdrawals.

Enter the world of provably fair games

One of the biggest concerns that online gamblers had with live casino games was fairness and transparency. Modern casinos that are licensed and regulated while working with leading software developers project an image of trustworthiness. Some go a step further and employ the services of independent auditors to check the fairness of the games. All of these are aimed at easing the concerns of players that worry that the random number generator might be read and give the casino an unfair house edge.

Blockchain technology has largely done away with these otherwise legitimate concerns by introducing the provably fair concept. Only players who deposit and wager in cryptocurrency can benefit from this system that applies to all RNG-powered games. Instead of relying on the fairness of the casino, players can check the outcome of the games they just played for randomness. This is fast, easy to understand, and free so it gives players much-needed peace of mind.

Cryptocurrency casinos are mushrooming across the online ecosystem and new players enter the arena every year. They offer bigger bonuses, trying to win a larger market share while running better promotions than their classic counterparts. The loyalty programs and VIP schemes are also better at casinos built on the blockchain and allow players to accumulate altcoins at a steady pace. These are all good reasons to give cryptocurrency casinos a chance and even prefer them over traditional operators.

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How blockchain is changing the online casino & betting industry - UKTN (UK Technology News

With the rising popularity of online gambling, determining which platform is best for you can be challenging. You need to consider various factors before choosing which platform to use. This can include safety and security and expert opinions like the topus gambling sites reviewed by industry experts. You may also consider their game selection and customer service. And lastly, the bonuses and promotions, payment options, and more.

In this article, it will contain relevant information about online gambling platforms. It will help you decide which platforms to use and what to avoid. It will review the various platforms available. Furthermore, it will discuss what features to look for and how to check them. By the end of this article, you'll better understand what makes an excellent online gambling platform. Ultimately, you can select one that meets your requirements confidently.

Before joining an online gambling platform, consider what you want from the experience. One of the most effective ways of figuring out what the ideal gambling platform for you is to point out what you don't want in your online casino.

Understand why do want to gamble. For instance, are you looking for an extensive range of games or one type? Do you prefer a platform with many bonuses and promotions or better odds? Knowing your objectives will allow you to limit your options. From there, you can choose the finest online gambling platform for your needs.

Additionally, before signing up, read other players' reviews. Also, do some research on the platform's security measures. This will keep your personal information safe and secure while you play on the site.

When evaluating an online platform's security and safety features, there are a few key indicators to look for.

First, ensure that the website uses secure encryption technology. This will safeguard your personal information and financial activities. Also, see if the website has been certified by a reputable third-party organization such aseCOGRAor TST. These organizations examine the fairness of games. They also verify that all rewards are consistent with industry standards.

It's also wise to read the terms and conditions of any online casino you're considering playing at. This will provide you with more information about their security measures. Finally, ensure that customer support is available 24-7. This is in case you have any questions or concerns about your account or gaming experience.

When looking for an ideal online casino, it is critical to consider the bonuses and promotions available. Many casinos will provide welcome bonuses. This is an excellent way to begin your gaming experience. These benefits could include free spins on slots or bonus cash to use on other games. Furthermore, many casinos will run ongoing promotions such as reload bonuses, loyalty rewards, and other incentives. Before claiming any incentive or offer, it's critical to read the terms and conditions. This is to know precisely what you're getting into. Some bonuses may have wagering requirements or restrictions. This, in turn, will limit your ability to withdraw winnings.

When evaluating an online casino's customer support options, it is critical to consider the various types of customer service available. This includes live chat, email, phone, and social media support. Customers generally find that live chat is the most convenient choice. It allows them to get instant help from a customer support agent.

As mentioned, most gambling sites provide real-time live chat assistance. Hence, clients to contact a representative quickly and conveniently. Some casinos even offer social media support. This allows customers to contact them via popular platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

It is also critical to analyze the response times of each customer support provided by the online casino. The quicker the response time, the better the experience customers will have when contacting the casino's customer care team.

When it comes to betting and gambling, it's critical to understand your boundaries. Before you start betting, make sure you know the game's rules and the wagering requirements. This will assist you in determining how much money you can afford to lose without placing yourself in a financial bind. It's also critical to create and keep to a budget for yourself.

Determine how much money you will spend on gambling each month and stick to it. If you lose more money than you can afford, stop gambling and get professional help if required. Finally, never chase your losses by raising your bets to recoup your losses. One of the most typical mistakes made by gamblers is chasing losses, which can lead to significant financial troubles later on.

Evaluating them side by side is critical to ensure you're getting the best one for your needs. Begin by examining the types of games available on each platform. Do they have the games you're looking for? Are there any unique features or benefits to playing on a specific platform? Evaluate the payment methods and withdrawal restrictions accepted by each platform.

Ensure that you're aware of all the fees associated with any given platform. Finally, explore customer service options and read feedback from others who have used the platform. This will give you a notion of each platform's reliability and trustworthiness. Considering these variables, you can make a well-informed choice about which online gambling site is ideal for you.

To summarize, selecting the best online gaming platform is a challenging endeavor. Many factors must be considered. This includes game selection, payment methods, customer service, and security.

Before reaching a decision, conducting research and reading reviews is essential. Ensure the platform you opt for has an established track record and a secure gaming environment. Also, ensure that the platform provides bonuses and promotions. These bonuses should enable you to maximize your winnings. Remember always to gamble responsibly. Do not ever wager more than you can afford to lose.

Hence, with this advice, you can find a matching platform for you. Always remember to ensure that they fit what you want to see and bring a fun gaming experience.

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The complete guide to selecting an online gambling platform - Yogonet International

Online gambling has an interesting history in the US. Internationally, this industry got birthed in 1994, when the small Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda decided to become the worlds first territory that would allow companies to offer gambling services over the World Wide Web. It did so via its Free Trade and Processing Act, allowing entities to establish internet gaming/betting businesses in the country that would accept gamblers from around the globe. However, in the US, online casino gaming was illegal because of theInterstate Wire Act of 1961that Robert Kenedy championed to curb organized crime operations, while sports betting had a federal ban imposed on it thanks to PASPA. The latter only got allowed in Nevada until 2018.

In May 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, lifting the federal ban on sports betting and permitting each US state to pass its regulations. One month after this legislative move, Delaware became the first state to take advantage of this laws repeal. And quickly after it, West Virginia, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas began following suit.

Today, sports betting apps are legal in Maryland, but the same does not apply to sites and mobile software that facilitates casino gambling. Below, we explore the road to advancing betting legislation over the Internet in Little America, noting how the current laws got passed and what to expect soon.

Despite what some may think, since the Free State legalized gambling establishments slightly later than some other US states (in 2008), historically, Maryland has not shown a dramatic aversion towards gambling. Lottery games were the first documented form of organized betting activities in the land famous for its blue crabs.

Though, it was not until 1973 that the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency was founded as an independent agency of the states government that now oversees them. That said, charitable bingo draws in Maryland have gotten legally operated from 1952 onwards. And horse racing has been here since 1870, with the Maryland Racing Agency regulating this activity since 1920.

Retail sports betting went live in Maryland in 2021, and the online variety became available in late 2022. Aside from Maryland residents having the option of placing wagers on sporting events in person and remotely, they can also participate in off-track horse race betting. They can taste pari-mutuel action by partaking in this practice through the following three companies. TwinSpires, XpressBet, and TVG.

Note that daily fantasy sports are also available in the state. Maryland officials adopted sections of language from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act that accepts this activity as exempted from the bans imposed by this law. That came after the state repealed fantasy sports legislation in 2016. Today, the top brands in this sphere, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which also get listed at sites that supplyreviews of casinos that offer real money, deliver their services to Marylanders.

After the fall of PASPA, many Maryland politicians expressed a desire for the state to hop on the train that neighboring Pennsylvania and West Virginia were on. By October 2020, twenty-two US states had passed sports betting laws, and another twenty approved them through the legislative process. In Maryland, that happened through Question 2, also known as the Sports Betting Expansion Measure, which was approved in November 2020. It received 67% Yes votes, meaning over 1.9 million state residents approved it, while 934.950 (32.93%) voted against it.

Question 2 permitted in-person sports wagering at licensed venues. Nevertheless, it only gradually allowed sportsbooks to run in the state. That took a while to happen. Larry Hogan, Marylands governor, signed House Bill 940 into law in April 2021, bringing this into reality. This bill ironed out the specifics of the previous law and allowed the state to give out its first retail sports betting license in November of that year. Marylands initial sportsbook opened its door the following month.

After this move, the Maryland Lottery announced that it raisedmore than $1.5 billionin revenues from gambling in the first fiscal year after this activity got allowed in the home to Artscape.

That became a reality in November 2022, when Gov. Larry Hogan held a press conference, stating that the states licensed operators could take bets on Thanksgiving Day NFL action and the 2022 World Cup.

For more than two years, state residents clamored for online sports wagering, and the 2021 legislation allowed for seventeen retail licensees and created sixty mobile competitive bids. Though the states specially appointed committee, SWARC, or the Sports Wagering Applications Review Commission, was supposed to guide the online application and regulation process, this body became a roadblock to the process instead of assisting it. And after a series of postponed meetings and required studies that caused the entire procedure to stagnate, something that drew anger fromGovernor Hogan, the SWARC finally determined its licensing requirements.

They are not yet legal. Only six US states allow remote gaming fun to their citizens. They are Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Michigan.

Senator Ron Watson tried to push through Bill 267. That legislation would have legalized online casinos in Maryland through a voter referendum. Unfortunately, it failed to pass into the House, despite Watsons plea that this entertainment form would generate over $100 million in annual tax revenues.

Only sports betting and off-track horse wagering get permitted.

In November 2022.

No. But residents can use offshore platforms.

There is unquestionable enthusiasm for online gambling in the first state, despite bureaucracy unjustifiably slowing things down. Internet sports wagering is not live in Maryland, though it will likely take a few years before casino gaming and poker become available to Marylanders.

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Tracing The Online Gambling History in Maryland - Eye On Annapolis

The administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board is calling on the federal government to crack down on illegal offshore online gambling. Marcus Fruchter is joining top gaming regulators from six other states in asking the U.S. Attorney General to step in.

The regulators fear that the revenue generated by illegal sites may be used to bankroll other unlawful activities, such as human trafficking and the drug trade.

Fruchter sent a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland urging for a more significant push to combat illegal gambling. The letter was also signed by leaders of six other gaming regulatory bodies in Michigan, Colorado, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey.

The letter asks the Justice Department to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of offshore sportsbooks and online casinos. They say these sites pose significant dangers due to lacking guarantees for fair payouts, age verification processes and controls to prevent money laundering. They also argue that the sites represent a loss of tax revenue for states to fund important initiatives.

We understand and appreciate the fact that the Department of Justices jurisdictional responsibilities are broad and, consequently, priorities vary over time, the letter states. However, the many significant threats posed by offshore illegal gambling cannot be addressed by states alone and, therefore, require heightened federal attention and engagement.

The letter to Garland essentially asks for help investigating and prosecuting criminal activity outside the states borders.

We strongly encourage the Department of Justice to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of these offshore sites, and stand ready to provide any assistance that we can as state gaming regulators, the letter states.

The American Gaming Association issued a report in November estimating the illegal and unregulated gaming market at $510.9 billion a year. This costs the legal online casino and iGaming markets in the United States an estimated $44.2 billion. That, in turn, prevents states from collecting an estimated $13.3 billion in tax revenue.

When the report was released, AGA president Bill Miller called the illegal betting market a major problem for the public.

Illegal and unregulated gambling is a scourge on our society, taking advantage of vulnerable consumers, skirting regulatory obligations and robbing communities of critical tax revenue for infrastructure, education and more, saidMiller. We have always known that the illegal and unregulated market is expansive, but this report illuminates just how pervasive it is.

According to the study, bookies and offshore operators take in $63.8 billion in illegal sports betting wagers. That accounts for only 12.4% of overall illegal gaming activity. Illegal online casino slots and table games take in the largest share of illegal igaming activity, with an estimated $338 billion per year spent.

This is a fight were in for the long haul to protect consumers, support communities and defend the law-abiding members of our industry, said Miller.

Online casino gambling is only legal in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia. Online poker play is legal in Nevada.

A PlayIllinois study concluded Illinois could be losing out onas much as $105 million in tax revenue annually by not legalizing Illinois online casinos.

The AGA estimates some $91.8 billion is wagered annually through illegal online casinos by people living in the 12 midwestern states. That amounts to some $3.7 billion in revenue captured by the black market in the midwest alone.

The combined population of the midwest states is approximately 69 million. Illinois alone accounts for about 18% of the total number of people in the 12-state region.

An 18% share of $91.8 billion in handle wagered on illegal online casinos and $3.7 billion in lost revenue is:

In 2022, the average tax rate for Illinois online sports betting was 16% of revenue. Apply that same tax rate on the estimated lost revenue to illegal online casinos in Illinois alone of $660 million and it works out to approximately$105.6 million in taxes lost to the black market that could go into Illinois coffers.

A further PlayIllinois story suggested five ways that additional revenue could be put to good use to for the people of Illinois.

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Illinois Joins Call For Feds To Combat Illegal Gambling Sites - Play Illinois

Being a CEO of a casino, whether its a brick-and-mortar establishment or an online casino, is a demanding and complex role that requires a unique set of skills. As the gambling industry continues to evolve, with online casinos becoming increasingly popular, the role of a casino CEO has also evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry. In this article, we will explore the critical skills required to be a successful casino CEO, with a particular focus on the online casino sector.

As a casino CEO, having strong business acumen is crucial. This includes a deep understanding of the gambling industry, market trends, customer preferences, and competition. Successful casino CEOs need to possess strategic thinking and decision-making skills to navigate the competitive landscape and make informed business decisions. They must also have a solid understanding of financial management, including budgeting, revenue generation, and cost control, to ensure the financial success of the casino.

With the rise of competitive online casinos, technology plays a significant role in their success. The CEO must also stay updated with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure the casino remains competitive and relevant in the fast-paced online gambling landscape.

Effective leadership and management skills are essential for a casino CEO to lead and motivate their team to achieve the casinos goals. This includes overseeing various departments such as operations, marketing, finance, and customer service and ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration among team members. Casino CEOs must also have the ability to inspire and mentor their team, create a positive work culture, and make tough decisions when needed.

In the online casino industry, effective marketing and promotion strategies are critical to attract and retaining customers. A successful casino CEO must have a keen understanding of digital marketing, including online advertising, social media, content marketing, and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), to create brand awareness, drive traffic to the casinos website, and engage with customers.

The gambling industry is highly regulated, and online casinos are subject to various laws and regulations. This includes obtaining and maintaining proper licenses, adhering to responsible gambling practices, and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. A CEO who is well-versed in regulatory compliance can help the casino avoid legal issues and safeguard its reputation.

In the online casino industry, providing an exceptional customer experience is crucial for attracting and retaining players. A successful casino CEO must have a customer-centric approach and be able to understand and anticipate customer needs and preferences. A CEO who prioritises customer satisfaction can build a loyal player base and foster long-term success for the online casino.

In conclusion, being a successful casino CEO, particularly in the online casino sector, requires a diverse skill set that includes business acumen, leadership and management, marketing and promotion, technologically savvy, regulatory compliance, and customer focus. With the dynamic nature of the gambling industry, its essential for casino CEOs to continually adapt, innovate, and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to thrive in the competitive online casino landscape.

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What are the Skills Required to Succeed as a Casino CEO? - Business Review

Months after expanding its online casino reach to New Jersey, the Bragg Gaming Group is once again growing its portfolio.

On Tuesday, the gaming company announcedentering the Pennsylvania marketthrough a deal with Rush Street Interactive (RSI).The launch will build on the companys Spin Games content already live in the state. The deal also shows continued growth for Bragg Gaming.

Its no secretRSI is one of the leading online gambling companies in the US. They provide sports betting and online casino platforms to players in the US, Canada and Latin America.

Bragg Studios content like Fairy Dust byAtomic Slot Lab, and new exclusive premium content from thePowered by Braggprogram, is now available to Pennsylvania customers at BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse.

In a Business Wire press release,Yaniv Sherman, Chief Executive Officer at Bragg,said:

We are delighted to roll out our new RGS technology and content with a leading operator in a large and growing US market.Through the launch of our new proprietary and exclusive third-party content with RSIs BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse

We continue to expand existing relationships and grow the markets we address across North America. [We] look to continue our ongoing work with RSI as we provide their Pennsylvania players with engaging content and a great gaming entertainment experience.

Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer for RSI, said he wasconfident RSIsPennsylvania customers would enjoy Braggs content library.

Through our experience with theBragg StudiosandPowered by Braggportfolios in other North American markets, we are excited to expand the markets where we offer Bragg content to now include online casino players in Pennsylvania.Braggs content clearly resonates with our players.

Entering the Pennsylvania online casinos market builds upon Braggsexisting partnershipsestablished in New Jersey, Ontario and Michigan.

In December, Bragg and RSI partnered to launch new content and technology in New Jersey.

At the time, Lara Falzon, president and COO of Bragg Gaming Group, said: The broad reach makes [RSI] the perfect partner for us as we set out to further grow our presence in North America.

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Bragg Gaming And Rush Street Partner On Pennsylvania Online ... - PlayUSA

Legalizing gambling... I hope it never happens in Texas. Gambling is really destructive. Its ridiculous.

AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) The fight over legalizing gambling in Texas this Legislative Session has come down to a battle between a handful of billionaire professional sports team owners, and the state's long-held conservative love for"Family Values." And while many members of the Texas House of Representatives are questioning why they're being forced to take public votes on the House Floor Wednesday which is well-known to have no chance of passing in the Texas Senate how could it be that gambling's even being discussed?

In Texas, after all, gambling in general isstill considered a taboo industry.

And how could it be that the overall societal costs and moralrisks are not being discussed enough?

Well, the Lone Star State's already large, and rapidly expanding population along with its fanatical sports culture have made Texas and its citizens to be seen as one of the final White Whales of the gambling industry.

That's led to a coalition of Sports Betting Companies and Texas Pro-Sports Teams lobbying for legislation to legalize online sports betting and allow for the construction of gambling casinos.through a well-funded, multiple-session, multi-million dollar effort.

Texas is, historically, very culturally conservative with a very strong sort of religious component to the Legislature, said Becca Giden, director of policy for Eilers & Krejcik Gaming,a research firm that focuses on the sports and interactive gaming sectors within the global gaming industry..

"A lot of their lawmakers do display a very, like, no gambling, no taboo industries here kind of attitude."

A month ago, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick signaled to a number of major Texas media outlets that it might be game over for the legislatures latest bet to legalize casino gambling and online sports betting, saying thatthe Senate has zero support for both legislative proposals.

Our members have been clear: theyre not in support today we dont have any votes in the Senate.

"Couldnt find one Senator who supported it, Patrick said.

Unless I have 15 to 16 Republicans meaning its a Republican-driven bill, because were a Republican-driven state Im not bringing a bill to the floor, said Patrick.

Mark Jones, a politics professor at Rice University, says this year's debate is a clash of potential or promised economic benefits,versus Texas' conservative family values:

The lieutenant governor has serious qualms about the merits and benefits of gambling.

"I think he sees the negative social consequences of gambling as often outweighing the revenue benefits, Jones said.

Chris Anderson, one of the few therapists in Texas who specializes in Gambling Addiction Recovery, knows all about the taboos and flipside of gamblings commonly-referred to "fun": Gambling Addiction.

Anderson, a recovering gambling addict himself, has a warning:

"And theyre being completely irresponsible if they dont (ask that question,) because I promise you, there is a cost.

I experienced my house in foreclosure, ended up in divorce court, ended up in the suicide ward of Austin State Hospital, Anderson said.

Addiction counselor Harold Boggs, a Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Addiction Counselor in Sugar Land, Texas, has treated gambling addicts whove participated in the seemingly harmless Texas State Lottery.

Gambling, porn, alcohol its all the same thing. It attacks the human brain, and when we abstain, it takes different amounts of time for different substances to leave and for the brain to rewire, Boggs says.

People start small, and then it becomes a bigger problem.

"Responsibilities are shirked, relationships fail, and the people stop going to work, he said. Their mind is just addled. They cant focus, they have racing thoughts. It gets worse and worse and worse, until they wake up and realize Ive got to stop completely.

Gambling disorders are becoming even more common among younger adults who are already addicted to the glare of their cell phones.

"The people most vulnerable to gambling addiction are those the sports betting industry covets the most young men," saysKeith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, who notes that they are the industrys key demographic.

In other words, the gambler is high in anticipation of the outcome. Theyre actively targeted by the gambling industry marketing and its not necessarily because they tend to have gambling problems. Its because they tend to be very active gamblers. But that means that theres higher risk there, Whyte said.

Another consideration for Texas?

With is high concentration of Military Bases & Installations scattered across the state, research shows that Military Service Members and Veterans have twice the rate of gambling problems compared to the general public, saysMr.Whyte.

And research also suggests the risk for gambling problems is higher in minority groups.

You can lose your house, you know, in a couple of bets, Whyte said.

Noting that an entire life savings can be wiped out in a day of betting,Whyte says thats partly because of the way people bet now in sports betting its mostly electronic.

The speed with which you could drain your bank account or life savings especially money these days that's in electronic form Its just its just digital ones and zeros, you know?

At a time when multi-national entertainment companies are grooming both children and young adults, the gambling industry is understandably targeting the young as future revenue resources.

In 2013, in a report entitled "Why Casinos Matter," Frank Fahrenkopf of the American Gaming Association highlighted results from the first American survey of gambling among young adults and adolescents. It found gambling had already become an epidemic.

It estimates that three-quarters of a million young people between ages 14-21 are already problem gamblers, the report stated.

"It was easy to see why. Modern technology has helped create an environment where the young could be made highly susceptible to gambling addiction.

For these reasons, young people are a soft target for Internet Gambling the next frontier for legalized gambling.

As that happens, some Texans will be more vulnerable than others depsite their best intentions. Whether gambling is legalized or not.

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Texas' Consideration of Online Sports Betting Is Major Public Health ... - Texas Insider

A man with multiple criminal convictions reported to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on Tuesday and acknowledged a charge of persuading other people, directly or indirectly, to engage in illegal online betting.

Jirayu Yim-ampai, alias Keng Laiprang, reported to Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakhonbancha, the CCIB commissioner, responding to a police summons.

Pol Maj Gen Wiwat Kamchamnan, CCIB deputy commissioner, said Mr Jirayu posted videos on TikTok inviting people to apply to place bets on websites, leading to a police investigation.

Subsequently, CCIB police with court warrants searched three locations - in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Chiang Rai - and seized a CPU, an iMac computer, a MacBook computer, two Promac computers, 14 mobile phones and four bank deposit passbooks as evidence of suspected wrongdoing.

A summons was subsequently issued for Mr Jirayu to report to CCIB police to hear the charge.

Mr Jirayu allegedly admitted to persuading people to gamble online via advertising on TikTok. He said he had been hired by the administrator of a gambling website and paid 250,000-300,000 baht a month. He was neither the owner of the website nor a shareholder in it.

In August 2017, Mr Jirayu, known as Keng Laiprang, was sentenced by the Criminal Court to three years and four months in prison and fined 280,000 baht after being found with crystal methamphetamine in his possession in while serving time in Khlong Prem Prison for a robbery in 2003.

On March 21, 2023, he was arrested by Khlong Luang police in Pathum Thani for persuading people through advertising to gamble. The Thanyaburi Court sentenced him to six years in prisson, suspended for one year, and a fine of 3,000 baht.

Mr Jirayu was once a leading actor, starring in the film "A Prayer Before Dawn",and made an appearance at the film festival in Cannes, France.

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Man charged with promoting online gambling via TikTok - Bangkok Post