Daily Archives: December 25, 2023

Shift to Eco-Friendly Practices in Online Gambling

Published 4:38 pm Friday, December 22, 2023

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The online gambling industry, a behemoth in the digital entertainment sector, is undergoing a transformative shift. With the global focus pivoting towards sustainability, this sector is not behind in embracing eco-friendly practices. This movement is not just a fleeting trend; it represents a profound change in how online gambling platforms operate, interact with their environment, and contribute to a greener future.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the depths of this transition. Well look at innovative strategies that are being adopted, their impacts on both the environment and the industry, and what this means for Luckydreams enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. As we navigate through these changes, it becomes clear that this shift is not just about compliance or public image its about responsibility and foresight in a world increasingly conscious of its ecological footprint.

The digital nature of online gambling might suggest a minimal environmental impact. However, the reality is more nuanced. Energy consumption for server operations, electronic waste from outdated technology, and the carbon footprint of associated services are just some aspects that need addressing.

One of the major steps towards sustainability is the adoption of green server practices. By switching to energy-efficient servers and utilizing renewable energy sources, online casinos significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Advancements in technology lead to rapid obsolescence of electronic equipment. Online gambling platforms are countering this by investing in longer-lasting, upgradable technology, thereby reducing electronic waste.

An indirect yet significant aspect of sustainability is promoting responsible gambling. Platforms are now more focused on ethical practices, ensuring that entertainment doesnt come at the cost of social well-being.

The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers an immersive experience while curbing the environmental impact associated with traditional, land-based casinos.

List of Eco-Friendly Initiatives in Online Gambling:

As online gambling ventures into eco-friendly practices, the repercussions are vast and varied.

Players are increasingly aware of their environmental impact. Platforms that adopt green practices are seen more favourably, enhancing user loyalty and attracting a socially conscious clientele.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening environmental regulations. By adopting green practices, online gambling platforms stay ahead of legal requirements, avoiding potential fines and restrictions.

While initial investments in sustainable technology might be high, the long-term savings in energy costs and avoidance of regulatory penalties make it a financially sound decision.

The shift towards eco-friendly practices significantly boosts the industrys image. It breaks away from traditional stereotypes of gambling being a solely profit-driven enterprise, portraying it as a sector conscious of its global responsibilities.

Technological advancements in online gambling are not just shaping the way we play but also how the industry aligns with sustainability goals. Key to this evolution is the development of energy-efficient gaming software. Game developers are now focusing on creating platforms that are as thrilling as they are power-conscious. This new breed of gaming software captivates players while significantly cutting down on the energy required to run these platforms, a crucial step in reducing the industrys overall carbon footprint.

Another groundbreaking innovation is the adoption of blockchain technology. Traditionally, financial transactions associated with online aviator casino bonus have had a significant environmental impact, mainly due to the energy-intensive nature of data centres and traditional banking systems. Blockchain emerges as a game-changer, offering a transparent, secure, and efficient alternative. By streamlining transactions and reducing the need for energy-intensive data processing, blockchain is not just revolutionizing the security and transparency of online gambling, but also substantially diminishing its environmental impact.

Together, these technological advancements represent a major shift in the online gambling industry. By prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainable transaction methods, the sector is taking significant strides towards a more environmentally responsible future. This commitment to sustainability is reshaping the industrys image and setting a new standard for how online entertainment platforms can operate, harmonizing with our planets ecological needs.

Looking ahead, the integration of eco-friendly practices into online gambling is expected to grow. This will not only involve technological advancements but also a shift in corporate ethos and player expectations.

Online gambling companies are increasingly recognizing their role in contributing to a sustainable future, incorporating eco-friendly policies into their core business strategies.

As awareness grows, players are more likely to support platforms that align with their environmental values, driving further change within the industry.

The transition to eco-friendly practices in online gambling is a significant step towards a sustainable future. Its a journey of technological innovation, corporate responsibility, and player involvement. As this sector continues to evolve, its commitment to the environment will enhance its reputation and ensure its longevity in a world increasingly guided by ecological consciousness.

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Shift to Eco-Friendly Practices in Online Gambling - Smithfield Times Eco-Innovation in Online Gambling: A Green ... - Smithfield Times

In 2021, the State Senate passed a so-called comprehensive gambling legislation that would have established a state education lottery and permitted casino gambling at locations around Alabama.

The bill, tied to a constitutional amendment removing its prohibition on games of chance, would have green-lit casino-style games at facilities for then-existing operators in Macon, Greene Jefferson, Mobile and Houston Counties. It also would have allowed for the expansion of gaming at the existing Poarch Creek facilities in Elmore, Montgomery and Escambia Counties and allowed for an additional Poarch Creek facility in either Jackson or DeKalb County.

Although the State House of Representatives never fully considered the legislation, it was panned for creating a system that did not open it up to the free market to determine the casino operators.

During an interview with Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5 last week, State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger's Island) said while an effort to bring legislation to a vote in 2024 was underway, he supported a "free-market approach" that would open the casino licensing up for bidders.

"My understanding is legislation is still being worked on but there will be legislation this time," Brown said. "I support a free-market approach. I support opening it up. Let's bid on that. Let the best person come in and do it. But first and foremost, if you really look at what we're considering is letting the people vote on it."

"People have this idea at the end of the day, we're voting for gaming," he continued. "No, we're voting to create the best potential system that we could for the people of the state of Alabama, and that we're voting to let the people vote on that. We haven't had a vote on gaming vote since Don Siegelman was governor. That's crazy."

The Mobile County lawmaker said he anticipated having the opportunity to vote on a bill that included the free-market proposal.

"Right now, your push for a free-market situation do you think you'll see a bill and get to vote on a bill like that?" FM Talk 106.5's "Midday Mobile" host Sean Sullivan asked.

"I do," he replied. "That's the idea. You would have a lottery inside a comprehensive bill, but it would create what the lottery would do, where the payouts are, but you need a separate lottery commission to oversee the lottery. Then you would have the gaming commission that oversees the actual gaming table games, that sort of thing at facilities. And then you have sports betting, the other component of it."

Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [emailprotected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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State Rep. Brown predicts vote on legislation with 'free-market - 1819 News

When Kentucky lawmakers approved sports betting, they set up the state's first problem gambling fund.

It's meant to bring awareness and treatment to those who might have a gambling disorder.

But as Kentucky editions June Lefler reports, advocates say more help is needed right now.

Boulware Mission in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a residential program for men.

Ron Slim Clark counsels these men on their drug and alcohol addictions.

But she also screens for and educates them on gambling problems.

The brain doesn't see it really much differently as far as the dopamine it releases than it does with using different substances.

So after that big win, however much that is few hundred, few thousand, you go back because you want to chase that dopamine feeling.

Then you want to go back and get some more math.

Yeah, you wouldn't chase that dopamine failing.

The National Council on problem Gambling estimates just 1% of adults in the U.S.. Have developed a gambling disorder and another 2 to 3% have a gambling problem.

John Arnett developed a gambling disorder in his fifties.

I was extremely lucky the first year I gambled.

And what I've learned from Gamblers Anonymous, that's the worst thing that can happen to someone.

Because if you lose a lot when you began your entire school and bought right away, whereas if you win, your interest will pay.

And the consequences of problem gambling are arguably as devastating as those from a substance use disorder.

The least that you have to lose is money.

The most you have to lose is reputation, livelihood, employment, freedom.

And more than that.

Of all the mental illnesses that are out there schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, gambling disorder has the highest rate of suicide.

One in five individuals with a gambling problem will attempt or complete suicide.

Arnett eventually found help through Gamblers Anonymous in Kentucky.

And you draw strength from attending those sessions and discussing your issues with people that are there.

Anyone with concerns can take a quick self-assessment online or call one 800 gambler, which is answered by counselors here in Kentucky.

24 seven.

The callers can be completely anonymous.

We can offer you just listening support, general.

Kind of try to let the person vent or talk about whatever it is that they're experiencing.

We can also provide them with tangible resources.

Including contacts for seven open gamblers, anonymous groups, and seven active certified gambling counselors in the state.

Since the advent of sports betting, calls to the hotline have increased.

So almost 300% increase this month from last year.

This month.

So December of 22 to 23, we've seen almost a three fold increase.

Sports betting isn't new, but legal Online gaming is likely expanding how people get treated.

A guy at one time who played in a major SEC school and became hurt and ended up really his life took a downward spiral and he was gambling quite a bit.

He told me, he said, I bet on every down in every game if you watch When we approached the Super Bowl soon there will be so many different things you can bet on.

Aside from the coin toss, who's going to win the coin toss?

Who's going to be the starting quarterback?

What their uniforms are going to look like?

Who's going to score first?

Who's going to make the most first downs?

There's just so many different ways.

When state lawmakers approved sports betting, they also set up the state's first ever problem gambling fund.

2.5% of sports betting revenue is earmarked for this fund.

That should total about $100,000 a month based on initial earnings.

But that money won't be available for quite some time.

And we don't anticipate that money will be available until well into 2024.

With contributions from the gaming industry.

The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling is using its resources to train more counselors.

We are trying to increase the number of certified gambling counselors because we anticipate a wave of problem gambling surfacing in 2024 with the advent of the sports betting in the state.

Mike Stone was recruiting at a regional counseling conference in the fall.

It is as much a geographic concern as it is a numerical concern.

There's one counselor in eastern Kentucky.

There are three in Owensboro.

There are two in Louisville.

That means that there are none in Lexington.

There's none in northern Kentucky.

There's none in Bowling Green.

There's none in Paducah.

There's no.

But there's gambling all over the state.

For stone, this is a race against time.

While the money from the state isn't coming any time soon, sports betting is well underway and it's not slowing down.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm June Leffler.

Again, the problem Gaming Gambling Helpline is one 800 gambler.

Tomorrow, we'll bring you a third story on sports betting and how college campuses are talking about it.

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Kentucky Edition | Kentucky's First Problem Gambling Fund | Season 2 | Episode 145 - PBS

In one of the biggest soccer days of the year in England, the Premier League returns to action for Boxing Day this midweek for Matchday 19.

There are five matches on the day after Christmas, headlined by Manchester United hosting Aston Villa. Newcastle and Liverpool are both in action on Tuesday as well.

Meanwhile, the matchweek continues on Wednesday with three fixtures before a pair of games on Thursday. Manchester City returns from winning the FIFA Club World Cup with a match at Everton, and Arsenal welcomes West Ham to round out the games.

It is disappointing that all of the teams are not in action on Boxing Day, but the Sports Gambling Podcast Network still has you covered with our best bets and a full preview of the EPL.

Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest This could be the perfect bounce-back spot for Newcastle at home. The new manager for Forest keeps me away here.

Bournemouth vs. Fulham Two of the most improved sides in the league meet in this one. With the spikes in form, it is hard to get a gauge on either team in this one.

This game isnt the first one that stands out on paper from an entertainment standpoint, which is what makes this a great spot for an under.

Whenever you get these relegation six-pointers, both sides can come out extremely cagey. They will focus on not giving up a crucial goal in such an important match.

You also have to look at the data since Chris Wilder returned as manager to Sheffield. In his four games in charge, this bet would have cashed in all of them, with the Blades averaging just 0.69 expected goals per 90 minutes, according to fbref.com.

As for Luton, the visitors rank in the Bottom 5 of the Premier League in xG, and big chances are created on the road.

Im not saying you have to watch this one, but it doesnt mean there isnt money to be made in a snoozer.

Burnley vs. Liverpool How does Liverpool respond after playing Arsenal this past weekend? I still cant trust Burnley, even in the perfect scheduling spot at home.

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa Bookmakers are starting to catch up with how bad United is. However, I still cant bet them or Villa away from home here.

Brentford vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers The odds are spot on here. I dont see any value on the side or total.

Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace Both teams to score almost made the article. Chelseas only clean sheets at home came against Sheffield and Luton. Palace has scored in all, but one road match and Eberechi Eze should be fit enough to start.

Yes, we are once again back on Everton here. Outside of the Toffees terrific form, City could have serious injury issues coming into this match.

In the game to win the Club World Cup, Rodri picked up a knock and couldnt finish the match. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne both were ruled out as well.

I understand that Pep Guardiola has plenty of options to fill in for those guys. However, those are his three most important players in the squad.

The Cityzens are also forced to come back from Saudi Arabia after celebrating and winning another trophy by going to a tough play to play in Goodison Park. This is an excellent spot for Sean Dyches team to get a result here.

Brighton vs. Tottenham Hotspur You would expect there to be goals in this match. Im staying away, but this could be a great watch for the neutrals.

Arsenal vs. West Ham Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, typically dominates these sides at home. I could see the Gunners being popular in parlays due to the heavy price to back them.

The rest is here:

Boxing Day Preview and Best Bets - SGPN

By Chen Kuan-pei and Jason Pan / Staff reporters

Authorities in Changhua County yesterday arrested four people accused of running an underground election gambling ring and confiscating NT$1.19 million (US$38,137).

After receiving a tip-off, county prosecutors coordinated with police to surveil and raid three locations, arresting the primary suspects at their residences, Changhua County Deputy Chief Prosecutor Huang Shu-yuan () said.

The suspects were offering odds and payouts for wagers on votes for presidential candidates, updating the odds based on the latest election news, Huang said.

Photo: Chen Kuan-bei, Taipei Times

Their actions are quite damaging, affecting impartiality for holding a fair election, she said.

The suspects face gambling charges under the Criminal Code and the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act ().

The suspects are a 62-year-old man surnamed Huang (), believed to be the leader of the operation, along with a man surnamed Peng (), 70, and two women, surnamed Yang (), 53, and Chen (), 45.

After questioning, Huang was released on bail of NT$100,000, while the other suspects were released on NT$30,000 bail.

The Ministry of Justice is providing a reward of NT$1 million for information leading to the arrest of underground betting rings with more than 40 members and with a betting pool of more than NT$1 million, the government announced earlier this month.

Informants could receive an additional NT$100,000 for every 10 percent increase in the number of members involved above 40 capped at NT$500,000.

Those reporting on an election gambling ring involving more than NT$5 million could receive an additional NT$50,000 for every additional NT$5 million in betting funds found, capped at NT$500,000.

People who report interference by foreign forces in the presidential election could receive a reward of up to NT$10 million. Informants would receive an additional NT$1 million for each additional person reported, up to a maximum of NT$20 million.

The Changhua County Prosecutors Office said that authorities would protect whistle-blowers identities in cases leading to arrests.

Comments will be moderated. Keep comments relevant to the article. Remarks containing abusive and obscene language, personal attacks of any kind or promotion will be removed and the user banned. Final decision will be at the discretion of the Taipei Times.

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2024 Elections: Changhua officials arrest four for election gambling -

Locks

NFL Saturday Prop Bets (Odds via DraftKings)

0.5 Unit Joe Mixon Over 18.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Chase Brown Over 18.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Pat Freiermuth Over 26.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Tanner Hudson Over 29.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Jaylen Warren Over 43.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

0.25 Unit Tyler Boyd Anytime TD (+250)

0.25 Unit Tanner Hudson Anytime TD (+550)

1 Unit James Cook Over 96.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

0.75 Unit Easton Stick Over 32.5 Pass Attempts

0.25 Unit Josh Allen Anytime TD (+110)

0.25 Unit Josh Allen Over 0.5 Interceptions (+100)

NBA (0.5 Unit) Boston Celtics/LA Clippers Over 230.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 2:30 PM CT on Bally Sports SC

The Clippers are back home now where theyve compiled one of the best under records in the league. But odds makers are aware of that, and adjust this total down accordingly to where I think its time to buy in on the over. Six of LAs past seven games have gone over this total as their offense finds its groove, including three of the past four at Crypto. They should be fully healthy for this game, which theyll need against Bostons surging offense. Keep an eye on Jayson Tatums status today, but otherwise these two offenses that are top-10 in just about everything should pile up the points.

NCAA Football (0.5 Unit) Coastal Carolina vs San Jose State -9.5 (-110; Odds via Fanduel): 9:30 PM CT on ESPN

No team lost more players to bowl opt-outs and the transfer portal than Coastal Carolina did this month. That leaves them extremely shorthanded against a very good San Jose State team that finished the season on an absolute tear. The Spartans were left out of the Mountain West championship game because of a computerized tiebreaker, so I think they have some frustrations to take out today. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has a homecoming to Hawaii here, and should also be motivated to run it up on the undermanned Chanticleers. Coastal Carolinas only motivation here seems to be a free trip to Hawaii, so Ill back the squad with all their pieces that actually want to play a football game tonight.

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 1844-1648 ATS (+85.2 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games hes confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.

Read more here:

Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/23 - Zone Coverage

MGM Resorts International has donated $360,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to support gambling-related harms research.

The funding will support two research projects that will each last for two years that are designed to understand, prevent, and address the risks associated with gambling.

ICRG has been a key figure in responsible gambling and problem gambling research since its inception in 1996.

This deal with MGM Resorts is the latest for the firm as it looks to work alongside key operators in an attempt to protect players who suffer from gambling addiction.

For MGM Resorts, the partnership continues its ongoing commitment to educate 60,000 of its employees on the risks associated with gambling as well as its use of the its own responsible gaming program, GameSense.

The ICRGs research will be shared with other GameSense license holders and operators who will benefit from the findings.

Stephen Martino, MGM Resorts senior vice-president and chief compliance officer, said: These research projects are critical to the continued success of the industry and are in the best interest of our guests, company, employees, and the communities where we operate.

Were pleased to continue our financial support of the ICRG and its critical work around responsible gaming best practices.

Arthur Paikowsky, ICRG president, added: We salute MGM Resorts for supporting our research that will answer the many questions we have about the impact of gender on gambling disorder and address the health risks of casino employees.

The ICRG is very grateful for the companys long-standing and continuing support of the ICRG.

More:

MGM Resorts International donates six-figure sum to gambling harms research - EGR Global

Welcome back to The Degenerates Gambit! Once again, please remember that these articles are for fun, and while I love writing them and gambling on football, if you or someone you know is addicted and needs help, please get help or get help for them. The national helpline number is 1-800-522-4700.

I know what youre thinking, and the answer is yes: we did watch football during my wedding. In fact, as I was giving my vows, I dedicated them to Michael Pittman, who heroically laid out to make a catch and got rocked. I hope to be as willing to sacrifice my health and safety for my loved ones in the future, but lets not bank on that. Im much more of a live to fight another day type of dude, and I know my wife loves my cost/benefit analysis mindset. Its why I make for a piss poor bettor, and why I suck at being spontaneous. Anyways, enough about me. Lets ball.

Many bones have been made about late season Jared Goff on the road, but in a dome Goff is still lights out. Minnesotas defense has made great strides from a statistical output over the past 10 weeks, but games against backup QBs in 5 of those doesnt inspire a ton of confidence in those numbers. I think theres a chance this game goes into a full on shootout, but regardless of game script, I think this one is a Lions win by more than a field goal. Take the Lions and the points.

Full disclosure: in my league of record, I lost Justin Herbert and had Kyler as my fill in. This week, however, Im rolling with Baker Mayfield to help take me to the championship; needless to say Im a little biased. The Jacksonville pass defense is atrocious (285 pass yards per game allowed since week 12), and Trevor Lawrence is (as of this writing) not going to suit up due to a concussion. Theres a chance that this Bucs team that everyone considered a top suitor for the first overall pick way back in August is going to have multiple league winners on it. Aint football crazy

Jake Browning legit? Hes come in and staved off the predicted downfall of the Cincinnati offense, while the defense isnt giving them much help at the same time. Brownings ascendency has also boosted the production of Tee Higgins (an average of 4.4/70/0.4 over the last five games). Cincy cant stop the run, but the Steelers offense is on their 3rd quarterback of the year, and they cant move the ball with any of them.

Im picking this as a fan of chaos. New Englands defense has been quietly strong when it comes to limiting explosive plays through the air and on the ground. Denvers defense cant tackle to save their lives (105 missed tackles against running backs this year, which leads the league), and their weaknesses on defense actually play to the Patriots strengths (the running game and the tight ends). I love to rip on Sean Payton, and a Denver loss here is not only objectively hilarious, but would harm the first potential pick slot for next year. I believe Bill Belichick is the type of dude to get his team fired up to screw over the next guy, and Im here for it.

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The Degenerate's Gambit: 2023 Week 16 NFL Gambling Lines with Tony - Football Absurdity

It was recently revealed that Brazil will officially debut a federal marketplace for sports wagering. In addition, when launched, it will involve modalities for the official management of online casino games.

Approval:

On December 21, at the last session of the Chamber of Deputies, legislation PL3626/23 was validated and will be sent to President Lula da Silvafor federal signature.

However, on December 13, the same bill was sent back to the aforementioned Chamber of Deputies after an indecisive consideration by the Senate, which failed to resolve long-running debates over the maintenance of online casino games, which was opposed by Liberal Party senators. In addition, after sending the legislation back, the Senate excluded online casino modalities, requiring lawmakers to consider more than 100 modifications to the bills text since it was submitted for legislative consideration of federal modalities by Senate committees.

Throughout the aforementioned last voting session, Evangelical deputies partnered with the opposition to try to remove a provision related to online games. But, the attempt didnt bear fruit, and the main reason this is that a large number of the total of 261 lawmakers formally cast their vote for the retention of online games, while just one hundred and twenty voted against.

In this regard, the Chambers camera reported: The proposal approved by the Chamber reestablished, however, the authorization of betting for virtual online gaming events, the so-called online casinos, which had been removed from the text by the senators.

Also, the aforementioned Evangelical deputies said that they would request from the President to eliminate casino modalities when legislation is sent for his federal signature. In addition, they are trying to redo the last events of last year, when Jair Bolsonaro, the previous president, rejected to officially sign sports wagering into law.

Budget, licensing and taxation:

The tax and fiscal structures suggested by the Brazilian SenatesEconomic Affairs Commission (CAE)have been kept. According to this arrangement, operators holding a license in the Brazilian federal market will have to pay a tax of 12% and the players rewards will be subject to a tax of 15%. In addition, from the total collected revenues, 2% will be set aside for social security. The tourism and sports sectors will get 5% and 6.63% of income, separately.

To obtain a federal license, operators are required to pay BRL 30m, which is roughly 5.5m, and it will be valid for the period of five years. Additionally, this specific license, permit the management of a maximum of 3 brands, according to the source.

Mandatory requirements for domestic and foreign businesses involve setting up a permanent presence in the country and naming the legal guardian.

As for wagering, it will be operated by firms approved by the Ministry of Finance, which meet certain conditions, involving a member from Brazil on their Board who owns a minimum of 20% of the share capital.

134 firms have shown interest in joining Brazils pending online gambling market:

Before the mentioned session, the Ministry notified that 134 firms submitted their pre-market ordinance measures showing their desire in joining the pending online gambling market of Brazil. On a related note, the Ministry of Finance will supervise the management of the aforementioned federal sports wagering market and the Ministry will set up a dedicated watchdog for consumer protections, standards and conduct.

Furthermore, the final procedures have resulted in the Chambers agreeing obligations on sports integrity and advertising, whereby firms have to stress responsible gambling and involve warnings indicating its possible harm. In this regard, advertising that shows gambling as something attractive in todays society is forbidden.

In order to protect the sports integrity, the bill forbids anyone younger than 18, anyone who has influence on gambling platforms or sporting events, those diagnosed with a gambling disorder as well as key sports personnel like coaches, agents, athletes, referees and directors from taking part in wagering activities.

See the article here:

Brazil Green Lights Sports Betting And Online Gambling Bill - World Casino Directory

More charges, including a felony count, were filed Monday against a Twin Cities man who is accused of roaming Twin Cities-area casinos and playing slots for gamblers who paid to have their bets placed, then watched live on TikTok in hopes of striking it rich.

Blake C. Fitzgerald, 40, of Farmington, is now facing a felony charge in Goodhue County of instructing others to violate gambling laws along with three related gross misdemeanor counts. A conviction on the felony count could send Fitzgerald to prison, rather than jail or some other lesser form of detention.

Also Monday, additional gross misdemeanor illegal gambling counts were filed in Goodhue County against Fitzgerald's brother, Christopher J. Mattison, 34, of Warren, Minn.

In August, Fitzgerald was charged with three gross misdemeanors in connection with allegations he ran a remote bookie business for at least four months until January 2023 while at Mystic Lake Casino in the Scott County city of Prior Lake or Treasure Island Resort & Casino just outside of Red Wing in Goodhue County. Mattison was charged as well back in August.

Both men were charged by summons and declined to comment Monday to the Star Tribune about the latest round of charges. Fitzgerald is due on court on Wednesday, followed by Mattison on Thursday.

The new complaints note that a state investigator with the state Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division contacted Fitzgerald and Mattison in June about the initial charges. Mattison denied the allegations, while Fitzgerald asked the investigator for further specifics and then stopped responding to the agent.

Monday's criminal complaints not only cover in greater detail the allegations spelled out in the earlier charges, they also reveal that the brothers arranged bets for 81 people in that three-week period that totaled more than $48,000.

Bettors received back about a third of their money, either in winnings or refunds if the brothers ran out of time to get the wagers down, the complaints read.

Among those who turned to Fitzgerald for remote betting on slots at Treasure Island was a 53-year-old woman from southeastern Minnesota who told the state investigator that she was a gambling addict, the charges read.

The woman, who often bet at night as she struggled with insomnia and other medical difficulties, told the investigator she was "hopeful that illegal forms of gambling like Fitzgerald's would be eliminated from the Internet, as it would help limit her exposure to gambling and ease the struggle that she faced every day," the complaints continued.

According to the criminal complaints and other court documents:

Fitzgerald collected through cash apps an initial $5.99 subscription fee and then $25 that he kept for every $100 deposited for wagering, which he streamed live on TikTok.

Archived videos on his main TikTok account revealed 165,000 followers from around the world. Video highlights showed wads of cash and slot machines rolling up occasional big jackpots, including one in December that topped $15,000.

Administrators at both casinos caught on to Fitzgerald's TikTok bookie business. On Jan. 12, he livestreamed about being booted from Mystic Lake during a previous visit. That same day, he was in his car outside Treasure Island and said he had just been given a permanent trespass notice.

The American Gaming Association, which represents sports books and casinos across the country, said after the brothers were initially charged that it has never heard of such a gambling scheme.

Read more here:

Minnesota brothers charged in TikTok livestream gambling scheme - Star Tribune