Category Archives: Gambling

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maines top gambling regulator has been placed on paid administrative leave following tweets posted from his personal account about women and a white nationalist group, spokesperson for the states Department of Public Safety said Tuesday.

Milt Champion, executive director of the Gambling Control Unit, was placed on leave May 17 because of the tweets, Lt. Thomas Pickering, of the Maine Department of Public Safety, wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

Champions case is pending a review that is being conducted by the Bureau of Human Resources, Pickering wrote. Given that this is an ongoing, personnel-related matter, the department is unable to comment further.

The chairperson and one member of the Gambling Control Board said they have no role in disciplining or supervising Champion, and that employment matters will be handled by Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck after the human resources review. Both said they had no further comment.

Messages sent to Champion werent returned.

The tweets were sent May 6 and May 14, and had been removed by Tuesday.

In one of them, Champion tweeted about being told it was inappropriate to refer to women as ladies and then added a pejorative term for women. In the other, he replied that at least they are not burning down cities and looting stores in response to a tweet about a white nationalist group marching on the U.S. Capitol.

Hired in 2016, Champions profile has grown after state lawmakers approved sports betting last year. Maine launched the formal process of instituting sports betting in January by releasing proposed rules.

He has more than three decades of history in gambling, having taken part in opening casinos and later serving as a regulator in Florida and Maine.

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Maine's top gambling regulator on paid leave following tweets - The Associated Press

The world of online gambling has gained significant popularity in recent years, providing convenience and entertainment to millions of people worldwide. However, it is essential to understand the legalities surrounding online gambling to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. This understanding is crucial for both players and operators to avoid legal complications and potential penalties.

Online gambling laws vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another. While some countries have embraced and regulated online gambling, others have imposed strict restrictions or outright bans. Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, as it requires an understanding of local regulations, licensing requirements, age restrictions, responsible gambling measures, and potential consequences of non-compliance.

The legality of online gambling is heavily influenced by the jurisdiction in which it takes place. Different countries and regions have their own laws and regulations governing online gambling activities. Some jurisdictions have embraced online gambling and have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks to license and oversee operators, ensuring player protection and fair gaming practices. In contrast, other jurisdictions have adopted more restrictive approaches, either outright banning online gambling or imposing stringent regulations that make it challenging for operators to provide services.

The legal variations across jurisdictions create a complex landscape, where individuals and operators must be aware of the specific laws and regulations that apply to them to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal consequences. It is crucial to stay informed about the legal landscape and seek legal advice in your jurisdiction to understand the specific requirements and restrictions related to online gambling. Additionally, when it comes to online gambling, there are a lot of legalities that players need to be aware of.

One important factor is the jurisdiction under which the casino operates. For example, if youre playing at Zar Casino, its essential to know that they are licensed and regulated by the government of Curacao. This means that they must comply with strict standards for fairness and player protection. Additionally, players should be familiar with their local laws regarding online gambling to ensure that they arent breaking any rules.

Its also crucial to choose a reputable casino like Zar Casino that uses secure encryption technology to protect your personal information and financial transactions. By staying informed about the legalities of online gambling and choosing reliable casinos like Zar Casino, players can enjoy their favorite games with peace of mind.

In jurisdictions where online gambling is legal, operators are typically required to obtain licenses from the appropriate regulatory authorities. These licenses serve as a way to ensure that operators meet specific standards and regulations set forth by the jurisdiction. The licensing process involves thorough scrutiny of the operators business practices, security measures, financial stability, and adherence to responsible gambling guidelines. By obtaining a license, operators demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and fair gambling environment for players. Additionally, regulatory bodies oversee licensed operators to ensure ongoing compliance and player protection.

Licensing and regulation help establish trust in the industry and provide players with the assurance that they are engaging in online gambling activities in a legitimate and regulated environment. It is important for players to choose licensed operators to safeguard their interests and ensure a secure online gambling experience.

While some jurisdictions have embraced online gambling and established regulatory frameworks, others have taken a more restrictive approach, either heavily restricting or outright prohibiting online gambling activities. In these restricted or prohibited jurisdictions, engaging in or offering online gambling services can be illegal and subject to penalties. The reasons for such restrictions vary, including concerns over problem gambling, protection of public morals, or the desire to maintain monopolies in the gambling industry.

Examples of countries with strict online gambling regulations include the United States, where online gambling is largely prohibited at the federal level but allowed in certain states under specific conditions. It is important for individuals to understand and respect the laws of their jurisdiction and avoid participating in online gambling activities if it is restricted or prohibited.

In jurisdictions where online gambling is restricted or prohibited, individuals may turn to offshore operators that are based in countries where online gambling is legal. These offshore operators offer their services to players in restricted jurisdictions, often providing a way for individuals to access online gambling options that may not be available locally. However, its important to note that engaging in online gambling through offshore operators may still be illegal in the individuals jurisdiction. While offshore operators may operate legally in their own jurisdiction, their services may be considered illegal or unregulated in other regions.

Consequently, participating in online gambling through offshore operators can carry legal implications and potential risks, including lack of player protection, difficulty in dispute resolution, and potential loss of funds. It is crucial for individuals to understand the legalities and potential consequences before engaging in online gambling through offshore operators and to seek legal advice if necessary.

Payment processing is a critical aspect of online gambling, and its legality can be influenced by various factors, including the jurisdiction in which the transaction occurs and the policies of financial institutions and payment processors. In some countries, banks and financial institutions may have restrictions or policies that limit or block transactions related to online gambling.

This can pose challenges for players when depositing funds into their gambling accounts or withdrawing their winnings. Additionally, certain payment processors may have specific policies regarding online gambling transactions, either prohibiting them altogether or subjecting them to additional scrutiny. Players should be aware of these potential limitations and consider alternative payment methods that are accepted by their chosen online gambling platforms. It is advisable to check with both the online gambling operator and the relevant financial institutions or payment processors to ensure compliance with the payment processing regulations in your jurisdiction.

Age restrictions are a fundamental aspect of online gambling regulations aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and preventing underage gambling. The minimum age requirement to participate in online gambling can vary from one jurisdiction to another, but it is typically set at either 18 or 21 years old. Online gambling platforms enforce age restrictions by implementing age verification processes during the registration phase, requiring players to provide proof of their age and identity.

These measures are in place to ensure that individuals engaging in online gambling are of legal age and can make informed decisions regarding their participation. It is crucial for individuals to comply with the age restrictions imposed by their jurisdiction and the online gambling platforms they use. Parents and guardians also play a significant role in educating and monitoring their childrens online activities to prevent underage gambling.

Understanding the legalities of online gambling is crucial for both players and operators. The legal landscape surrounding online gambling can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, with some countries fully regulating and licensing online gambling, while others have strict restrictions or outright bans. Licensing and regulation play a vital role in ensuring fair gaming practices and player protection. However, in restricted or prohibited jurisdictions, individuals may be tempted to turn to offshore operators, which can carry legal implications and potential risks.

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Legalities of Online Gambling: What You Need to Know ... - SpeedwayMedia.com

ALLEN PARK, Mich. After an offseason full of notable free-agent signings and surprise draft picks, the Lions gathered together for Day 3 of OTAs this time, with an audience on hand.

Thursdays session was open to local media. There were plenty of new faces working to earn jobs and their place on this team. But it was also a good reminder of the reinforcements the Lions have on the way who werent able to contribute to last years success. Theres a lot of buzz around this team right now, in part because the roster is the deepest it has been since Dan Campbell and company arrived in 2021. At the same time, he knows that integrating pieces new and old will be a challenge itself.

Right now, everything is about the work, and it will be when we get into training camp, Campbell said. Weve got a brand-new team that weve got to build from the ground up again. Yeah, weve got a foundation, but yeah, man, weve got to get the chemistry right, weve got a lot of new faces. And all of that other stuff wont matter if we dont put the work back in. So that, to me, is the focus.

Thats what this time is about.

Much of the offseason has been good news for the Lions, between keeping Ben Johnson, the moves made in free agency, the draft and the overall outlook for the team in 2023. However, Jameson Williams looming absence remains large.

Williams was suspended six games last month for violating the NFLs gambling policy. Williams placed a bet on a non-NFL game from an NFL facility which includes the practice facility, as well as hotels, planes and buses on road trips. Williams, speaking to reporters for the first time since his suspension, said he was not aware of the leagues rule that bans such activity, but owned up to his mistake. He spoke for roughly 10 minutes and answered every question asked of him.

I was sick, Williams said of his reaction to the news. I was hurt.

A couple of notes:

Williams said he didnt know where he was when he placed the bet that ultimately led to his suspension.

Williams said he found out about his suspension the night before the announcement.

When asked about the NFL, which partners with gambling companies, suspending him for gambling on non-NFL games, Williams said: Thats really not my decision. Im in the league to play football, not make the rules on gambling.

Williams said hes using this time to focus on his craft and fixing the little things with his game before his suspension begins in September.

There is no appeal process for Williams suspension, so this time with the team is important. Williams, recovering from a torn ACL last May, couldnt practice a year ago. Thursday, he was out there running around, showing off that signature speed on a few downfield shots, providing glimpses of why the Lions drafted him in the 2022 first round. That game-breaking speed is very much present, but because of the time missed, it has become secondary to everything else. The Lions would love nothing more than for the Williams narrative to shift back to his skill set.

Look, he knows, Campbell said. I mean, hes gotten it from everybody. And so, look, it happened. Its an emphasis in the league right now. Its a big thing. Our players know. Weve tried to hammer it home. Certainly we did after that point and a few more times and well just keep doing it. But listen, its happening. The suspension is happening, and so now what do we do to move forward? Youre not going to be here, so in the meantime, lets get the most work we can out of you.

Every now and then late last year, you could find Tracy Walker hobbling around on crutches and a boot in the Lions locker room.

Players would gravitate to Walker, especially the younger ones. Walker was Detroits defensive captain and, at the time of his injury, one of its few vocal leaders. His absence was felt on the field and in the facility. For Walker, meanwhile, those random appearances in the locker room had to have been therapeutic, perhapsreminding him what he was working toward, and how much he wanted to be back.

Walker said then hed be back in time for OTAs. Along the way, he posted videos of his rehab process and on-field work, all with a May return in mind.

In the end, he kept his word.

Im built different, Walker said after Thursdays practice. I stand on that. I know Im not built like nobody else. I live by it in everything I do, from how I work, how I grind and obviously my injuries. Ive never been hurt before, so for me to bounce back, that was the main thing I had on my mind.

Walker didnt participate in everything Thursday, heading to the sidelines during scrimmage periods, but he did pretty much everything else for which he was cleared. The fact that hes out there at all seven months after a torn Achilles is a testament to his work ethic. Walker said he felt for his teammates during a five-game losing streak that dropped them to 1-6. But he also didnt get to contribute to the 8-2 stretch to end the year the very reason expectations are high right now. Thats why Walker is so eager to get back to work. Last year was Walkers first winning season in the NFL and he missed the majority of it.

Hes expecting to be fully cleared by the start of training camp. Hes a projected starter in a revamped secondary, one thats closer in talent to the group with which he entered the league.

GO DEEPER

Top Lions position battles as OTAs begin: How do the new players fit in?

There was a moment last year, as he recovered from back surgery that kept him out of action in 2022, when Halapoulivaati Vaitai considered retirement.

It didnt last long, though. Too much time on his hands.

It was just a bunch of stuff to do, Vaitai said. Im like, What am I doing? I couldnt decide what to do. The only thing I know is football.

Vaitai, the Lions starting right guard, said being away from the team was eating him alive. He was having a great training camp before going down. The Lions scrambled to replace him, playing center Evan Brown at guard and living with the results. But Vaitais return could be the missing piece for an already strong offensive line.

Vaitai practiced Thursday and said he feels great. Hes expected to maintain his starting job at right guard. The Lions will be smart with him during this period, but when training camp starts, theyll turn things up. This staff still values what he brings to the table in terms of run-blocking and mentorship to younger guys like Penei Sewell. Vaitai, meanwhile, wasnt quite ready to let go of this game and leave what has been building in Detroit.

I cant leave Penei, I cant leave all my guys, I cant leave them, Vaitai said. I love this team a lot and I want to help Dan win one.

The Lions began practice splitting up team reps on the two fields. It looked like ones versus ones on one field. I watched the defense Thursday and made note of the first team: Aidan Hutchinson and Charles Harris on the edge, Alim McNeill and Christian Covington at defensive tackle, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes at linebacker, Will Harris at nickel, Jerry Jacobs and Cam Sutton at outside corner and Kerby Joseph and C.J. Gardner-Johnson at safety.

GO DEEPER

Ten Lions players to watch at OTAs, including Aidan Hutchinson and Jared Goff

The first rotation of linebackers featured Anzalone at Mike and Barnes at Will. The Lions rotated quite a bit, with Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez getting first-team reps, too, so its probably not worth reading too much into. Anzalone is capable of playing the middle or weakside linebacker role, so this was probably a case of the Lions splitting the work up. Campbell has to earn the starting job, but it feels like itll be his before its all said and done.

Speaking of Campbell, he was part of an impressive play Thursday, but not for the reasons youd think. During a scrimmage period, running back Jermar Jefferson caught a pass, made a man miss then sprinted toward the end zone. A solid play, but the more impressive part of the play was Campbell chasing him down, when every other defender gave up and prepared for the next snap, all the way to the end zone. Toward the end of the run, Campbell was nearly stride for stride with Jefferson, who couldnt help but laugh when he saw Campbell that far downfield with him. The takeaway: Campbells long speed is impressive for a guy his size. So, too, is the max effort he gives each rep.

McNeill looked noticeably trimmer and lighter on his feet, which was one of his offseason goals. He changed his diet, improved his flexibility and took a more professional approach entering his third year in the league. He wants to be more consistent and prove the flashes of dominance he showed at times (like the Giants game) could become the norm. Once thought of as a nose tackle, the Lions let McNeill play more three-technique as the year went on. Expect that to continue.

Speaking of defensive tackles, Levi Onwuzurike was spotted at practice, though he was unable to participate. He was in uniform but no helmet. A back injury wiped out Onwuzurikes second year in 2022, and updates on his progress have been few and far between. Perhaps Thursdays appearance is a sliver of hope.

Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, whos still recovering from a torn ACL, did some individual work without a helmet. Thats a good sign. Jacobs and Sutton handled first-team reps at corner.

Center Frank Ragnow, guard Jonah Jackson, and defensive tackles Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones were among the players not spotted at Thursdays OTA session.

The Lions traded a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick to the Jaguars for kicker Riley Patterson. Patterson was a starting kicker for the Lions in 2021 before losing a battle to Austin Seibert in the preseason last year. Patterson connected on 30-of-35 attempts with Jacksonville last season. Seibert was waived by the Lions in October. The Lions now have Patterson, Michael Badgley and former XFL kicker John Parker Romo in the mix at kicker.

(Photo of Jameson Williams: Paul Sancya / Associated Press)

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Lions OTAs: Jameson Williams sick about gambling suspension, Tracy Walker returns - The Athletic

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore will vote on legislation involving gambling in the state, a change from his previous position, after an opinion from ethics committee ruled he had no obligation to recuse himself based on past legal work for The Catawba Nation.

Moore, a Cleveland County Republican, has long recused himself on gambling matters, including last year's contentious mobile sports wagering bill that failed by a single vote in the House. The Catawba Nation have a temporary casino in Kings Mountain with plans to construct a larger permanent facility there.

Moore said he did legal work for the tribe in its acquisition of land.

The question before the committee was "must a lawyer-legislator include a former gaming client in that legislator's ongoing conflict of interest analysis with respect to prospective official or legislative action when legal representation for that gaming client has concluded, there is a formal written agreement terminating the attorney-client relationship, and all fees have been settled between the lawyer-legislator and the former gaming client."

The committee answered: No.

In August of 2022, Moore said he was not doing any work for the Catawba, was not still being paid by the tribe and held no ownership interest in the casino, but still felt he needed to recuse himself.

"I'm recused on any legislation because of work I did with developers in our town on real estate side of all that," Moore said at that time. "Because of that I'm recused and I don't handle any of it. So I don't even have conversations with members about it. When this comes up in caucus, I leave."

He continued: "It's always better to be safe than sorry. It's like anything else, sometimes it's the appearance and I like to always err on the side of caution."

Family members or associates of key South Carolina politicians reportedly hold shares in companies doing business with the Catawba casino and receive money from gaming.

Construction on the permanent facility is stalled due to an review by the National Indian Gaming Commission into whether or not the Catawba are deriving enough of the benefit from the casino.

"The Catawba Nation continues to work closely with the National Indian Gaming Commission on its review of our casino project and necessary agreements," said Glen White, director of communications for Delaware North, which runs the gaming operations. "While we dont have a timetable for construction, infrastructure work is continuing on two key projects needed for development of the permanent casino resort, both of which are being funded by the Catawba Nation: Doubling the size of the Dixon School Road Bridge over I-85 near the casino entrance and new sewer lines."

As an attorney, Moore has worked with others who have interest before the legislature.

"Anytime I've done work for any developers, any kind of matters like that, if there's legislation that's come up that would have a significant impact or benefit on those, I recuse on those matters," Moore said in August of 2022.

Theres been some talk at the legislature of authorizing more casinos to operate in the state, potentially including in Bergers Rockingham County district. But no language to that effect was included in the Senate budget proposal that lawmakers rolled out this week, and Berger said senators dont plan to add anything of the sort to the sports gambling bill.

Moore's decision to recuse in June 2022 likely prevented the mobile sports wagering bill from passing the House. Rep. Destin Hall, who fills in for Moore when he recuses himself, also did not vote on the measure, which ended up failing by a single vote. Had Moore and Hall, who supported the bill this year, voted yes, it would have passed.

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Long recused, House Speaker to vote on gambling legislation after ethics opinion - WRAL News

A friend of mine got sucked into gambling a few years ago. I wont use his name but he was sucked in bad. Bad enough that he looked over a bridge and thought about ending everything. Bad enough that he drove up and down motorways at terrifying speeds, hoping he might crash, after lost nights at casinos.

He was luckily able to bring himself back from the brink. Not everyone does, though. Its hard to put yourself into the shoes of that person: the problem gambler, the addict.

He did, however, try to explain it in an open letter he posted online to Brigid Simmonds, chair of the Betting & Gaming Council, and Michael Dugher, then the shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

Its a hamster wheel of misery, he wrote. Gambling owns them. Lives in them. Comforts them. Loathes them. Goads them. Waits for them around every corner. Pretends to be their friend while simultaneously destroying the very core of their being.

And reading these words can change your perspective when you look at the football industry, with all its contradictions and hypocrisies, and try to make sense of why, or how, a high-profile, rich and successful footballer could succumb to gambling.

A few years back, I might have been sitting here writing what a fool Ivan Toney had been. What a fool to put himself in a position, as a Premier League player, where he had got an eight-month ban through gambling. And maybe, when we get more information, it will be easy to conclude that, yes, there are parts of this story when he has been foolish in the extreme.

At the same time, I cannot help think there is a bigger debate to be had here about the sports relationship with gambling. That, to me, feels more worthwhile than bashing up Toney without being in possession of the full facts.

As it stands, the written reasons into Toneys case have not been released by the FA. We dont know what he was betting on or whether he was using inside information as a player for Brentford and, previously, Peterborough United and Newcastle United, featuring loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United.

All we have been told so far is that the FA initially charged him with 262 breaches of its betting rules from February 25, 2017, to January 23, 2021, before withdrawing 30 of those charges.

Toney admitted the offences and will be banned until January 16 next year. He will not even be allowed to train with his club until mid-September. Brentford, on the face of it, are fully entitled to be horrified about losing their best player.

What has not been disclosed, however, is what brought Toney to this position and the mitigating circumstances, if there are any.

Every footballer knows there are rules in place and consequences for those who ignore them. So what was it? Boredom? Recklessness? More money than sense? Or had he been sucked in, too? Is there something more to this story that, once the FA releases the full report, will provide some context to what he has done, and why?

If not, then plainly Toney has been stupid in the extreme. For now, though, there are other questions that ought to be asked. And the first is this: is it any wonder that people in football, at all levels, are being enticed into betting when the adverts and temptations are almost everywhere you look?

Last September, I was at the court case of two ex-pros, Alan Rogers and Steven Jennings, who were accused of blackmailing a football manager who, by his own admission, had a gambling addiction.

The case against Rogers and Jennings, who denied the charges, was dropped because the alleged victim made it clear he did not want to continue and the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was no public interest in going through with the trial. A court order was put in place to prevent the disclosure of anything that could lead to the managers identification.

It was still fairly shocking, however, to hear in court that the manager had gambled 879,000 ($1million) across two years, accruing losses of 270,000, and that the judge had concern about his welfare.

The manager, it was said, had up to eight betting accounts. His gambling, ranging from 5 to 400, included a handful of bets on football matches. At some point, he, too, is facing the possibility of a long ban from the football authorities.

If so, I suspect there will be a rush to judgment and little sympathy or understanding about the spiralling effects of addiction and its almost intolerable pressures, chasing the next bet, never being in full control of your life.

It also makes me wonder whether football, as an industry, cares a great deal about this issue (as in, really cares) when, on the one hand, it prohibits any form of betting while, on the other, it promotes gambling and kerching!

Every time Toney has pulled on Brentfords colours this season, he has been advertising Hollywoodbets as the clubs front-of-shirt sponsor. When he joined Brentford, they were playing in the Skybet Championship. Matthew Benham, Brentfords owner, made his fortune from a betting and data-analysis company. Their ground, like all Premier League grounds, is full of advertising trying to tempt you into sticking on a bet. It is everywhere. Not just in the stadiums, either. Its on television. Its on The Athletic (lets not be hypocritical about this), and just about every other media outlet.

The FA, to be fair, does seem to recognise how this looks. It took a while, though, and the governing body made a heap of money before anyone seemed to point out the double standards. In 2017, the FA terminated its contract with Ladbrokes and announced it would no longer have a betting partner.

Other changes are being made. Under pressure from the UK government, Premier League clubs have collectively agreed not to have the names of betting firms across the chests of their shirts by the start of the 2026-27 season.

As it stands, Bournemouth, Leeds, Everton, Fulham, Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham all profit this way, as well as Brentford. They will, however, be allowed to continue featuring gambling brands on the players shirt sleeves and pitch perimeter advertising.

And Toney? Before him, there was the case of Joey Barton, who was banned for 18 months in 2017 and publicly embarrassed the FA by highlighting some of the hypocrisies: What are the FA going to do, march into Ladbrokes and say, Show us everyone whos had a bet? Ladbrokes are going to say, Eff off, we pay you 10million a year, keep your mouth shut. Do the FA not understand thats hush money? Because if they dont do it to Ladbrokes, they cant do it to Betfair, Paddy Power, William Hill.

Apart from the fact the Ladbrokes deal was worth an annual 4million to the FA, it seems like a valid point.

And Toney wont be the last. He has messed up, ultimately, and it is a wretched way to end a season in which he has played with distinction, made his England debut and found himself behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the list of Premier League scorers.

Toney is a big name these days. That means big headlines, big publicity and big controversy. It also means big responsibilities.

It is just difficult not to think that, behind the headlines, there is another story that puts the whole football industry, rather than just one player, to shame.

(Top photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

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Ivan Toneys betting ban shames the whole of football, not just the Brentford striker - The Athletic

LONDON, May 17 (Reuters) - Bitcoin , ether and other cryptocurrencies should be regulated as gambling given the significant risks they pose to consumers, a panel of UK lawmakers said in a report on Wednesday.

Britain, which wants to become a global hub for crypto and its underlying blockchain technology, is planning its first rules for cryptoassets, which currently only comply with anti-money laundering safeguards.

Bitcoin and ether account for two-thirds of all cryptoassets and are not backed by any currency or asset, leading to volatility in prices and the potential for all money invested in them to be wiped out, the report from parliament's treasury committee said.

Regulating retail trading and investment in unbacked cryptocurrencies could create a 'halo' effect that leads consumers to think the activity is safer than it is, or protected when it is not, it said.

"We therefore strongly recommend that the Government regulates retail trading and investment activity in unbacked cryptoassets as gambling rather than as a financial service, consistent with its stated principle of same risk, same regulatory outcome," the report said.

Industry body CryptoUK said it strongly disagreed with equating the crypto sector with gambling.

"We are both concerned and disappointed by these claims which are unhelpful, false, fundamentally flawed and unsubstantiated. The statement fails to reflect the true nature, purpose and potential of the crypto industry," CryptoUK said in a statement.

The Financial Conduct Authority has repeatedly warned consumers they could lose all of their money invested in cryptocurrencies.

Cryptoassets globally have a total market capitalisation of about $1.2 trillion, a tiny part of the financial system, but the collapse of crypto firm FTX exchange last year introduced greater urgency into regulating the sector.

"The events of 2022 have highlighted the risks posed to consumers by the cryptoasset industry, large parts of which remain a wild west," said Harriett Baldwin, chair of the treasury committee.

Around 10% of UK adults hold or have held cryptoassets, according to official figures.

The European Union approved the world's first set of comprehensive rules for crypto markets on Tuesday. International regulators are due to propose global norms shortly.

The underlying technology used by cryptoassets has the potential to improve efficiency in payments, the report said.

Reporting by Huw JonesEditing by Christina Fincher

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Crypto should be regulated as gambling, UK lawmakers say - Reuters

Rick Heller dissects Iowa's Sunday sweep over Michigan State

Iowa baseball coach Rick Heller after another step toward the postseason: "We've said this team had a chance to be special since the fall."

Dargan Southard, Hawk Central

Because of the urgency and stakes involved in a late postseason push, Rick Hellers Iowa baseball program has become the focal point of a sports-gambling investigation that has flagged 41 current student-athletes at both Iowa and Iowa State.

Gambling on sports with an NCAA-sanctioned championship college or pro is strictly against NCAA rules and can result in the permanent loss of eligibility. Four Iowa baseball players, including a potential Big Ten Conference player of the year in Keaton Anthony, have now missed six games and as of Wednesday continued to wait to learn their eligibility fate.

But in a taped interview Wednesday morning that will air from 6-7 p.m. on the Hawk Central radio show on KXnO in Des Moines (1460 AM, 106.3 FM), Heller had grown increasingly optimistic that there might be a verdict one way or another soon.

The closing stretch: What Iowa must do to secure NCAA regional

Asked whether any of the four players would be given the green light to come back, Heller responded by saying, I wouldve told you a week ago I didnt have much hope of that. Being in the business that I have been, that stuff doesnt go quick, usually, he said.

But

I was told that there is a chance. They are pushing, Heller said. I really dont know a whole lot other than when I get told, Hey, keep them ready to go. Were hopeful we can get some sort of ruling and get some finality to it whether theyre out for good or theyre able to come back.

Anthony, reliever Jacob Henderson and backup catchers Gehrig Christensen and Ben Tallman were not in the dugout for the home series vs. Ohio State May 5-7 as Iowa referenced a potential NCAA violation initially in those mysterious absences. The four players returned to the dugout but did not play last weekend in Iowas sweep of Michigan State.

The team was traveling Wednesday to Northwestern for a three-game series that runs Thursday through Saturday. The Big Ten Tournament starts Tuesday in Omaha, and Iowa (37-12, 13-7 conference) is locked into that eight-team field. A strong showing in Evanston against the 8-38 Wildcats, and Iowa would be almost certain to qualify for its first NCAA regional since 2017. If the Hawkeyes could get back Anthony (who is hitting .389 with an on-base percentage of .505 and slugging of .701), that would be a postseason game-changer.

You can listen to the entire Heller interview with the Registers Chad Leistikow and Wednesdays Hawk Central radio show below or at this link.

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PODCAST: Sports-gambling latest and Rick Heller talks 'special' team - Hawk Central

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) When Josh Peterson first started on Omaha's airwaves at 1620 The Zone in 2012, discussions of sports betting were more subtle.

"We would talk about point spreads, but it would be for 'Skittles' and we'd use different vernacular," said the co-host of Unsportsmanlike Conduct, an afternoon sports talk show. "Once ... John (Bishop) and I had been working together for a few years, we kind of went away from that and started saying 'Hey, this is what people are doing."

In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a law that banned sports betting in most places, which opened the door for states to legalize it.

Iowa quickly did, and Unsportsmanlike Conduct took the program to a casino every Thursday during football season.

Since then, "it's become much more focal part of our show," Peterson said. "I know our audience really likes it. John (Bishop) and I really like viewing the games through the lens of gambling, even if we don't always bet on games.

It's that increase in popularity and accessibility that causes David Weber, a Creighton sports law professor, to be unsurprising by a recent string of headlines where athletes and coaches are getting in trouble for getting involved with sports gambling.

"The governing bodies are absolutely explicit that they don't want to have the general public questioning the integrity of the games," said Weber.

In April, five NFL players were suspended for improper gambling, three for a year.

This month at Iowa and Iowa State, around 40 athletes became the subject of an investigation into improper gambling. NCAA athletes cannot participate in sports betting at all, Weber said, even on professional games, unless it is a non-NCAA sport. The cases reportedly do not involve match-fixing.

Also earlier this month, Alabama's baseball coach was fired after a report of suspicious betting activity involving his team. A bettor reportedly was in contact with the coach while making bets on the Alabama-LSU baseball game. Alabama's starting pitcher was scratched at the last moment.

Last week, an MLS player was suspended.He may have been paid to receive a yellow card in a game.

"I think gambling and sports is always something that people should be concerned about," Weber said. "With the amount of money that's available to be placed on bets, you're going to see more and more types of situations where people have a vested interest in determining the outcome beforehand."

In college, though, he says it's good news that players can now make money through their name, image and likeness.

"That will probably ... help student-athletes be able to say no to some of these potential illicit influences."

In minor cases, like a college athlete placing a bet on a professional sport they do not play, Weber says a few national headlines may mean cases like that won't happen much anymore.

"There's just not the reward for engaging in that risky behavior," he said. "Now, if someone's being a bad actor and they're seeking a large financial gain, that won't prevent that individual from perhaps trying to do that kind of activity again."

Peterson, too, is only surprised the wave of gambling infractions didn't happen sooner. In the Iowa and Iowa State cases, though, he says it seems there was confusion on what the rules for athletes are.

He says the Alabama case in particular got people thinking about the implications.

"Some would say this shows the ills of sports gambling," Peterson said. "I say that it shows the positives of legalizing it because in the past, something like that could happen under the table and we would have never known about it."

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Creighton professor: String of sports gambling infractions not ... - KMTV 3 News Now Omaha

Casino resorts could make Texas the top-ranked tourism state in the nation. Thats according to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, but Texas lawmakers wont be green-lighting gambling in this session of the Texas Legislature, which ends May 29.

The Texas House of Representatives killed a proposal, authored by Rep. Charlie Geren, that aimed to open up Texas metro areas to gambling casinos attached to hotel, retail and entertainment districts, but the proposal advanced further than similar proposals from the past, the Dallas Morning News reported.

The proposal called for a referendum in the Nov. 7 election that wouldve allowed Texas voters to decide if they should be legal. The legislation was abandoned after it became clear there werent enough votes for approval in the Texas House.

The billionaire business mogul and Shark Tank star said Texas doesnt have a year-round attraction that makes it a dream destination for big events.

Ask your out-of-state friends how often they have saved up to (bring) their family to Texas, Cuban told the outlet. Ask anyone how often they look forward to coming here during the summer. You already know the answer.

The gambling aspect isnt as important as overall tourism, he said. Casino resorts could make way for more Broadway-style shows, sporting events and entertainment for children, he said.

The House at least approved legislation that would legalize mobile sports betting in Texas, via voter referendum, but this isnt the session for sports betting either, as the Texas Senate doesnt support it.

Casino company Las Vegas Sands has made a push for casino resorts in the Lone Star State, hiring a swarm of Austin lobbyists and donating millions to sway Texas lawmakers.

Quinn Donoghue

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Mark Cuban's Dream for Casino Gambling Dies in Texas House - The Real Deal

Merger Monday is back with a bang.

Despite economic uncertainty, high interest rates, recent bank turmoil and the risk of a recession, theres been a hive of M&A activity to start the week.

Gold prices are hovering near all-time highs given the recent flight to safety of investors amid banking turmoil and broader economic concerns. Newmont wants to capitalize, scooping up Newcrests low-cost, long-life gold assets.

But theres another carrot. Newmont wants its rivals copper assets, a metal proving important to the worlds energy transitionused in everything from electric-vehicles to solar panels and wind turbines.

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Another commoditythis time oilwas at the center of a separate major deal as pipeline operator Oneok said its buying its rival Magellan Midstream Partners for $18.8 billion. It marks a move into oil for the predominantly natural gas-focused Oneok and would create a pipeline giant.

But its not just commodities driving the dealmaking. NeoGames agreed to be bought by Australian gaming technology developer Aristocrat Leisure for $1.2 billion.

M&A activity and the value of deals typically decline in an economic downturn. While Mondays dealmaking might point to optimism, thats not always the case. Sometimes companies do one last cut-price big deal to consolidate because they think the economy is going to fall.

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However, the values paid by Newmont and Oneok are hefty premiums which are a positive sign.

Callum Keown

*** Join Barrons senior managing editor Lauren R. Rublin and deputy editor Ben Levisohn today at noon when they discuss the outlook for financial markets, industry sectors, and individual stocks. Sign up here.

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Try your hand at this mornings Barrons digital jigsaw, which is based on the weeks cover story. For all games, including the daily crossword and sudoku, click here.

Lawmakers head into this week facing another crunchtime on an agreement about the nations debt ceiling. Democrats appearing on the Sunday talk show circuit threw cold water on some ideas at President Joe Bidens disposal, including invoking the 14th Amendment to continue raising debt.

Whats Next: Biden is expected to leave Wednesday for the G-7 world leader meeting in Japan despite earlier last week saying he would consider postponing the trip amid the debt ceiling standoff, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

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Liz Moyer

After one of the biggest challenges to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his two decades at the center of power in Turkey, the country appears set for a runoff election. A first round of polling failed to yield an obvious winner, and both Erdogan and opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu have said they are prepared to accept a runoff.

Whats Next: A confirmed runoff election would plunge Turkey into two weeks of renewed campaigning frenzy as Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu vie for a majority. Investors should brace for more volatility in the lira, a commonly traded global currency that has already declined almost 5% against the dollar in 2023.

Jack Denton

Electric vehicle start-ups have been forecasting disappointing manufacturing targets for 2023, citing problems that have nothing to do with demand. Polestar has blamed software, while Fisker said it took longer than expected to get final certifications required to sell any car. Rivian has had trouble accelerating production and securing semiconductors.

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Whats Next: Teslas shareholder meeting is Tuesday. Investors will vote on a shareholder proposal that seeks to identify key persons and succession processes. Tesla is telling shareholders to vote no, saying it could cause unnecessary competitive harm.

Al Root, Jack Denton, and Liz Moyer

Consumer prices, for everything from luxury handbags to streaming media subscriptions and fast food, continue to rise as companies demonstrate their brand power, helping them cover the rising costs of labor and raw materials. A wave of retailer earnings this week could show how broad-based the trend is.

Whats Next: The Census Bureau reports retail sales data for April on Tuesday. Consumer spending is expected to increase 0.7% month over month, while sales excluding autos are seen rising 0.4%. March had monthly declines of 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively.

Liz Moyer and Barrons staff

The Hollywood writers strike is forcing changes to the television industrys annual advertising sales blitz. Netflix has moved what was a planned in person presentation at its Paris Theater in New York to a virtual presentation out of concern for picketing writers, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Whats Next: Insider Intelligence expects upfront ad spending will fall by 3.4% to $18.6 billion for the 2023-2024 season, the Journal reported. The research firm cited uncertainty in the economy, falling TV ratings and cord-cutting as part of the reason for the decline.

Liz Moyer

I rent a condo for $1,500 in Southern California and work as a server at a steak house earning $55,000 to $60,000 a year. Im 54 and single and have saved $100,000, and have no debt. Should buy something in California, or just save it for a rainy day?

A MarketWatch correspondent will answer this question soon. Meanwhile, send any questions you would like answered to thebarronsdaily@barrons.com.

Newsletter edited by Liz Moyer, Brian Swint, Rupert Steiner and Steve Goldstein

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Gold, Oil and GamblingMerger Monday Is Back. What This Says About Recession. - Barron's