Category Archives: Gambling

Introducing and incorporating virtual reality (VR) into digital betting is a big step forward. From traditional online betting all the way to the realm of VR casinos, the critical role is played by Australian gambling platforms which project the future direction of this innovative industry.

Moving from regular online gambling to the VR world is a huge tech leap. Initially, online casinos broke new ground by bringing the casino experience to personal devices. Now, however, VR technology is elevating this experience to an unprecedented level. By crafting three-dimensional, interactive casino environments, VR pushes the boundaries of what online gambling can offer, creating a more engaging and immersive user experience.

In this transformative era, Australian gambling sites are leading the charge in embracing VR technology, thereby significantly impacting the global gambling landscape. These platforms are skillfully merging tried-and-tested gaming formats with cutting-edge VR features. This bold move is reshaping the gaming experience, offering players a level of immersion which was previously unheard of. The VR gaming developed by Australian sites is creating virtual worlds where players can experience the thrill of gambling in a fully immersive environment, complete with realistic casino layouts, 3D game tables, and interactive elements that mimic the nuances of a real casino. This integration by Aus gambling sites is not just innovative; its a game-changer, setting a new benchmark for realism and engagement in online gambling.

Australian gambling platforms are not only focusing on the visual and interactive aspects of VR but are also pushing the boundaries of player engagement and retention. By incorporating VR technology, these sites are enabling a social dimension that was previously lacking in online gambling. Players can interact with each other, enhancing the overall experience of digital gambling, which is missing compared to physical casinos. From VR slots to versions of poker and roulette, these games offer an intensity and depth that traditional online games simply cannot match.

The commitment of Australian gambling sites to VR technology is driving innovation across the industry. By setting high standards for VR gaming, they are encouraging other global players to follow suit, thereby elevating the quality and diversity of online gambling experiences available to players worldwide.

The rise of virtual reality (VR) casinos has introduced an era where player safety and honest play are paramount. These online worlds are meticulously regulated to protect those who use them. What is more, they regularly undergo audits and checks for fairness, making sure each game upholds a standard of honesty and clarity.

Moreover, the use of cutting-edge encryption technology is another essential aspect. It provides a secure blanket over all dealings within the game, either playful or financial, shielding participants from online risks.

A key focus is also placed on the integrity and transparency of Random Number Generation (RNG) systems. These systems form the cornerstone of fairness in online gaming. They guarantee that game results are entirely random and impartial.

Finally, robust procedures for verifying a players age are strictly enforced. This is to effectively bar underage individuals from gambling, which is something that demonstrates a strong commitment to moral gaming practices.

Making a mark in the VR casino industry isnt straightforward. There are real challenges, like the need for high-end tech and solid rules to guide everything. These challenges also bring chances for creative solutions and growth in the industry. At the same time, crafting strong, fair guidelines is crucial for creating a safer, more responsible VR gambling scene, helping to keep this innovative space thriving and secure.

The future of VR casinos looks really promising. Industry insiders predict a surge in the realism of VR gambling experiences, coupled with enhanced social interaction capabilities and artificial intelligence AI-driven personalization. Apart from implementations of AI and VR, augmented reality (AR) has already been implemented by multiple famous casinos, providing a 3D experience of players favorite games. Improvements in 5G technology and advancements in mobile gaming will also have a huge impact on the experience of digital casinos.

It is expected that in 2024, online casinos are going to fully implement VR technology. In a few seconds, simply by putting on the VR headset players will switch from their home to the poker table or on the seat in front of their favorite slot. These advancements are expected to draw in a broader audience, appealing to both traditional gamblers and digital natives.

Read the original:

Virtual Reality Casinos: The Future Of Online Gambling? - TNT Magazine

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code

Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

Read more:

2024 could be the year Georgia lawmakers move on gambling expansion - The Albany Herald

Some people like to sweat out a bet for 48 hard minutes others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with NBA first FG props. And weve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our first FG bets for January 2. Go here for NBA Championship odds.

Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. Its easy to pick the most popular player or look at what happened in the last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these first FG props for January 2.

Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.

Go here for daily free NBA picks!

Tipoff 10:00 pm EST Chase Center San Francisco, California Broadcast NBA TV

The Magic were a team who I loved to bank on when Wendell Carter Jr. was on the tip. He was hot early and, even though hes cooled off a bit, is still getting tipoffs at a 60.0% clip. However, theyve moved him to the bench and promoted Goga Bitadze to the starting lineup and, as a result, the tipoff. On the season, Bitadze has won 13.6% of the tips hes had. That number would put him at half the average of the worst team in the league. When you combine that with the shooting of the Warriors, you have to lean to Golden State here.

Jonathan Kuminga is pretty much only in the lineup in the place of the absent Draymond Green. However, hes found himself open plenty of times in the early game over the last three. He had four of their first ten points in Sundays game, so lets ride with him here.

First FG Bet for January 2: Jonathan Kuminga (+500)

Tipoff 10:00 pm EST Golden 1 Center Sacramento, California Broadcast NBA League Pass

You might look at the 25.8% tip percentage of the Kings worst in the league and assume that we should always lean away from them. However, their defense has held up extremely well early in the game. As a result, they actually have a 58.0% in the first field goal, which is good for seventh in the league. The Hornets might be noticably better on the tip, but are not converting anything. Their 38.7% first bucket percentage is good for 27th in the NBA.

Going into Monday nights game, the last four first buckets conceded by the Hornets had been to big men. Their are only two guys who have taken one of the first three shots for the Kings in more than one of the last three games; DeAaron Fox who is notably not a big man and Domantas Sabonis.

First FG Bet for January 2: Domantas Sabonis (+370)

If youd like even more info to help make your first FG bets for January 2, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. Theyre dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.

Read more from the original source:

NBA First FG Props - January 2 - SGPN

Federally recognized tribes in Maine have been offering online sports betting for about two months, and some state lawmakers now want to expand tribal rights to include all internet gambling, casinos, and electronic beano and harness racing.

Public hearings on three such proposals will be held Wednesday as lawmakers return to Augusta for the first day of the second regular session.

The bills were carried over from the previous session and will likely face resistance from Gov. Janet Mills, who has long opposed gambling measures but relented in 2022, negotiating and signing a bill that gave tribes exclusive rights to online sports betting. Mills aides did not respond to questions about whether the governor would consider expanded gambling.

The gambling proposals represent the latest front in the push for enhanced tribal sovereignty in Maine. The states tribal communities are treated more like municipalities than sovereign nations because of the 1980 Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. But they have been working with community activists and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to win some of the same rights and opportunities extended to the nations other 570 federally recognized tribes.

Mills has voiced opposition to and vetoed sweeping efforts to restore comprehensive sovereignty rights and has preferred narrower changes to the 1980s agreement. She met with tribal leaders at the Blaine House in late November. Although the 3.5 hour summit didnt result in any breakthroughs, the two sides agreed to work together this session a change from the previous session when tribal leaders worked around the governor.

A bill sponsored by Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, has the backing of Democratic leadership, with Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, signing on as co-sponsors.

Supicas bill, L.D. 1777, would allow federally recognized tribes to grow their internet gambling beyond sports betting to include other games of skill or chance offered through the Internet in which an individual wagers money or something of monetary value for the opportunity to win money or something of monetary value.

The bill would also reprioritize how the state uses its online gambling revenue. The state would continue to receive 10% of the adjusted gross receipts, but lawmakers would have less discretion over its uses.

Currently, 65% of the revenue goes to the General Fund while the states Sire Stakes Fund and the Maine Harness Racing Commission each receive 5.5%. But Supicas proposal would allocate 40% to the states E-9-1-1 Fund to support the emergency communications system, 20% to the Opioid Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Fund and 20% to the Emergency Housing Relief Fund.

The state would continue to receive 10% each for its administrative services and for its Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.

Like the current online sports betting law, the bill would grant tribes exclusive access to licenses for online gambling through the Gambling Control unit in the Department of Public Safety.

Supica said she sponsored the bill at the request of lobbyists working on behalf of the tribes and said it would increase investments in public services, while supporting economic development for the tribes and the surrounding rural communities.

I dont see this as an irresponsible policy thats going to cannibalize our services, said Supica, whose district includes Hollywood Casino. I think its something that could be very good for our services, especially in central and northern Maine where we are really economically depressed.

The measure is opposed by Steve Silver, chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board, who argued that licenses should not be limited to tribes and raised concerns about the proposals impact on the 19 groups that received more than $69 million in revenue in 2022 from the states two casinos, which could lose business as a result of the bill.

Silver said in written testimony that the current proposal could result in the loss of about $2.4 million for public education and other services. And the laws broad definition of internet gambling could impact other businesses that offer sweepstakes, including online trivia, soda bottle promotions and the Maine Lotterys second chance drawings.

Maine absolutely should consider legalizing Internet Gaming (iGaming), Silver said. Overall, LD 1777 needs more modification before moving forward. I urge you to adopt an open, free-market approach that includes the Tribes and the casinos while also reconsidering the proposed taxation and regulatory model.

Rep. Ben Collings, D-Portland, is sponsoring two bills to expand tribal gambling rights, including a bill similar to one previously vetoed by Mills that would allow tribes to operate a casino.

L.D. 1944 would require the state to negotiate with one or more tribes interested in establishing a casino on tribal lands. The state may also negotiate with all of the federally recognized tribes for a casino on nontribal land in any county besides Penobscot or Oxford counties, which already have casinos.

And L.D. 1992 would allow electronic beano terminals and historical horse racing terminals to be operated by federally recognized tribes, off-track betting facilities, commercial tracks, slot machine facilities and casinos. That bill calls for 10% of the net revenue from electronic beano machines or a historical horse racing terminal to be directed to the state.

Online sports betting launched in November, with Caesars Sportsbook partnering with the Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseets and the Aroostook Band of Mikmaq Nation, and Draftkings partnering with the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Through Dec. 28, Mainers have made nearly $76 million in wagers and have received $67.5 million back in winnings, while the state has received about $887,000 in tax revenue. Draftkings currently dominates the market, accounting for nearly $61 million of the total wagers.

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Previous

Next

View post:

Lawmakers propose bills to expand tribal gaming - Press Herald

Some people like to sweat out a bet for 48 hard minutes others like immediate satisfaction. Count us as being in the latter, which is why we like to get down with NBA first FG props. And weve decided to pass that knowledge on to you with our first FG bets for January 3. Go here for NBA Championship odds.

Of course, there are plenty out there taking blind guesses at this stuff. Its easy to pick the most popular player or look at what happened in the last game. However, we spent the time pouring through the analytics to make sure that we give you the best odds to stay in the green on these first FG props for January 3.

Come check out what we have cooked up for this slate of games.

Go here for daily free NBA picks!

Tipoff 9:00 pm EST Footprint Center Phoenix, Arizona Broadcast NBA League Pass

The tip data shows a clear advantage for the Suns on Wednesday. They currently rank first in the league in tip percentage, thanks to Jusuf Nurkic getting two-thirds of his jumps. While the Suns dont have a great first bucket percentage, considering all their tip wins just 51.5% its far better than the Clippers. The Clippers rank 29th in the league in getting the first field goal at 31.3%. Lets lean to a Suns player as a result.

With Kevin Durant out, a lot of the early action went to Nurkic himself and Bradley Beal. However, when you take a look at the first buckets that the Clippers are conceding as of late, its all on the outside shot. While Nurkic could always pull up from outside, I like Beals chance to get on the board first.

First FG Bet for January 3: Bradley Beal (+500)

Tipoff 9:00 pm EST Delta Center Salt Lake City, Utah Broadcast NBA League Pass

I mentioned that the Clippers were 29th in the league in getting the first bucket to fall. The only team worse than them is the Utah Jazz. At just 26.5%, the Jazz start three of every four games down a hoop. That doesnt bode well against the Pistons, who are fourth in the league with a 60.6% average. That number is also climbing with Jalen Duren back on the tip. Hes getting 70.6% of the jumps hes taken this year.

Kevin Knox II sort of surprised everyone with a first bucket last game. He sprinted down the lane on a nice feed from Bojan Bogdanovic and sunk a floater. While he got things started on Monday, I dont expect the same on Wednesday. In fact, I like the man grabbing that assist last time out. Bogdanovic actually took the next two shots. He also had the first shot in the prior game as well.

First FG Bet for January 3: Bojan Bogdanovic (+650)

If youd like even more info to help make your first FG bets for January 3, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. Theyre dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.

View post:

NBA First FG Props - January 3 - SGPN

Key Republican lawmakers on Tuesday scolded the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) over how it levies fines and more threatening to take legislative action if changes arent made.

The agency, meanwhile, said it has abided by its rules and statutes and listed accomplishments.

It appears that the ideology is because casinos are profitable in Indiana, we should be able to fine them more, said Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown. That profitability, he added, doesnt give you the right.

Executive Director Greg Small responded that the purpose behind the agencys regulatory scheme is to drive compliance.

And, by the way, we also have a mandate in statute that economic performance of the casinos and their hiring is of the utmost importance, and we certainly respect that, he said.

They spoke at a six-hour State Budget Committee meeting that included testimony on a $1 billion Medicaid hole and an opaque quasi-public economic development agency.

I will suggest that you step up, get your house in order, and you circle back.

Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka

The blistering hour-long discussion came as the IGC attempted to obtain safe harbor for regulations otherwise threatened by year-end deadlines in a Garten-sponsored overhaul approved last session.

The committee previously left the IGC off its November meeting agenda, prompting fears the agency would be unable to fulfill basic regulatory functions.

Garten accused the agency of just charging whatever the heck it wants to casinos in the form of fines and fees.

Indianas gambling industry, like most others, is heavily regulated. Casinos sometimes fail to withhold winnings for delinquent child support, prevent underage gambling, prevent self-excluded former gamblers from getting back on the floor, and more and are regularly fined for those violations.

Garten noted that for the past five years, Indianas casinos collectively paid more money in fines with each year until 2023. The observation was based on seven years of settlement data the IGC included with its proposed fine schedules, obtained by the Capital Chronicle.

Garten said hed begun meeting with commission staff over his concerns about a year ago, and questioned why this years settlement amounts were lower.

It seems to me that we started meeting started putting a little bit of scrutiny, started asking a few questions and very subjectively, actions changed within the agency, Garten asserted.

Small responded, I dont think anything specifically changed.

Small said the amount could grow because the 2023 data covers just half the year. And he said that, by June, the agency had instituted a fine schedule with changes to child support and licensing violations based on feedback from casino executives as part of its efforts to comply with the new law.

So the accountability factor is what caused you to reevaluate? Garten pressed. Small said the agency had received little feedback prior.

Garten told Small there were major, major issues within the IGC. He said the discussion shows the subjectivity of an agency.

But he wasnt finished.

Garten also implied the IGC has a culture issue.

Small called his agency professional, knowledgable and fair. He noted that the IGC has opened three casinos since 2017 and is working to manage the opening of another. He also highlighted regulators work in navigating the 2019 launch of sports wagering, investigators busts of illegal animal fighting rings and oversight of charitable gaming.

My folks, I hold them accountable, he concluded. They know the subject matter because they have to. What we do is very complex; we cover a lot of different areas. Weve got a lot of folks (that) I think do a great job.

Garten went on to read aloud anonymous complaints from casino operators.

Those operators called Indiana the most punitive state we operate in and said they feared retribution from Deputy Director Jenny Reske, according to what Garten read.

Earlier, Garten critiqued the agency over what he repeatedly termed automatic fines.

Nothing on our schedule is an automatic fine, General Counsel Dennis Mullen responded.

Small and Mullen said that on-site gaming agents which staff casinos 24/7 investigate alleged incidents and write substantiated ones up in incident reports. The reports go to on-site supervisors, who can send them on to the agencys enforcement assistant director. A compliance committee conducts further review and can make recommendations for disciplinary actions.

Its at that point, according to Small, that the agency enters the settlement process. It sends a notice of violation to the casino, which includes a draft settlement agreement with dollar amounts. But the licensee can dispute the claims and provide additional context or mitigating factors. The two parties finalize a settlement.

Thats unless the casino declines the settlement. In that case, the agency can make an administrative complaint and have the Office of Administrative Law Judges take up the dispute, according to Mullen.

Garten countered that judicial deference to the agency puts casinos at a disadvantage, and used finger quotes to argue that the agreements are not actually voluntary.

The agency acknowledged that judges defer to its interpretation of its own rules but not in making factual determinations.

Garten additionally questioned the agency for specifying that it would default to the highest dollar amount penalties on its fine schedule.

Mullen said the language assures licensees that were not going to double dip on a fine that may technically violate one or two or more of the items on our schedule. Instead, the agency will only pursue the single item with the highest fine.

Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, also blasted the IGC for sharing a letter he and Garten wrote to the agency asking for clarifications. He spoke after the agencys presentation on its proposed rules and before other committee members began their questioning.

I felt that we could work internally and find a solution. We had no intention of embarrassing the Gaming Commission, but later discovered they could do that on their own, said Mishler, who chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

I cant comprehend why someone in your agency would be so compelled to share a letter that basically confirms that you dont know how your agency runs, Mishler continued. And so now, I guess I understand some of the concerns that Senator Gartens had with the lack of leadership within the agency.

The Capital Chronicle ran portions of a letter it received last month.

Mishler said we plan to offer legislation making some changes in the agency until we have a compromise.

I will suggest that you step up, get your house in order, and you circle back, he said.

When Small offered to meet, Mishler declined: Until you step up, I dont think theres a reason to meet. Theres changes you need to make, and then you circle back with us.

Mishler was unavailable for interviews on his specific grievances.

Other lawmakers questioned the need for such detailed discussion.

I dont know why we got off the track and got into their personnel and their culture and all that, said Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis. We were here to vote on the fines, not intimidate them or threaten them or back them off. Its beyond my comprehension what that was all about.

Read the original:

'Get your house in order': Lawmakers admonish gambling regulation agency, which defends processes - Indiana Capital Chronicle

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia is betting big on a new gaming bill that could see new major venues open casinos, regardless of local government opposition.

The legislation (SB 1054) would allow existing gaming permit holders to move operations to a different location within 30 miles. And the legislation would allow those permit holders to ignore any local regulations barring such a transfer.

One primary beneficiary from the legislation would be billionaire Jeffrey Soffer, who owns the Big Easy Casino in Hallandale Beach. Soffers family also owns the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach and has pushed for legislation allowing a casino to open there.

Ingoglias bill would allow Soffer to make such a move. The legislation does restrict new gaming options in a way, saying a permit cannot be moved to a location within 15 minutes of Seminole Tribe of Florida-operated casinos in Hollywood. The Seminole Tribe of Florida recently agreed to a new Gaming Compact with the state, which is fully coming online now after a slate of legal challenges.

The Fontainebleau Hotel, however, is outside that 15-mile radius from the Seminole Tribe of Floridas nearby Hollywood casino.

The city of Miami has opposed such a move, however. Its an existential threat to our community, said former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelberin comments to the Miami Herald.

If the Legislature goes along with (the bill) and the courts fail to do their job, theres no way this will simply be a single casino, Gelber said.

Gelber is referencing a 2018 constitutional amendment, where Florida voters approved a measure requiring any gaming expansions to be approved by the voters via ballot referendum unless that expansion only deals with gaming on tribal lands.

That same provision has led to a state-level lawsuit against the Gaming Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state, as that agreement allows for mobile sports betting. But the Seminole Tribe of Florida has said a referendum was unnecessary, as the servers hosting those bets are on tribal lands.

However, Gelber and other opponents to new casinos would argue that Ingoglias proposal would need to be approved by voters. Even so, many other anti-gaming advocates would likely oppose the bills efforts to override any local regulations that ban gaming expansion.

So far, no House lawmaker has filed a companion to Ingoglias bill, which the Senator filed on Thursday. The 2024 Legislative Session begins on Jan. 9.

Post Views: 0

More here:

Blaise Ingoglia bill could open gambling options in the state - Florida Politics

Locks

NFL (1 Unit) Washington Commanders +3 @ NY Jets (-110; Odds via Caesars): 12:00 PM CT on CBS

I cant get over the fact that the Jets passed over Trevor Siemian in favor of starting Tim Boyle a few weeks ago. Now theyre stuck with Siemian today with Zach Wilson in concussion protocol, so its ironic how things work themselves out. How Siemian is going to operate an offense thats already dead last in EPA/play and success rate, behind the absolute worst offensive line in football, is beyond me.

Even against Washingtons league-worst offense, I just dont see them putting up points. Hopefully the Commanders can get a couple scoring drives put together here and claim the outright win, but Ill take the three points with a team thats 5-2 ATS as a road dog this season.

NFL (1 Unit) Cleveland Browns/Houston Texans Over 40.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 12:00 PM CT on CBS

Im not too worried about CJ Stroud being out again for Houston, as Case Keenum now has an extra week to work as the starter. That should help the Texans move the ball and score plenty against the Browns, who allow the most points in the league in road games.

Cleveland should also continue to put up points with their new offensive philosophy built around letting Joe Flacco chuck it all over the yard, especially since Houston is missing key defensive players. That style creates volatility and fuels higher-scoring games no matter what, so we should see these teams clear a fairly low total.

NFL (1 Unit) Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears Over 42 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 3:25 PM CT on FOX

Thanks to climate change, Christmas Eve in Chicago will look very different from what youd remember in Home Alone. Its going to be downright balmy with very light winds, putting no weather-related damper on scoring here. That should help the Bears move it with ease against a Cardinals defense that lets pretty much any opponent score at will.

Much has been made about the defensive resurgence of the Bears the past several weeks, but thats been built against an extremely easy schedule of opposing offenses. The Cardinals have moved the ball well since Kyler Murray returned, and I dont see that changing today as both teams help cash this over.

NFL (1 Unit) Dallas Cowboys/Miami Dolphins Over 49.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 3:25 PM CT on FOX

As I mentioned on my podcast, Im scared for my Cowboys today. Dallas runs man coverage more than just about any team in the league, and that will be trouble against all the skill position speed for Miami. As long as Tyreek Hill suits up today, I think the Dolphins can score easily against a Cowboys defense thats historically struggled on the road.

But this also has to be a bounce back spot for the Dallas offense after last week. The Miami defense is not all its cracked up to be, as theyve allowed 31.0 PPG against teams with offenses ranked top-15 in EPA/play and success rate. The Cowboys are top-5 in both metrics, and as long as they dont struggle too much on a grass field should put up plenty of points to reach this high total.

NFL Sunday Prop Picks (Odds via DraftKings)

0.5 Unit Sam LaPorta Over 47.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.75 Unit Breece Hall Over 78.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Antonio Gibson Over 55.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Devin Singletary Over 83.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit David Njoku Over 50.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.25 Unit David Njoku Anytime TD (+200)

0.5 Unit Dalton Schultz Over 30.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Josh Downs Over 46.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Tyler Lockett Over 49.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Jaxson Smith-Njigba Over 42.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.75 Unit Rachaad White Over 103.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

0.75 Unit Tua Tagovailoa Over 22.5 Completions (-110)

0.75 Unit Dak Prescott Over 36.5 Pass Attempts (-110)

0.5 Unit Jaylen Waddle Over 66.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit Jake Ferguson Over 43.5 Receiving Yards (-110)

0.75 Unit DJ Moore Over 5.5 Receptions (+110)

0.25 Unit DJ Moore Anytime TD (+105)

0.75 Unit Justin Fields Over 59.5 Rushing Yards (-110)

0.5 Unit James Conner Over 64.5 Rushing+Receiving Yards (-110)

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 1849-1655 ATS (+83.1 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 this article:

Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/24 - Zone Coverage

A new reportby the Alabama Policy Institute (API) suggests that a gambling expansion would have negative repercussions.

API commissioned Dr. John Hill to prepare an in-depth report on gambling and the effects of expanding legalized gambling in the state. His twenty-page report detailed the potential pitfalls that come with the expansion of legalized gambling in the state.

The proposed bill could include: Casinos, a state-sponsored lottery, sports gambling, and online gambling that Alabamians could play from their smartphones and laptops.

In 2020 Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, commissioned a commission that showed that the state could generate an additional $200 to $300 million from a lottery, $300-$400 million from casinos, and an estimated $10 million from sports gambling producing an estimated $600 million total to further grow state government. It remains unclear what the legislature plans to do with these new resources and if the people 0f the state would see any benefit.

RELATED: Is Alabama feeling lucky about gaming in 2024?

Dr. Hill warned, however, that lottery revenues are undependable.

Since 2011, the percentage of each dollar devoted to state initiatives has fallen from 34% to 29%, while the percentage of money devoted to prizes has increased from 62% to 67%. This is because it takes bigger and bigger payouts to lure gamblers in. States that then cut the prizes to increase their revenues have seen ticket sales decrease by as much as 40%.

Those hardest hit by lottery play are those who can least afford to play. One study showed that households making less than $30,000 per year spent 13% of their income on lottery tickets, compared with just 1% for households earning $50,000 per year or more. Stores selling lottery tickets are disproportionately concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods. Poor people also bought tickets more frequently (26.1 times in the last year) than those in the two highest fifths (9.5 and 10.1 times).

There are 468 commercial casinos open in 27 states. There are also 523 Indian casinos open in 29 states including three in Alabama owned by the Poarch band of Creek Indians. That total includes 15 in Florida and 29 in Mississippi.

Hills report indicated these casinos generate more than half of their revenue from local gamblers rather than tourists. When money is spent on gambling, it is not spent on other goods and services in the same community leading to the closing of existing local businesses and reduced sales tax collections.

Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have all legalized online gambling. Since 2013, revenues from legal online gambling in the U.S. have gone from zero to 8.3% of all traditional casino and racino revenues. Sports betting has spread rapidly across the U.S. after the Supreme Court ruled that it could be done outside of Nevada.

Hills report showed that legalized gambling adds very little to the bottom line of most states. Combined tax revenues from non-tribal casinos, lotteries, sports gambling, and stand-alone electronic gambling devices represented only 1.7% of the $2.2 trillion spent by state governments in 2021. In Mississippi twenty years ago, casinos provided almost 5% of the revenue for their general fund. That percentage has fallen to just 2.14% in the current fiscal year. Gambling revenues have fallen 16% since 2008 (a drop of 39% when adjusted for inflation). This is due to competition from the tribal casinos and the allure of newer attractions in Arkansas and Louisiana.

The state of Alabama had a $43.2 billion budget in fiscal year 2023. Gambling revenues would only amount to a small percent of that and would negatively impact sales tax collections and other revenue sources.

The 14 states that allowed mobile sports betting in the 2021-2022 fiscal year collected $150 million less in revenues than the $560 million predicted by the gambling proponents.

Tourists have little reason to visit Alabama to gamble given the amount of gambling venues already present across the country.

RELATED: Givhan: 2024 gaming proposal appearing more intellectually honest than previous

Hills research shows that if additional gambling is legalized, its accessibility would undoubtedly draw people who have not gambled previously. Some of these would become problem gamblers.

The symptoms of a gambling addiction include increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, chasing losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.

In states where casinos legally operate, residents were 40% more likely to have gambled in the past year, were 80% more likely to have gambled at least six times in a casino in the past year, and 50% more likely to report a gambling problem; than in states without legalized casinos. In states with legalized lotteries, residents were 280% more likely to have gambled in the past year, 900% more likely to have bought lottery tickets at least thirty times in the past year, and 70% more likely to report a gambling problem.

Hills research shows that a lottery would increase the number of problem gamblers in Alabama by 25,800 (37%). Adding multiple types of gambling would increase the number of problem gamblers by at least 32,000 (37%). Underage problem gamblers are two to four times more likely than adults to develop gambling addictions.

RELATED: Sen. Singleton: Gaming bills only come up when were broke

In California, gambling addicts comprise less than 5% of all gamblers yet account for 52% of the money spent in casinos, 32% of the money spent on lottery tickets, and 42% of off-track betting wagers.

In one study the top 5% of lottery players accounted for 51% of all lottery ticket sales.

Adolescents tend to begin gambling before they begin other risky behaviors, including tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and sexual behavior. Although access to most legal forms of gambling is restricted, large numbers of high school and underage college students gamble in casinos and buy lottery tickets.

As many as 15% of adolescents gamble online, even though it is illegal. The estimated proportion of college students with at least one gambling disorder has increased to 7.89%. High school students who gamble on the Internet are more likely to report poor academic performance and alcohol abuse.

About 25% of gamblers with serious addiction problems manifest manic behavior, and over half report being depressed. 38% had mood disorders, 37% had some anxiety disorder, and 23% had major depression.

Hill wrote that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, not make them economic slaves. The economic and social costs of expanding gambling of any kind in Alabama are not in the best interests of our state.

Legislators are likely to introduce a gambling bill in the legislative session that begins on February 6 in order to get it on the ballot for voters to ratify on the November 5 general election.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email[emailprotected]

Dont miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabamas leading headlines delivered to your inbox.

See the article here:

API report warns that gambling, state lotto legalization comes with downsides - Yellowhammer News

On todaysDolphinsTalk.com Podcast, Jason Sarney is joined by Andy Slater of FOX Sports 640 to discuss sports gambling now being legal in Florida, his recent success with some bets, and he shares his picks for this weekend in the NFL.All this and more on this episode of the DolphinsTalk.com Podcast.

Previous Guests on the DolphinsTalk.com Podcast areLarry Csonka, Ricky Williams, Christian Wilkins, Mike Westhoff, Jarvis Landry, Albert Wilson, Mike Tannenbaum, Jeff Darlington, Michael Thomas, Phil Simms, Mike Greenberg, Sam Madison, OJ McDuffie, Ronnie Brown, Patrick Surtain, Oronde Gadsden, Omar Kelly, Richmond Webb, Armando Salguero, Hal Habib, Andy Slater, Dave Hyde, Troy Stradford, Jim CRASH Jensen, Alain Poupart, Jason Lieser, Marco Coleman, Mark Clayton, Ruthie Polinsky, Taybor Pepper, Ross Tucker, Todd Wade, Jay Fiedler, Patrick Cobbs, Orlando Alzugaray, Antwan Staley, Greg Likens, Cameron Wolfe, Safid Deen, David Furones, Manish Mehta, Jeff Fox, Clay Ferraro, Thomas Morstead, Tim Robbie, Shawn Wooden, Benjamin Allbright, Jim Florentine, Roy Wood Jr., Gary Myers, Carlo DeVito, Allie Kiick, Zig Fracassi, JT The Brick, Frank the Tank Fleming, Tre Watson, Brandon Lang, Jeff Kerr, Charlie Potter, Tony Pauline, and Kevin Donnalley.BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR ARCHIVES TO LISTEN TO THOSE PREVIOUS GUESTS ON OUR PODCAST

Read the original post:

Sports Gambling Special with Jason Sarney and Andy Slater of FOX SPORTS 640 - Miami Dolphins - Dolphins Talk