Category Archives: Online Casino

Online Casino of the Year is quite simply one of the most booming categories in global gaming right now. Gambling Insider previews the 10 nominees for the hotly contested category below.

The Covid-19 pandemic has continued to affect our lives over the past 12 months, with varying levels of restrictions still in effect across most marketplaces. The gambling industry has been affected as much as any, and weve witnessed the growth of online casinos continue at an even greater rate during this period, as many turn to digital operators to access their favourite gambling markets and games. Here are the nominees for Online Casino of the year.

When considering those online operators which enjoyed a positive year, it would be impossible to leave out our first nominee: BitStarz. 2021 has been big for the operator, with 3.4 million players visiting the platform which was originally one of the first casinos to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. The casino also benefitted from a raft of new game launches for its players, many of which were released exclusively on the platform before anywhere else, and now boasts over 1,800 games in total. Despite marketing itself as a crypto-first platform, it also offers promotions in the form of cash. Free spins, bonuses and prizes have seen its popularity rise, and 24/7 customer service has also been applauded.

Our second nominee is the biggest poker site in the world. PokerStars, a division of parent company Flutter Entertainment, enjoyed a stellar year as many traditional gamblers turned to digital. The poker site, formed in 2001, contributed significantly to its parent groups 12% increase in annual revenues in 2021, with Flutter reporting a turnover of 1.44bn ($1.97bn). Its also been a year where PokerStars has considered its societal impact by teaming up with Women Who Code, the nonprofit organisation which is dedicated to helping women excel in tech careers.

Casumo has been a breath of fresh air in the online casino market this year, injecting a new vibrancy into the industry with its simplicity and user-friendly experience, ensuring that it earns a nomination. The company has placed significant weighting behind a push for responsible gambling, while ensuring that the experience remains fun and enjoyable. Its sportsbook daily specials are a key draw to the platform, allowing players to make fast, easy decisions.

Our next nominee, JackpotJoy, is now part of Ballys Corporation. The brand continues to contribute significantly towards its overall groups revenue thanks to strong performances in the UK market over the past 12 months. An operator which predominantly focuses on bingo-related games, the platform is the largest in that space across the world, continuing to enjoy stellar growth over the past 12 months.

Next up is last years deserved winner. LeoVegas will look to retain its crown as Online Casino for the second year running, and its confidence will be high following another successful 12 months. The previous few years for LeoVegas, the self-titled King of Mobile Casino, have been positive with successful updates to the platform, exclusive releases and clever expansions. This year appears to have topped that once more, with a swathe of exclusive releases, smart innovations to the product, and new markets with record NDCs for the platform. Its been successful financially, too, with 2020 revenue amounting to 387,5m, a figure representing 9% growth. LeoVegas could once more be the name to look out for.

Mr Green is a deserving nominee this time around, and will look to go one better following its nomination last year. Since its launch in Sweden, in 2008, Mr Green has established itself in 13 different markets, and prides itself on best-in-class customer service. The past year has seen further growth for the brand, which now has over 1,000 casino games, as well as a live casino. Green Gaming is at the heart of everything the company does, and is its take on promoting responsible gambling for its players.

Our next nominee is a popular choice in the online casino marketplace, offering a wide selection of top casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and more. 2021 saw another positive year for 32Red, which also operates the Unibet brand, among others, with multiple long-term partnerships signed and extended. The 1X2 Network and Pragmatic Play agreements were two of the most significant deals finalised over the previous 12 months.

Videoslots is another nominee which made it onto the shortlist last year, and will look to go one further this time around. As with 32Red, Videoslots also spent the majority of 2021 solidifying its position in the marketplace with a number of shrewd deals and partnerships. Key agreements include those with Synot Games, the gaming content provider of over 30 years experience, and BetGames.tv, provider of live-dealer betting games enjoyed by over six million people worldwide. Malta-based Videoslots has only gone from strength-to-strength this year, and is making good use of its many years experience in the online casino industry.

Our penultimate nomination is for an online operator which capped off a brilliant year with the landmark acquisition of household name William Hill. 888 Holdings also announced a 7% increase in revenue for Q3 compared with the same period last year, ensuring that its on a sound financial footing. Among other highlights of its stellar year include B2C gaming, as the vertical continued to demonstrate the operators depth in online casino.

Our final nominee has over 50 years of experience in the business, and has successfully built up an online presence in recent times. Over the past 12 months, Betsson Group has expanded its outreach, with operations now in Greece, Argentina, Colombia, Croatia, Kenya and Belarus. Like other nominees, Betsson has taken the opportunity to further expand its portfolio of gaming titles, with the platform boasting over 1,000 titles for players to enjoy. The companys Q3, 2021 report shows continued growth, especially in the mobile space. Casino represented 74% of Group revenue, with mobile turnover delivering 82% of the total pot. It also launched two native apps for iOS and Android, expanded its in-house tournaments, provided themed table games with live Euro/Copa America scores, as well as improving overall user experience functions.

The Online Casino of the year award is sponsored by EGT Interactive.

EGT Interactivedelivers advancedonline gaming softwareand solutions which power some of the worlds top casino operators. We have over200 classic online slotsvarying in exciting theme inmore than 20 jurisdictions and powers 400+ live operators.Our partners trust ourone-time seamless API integration.

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Online Casino of the year - Gambling Insider

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on various industries, the gaming sector did not experience such a fate. Being stuck indoors inspired people to look for various entertainment options available in the comfort of their home and gaming is certainly a great solution to pass the time.

The situation is the same in Africa as this continents gaming market saw huge growth both when it comes to standard video games and the iGaming sector. And no matter if youve only tried a handful of popular games or are a true gaming enthusiast, you should consider trying online casino games as well since they come in different forms and with numerous benefits. Here is what you need to know.

The rising popularity of video and online casino games in Africa

So, which countries saw a rise in the popularity of video games recently? First of all, we cannot overlook the fact that South Africa had a strong few years and its expected that there will be at least 11 million more gamers in the country by 2026. On the other hand, when it comes to game developers, countries like Nigeria and Kenya are certainly leading the pack.

This sector is giving these countries a big economic boost thanks to the fact that theyre producing games for PCs, mobile, PlayStation, and Xbox.

In terms of the most played video games in Africa, staples like FIFA and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive definitely need to be mentioned as they are played regularly by Nigerians and South Africans alike.

Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, Dota 2, and League of Legends are also big names on the market while even simpler games such as card games have an audience too. However, while solitaire and Go Fish still provide players with a fun time, more of them have started looking for something a bit more exciting online casino games like poker and blackjack.

Why passionate gamers go for real money online casino games

Going from video games to online casino games is not a huge leap, as they have various things in common. They can both help players pass the time, especially when stuck inside during stay-at-home orders.

However, they can also be played on the go, seeing as how many video games are available on mobile and all leading casino operators provide users with a dedicated app where they can find a wide array of games.

Before deciding to join an online casino, its important that players understand the local laws as well as the options at their disposal. For instance, when it comes to South Africa, the laws are still a bit unclear but players are not restricted from playing online casino games on various foreign websites that welcome SA players.

Due to the markets large potential and a lot of options, its easy for players from this country to find online casino games with leading providers such as Zar Casino, Europa Online Casino, Springbok Casino, and Tusk Casino, who are just some of the most prominent names.

What is more, as Rudie Venter, PlayCasinos respected writer explains, those who want to try casino games with real money in South Africa can not only choose from great operators but also pay in the local currency, pick from a variety of banking options, and enjoy a range of bonuses and promotions. Countless games from slots to baccarat and blackjack to roulette and poker are available to users and they always guarantee a fun time.

On the other hand, even though Nigerias online market is still unregulated, the authorities have started the process of passing iGaming legislation. That means that this country can soon experience a huge boost thanks to this sector. While sports betting is currently the predominant type of gambling in Nigeria, online casinos could quickly overtake the top spot.

However, it should also be noted that a huge plus for playing online casino games in Africa is the fact that most markets are still not regulated properly, meaning that players from most countries are free to look for foreign websites that provide this service, have fun, and even win some money. Although some government-approved local websites are not the most trustworthy, its easy to find reliable online casinos from other countries that ensure a safe playing experience. Of course, knowing a certain countrys laws is the best way to ensure theyre not broken.

Another reason why more and more gamers are opting for online casino games is that various bonuses are offered. From no-deposit bonuses where playing is possible without depositing any money into an account to doubling the deposit and getting free spins, casinos understand how big of an attraction these great deals can be and use them to draw in players that know how to make the most of them.

If youre a gaming enthusiast from Africa, you might be wondering whether playing online casino games is worth your while. Seeing as how there is a wide array of games to choose from, plenty of great bonuses you can use, and a largely unregulated market, there is no reason why you shouldnt try this alternative as well.

About Playcasino.co.za: Playcasino.co.za is no1 Online Gambling guide for South African players. If youre looking for safe, legit and legal online casinos with the best free no deposit bonus offers look no further.

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Why every iGaming enthusiast in Africa should try online casino games - - The Eagle Online

ROME, March 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A player on NetBet Italy has totalled a win of over 1 million in slot game winnings while playing some of the online casinos most popular titles.

The lucky customer played four different slot games over just a few days which generated winning sessions totalling 1,215,002. The games included Gates of Olympus and Dog House Megaways, both from renowned provider Pragmatic Play.

We spoke to the player, who wishes to remain anonymous, about how they felt about their big win on a selection of slots; they said: I initially won 900,000 and had an explosion of joy.

While there is no technique to winning at slots, they had some words of wisdom for other aspiring winners: I would advise you to play low and play well, an approach that turned this player into a millionaire in the space of a week.

Over two decades, the NetBet brand has built a reputation for being one of the most trustworthy online casinos in the world. Explaining why they favour NetBet over its competitors, the player said: When I play, I expect a fun and entertaining experience even if it doesn't always go well. There is enhanced security when playing on a licensed site like NetBet Italy which means that, in the event of a big win, there is no risk of not receiving the winnings.

Filippo Stotani, country Manager NetBet.it, expressed delight at this outcome: This millionaire win shows that luck is truly blind, and life is unpredictable. In addition to congratulating the lucky player, I would like to emphasize the goal of NetBet Italy to offer moments of leisure and pure entertainment to its customers by promoting responsible gaming behaviours.

In light of this, it is important for the players to choose only legal online gaming sites that guarantee a regulated and safe environment.

For more information contact pr@netbet.it

About NetBet.it

NetBet.it is a single-member BPG srl site, founded in 2008. It is one of the first Italian portals specialising in online gaming and is licensed by ADM. With access to thousands of industry-leading casino games and daily sports events, NetBet.it has evolved into one of Italy's favourite online gaming brands.

For more information please visit: https://www.netbet.it

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NetBet.it give away 1.2 million on slots - GlobeNewswire

Somewhere in the great beyond, Bert Bell is folding his arms across his barrel chest and mouthing these words in the direction of his lineal successor, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: I told you so.

Bell was the most powerful commissioner in NFL history and has been widely credited with saving the professional game during the difficult days after World War II. He is the man who created the NFL draft, convinced owners to share revenue to prevent the natural dominance of large-city franchises, insisted on schedules that allowed weaker teams to play each other early to allow for competitive balance and came up with the concept of overtime that in 1958 was responsible for the overtime championship game victory of Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colts that is credited with catapulting the pro game into the national consciousness.

Yet if you asked Bell what his most significant moment was he would say it was when he suspended Merle Hapes and Frank Filchock for allegedly failing to report an effort by professional gamblers to fix the 1946 NFL championship game.

Hapes never played another down in the NFL, and Filchock played less than a full season in 1950 after being reinstated while Bell went on an anti-gambling campaign that resulted in a resolution that gave the commissioner the power to permanently ban any NFL personnel found to have bet on NFL games or to have withheld information of an attempt to fix the outcome of an NFL game.

He also required teams to issue weekly injury reports, thus preventing gamblers from receiving inside information; hired former law enforcement officials to investigate any gambling rumors and personally monitored the weekly point spreads through his wide range of bookmaking contacts in search of unusual or sudden changes in odds or point spreads.

Bell was adamant in his belief that gambling on games by players, coaches or officials would be the death of professional football because it could call into question the legitimacy of the results. That anti-gambling vigilance continued until 2018 when the Supreme Court legalized sports betting throughout the United States, a decision that Goodell and NFL owners saw as legitimizing sports betting and thus turning it into a potential revenue stream.

In short order, Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the country, had an NFL franchise and NFL owners began partnerships with casinos and gaming companies that had launched online gambling and fantasy-football betting. A sport that once feared even the implication that it was involved with gamblers now embraced them.

In nearly 100 years of NFL football the league had suspended just five players, including Hapes and Filchock, for either betting on games or withholding information on efforts to fix a game. In the past three years alone two players have been suspended for betting on games, the latest coming Monday when Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for at least a year for placing parlay bets on NFL games in November when he had taken a leave of absence to deal with mental-health issues.

In a series of tweets after the suspension was announced, Ridley said he bet $1,500 total and insisted he didnt have a gambling problem. He also tweeted that he couldn't even watch football at the time he made the bets. Maybe not, but apparently he could watch the weekly point spreads.

The NFL learned that Ridley placed three, five and eight-team parlay bets that included betting on the Falcons to win. Those bets were made on a mobile device, the same type of mobile gambling device his bosses in the NFL have partnered with.

Ridley tweeted that he knew he was wrong but also seemed to make light of the situation in several tweets, saying Im getting a year LOL. That does not sound like a young man who knows he was wrong. Frankly, why should he?

When the very teams he plays against and for are advertising mobile gambling sites during their games and entering into partnerships with casino gambling, mobile gambling and fantasy gambling, what is the message sent to kids like Ridley? Certainly not the one Bert Bell was trumpeting in 1946 or that the commissioners that followed him continued to adamantly support.

Even Goodell was a loud opponent of involvement with legalized gambling until recently, going so far as to ban then Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo from appearing as a paid spokesman at a fantasy-football convention in Las Vegas several years ago. Yet Goodells opposition to sports betting dissolved the moment the owners realized the Supreme Court opened a new revenue stream for them in 2018.

So why would Ridley think doing a little business with a league sponsor and partner would be a problem?

It had been nearly 40 years since an NFL player was suspended for gambling. It has now happened twice in the past three seasons. If Goodell and the owners cant see the connection between their decision to get in league with legalized sports gambling and their young players' involvement in betting on games, it is because they are choosing blindness ... not suffering from it.

In a letter to Ridley, Goodell said, "There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success -- and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league -- than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFLFor decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction.

The NFL said its investigation uncovered no evidence that Ridley used inside information or "that any game was compromised in any way," but how could Ridley NOT have had inside information when some of his bets were placed on his own team? This is absurd on the face of it, even though he was in a self-imposed hiatus from the game to work on his personal metal health issues.

Yet the greater danger to the game is not one players parlay bets. It is the NFLs decision to partner with the very gamblers it claims so threaten the integrity of the game. The NFLs hypocrisy in this regard is obvious, dangerous and frankly confusing to guys like Ridley.

If your league endorses the product, how bad can it be to use it?

It says in the Bible, in Galatians 6.7, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. To put it in more modern slang, if you lie down with dogs, you get fleas. The NFL made a choice several years ago to go into business with the gambling industry, thus sanitizing what Bert Bell saw as the greatest threat to the sport. Already two of its players have been caught betting on NFL games. How long will it be before something far worse happens?

Link:

Ridley's Suspension Natural Outgrowth of NFL Partnering with Online Gambling - Sports Illustrated

The brand was created as the online arm of CT Gaming, then known by most as Casino Technologies a well-established land-based gaming provider with over a dozen offices around the globe. The most recent area of operations formed in 2012 and the core company created a separate company in the CT Interactive brand.

Today the company supplies slots to more than 800 casinos according to a recent press release.

Reflecting on the 10 year anniversary, Lachezar Petrov, CEO at CT Interactive said: I am grateful and humbled by my teams success over the past years. We at CT Interactive are equally grateful to all of the people who supported us along the way. It is just the beginning of our path our best days are ahead of us. He added, We have assembled a world-class team. Its an exceptional place to work.

In the span of a mere decade the company has built its team to a staff of more than 50 employees providing a portfolio of over 200 games to operators in 17 regulated jurisdictions.

Some of the main enhancements and innovations the company has implemented to keep its customer base growing, satisfied, and coming back for more include a game portfolio dubbed, Free Spins, with a variety of slots and diverse mechanics augmented by interesting maths and graphics.

One element players become engaged with is the Hot Luck 3-Level Mystery Interactive Jackpot that includes an extra scatter level. It not only keeps existing customers playing but draws new traffic as well. The extra chances to win that it gives players gives operators an excellent marketing technique for a higher level of entertainment, the company said.

Once youve attracted a player, they have to stay engaged if an operator hopes to retain them for any considerable amount of time. The company explained, They are a perfect way to encourage new sign-ups and increase player retention. Free Spins keep players happy and give them a reason to come back, building brand loyalty.

While the land-based business had decades to explore new markets and establish relationships with customers on land, it is rarely a given that a product will also translate directly into online play in the same markets. In the last few years, CT Interactive has made a point of exploring and penetrating new markets for the brand as well as reaching into emerging markets that hold promise.For an in-depth review of the company including a more detailed history, please see here.

Petrov added: The team is particularly proud that weve continued to stick to our core vision accountability and trust and as a result, we continue growing. We have developed a strong corporate culture that enables us to move on by creating products that meet our customers needs.

I take great pride in what we have been able to accomplish over the last decade. The significance of this milestone is for our clients and employees to believe the work we do is valuable. Importantly, it validates the business benefits of being customer-centric.

Source: CT Interactive celebrates its 10th anniversary, Intergame Online,March 9, 2022

Link:

CT Interactive, the online arm of the former Casino Technologies, marks 10 years - Casino News Daily

Maybe online gambling is a more convenient choice, but it can never be as fun, exciting, or luxurious as playing your favourite casino games in a brick-and-mortar resort. Depending on the size of your wallet, you can make a real, exclusive treat out of a simple gambling getaway. Not every land-based casino is a massive, shiny, attractive resort, but mostly, the casino owners are trying their best to accommodate you with style and offer large-scale entertainment, aside from the casino itself. Some brands have done it better than others, and we are here to tell you who did it best. In the next couple of lines, we present to you the five best casino resorts in the world.

Photo, Tobias Smietana.

No lack of luxury here, but we will place The Venetian fifth on our list, only because there doesnt seem to be a lot of creativity here. Simply, The Venetian represents the Chinese replica of the famous Italian city. Maybe the creators of this mega structure never cared much to make the resort unique in looks, but they scored an endless number of pluses on the size.

The Venetian is the second-largest casino on the planet and the seventh-largest building by floor area. Impressive. Everything about this massive entertainment centre is truly extraordinary. The most luxurious suits, amazing restaurants, shopping malls and swimming pools. Even if you are not a casino enthusiast, you will enjoy this colossal Macau complex, becausewhats there not to like? Gondola ride in the middle of Asia? Spectacular bars and clubs? The Venetian has it all.

Photo, Hurija Muskic.

You gotta give it to Las Vegas, after all these years, it still hasnt lost its charm. The majority of the most luxurious places on Earth are there North Americas gambling entertainment epicentre, in Sin City, the heart and soul of the entire casino industry. Caesarss Palace is certainly something special, especially when we take into consideration that this deluxe resort was built 50 years ago. Throughout the years, it has outlived all sorts of troubles: financial crises, multiple scandals, government pressure but, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, right?

Caesarss Palace is strong, beautiful, and full of exciting surprises. The resort is home to premium spa rooms, international cuisine, the most popular music concerts, huge gaming areas, and many other things. The whole story is wrapped into Roman-style interior and exterior design; lucky visitors will walk through mosaic hallways and relax in Roman baths.

Photo, Swapnil Bapat.

No surprises here. Singapore is a fast-developing Asian giant and offers the most modern, up-to-date architecture and entertainment. Marina Bay Sands Casino Resort is definitely an architectural gem and one of the most modern buildings in the world; simply impressive, same as its casino offer: thousands of slot machines, hundreds of tables, the best-trained croupiers, service, foodwe can go on and on.

Maybe Marina Bay Sands is not your cup of tea, but admit you havent expected anything German on this list. Believe it or not, the Kurhaus is one of the most extravagant casinos out there. Its often called the architectural masterpiece, or a piece of cultural lifestyle. The Kurhaus is not the biggest or the shiniest casino resort, but its the fanciest, since it looks like a middle-century palace. And, actually, it is. It was established in 1820, more than 200 years ago.

Photo, Antonio Janeski.

It was, it is, and it will be, the king of Las Vegas. If you really want to experience the gambling industry and all its ups and downs, pack your stuff, you are going to Bellagi.! This place is so iconic and well-known that it feels unnecessary to explain how cool it is! Five-star luxury, a great reputation, the restaurants, the best music shows, everything is top of the league in Bellagio. If you are lucky enough to visit this magnificent place, be sure to take a picture by the famous Hollywood fountains; choreographed water shows with performances set to light and music.

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Best Casino Resorts in the World - We Heart

ATLANTIC CITY The Greater Atlantic City Chamber has come out against legislation that would ban smoking in casinos.

In a statement, chamber President Michael Chait said efforts to impose a permanent ban should be halted, adding it will have a negative impact on the casino industry.

Chait cited job losses and a decline in revenue, which in turn would hurt local businesses and vendors that rely on the industry for their economic livelihood.

We recognize the concerns of casino employees who support a smoking ban, but we also must keep in mind that thousands of employees and their families will be impacted by lost jobs if a ban is passed, Chait said.

The bill, like one that died without a vote in last years legislative session, would amend New Jerseys Smoke-Free Air Act to include casinos.

Casinos are specifically exempted from the current law. Smoking is allowed on no more than 25% of a casinos floor in Atlantic City.

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ATLANTIC CITY Amid a renewed push to ban smoking in Atlantic Citys casinos, a new report

In the Assembly, the bill has been referred to the Health Committee, while in the Senate the bill has been referred to the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

On Thursday, five more senators co-sponsored the legislation (S264) that would eliminate the loophole that still allows some smoking on casino floors.

As of Thursday, 13 of the states 40 senators are either primary or co-sponsors of the legislation, Americans for Nonsmokers Rights said. That list includes Sens. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, and Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic.

New Jersey should not allow any worker to be subjected to cancer-causing secondhand smoke while on the job, said Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-Hunterdon. Im co-sponsoring S264 because its past time that we eliminate the casino smoking loophole and finally protect the health of casino workers. This is a common sense bill and an urgent matter for thousands of Atlantic City casino employees.

Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans For Nonsmokers Rights, a coalition pushing to get rid of smoking in Atlantic City casinos, called the chambers statement more of the same scare tactics that are going over like a lead balloon.

Hallett praised the support from the states senators.

ATLANTIC CITY From the time 400 years ago when enslaved Africans were first forced to Amer

The overwhelming, bipartisan support for protecting casino workers from secondhand smoke continues to grow, Hallett said. In the year 2022, we know too much to allow any business to intentionally subject their workers to carcinogens. We applaud these senators for adding their name and helping to advance this critical legislation.

Chait said a smoking ban would put the citys casinos at a disadvantage against those in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, where smoking is allowed.

By imposing a smoking ban, we are simply driving visitors, businesses and jobs away from our region to neighboring states, he said.

Spectrum Gaming Group, an independent gambling research firm, said last month in a report that a smoking ban in Atlantic City could cost up to 2,500 casino jobs and nearly 11% of casinos revenue.

A group of casino workers and smoking opponents criticized the report, saying it prioritizes profits over the health of employees and customers. They also said it fails to examine what would happen in subsequent years as patrons get used to a smoking ban, citing the experience of some tribal casinos where gambling rebounded.

The Casino Association of New Jersey commissioned the Spectrum report, which did not recommend whether smoking should be banned. The association opposed the legislation in January, saying forcing smokers outside could turn away potential customers.

We are doing everything we can to go bipartisan for our casino workers, Swift said. The bi

Still, permanently banning smoking in Atlantic City casinos is gaining renewed support in the state Legislature. Gov. Phil Murphy has said he will sign a smoking ban into law if a bill is passed.

Among other findings in the report, it determined that smokers, who account for 21% of Atlantic City gamblers, are worth more to casinos than non-smokers in that they tend to lose more money and spend more on non-gambling items.

Chait said employment and visitation to the city is at a 20-year low, adding that the success of online gaming has created a misperception about the current state of the Atlantic City casino industry.

The national industry won $53 billion in 2021, the American Gaming Association showed in its year-end report last month. Almost $45 billion was won from in-person gamblers, up 6.6% from 2019, the AGA showed.

Land-based gaming revenues are down from 2019 and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. As the numbers demonstrate, this is not the time to enact policy changes that could inflict yet another blow to an already struggling industry and the employees, families and businesses that it supports, Chait said.

Hallett cited the promotion of online gambling over the past few years as a bigger concern for in-person visitation numbers, not smoking.

TRENTON Another local state senator is now on board with eliminating smoking in Atlantic C

If their members are concerned about in-person visitation, they should talk to the casino operators about the incessant promotion of online gambling that cannibalizes Atlantic Citys land-based business, Hallett said. Casinos and their allies have also yet to lay out how they plan to protect their workers from secondhand smoke. Their health deserves more than lip service.

Chait called Atlantic City the economic engine of not only South Jersey, but the entire state, adding the industry has produced more jobs, investment and tax revenue than any other industry in Atlantic County in the past 40 years.

I urge legislators to protect the jobs, tourism and revenue that fuel our local and regional economy and oppose any efforts to enact a smoking ban at Atlantic City casinos, Chait said. The growth and vitality of our community depend on it.

Contact John Russo: 609-272-7184

jrusso@pressofac.com

Twitter: @ACPress_Russo

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Greater Atlantic City Chamber opposes proposed casino smoking ban - Press of Atlantic City

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The Kentucky Derby occupies a special place in the American consciousness. Evocative images of Kentucky Derby hats and mint juleps spring to mind. That classic race at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack has also inspired bettors, perhaps even more than it has milliners and bartenders.

Whats also ingrained in the American psyche is the idea that where theres legal gambling, like the Bluegrass States horse race wagering, the state will be funding responsible gambling efforts. Unfortunately, that assumption doesnt always hold up.

Kentucky is currently one of the places it doesnt. However, that faith may become valid by the time Kentuckians don their bonnets and sip their cocktails this year.

Thats because members of the Kentucky General Assembly are considering HB 609. If it gets their approval, the bill will appropriate $225,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2022-2023 to the Kentucky problem gambling assistance fund.

$225 million is a hefty sum. However, lawmakers are confident in pulling it out of the general fund for this purpose. Thats because in September 2021, the Commonwealth of Kentucky settled a lawsuit against the PokerStars brand for $300 million.

What better use of that money than to put it to problem gaming?

That rhetorical question comes in the form of a Feb. 28 tweet from Rep. Adam Koenig, the primary sponsor of the responsible gambling (RG) bill.

The House measure moved into theCommittee on Committees on Feb. 28, just in time for Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

One of the bill sponsors, Al Gentry, tweeted on Monday:

As a strong proponent of responsible expanded gaming, I acknowledge one of the glaring omissions in KY is that no gaming tax revenues go to KY Problem Gaming. It is WAY past time to fix that.

Kentucky is a rarity in having its lack of taxpayer-funded responsible gambling assistance called out by its own lottery officials.

On the Kentucky Lottery site today, the responsible gambling page reads:

Unfortunately, Kentucky provides no [publicly] funded direct counseling services for problem or compulsive gamblers. The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, along with the Kentucky Lottery, has advocated for more than a decade for these services to be put in place.

The RG page points out that the lottery itself is doing the best it can:

The Kentucky Lottery was one of the first in the United States to establish a Play Responsibly program back in 1996, and has served as a model for many other state lotteries. We were the first lottery in the U.S. to hold all three national and international responsible gambling certifications, showing again our commitment to establishing and maintaining best practices.

If HB 609 becomes law, theKentucky Problem Gambling Assistance Fund will be overseen by theKentucky Problem Gambling Assistance Board. The bill outlines using the $225 million outlined for the fund for the lifetime of the program.

Heres what the bill says about the proposed revolving account to be established in the state treasury:

All moneys in the fund are appropriated for, and shall be used exclusively for:

(a) Providing support to agencies, groups, organizations, and persons that provide education, assistance and counseling to persons and families experiencing difficulty as a result of addiction to alcohol or drugs or addictive or compulsive gambling;

(b) Promoting public awareness of and providing education about addictions;

(c) Establishing and funding programs to certify addiction counselors;

(d) Promoting public awareness of assistance programs for addicts; and

(e) Paying the costs and expenses associated with the treatment of addictions.

Koenig is the primary sponsor of that and two other pending House bills about online gambling.

Itll probably be the most robust programin America, he said during the press conference.

Another measure HB 607 addresses modernizing parimutuel wagering regulation. Within that classification is historic horse racing machine regulation. An industry representative has said that HHR has generated $41 million in revenue for the states general fund.

Most interesting to many OPR readers, of course, is Koenigs effort to legalize sports betting and online poker in the state.

Anyone attending the Kentucky Derby can stay seated to bet on it.

Louisville-based Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) plans to remain in the horse racing business. However, even if the state does legalize sports betting, CDI probably wont be in a position to take advantage of it.

CDI, which owns the eponymous Churchill Downs in Louisville, is planning toabandon its online casino and sports betting activities. It has been carrying these out under the TwinSpires brand, formerly BetAmerica.

Its legal to gamble on horse races at the track and via parimutuel wagering, as well as buy Kentucky Lottery products in the state. However, that is about the extent of legal gambling in Kentucky. Kentucky has no retail casinos or card rooms, and no online gambling. Even daily fantasy sports remain a gray area.

Thats why Gentrys tweet that contained an article link about the $225 million RG proposal also alluded to another effort underway: expanding legal gambling in Kentucky.

To that end, the House is moving forward on HB 606. The Senate is simultaneously considering a similar piece of legislation, SB 213. Those bills call for daily fantasy sports, online sports betting and online poker legalization in Kentucky.

The Senate bill, sponsored by David Yates, is advancing faster than the Houses proposed legislation. It proceeded to the Licensing and Occupations committee on Feb. 25.

Meanwhile, its no surprise that Koenig is the primary sponsor of both pending House bills. Koenig, who took office in 2007, sponsored online sports betting legislation each year since the US Supreme Court repealed theProfessional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018.

So far, Koenigs proposed online gambling bills havent had much success in Kentucky. Perhaps the fourth time will be the charm.

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Kentucky Bill Would Allocate $225 Million To Responsible Gambling - OnlinePokerReport.com

SINGAPORE - Two MPs on Friday (March 11) expressed concern with young people being exposed to gambling, as amendments to the law were approved to keep up with technology changing the way people gamble,and blurring the lines between gambling and gaming.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan reiterated that a key change, allowing social gambling among family and friends in homes, was subject to conditions.

The changes to the law also mean private establishments will have to get a licence to allow members to gamble and play games such as mahjong.

During the debate on the Gambling Control Bill and Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Bill, which were both passed on Friday, Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang) said emerging forms of gambling, enabled by technology, have made people and young children susceptible to its insidious nature.

Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) expressed concern that the changes would explicitly permit gambling for children in social settings, and "could provide a gateway to more problem gambling habits later in their lives".

Responding, Mr Tan said the exemption on social physical gambling, which does not have a legal minimum age, does not change the Government's approach to gambling.

"We are actually making it clear that social gambling is allowed, subject to conditions... These conditions, if you think about it, act as social safeguards.

"Individuals should exercise personal responsibility in deciding whether to allow underageindividuals to engage in such activities," added Mr Tan, who urged family members to play a role in ensuring this would not lead to gambling addiction.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said the National Council on Problem Gamblinghas stepped up efforts to educate young people, parents, educatorsand the public on the potential connection between loot boxes and gambling.

"The intent really is to educate our young ones to be able to identify the possible gambling elements in online games, protect themselves when gaming and to seek help if necessary," said Mr Chua.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development will work with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to monitor the gambling situation in Singapore and gambling trends so that safeguards remain relevant.

GRA, which will be set up by the middle of this year, will be the single regulator for all forms of gambling, taking over functions currently overseen by the Casino Regulatory Authority and several other agencies.

The proposed laws also mean that private establishments will have to get a licence to allow members to gamble and play games such as mahjong. Such establishments do not currently need to apply for a licence as they are given an exemption.

Mr Tan said that while the exemption regime had worked well over the years, MHA was concerned with "signs of illegal gambling taking root in private establishments".

Having private establishments apply for a licence will allow the authorities to screen key personnel for their eligibility to hold a gambling operator licence, he said.

"We will also introduce surveillance requirements for the purpose of enforcement to these licensed private establishments," addedMr Tan.

More here:

MPs raise concerns about emerging forms of gambling as law is updated - The Straits Times

The European Gaming and Betting Association has asserted that it will continue to promote a further reduction in intellectual property rights infringing online advertising in the gambling sector.

This comes as the Brussels-based trade association welcomes the findings of a study by the European Unions Intellectual Property Office, which has reported a significant reduction in advertising from major gambling brands on websites and mobile apps that infringe on IPR.

It is reported that during the past year ads from across the sector, including brands that are EGBA members, saw a 55 per cent drop across such entities, despite an increase of 26 per cent being documented across all sectors.

Despite appreciating progress made across recent years, the EGBA states that there is still more work to be done by a gambling sector that reportedly accounts for 25 per cent of advertising impressions on IPR-infringing websites.

Im pleased to see consistent and significant, year-on-year progress by Europes major gambling brands, including our members, to reduce the placement of advertising on IPR-infringing websites and apps, commented Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association.

But there is still more work to do, and we encourage Europes gambling operators, and their advertising affiliates, to play their part by ensuring their advertising, and its placement, is conducted in a responsible way.

We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the European Commission and other stakeholders, at EU-level, to reduce IPR-infringing online advertising.

On IPR-infringing websites, EUIPO found a significant 55 per cent decrease, from 18 per cent in Q1 to eight per cent in Q4 in major gambling brand advertising during 2021, which follows a 20 per cent drop one year earlier.

Furthermore, it is also reported that ads from all gambling brands dipped marginally from 28 per cent to 25 per cent from the past years first to final quarters. In terms of mobile apps, gambling is shown to account for less than one per cent of such impressions for apps.

This study looked at online advertising found on IPR infringing websites and mobile apps during 2021, and evaluated the estimated amount and type of such advertising as well as the associated ad revenues.

The total worldwide revenue generated by the monitored websites was estimated at 912.7m, while the revenue gained by the monitored apps is reportedly in the region of 57.1m.

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EGBA: there is still more work to do to ensure responsible advertising - Casino Beats