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The Colorado Avalanche rolled over the Nashville Predators in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, sweeping their overmatched opponents in four games. They expect to face more resistance in the second round, as theyll battle the St. Louis Blues starting on Tuesday night.

The Avalanche open as a -400 favorite over the Blues (+300) to win the series at DraftKings Sportsbook.

That makes Colorado by far the biggest favorite in the second round of the playoffs. The Avalanche also stand as the top choice to win the Stanley Cup this year at a very tight +190.

Colorado has earned that level of respect. The Avalanche topped the Western Conference with 119 points before blasting the Predators in their first-round series. Still, the Blues represent a much more dangerous opponent than Nashville did.

For one, the Blues finished just 10 points behind Colorado in the Central Division. St. Louis went 14-4-2 over its final 20 regular-season games, showing the team might be hitting its stride at just the right time. The Blues advanced by beating the Minnesota Wild in six games in their first-round series.

Both sides remember that the Avalanche swept the Blues in the first round of the playoffs last year, though neither team expects the same result in 2022.

I think were a better team than last year for sure, Blues captain Ryan OReilly told reporters. Its going to be a very tough challenge for us. They are one of, if not, the best teams in the league this year.

The Avalanche have big expectations this season, but theyre not about to overlook the Blues.

They are a different team this year and we are a different team this year, Colorado defenseman Devon Toews told reporters. So, you cant look into last year too much because that is in the past. We are focused on the present and playing the St. Louis team this year and they are a potent, highly potent offensive team that we have to be ready for.

Colorado will get a boost in net, as starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper will be ready to play in Game 1 against the Blues. Kuemper suffered an eye injury in Game 3 of the series against Nashville after Predators forward Ryan Johansen accidentally stuck his stick inside Kuempers mask.

It happened so quickly, Kuemper said of the incident. Obviously, pretty scary when your eyes are involved but, you know, I got pretty lucky that it wasnt worse. I think just bad luck.

No matter whos in goal, the Blues will face a difficult challenge every night against the Avalanche. Colorado comes into Game 1 as a -235 pick to win, and will likely be the favorite in every game in the series.

Theyre a great team, Colorado, we all know that, Blues coach Craig Berube told reporters. Youre going to have to do a lot of things right and youre going to have to be real disciplined and stay out of the penalty box against them.

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Stanley Cup Playoffs: St. Louis Blues Will Try to Outrun Avalanche in Second... - Online Gambling

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This is true for gamblers of all kinds - beginner and experienced players alike have a hard time deciding which website to use. If you are one of those gamblers, you have come to the right place. After detailed research, we have managed to come up with a top 10 list of gambling sites.

So, what are we waiting for? Lets get started.

Pros

Cons

Red Dog offers an all-around online gambling experience. There are a variety of casino games, fully optimized for play on the mobile platform - ensuring the best gaming experience. There are also numerous payment options supported by the online casino, which is a huge advantage.

Game Selection: 4.8/5

The first stop on our Red Dog casino review is its list of casino games. These are conveniently categorized into slots, poker, table, and specialty games on the homepage, making it easier for everyone to find something they are looking for.

There is a handful of roulette, blackjack, poker, keno, and poker games.

Players who would rather play slots are better catered for, with up to 120 titles to pick from. Expect familiar Real Time Gaming titles such as the series of Achilles, Aztec, Bubble Bubble, Cash Bandits, Cleopatra, and many others on Red Dog.

The total number of games, which is 156, might not sound much for some gamblers. But, there is one very important factor that should be considered - Red Dog is a gambling website that cares about the quality of the games offered far beyond the quantity.

This can be seen on every step of your gambling journey on Red Dog, including hand-picked games from a leading provider.

Bonuses and Rewards: 4.9/5

When you sign up to Red Dog Casino and make your first deposit, you are awarded a 235% Slots bonus + 55 Free Spins on Paddy's Lucky Forest. This is the welcome bonus offer, which has a 35x wagering requirement - it is quite normal for the industry.

Wait, theres more!

As for the existing players, the 24/7 promotion will give you a 120%, 135%, and 160% bonus every time you make a deposit. These percentages correspond to bonus cash of $30, $75, and $150 respectively.

There are also seasonal promotions and rewards, which vary throughout the year depending on the holiday or event being celebrated - clients of this online casino are encouraged to frequently check out the promotions page of the website to ensure they do not miss out on any new opportunities.

Mobile Compatibility: 4.8/5

The gambling industry continues to transform very fast. Today, many gamblers are switching their activities to smartphones, which allows them to gamble on the go. Red Dog understands this really well, which is why it ensured to have a perfect website for mobile gambling.

You will appreciate how lightweight the website is for both Android and iOS devices. Theres no app - all you have to do is to go on the website of the online casino from your mobile browser and you are ready to gamble.

Banking: 4.75/5

You should have no worries when thinking about banking at Red Dog. This online casino offers numerous payment options to its clients, such as cryptocurrencies, debit/credit cards, wire transfers, and gift cards.

A first-rate payout system has also been at Red Dogs core, which ensures you get your winnings paid out fast. Supported payment methods for withdrawals include MasterCard, VISA, Bitcoin, and Wire Transfers.

Usability: 4.7/5

For a long time, the Red Dog online casino has received praise for its user-friendly layout. The website is very intuitive - this is true for both, desktop and mobile versions of the website.

It is also quite easy to make payments, check your balance, go through different games, and do anything you want to in just a few clicks. This makes Red Dog truly a leading online casino.

Pros

Cons

Plenty of poker action, security of transactions, and the opportunity to participate in poker tournaments from your own home - this and many more make Ignition one of the best gambling websites available today.

Lets see exactly what you should know about this casino.

Game Selection: 4.7/5

The first category that should be discussed is game selection. One could say that the number of games on Ignition is too low - but, do not think that you cant find a game that you appreciate the most.

Although only about 120+ in number, the games on Ignition are from all different categories. This makes it quite easy for everyone to find something that fits their needs the best. The best thing? The outstanding selection of online poker games.

There are more than enough games and poker tournaments - guaranteeing the most fun. Among the games on Ignition can be found those like Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi, Omaha Hi-Lo plus many more.

You can play these poker games in more than 15 different tournaments. Our favorite one is the Super Saturday tourney, which seems to attract millions of gamers from across the country. If you are after big money, keep your eye open for the Big Money tournaments, particularly the Million Dollar Weekend, which happens once every month.

Bonuses and Rewards: 4.7/5

Whether you are signing up or returning as a regular player, theres always a cheeky bonus waiting for you at Ignition Casino. Theres the new welcome bonus, which will help you start exploring the exciting world of Ignition Casino.

This is awarded in the form of free cash or bitcoin depending on the payment method used to make your initial deposit. You can choose to benefit from the $3,000 poker and casino welcome bonus for Bitcoin deposits or settle for the $2,000 poker and casino welcome bonus for fiat currency.

Returning players can benefit from plenty of other promotions, many of them being centered around poker.

Mobile Compatibility: 4.75/5

Ignition may not have a mobile application but theyve successfully managed to put together a remarkable no download platform. Its a scale-down of the main platform and works/functions seamlessly too.

Games load fast, the live dealers are very clear. If you are playing poker, its very easy to find your way around the poker rooms even on small screens.

Banking: 4.6/5

There are several banking options supported by Ignition. By doing so, this online gambling website is able to offer clients methods that work the best for them. In total, there are 8 payment methods supported by Ignition, including BTC, BCH, LTC, Visa, Mastercard, and others.

Usability: 4.5/5

Despite not having changed the design of their website over the years, the modern design and layout of Ignition create a fuss-free experience. As weve stated earlier, the mobile site is a scale-down of the PC platform, which makes it easy for you to switch between the two when playing.

The arrangement of the site also makes it easy for you to jump to other parts of the Ignition world such as virtual sports or the casino with much ease. All the important buttons are also conveniently placed for you to locate whatever service you are after with much ease.

Pros

Cons

If you love playing slots, Slots.lv might be the best choice for you. With almost 200 slot games from leading providers, there is something for everyone on Slots.lv. But, dont be mistaken - Slots.lv has much more to offer than just slots.

Game Selection: 4.6/5

Lets be honest, who does not like slots? If you are one of those gamblers who enjoy slots, this online casino should definitely be one of your top choices.

In total, there are about 200 slot games available on Slots.lv - all of them being hand-picked by the team. These games are from 14 leading providers, all of whom are very well-known among gamblers - e.g., RTG, BetSoft, Microgaming, and many others.

In addition to casino slots, you can also play casino games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, scratch cards, and live dealer games. In total, there are about 250 games waiting to be played on Slots.lv.

Bonuses and Rewards: 4.5/5

The welcome offer of Slots.lv is very competitive and generous. If you are paying using cryptocurrencies, Slots.lv will allow you to receive a 300% match on deposits up to $1,500. On the other hand, if you are paying fiat, you will receive 200% for payments up to $1,000.

But, this is not all!

For the following 8 deposits, you will receive additional bonuses. For crypto payments, Slots.lv offers a 150% match on payments up to $750. For fiat, you can receive a 100% match up to $500 for as many as 8 deposits. Enjoy live dealer games? There are special welcome offers for live dealer games on Slots.lv.

In addition to the welcome bonus, you can also benefit from other promotions. As the online casino frequently updates its promotions, players are advised to frequently check the promotions page.

Mobile Compatibility: 4.5/5

As one of the online gambling sites targeting mobile slot players, we can say that theyve done a remarkable job on their mobile site.

The layout of the mobile platform is really good. The loading speeds for games are fast, although we feel that for some of the live games, the speeds could be improved. Mobile gaming for Slots.lv is strictly restricted to browser-based gaming. This means no online gambling apps for both Android and iOS platforms.

Banking: 4.4/5

Banking with Slots.lv is easy and convenient. There are several options, which include debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Bitcoin is also supported as one of the payment methods.

The time for processing payments varies depending on the payment option you decide to use. Naturally, crypto payments are the fastest, usually taking up to an hour. If you are looking for the best Bitcoin gambling sites, Slots.lv is definitely one of them.

Usability: 4.5/5

Slots.lv is brilliantly organized. Navigation and accessibility start from the homepage where all the important buttons are clearly labeled. Click on any one of them to gain access to other pages.

As far as the responsiveness of the site is concerned, the loading times are mostly fine, though there are instances when the live dealer games take a while to allow you into the tables.

Pros

Cons

Looking for opportunities for online sports betting? Then you should definitely have a look at BetOnline. This sportsbook is known for offering users high-quality, safe, and secure services. In addition to this, it is also a gambling website with generous bonuses, and much more.

Games and Sports Selection: 4.5/5

As an online gambling site with a long history, theres a solid selection of games to pick from at BetOnline. You will certainly feel like you are playing at a Vegas Casino from the comfort of your home, which is simply amazing.

As an online gambling platform geared towards sports bettors, youll find an impressive catalog of sporting events and marketing to accompany you. Like many of the online sports betting sites, football, tennis, basketball, golf, MMA, soccer, and ice hockey are at the center of the action. You can wager on a wide variety of tournaments within these sports.

Within soccer, basketball, and football games, sports bettors can bet on Moneylines, spreads, totals, winning margins, quarters, halves, alternative spreads and totals, player and game props plus much more.

A quick spot check on the prop and Moneyline betting odds and we discovered they were slightly above average when compared to some of the competing online sportsbooks. There were also some appealing live-betting sports odds too. All of this makes BetOnline one of the best sports betting sites available.

Bonuses and Rewards: 4.8/5

You receive a 100% match deposit welcome bonus for poker and online casino and a 50% welcome bonus for sports betting. The welcome bonus is fairly common when it comes to online sports betting promotions. The minimum deposit you have to make to receive the bonuses across the board is set at $25. The maximum amount you can receive is $1,000.

To withdraw or use the bonus funds, you must complete the 10x wagering requirement for the sports betting bonus and the 30x wagering requirement for the poker and casino welcome bonus.

Turning our eyes to the promotions section, youll agree with us it is remarkable too. It is flexible and accommodates all. Expect crypto bonuses, sports betting reload bonus, mobile betting free play, live betting free play, odds booster, overtime insurance, reduced juice NHL, eSports rebate plus much more.

Mobile Compatibility: 4/5

With Real-Time Gaming on board, expect a cutting-edge mobile gambling experience. The BetOnline mobile platform looks and feels pretty much identical to the desktop platform. You can quickly switch between online casinos, sports betting, and promotions using the Quick Links section at the bottom of the page.

The main menu is centrally located at the bottom of the page and gives you access to the Sports, Live Betting, Casino, Racebook, Poker, eSports, Contests, Promo, and log in. To access any of these sections, you dont need an application. Simply use your devices browser and you are ready to gamble.

Banking: 4.2/5

Bet Online doesnt offer too many banking options, but you can pick from cryptocurrencies, debit/credit cards, money transfers, bank transfers, and many more. Cryptocurrencies are, however, the dominant selection, with up to fifteen different options.

While wire transfer withdrawals can take up to 5 business days, the majority of the cryptocurrency transactions are usually processed within 24 hours. This means you will have your winnings within the same day, which is a big plus for BetOnline.

Usability: 4.3/5

Betonline offers a slick gaming experience for all online gambling enthusiasts. Whether you are into online slots gaming, blackjack, or poker games or simply want to participate in sports betting, you are assured of an easy-going experience.

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Pros

Cons

Overall, Bovada is one of the best online gambling websites to use. However, compared to some of the online casinos discussed above, Bovada is falling a bit behind. This is especially true when talking about the number of games, as Bovada only offers 123 slots.

Game Selection: 4.2/5

While many could argue that the game portfolio of Bovada is limited, its impossible to overlook the overall quality of the catalog.

The available games are crafted by the industrys best software developers. Bovada is powered by Digital Gaming Solutions, Real Time Gaming, Spinomena, and Revolver Gaming.

Like most online casinos, the selection of slots is by far the highest. With a staggering 150+ slot games to pick from, it can be quite hard for you not to find a game that fits your interests.

There also are many table games available on Bovada, this includes games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat among others.

Bovada sports betting section is decorated too. As one of the top sports betting sites in the industry, Bovada covers all the popular sporting events. There are plenty of lines and markets for American Football, MLB, NHL, Basketball, and Soccer.

Bonuses and Rewards: 4.5/5

Bovada runs an exciting new player welcome bonus offer. As a new client, if you make payments using cryptocurrency, you will receive a 125% match on your deposits up to $1,250. Also, Bovada provides a 100% welcome bonus match for fiat payments up to $1,000.

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Best Gambling Sites in 2022 - Top Websites for Real Money Gambling Online - Native News Online

Gambling is more than just a way to stay entertained

Gambling is more than just a way to stay entertained or earn money its a vital part of the IT segment. Online gambling has a strong link with the development of new technologies, from 3D graphics and virtual reality (VR slots) to deposits in cryptocurrencies and attracting NFT tokens to online casino sites.

Slotegrator, a software developer for the gambling business which has held a strong position in the market for more than 10 years, dives into the technologies that make up the future of online gambling.

The gambling industrys role as a technological driver depends on the economy and regulation in different markets. A legalized gambling business can make massive contributions to the economy by bringing together a wide range of talent; new gambling platforms can only be created by combining the efforts of developers, programmers, IT architects, web designers, testers, and marketers. Thanks to technology sector specialists, new solutions appear in areas like the ability to play directly through instant messengers, use chatbots, transfer payments to blockchain platforms, and much more.

Before launching an online gambling project, an operator must analyze the market and draw up a set of IT tools that will achieve the maximum effect on its target audience.

Online casino platform

The first step to running an online gambling business is to choose a platform developer. It is important to consider the level of service, the functionality of the solution, and the user interface.

The architecture of the new platform from Slotegrator includes technologies that provide the operator with a high level of service and the opportunities necessary for business development. Functional modules and tools such as a segmentation module, KYC module, bonus module, etc. allow you to work efficiently and comfortably. A properly selected set of modules that meets the needs of the target market will help the online casino operator maintain consistently high performance indicators and remain competitive. The business intelligence module will allow you to track performance indicators, analyze them, and make the right strategic decisions.

Integration opportunities

The technologies available now make it possible to integrate various systems into the gambling site, including game content developers, payment services, and mobile applications.

For example, APIgrator allows you to quickly integrate games into online casinos. The solution allows the operator to add more than 7,000 games to its platform from more than 85 licensed developers in the industry, giving operators access to slots, live dealer games, poker, virtual sports, card games, and casual games.

Moneygrator helps online casino users conduct smooth and successful transactions. The solution integrates many payment systems for different gambling markets and offers more than 250 ways to make deposits and receive winnings after a single integration session. Moneygrator supports multi-currency payments and processing of bank cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). Other payment methods are also available credit cards, electronic money, vouchers, mobile money, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Monero, etc.).

Telegram Casino is a great example of online casino integration on the messenger platform. Benefits include simple authorization through the site and a web version of the casino synchronized with the croupier bot from Telegram, the full functionality of the platform, and 24/7 support. Using the messenger, the user can enjoy their favorite games, make payments, and collect winnings directly in Telegram.

Technologies for creating games

Slots, poker, casual games, roulette, and virtual sports in the process of developing game content, the best providers use 3D graphics and virtual reality technologies. This helps to create virtual gambling studios, which every year attract more and more users from different countries.

Online casinos are growing in popularity around the world. One promising direction is live dealer games. A live casino formally copies a land-based gambling establishment, with the games broadcast from studios equipped with gaming tables and modern technology. Live dealers play the game and communicate with other users as well as the dealers. The random number generator is often considered inferior to the image of a dealer laying out the cards.

The world of modern gambling offers operators a wide range of gaming content providers that create both classic slots and the latest technology creations. Slotegrator cooperates only with reliable providers who offer all the new game mechanics. This means that online casino operators, the companys clients, can integrate the right content on their sites and offer their players a modern game selection.

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Online gambling as a driver for the development of the IT segment - iGaming Business

However, one question that often comes up is whether or not online gambling is taxable. The answer to this question can be complicated, but in general, most forms of online gambling are not taxed.

This depends on the country you live in, as tax laws vary from place to place. However, online gambling is not considered a taxable activity in most cases.

This means that any winnings from online casinos are not subject to taxation. Moreover, many online casino sites are tax free, such as Kasinohai. To learn more, keep reading.

There are a few different types of online casinos that offer tax-free gambling. The first type is an offshore casino.

These are based in countries where online gambling is not taxed. Any winnings you earn from these casinos will not be subject to taxation in your home country.

The second type is a no-deposit bonus casino. These offer special bonuses that allow you to gamble without depositing any money. This means that you can win real money without paying any taxes on your winnings.

The third type is a free-play casino. These offer free play periods, during which you can gamble without having to wager any real money. Any winnings that you earn during these free play periods will not be subject to taxation.

There are a few different things that you should look for when trying to find the best tax free online casinos.

Ensure the casino is registered and regulated by a trustworthy body before you begin playing. That way, you can rest assured that the casino is run securely and fairly.

The second thing you should look for is whether or not the casino offers a no-deposit bonus. This will allow you to gamble without putting any money down, and you will be able to keep any winnings that you earn.

The third thing you should look for is a free-play period. This will allow you to try out the casino without risking your own money.

Once you have found a few tax free online casinos that you are interested in, you should take the time to read reviews of these casinos. This will help you get a better idea of what other people think about the casino and whether or not it is right for you.

You can also visit the websites of these casinos and look for any special promotions or deals that they may be offering. This can help you save money on your gambling activities.

There are many benefits to gambling at a tax free online casino. The most obvious benefit is that you will not have to pay any taxes on your winnings. This can save you a lot of money, especially if you are a high roller.

Another benefit of gambling at a tax free online casino is that you will not worry about exchanging currency. This can be a hassle, especially if you are gambling in a foreign country.

Finally, gambling at a tax free online casino can help you stay anonymous. If you do not want your name to appear on a gambling website, this is the best way to go. You will not have to provide any personal information when you sign up for an account.

These are just a few of the many benefits you can enjoy by gambling at a tax-free online casino. If you are looking for a way to save money on your gambling activities, this is the way to go. With so many advantages, it is easy to see why more and more people are choosing to gamble at these casinos.

So, what are you waiting for? Start looking for a tax free online casino today and start enjoying all of the benefits that it has to offer. Who knows, you might even hit the jackpot. Good luck!

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Tax free online casinos: how to gamble and win without paying taxes Retail Technology Innovation Hub - Retail Technology Innovation Hub

In many parts of the world, online gambling is a hobby that people enjoy. However, when it comes to a topic such as gambling, part of your enthusiasm about getting involved might be somewhat hindered by certain factors such as legality. With the world becoming more globally connected as technology advances, it can often be difficult to distinguish norms and attitudes from one location to another.

However, focusing your attention on a specific location, such as the USA, where you might reside, can help you to clear away some of the ambiguity, putting you in a much better position to potentially enjoy this hobby to its full potential. The first part of getting into something new is always going to be acquiring knowledge, then the fun can begin.

If youre completely unfamiliar with online gambling, perhaps having only experienced the physical equivalent, you might be unsure about how you even go about getting started. Fortunately, you likely already have a plethora of devices that can get you connected with an appropriate outlet, such as your smartphone, or a tablet, or perhaps even your desktop if you prefer. Having this kind of choice can make it feel much more flexible than its physical counterpart, and knowing that your smartphone is always close-at-hand means that you can utilize this pastime in order to make long waits or boring commutes go by more quickly. With that kind of accessibility, comes the reminder that moderation is best implemented to get the most out of this hobby.

What you might quickly notice, when trying to do research regarding the legality of online gambling in the USA, is the lack of a clear answer. You might find information that tells you that its legal within certain states, while other sources might go on to suggest that its illegal throughout the entire country. The uncertainty can be confusing, but doing your best to brush up on the specifics of this and why thats the case, can help you to understand the situations in which its legal.

This contradiction is something that hasnt gone unnoticed by the services that you might be looking to spend time with, and doing research into finding the right online casino USA will likely have you seeing this issue mentioned regularly.

On the lighter side of things, you have the matter of games to think about, which can have you looking into not only whats available, but also where your own preferences fall in this regard. Classics, such as blackjack and roulette, might immediately jump out at you for not only being recognizable and easy to grasp, but also for being games that you might have already played in other contexts elsewhere in life.

Once youve established a foothold with titles that youre more familiar with, you can begin to branch outwards, and try other experiences available that you might have less experience with such as slot machines or even more unique games that fans of the medium will be familiar with already.

So, the biggest hurdle that you might face when looking to get into online gambling in the US, is the mysterious fog that hangs around the ambiguous legality of the whole thing. However, fully understanding the circumstances that allow you to do so can go a long way to making you feel much more positively about this. Then, going forward, youll have a wealth of options in how you proceed and the form that your pastime begins to take, becoming something varied that you can deploy in a variety of situations.

While online casino games might be what has your attention the most, its important to remember other aspects of this hobby, such as sports betting, which is something that you might be familiar with through social circles or just through enjoying sports itself meaning that your options might be even more varied than you initially believed.

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What You Need to Know About Online Gambling in the US - GISuser.com

Despite the fact that the online betting industry was not nearly as popular as the land-based alternative on which it is based, things slowly started to change.

There were not that many betting operators to pick from, but today, some people can avail themselves of hundreds of betting sites. In fact, Betenemy states that the casino industry is growing by the day because new iGaming companies are opening their doors to clients worldwide. This site will help users learn more about each company because it includes in-depth reviews of every top-rated casino.

Although online betting platforms grew in popularity every year, things like the global pandemic in 2020 definitely had an effect on the industry. People expected iGaming to slow down, but in reality, it became even more popular because bettors had no other way of playing casino games or punting on sports. Therefore, many experts think that the online gambling market may be worth more than $127 billion by 2027.

With that being said, lets learn more about the reasons why iGaming grew so fast and why it is likely to become even more popular.

Legislative changes

Everyone knows that gambling is one of the most sensitive topics when it comes down to lawmaking. Some countries have long traditions in gambling, which is why they allow different kinds of betting activities, including online casinos, bookies, lottos, and more. In most cases, these countries have an independent regulating authority (usually a gambling commission), whose job is to monitor all betting companies and grant/revoke their permits.

Besides the countries where gambling has always been legal, many other places have decided to update their current gambling laws. Hence, things like online casinos and sports betting sites gained even more users.

The increasing adoption of smartphones will also have a massive role in the industry

People who want to bet online must have access to a device that will allow them to use the internet. It shouldnt be surprising that most gamblers use computers to access the site they like because this allows them to have a fully-fledged betting experience. However, bettors from some parts of the world do not have access to computers.

Since not everyone can use a PC or a laptop to access an online casino, the reviews from Betenemy show that many of the top-rated casinos invested in mobile apps and websites. This may come as a surprise to some punters, but smartphones and tablets have become a lot more obtainable in the last couple of years. Consequently, the number of people who use handheld devices for internet betting increased, which means they can access a given casino/bookmaker on the go.

Thanks to things like mobile apps and mobile sites, the online betting industry will most likely gain loads of new customers who were unable to access its services.

If the COVID-19 continues to be a problem, iGaming will become even more popular

One of the reasons why experts think that the gambling industry is likely to reach more than $127 billion by 2027 is COVID-19. This virus had a massive impact on almost everything in our daily lives, including our hobbies. Some of the most prominent land-based casinos in Las Vegas had to close due to the pandemic, which meant that the only way for people to play slots and different kinds of casino games was by using an iGaming operator.

No one knows whether COVID-19 will continue to be a problem in the future. Despite vaccines and other measures, the pandemic is not over yet, so it is probably here to stay. Even though this is bad news for almost all sorts of businesses, it is definitely a plus for online betting companies. Hence, they will continue to gain new users.

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Online iGaming Market Expected to Reach Over $127 Billion by 2027 - FinSMEs

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike had the plug pulled on a possible Triple Crown run when his connections decided Thursday to bow out of the 147th Preakness Stakes. Instead, they will follow their original playbook and wait for the Belmont Stakes.

Rich Strikes trainer, Eric Reed, said all along the June 11 Belmont was Rich Strikes eventual target. That 1 1/2-mile race is more suited to his closing style and lack of front-end speed. But Rich Strike threw everythinginto flux when he pulled off the second-biggest Derby upset in event history, rallying from 15th place through three-quarters of a mile to win the Derby at 80/1.

Rick Dawson, Rich Strikes owner, released a statement through the Maryland Jockey Club Thursday announcing his colt would follow that blueprint.

Our original plan for Rich Strike was contingent on the Kentucky Derby. Should we not run in the Derby, we would point toward the Preakness (and) should we run in the Derby subject to the race outcome and the condition of our horse we would give him more recovery time and rest and run in the Belmont. Or another race, and stay on course to run with five or six weeks rest between races.

Dawson said altering Rich Strikes course was very tempting after his Derby performance, but doing whats best for the horse is more important. After much discussion and consideration with my trainer, Eric Reed, and a few others, we are going to stay with our plan of whats best for Ritchie is whats best for our group, and pass on running in the Preakness, Dawson announced. He ended his statement by thanking Pimlico for the invite.

While its not common for Derby winners like Rich Strike to skip the Preakness, its not unheard of either. Three years ago, Country Strike won the Derby via Maximum Securitys disqualification. Due to various physical issues, he never ran again.

Last year, Mandaloun passed on the Preakness and the Belmont after finishing second in the Derby. He was promoted to Derby winner nine months later after Medina Spirit failed a drug test.

Before Country House, you have to go back to 1996. Grindstone won that Derby, but suffered a knee fracture in the process and retired.

Go back 11 years from Grindstone and you encounter the case of Spend a Buck. He won the 1985 Derby, but instead of running the Preakness, his connections chased the almighty dollar $2 million of them. They opted for running in New Jersey for that $2 million bonus in a series of races.

Likely the closest scenario to Rich Strikes in recent history comes from 1982 Derby winner Gato Del Sol. His connections bypassed the Preakness for the more-suitable Belmont, where he finished second to Conquistador Cielo.

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No Triple Crown This Year; Rich Strike Out of... - Online Gambling

Giorgio Chiellini has one year left in his deal with Juventus, but announced hell be leaving the club at the end of the current season. LAFC is trying to tempt the European champion and made an offer to sign him.

LAFC didnt offer Chiellini a designated player contract, so the maximum salary the club could pay him in his first year wouldnt be more than $1.65 million. Chiellini spent 17 years with Juventus at the senior level, winning nine Serie A titles and five Cups while also playing two Champions League finals. He featured in more than 550 games for Juve. At the international level, he won the European Championship with Italy in 2021, being capped 116 times since he made his debut in 2004. Hell retire from the national team in June when Italy meets Argentina at Wembley.

Alongside Italy and Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini is the most prominent Italian defender of his generation.

MLS sources claim the Vancouver Whitecaps are also after Chiellini. If they are to sign him, the Whitecaps would need to acquire Chiellinis MLS discovery rights from LAFC. The club from Vancouver currently sits bottom of the Western Conference, with just two wins and a draw in nine matches. The Whitecaps are on equal points with the Seattle Sounders, but their goal difference is worse. Meanwhile, LAFC leads the West with a 7-2-1 record.

Speaking to the media after Juves 4-2 defeat against Inter in the Italian Cup final, Chiellini revealed hes on his way out.

I give way to the youngsters, as next year I will not be here, he said. On Monday I will say goodbye to my stadium, and Fiorentina will be my last match. I say goodbye with joy to this team, of which I will be the biggest fan because Juve will always stay with me.

Chiellini added that he had these 10 magnificent years with the club, but says its now time for others to continue on. I did everything I could, I hope that I left something. It is my choice 100%. I am happy to leave at such a high level because for many years I have said I didnt want to finish struggling and not being able to play at my level, Chiellini added.

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LAFC Offer Contract to Italy and Juventus Legend Chiellini, with Whitecaps Also... - Online Gambling

As Africa is increasingly moving towards an online gambling ecosystem, we sat down with Kiron Interactive co-CEO and founder Steven Spartinos, BetGames sales director Africa James Everett and Altenar COO & director Dinos Stranomitis. In this piece, we discuss how Africas traditionally land-based dominated gaming and betting segment has made a noticeable shift towards the online segment, which is expected to continue thriving as COVID-19 lockdowns are lifted and other financial repercussions are beginning to subside.

Talk us through how Africa and the markets youre involved in have developed since the start of 2020 how has the last two years developments shaped playing habits and the continents online growth?

Dinos Stranomitis: Africa is unique, in the instance that the region has historically preferred a physical POS option where the bettor can withdraw their winnings in person, due the pandemic this had to change for everyones safety.

Here at Altenar people are at the forefront of what we do and why we do it. Our innovation in sports betting software and technology is to make the experience fun, easy and smooth for operators and bettors. Africa offered a bespoke situation that called for our technology to adapt to their needs throughout the pandemic.

One key aspect of this was creating a mobile-lite version of our software because Africas data consumption often vastly out prices neighboring regions like Europe for instance. So, Altenar needed to adapt its software to suit these needs, which grew in importance during the pandemic to keep people excited, hopeful, and generally, offer them a piece of the normality they had known pre-covid.

I believe Altenars software achieved this for many people whilst developing for what was to come, like the greater adoption of Esports and virtual gaming that the pandemic spearheaded and greatly propelled.

Steven Spartinos: Africa, like many regions globally, has enormous affection for football and it remains the most popular sport across the continent. Its quite common to see groups of people standing outside a shop glued to one screen watching games. Despite this and the general predilection for retail betting, there has been a massive shift towards online play in Africa thanks in the main to the closure of retail outlets during the various lockdowns as well as the general improvement in online infrastructures and payment options across the continent.

This leveling-up in technical capabilities has presented more opportunities for operators and suppliers and has been quite phenomenal to witness in such a relatively short space of time. Betting markets are now available 24/7 in most territories and the development continues apace.

James Everett: The onset of covid in South Africa in early 2020 had a profound impact on the retail market due to strict measures imposed by government on the retail sector in general. However, this sector has recently bounced back to previous levels of revenue generation. In the last 18 months, weve seen the online market has grown immensely- partly due to the launch of casino products and slots, with the latter seeming to be the next significant product for the South African market.

The internet infrastructure in Africa has had its challenges and limitations, but the continent is experiencing online growth which has made Africa home to one of the fasters growing telecommunications market in the world. This has played a big role in the increasing demand for online products, Forbes data from 2020/2021 states that 30% of the African population takes part or has taken part in online gambling and this figure is growing steadily.

In line with this, BetGames has some exciting launches planned for Q3 this year, and were confident our product pipeline will provide solutions to the challenges mentioned above, whilst taking advantage of the increasing demand for online gambling.

The majority of key markets across the continent have always had a strong tradition for retail how much has this changed during the lockdowns and do you see the majority of jurisdictions returning to the same position as they were pre-COVID?

Dinos Stranomitis: There is some return to a similar position, however, for the most part where online gambling is legal, the desire to return to in-land gambling hasnt returned to its pre-covid numbers. With a greater call for Esports, that dont rely on access to live events, stadiums and the like, many in-land gamblers have found online is not only easier but preferred.

That tradition for retail is still embedded in online gambling, iGaming, Sports Betting and so on, its just in a different form. For instance, many people would never have seen online shopping taking off to the point it has today, however, many people prefer to shop in the comfort of their homes now and this seems to be the scale and direction gambling is taking on post-pandemic.

Steven Spartinos: During the various lockdowns, retail saw an inevitable decline. However, Africa has always had a strong preference for bricks and mortar operations and as day-to-day life has normalised, we have seen online play plateau and retail return to its pre-covid state.

Retail players are traditional in their betting style and habits and enjoy the tangible aspect of the physical shops and the socialising that is prevalent there. While habits have returned to normal, the exposure to online play has served as a perfect introduction to what else there is available and should stand the industry in good stead as mobile gaming continues to grow.

James Everett: With the telecommunications infrastructure continuously developing, there has been an increase in demand for online products. Therefore, users will always resonate with the online sector.

Retail remains to be extremely significant and attracts a lot of players, mainly due to its security and the lack of trust most players have. Due to this, players want to see brick and mortar and prefer to collect winnings physically as they dont necessarily trust they will be paid out online. For new investors that are coming from abroad, my advice would be to consider the strength of retail offerings and neglect it due to the surge in demand for online products. Yes, starting in retail will be more costly -but the benefits of doing so far outweigh the negatives.

With the likes of virtuals and lottery how does this now fit into the sports betting mix? Will live sport always prove to be the key tool for acquisition or are we now seeing other offerings proving to be a standalone attraction in its own right?

Dinos Stranomitis: Lottery, for some countries, is very popular and often lotteries can own numerous sports betting operations, casino or other verticals within a country per the laws of the region. However, sports betting is vastly popular around the world, in our recent reports that can be requested via Altenars website, we found that sports betting is the number one vertical around the world both in popularity and revenue intake.

This might be challenged by virtual betting; however, virtual betting often stems from sports betting, it follows the same principle features minus the requirement for in-person events taking place. Altenar foresaw this increase during the pandemic and has recently joined with Oddin to offer virtual betting to our sportsbook.

Were currently in a new wave and its an exciting time to be a part of the industry as we see a greater need for virtual gaming that is having its moment in the sun potentially for a very long time much akin to sports betting, which is what makes Virtual perfect for Altenar.

Steven Spartinos: The impact that covid has had on player behavior has resulted in a shift towards lottery and virtual products amongst sports bettors. The temporary hiatus in live sporting events opened a window for virtual sports, exposing the traditional punter to this new experience and has allowed it to continue to grow as a vertical.

The perception of third-party style games is changing, and their acceptance is growing, which has highlighted the importance of having a diverse portfolio this is now key for operators and suppliers in targeting a more demanding African audience. New, innovative content is gaining traction in the market, with the likes of casino games growing in popularity across the broader African clientele.

James Everett: Weve noticed an increase in demand for virtual. This is partly down to the low data requirements and faster gameplay. Although, revenue generated in Africa is still dominated by sports betting and live sports which amounts to approximately 70-80% of the total turnover.

BetGames is in a unique position where we can provide a Graphical UI mode for our games, providing a data light option for players, this has been a major contributor to the growth weve experienced in Africa. Our Lotto products continue to be a sought-after premium game offering and we will no doubt continue to see more growth going forward.

How fast is the tech environment changing in Africa when it comes to connectivity, streaming, and the adoption of XX generation smartphones? How dominant do you see mobile being over retail in the coming years?

Dinos Stranomitis: Very dominant, the need for smartphones or mobile apps is growing in Africa and with greater internet penetration in the region, it can spell further adoption of sports betting better data connections, and potentially further that shift to online which can already be seen in the region post-pandemic.

We hope to have played a part in bridging this tech gap and growing the tech environment through our lite version software, because access to technology really can broaden avenues far exceeding sports betting, like education and connectivity to family and friends.

Steven Spartinos: The tech environment in Africa is evolving at a rapid rate, from network infrastructure to more data-friendly user options. The introduction of 5G has also allowed for much greater development and scope for suppliers and operators, providing bettors with more options in terms of vertical and betting markets.

With the steady incline in online and mobile, its only a matter of time until Africa falls in line with the rest of the world where we see mobile play as the dominant platform. Its going to prove invaluable to all industry stakeholders and with access to cheaper mobile devices and broadband improving all the time it is only going to continue to be more accessible to more people. General internet use in Africa is steadily on the increase, especially via mobile with Android proving to be the most popular OS.

James Everett: In the African market, mobile is by far the most prominent device being used for online gambling. With data costs starting to get lower and the speed of mobile enhancing due to the introduction of 4G and 5G infrastructure, the transition to mobile betting will continue to be a major component.

These changes will be a major factor when it comes to onboarding retail players to online sports and casino betting, although retail will still retain some players due to the security it provides to players.

Looking to key markets where do you see the strongest growth opportunities in the coming years? Will South Africa and Nigeria always remain king?

Dinos Stranomitis: There is potential for growth all over Africa, especially as more and more countries are looking to add sports betting or forms of online gambling to their region.

For now, South Africa and Nigeria will see the greatest growth purely because of the foundations for iGaming that already exist, however, we predict a great adoption of online gambling throughout Africa given the success that can be achieved in the region.

Steven Spartinos: There is so much opportunity in Africa with more countries becoming more regulated and compliant. South Africa and Nigeria are traditionally the strongest markets but as development continues, Kenya is gaining prominence, also enjoying much industry success.

James Everett: South Africa and Nigeria will remain on top for the foreseeable future, and this could be because they are the two most developed economies in Africa. However, the likes of Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Mozambique are fast-growing and emerging markets, they will continue growing and will eventually have a large collection of committed players. These markets represent an opportunistic chance for newcomers that wish to take advantage of a developing region.

Looking to Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya how much energy and resources are you devoting to these markets? How do you see present market conditions there as the regulatory environment continues to develop? Are there any other jurisdictions that could prove to be a dark horse?

Dinos Stranomitis: Were devoting a lot of energy and resources as were looking to expand here and further what Altenars software can do for the region. In terms of regulation, Altenar is uniquely adapted to understanding that this is the scope of law and legislation around online gambling. For good reason, its always best to protect bettors and operators by knowing that gambling is legal and regulated as this can often change what Altenar needs to achieve for the region.

Something that we always look forward to, is the problem-solving aspect, something that could propel the regulatory environment in the region by growing a host of local connections for the market to run harmoniously. Something we at Altenar look forward to and the potential for new emerging markets like Equatorial Guinea.

Steven Spartinos: Wherever legislation has been brought in to regulate gambling weve seen state budgets benefit massively and this isnt unnoticed in neighboring regions with many countries learning from the examples set by others.

Tanzania in particular has implemented a compliance platform GREMS which is an electronic regulatory tool that monitors and provides assurance on revenue generation from all gaming activities. Its something we expect to continue pretty much across the board as each country recognizes the advantages of operating a robust and workable regulated market.

The future is very bright in Africa and provided development is maintained with the right balance of player protection and flexible operating environments it is only going to improve. Luckily for us at Kiron, its our backyard and as the various different jurisdictions develop, well be there to provide solutions to them.

James Everett: All three regions have significantly developed gambling sectors, but as with most jurisdictions, they also have regulatory challenges.

Kenya taxes states and payouts, which creates an additional cost to platforms and third-party providers. Limiting the marketing of gambling products in Kenya is probably a regulation that has good intentions for the vast population, but of course, presents a challenge to new entrants to the market. Meanwhile, Tanzania and Uganda both have similar challenges, with taxes being held or imposed on betting, presenting a hurdle to third-party providers.

With that said, all three markets are extremely significant for the gambling market in Africa. They will continue being key areas going forward. As for potential dark horses, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia are areas that people should keep an eye on, these are fast-growing markets that could become important jurisdictions very quickly.

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The latest from Africa: Cross-vertical Look at One of Gamblings Best Bets - GamblingNews.com

The growing concern about gambling addiction, gambling advertising and harm often caused to vulnerable groups by the industry were the topic of agenda.ge interviews with international and Georgian officials and authorities on the subject, which shed a light on international practices and their adoption by local agencies working on the matter.

Why is gambling and online gambling so problematic, and why is it recognised as a threat to vulnerable groups, especially adolescents? Agenda.ge asked these questions to Ghassan Khalil, the UNICEF Representative in Georgia.

Photo: UnicefGeorgia Facebook page.

Gambling disorder is hidden addiction. Unlike substance abuse where physiological levels are quantified by the presence of alcohol or illicit drugs in the blood, there are no similar simple objective methods and indicators available for problem gambling, Khalil said, noting addiction to gambling among adolescents is a growing problem around the world, including Georgia.

It was the particular concept that related to the information he provided to agenda.ge on a study conducted by UNICEF in partnership with the Gambling Research and Ludomania Prevention Center in 2021. The organisations surveyed 1,000 adolescents aged 14-17 across Georgia to study their knowledge, attitudes and gambling practices.

The research aimed to determine the experience of adolescents in gambling for money, study their gambling-related behaviour, and identify adolescents motivators and attitudes towards gambling and ludomania. In the study, more than one in 10 adolescents said they practiced gambling with varying frequency, and over a quarter were actively involved in gambling with a frequency of at least a few days a week.

The survey also showed 22 percent of teenagers saying their first gambling experience had taken place at age 11 or earlier, while the majority - 78 percent - had started the practice at 12 or older. One in five teens in the study who gambled reported being in a depressed mood stemming from the activity, and two percent were involved in self-harm.

Adolescents susceptibility to the social environment was also identified by the study, which showed they rarely started gambling by themselves, usually getting involved with friends and peers (51 percent) or a family member (32 percent). In responses to the survey, 24 percent said they were involved because their friends were gambling, while 16 percent believed gambling to be an activity connected with status among peers.

Becoming initially involved in gambling, and continuing the engagement, was tied in the report to the desire to win money and have an outlet for spending free time. Other motivators included boredom and the perception that gambling is popular. Although minors in Georgia are not allowed to enter casino venues or register on online gambling platforms, 24 percent of the surveyed adolescents who gambled reported their first gambling to be at a casino, a slot club or a casino website. Further, 18 percent of the participants of the survey reported their parents knew about their practice. Only six percent of parents forbid their children from practising gambling, leading to household conflicts over the issue.

The study found that the level of awareness of adolescents about the risks associated with gambling and gambling addiction is low. The majority of adolescents who gamble do not talk to their parents about gambling and its risks. One third of adolescents report that if they become addicted to gambling, they would not turn to anyone for help but try to solve the problem alone, the UNICEF Representative said in comments to us, adding gambling prevention was most effective when initiated before the development of gambling habits among adolescents.

This could be achieved by awareness rising of the risks and consequences of at-risk gambling of the adolescents themselves, school-based education activities, informal education of adolescents, public health policy introduction and implementation. For gambling prevention among adolescents, it is also crucial to increase knowledge of the parents, teachers, communities and health workers in early identification of multiple signs of problematic gambling behaviour and in effective responding, Khalil also noted.

The position of UNICEF is in line with the contemporary approaches in leading countries for preventing problematic gambling. In the United Kingdom, precautionary measures include strict limitations on advertising space, while the "smartphone age" requires a completely different approach. A BBC article on March 8, 2022 cited the House of Lords on the figure of 300,000 people in the UK being problematic gamblers, with 55,000 being children. On average, a problematic gambler commits suicide every day, and about two million people are affected by the issue.

The chairman of Peers for Gambling Reform Lord Foster is calling for urgent changes to be made to the UK's 'out of date gambling laws. The peer said smartphones had led to absolutely massive growth in gambling but the current regulations were written before they were invented. He said: There are a lot of changes urgently needed, the article noted.

Speaking to the BBC, Lord Foster added it was "worth remembering that the legislation that provides the regulation around gambling was introduced before the first smartphone was invented.

Photo: BBC.com

It is important to note that drastic changes were recently announced in the UK that illustrated the impact of athletes, influencers, celebrities and their advertising activities on people's consciousness. Starting in October, gambling and betting companies will be banned from using advertising featuring top-flight footballers and other sports personalities, as well as reality TV and social media stars, under new rules designed to protect under-18s and other vulnerable groups, the Guardian said.

The article noted the changes, set out by the body responsible for the UK code for advertising, will mean that past betting and gambling marketing that features stars and celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jos Mourinho, Michael Owen and Harry Redknapp, would not be allowed in the UK. The wide-ranging new rules also include a ban on showing specific teams football kit and stadiums in ads, as well as using video game content and gameplay popular with under-18s. No more top-flight footballers or other high-profile sportspeople promoting the latest odds, said Shahriar Coupal, the director of the Committee of Advertising Practice, which sets the rules enforced by the UKs advertising watchdog.

Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo's Facebook page.

Former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Merson, who became addicted to gambling himself, told BBC Sport it "sickens" him to see former players and managers in gambling adverts.

As for the Georgian reality, the difficulty of the situation with gambling in the country has been highlighted by studies indicating the activity has become a significant challenge for teenagers and the vulnerable groups of the society. Over the years, various non-governmental organisations, politicians and activists have called for stricter gambling laws, and urged the Government to take preventive and adequate steps.

On June 1, 2020, the EMC non-governmental organisation responded to the problem of juvenile gambling involvement by saying participation in child gambling remained a "serious challenge that increased the risk of chronic poverty and psychosocial problems. In efforts to ensure a safe environment and healthy development opportunities for juveniles, EMC called on the Georgian Government to develop strict gambling regulation mechanisms to prevent juvenile delinquency.

In early 2022, the initiative of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on imposing restrictions on gambling and its advertising in the country was announced. The new legislative regulations for online gambling businesses banned online gambling for one million citizens starting March 1. Georgian nationals receiving social assistance from the state, citizens under the age of 25, public servants and individuals on blacklists following requests by their families have been prohibited from the activity. Gambling ads on TV, websites, and outdoors have been banned, with only sponsorship agreements allowed. Financial operations can be made only by registered users, while money transfers between gamblers are restricted. Restrictions were also imposed on citizens gambling through foreign online casinos, and. tax providers have been denied transfers to foreign gambling business accounts.

The head of the Government said lots of people - minors, young, vulnerable people were addicted to online gambling, and cited 1.5 billion ($312m/278m) being spent by citizens annually in online casinos in his announcement of the new regulations, adding the ban was now also placed on payments to gambling businesses abroad.

Photo: Government's Administration.

At the same time, it is important to know how the amended legislation is being implemented, what international standards have been adopted, and what data the Government has at its disposal at the moment. We directed these questions to the Revenue Service of the Finance Ministry, the body responsible for enforcing the new legislation. These questions also come at a time when critical opinions have emerged in parts of the public over the initiative, with speculation about a significant financial loss from limitations placed on gambling and related businesses.

Levan Dgebuadze, the Head of the Service Department of the Revenue Service, told Agenda.ge the Gambling Business Policy Division at the Ministry of Finance had studied and taken into account international practices and experience while amending the law.

Photo: Revenue Service of Georgia.

Dgebuadze said while preparing amendments to the Law on Arranging Lotteries, Gambling and Gaming, representatives of the Division had studied a multilateral agreement related to online gambling in the European Union which covers a wide ranges of issues: harmonisation of third country legislation with EU laws; regulations for issuing individual permits, protection of users, minors and vulnerable groups, prevention of fraud and money laundering, and more.

The Gambling Business Policy Division of the Georgian Ministry also reviewed the 2017 EU Framework for Online Gambling, according to which a separate permit is required in EU countries to set up gambling platforms, with a fee required for the permit. The recommendation of a 2019 European Commission on Evaluation of Regulatory Tools for Enforcing Online Gambling Rules and Channeling Demand towards Controlled Offers was also studied, with the document envisaging establishment of permits for online gambling by national gambling services and online.

The amendments of the Georgian Law were also prepared in accordance with the 2012 Georgia report of the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism of the Council of Europe, which noted there was no requirement for a separate permit for online gambling in the country. The report also said there was no mechanism to reduce the risks associated with online gambling.

Based on the above, the Revenue Service is "constantly analysing" the legal framework of foreign countries, proactively studying problematic issues and, if necessary, constantly developing legislative initiatives, said Dgebuadze.

When asked about enforcement, the Director of the Department said inspections of permit holders were carried out through a "selective inspection" of permit conditions.

"The Revenue Service is authorised to control implementation of permit conditions. For this purpose, at any time during the calendar year and without quantitative restrictions, the permit holder may be checked for compliance with the requirements established by the Law of Georgia on Lotteries, Gambling and Gaming and other normative acts. The Revenue Service also "responds promptly" to any information about regulatory offenses, the official noted, adding inspections of permit holders were carried out through a "selective inspection" of permit conditions," he noted.

Dgebuadze said in addition to the new regulations set for gambling businesses from March 1, the Revenue Service had identified facts of non-registration of gambling activities and admission of persons included in the blacklist to gambling venues as a result of inspections.

Photo: 1TV.ge

The Service has set up a register of individuals noted for gambling addiction, and those prohibited from the activity to "further help" gamblers and their families in overcoming problematic gambling. According to Dgebuadze, the list of those with addiction includes data on 694 individuals, and the roster of prohibited persons has information on 1,440,526 persons.

Finally, we spoke to a parent whose son became a victim of problematic gambling. Nino K. said the family had not been able to protect the child in time because they did not take his involvement seriously at first, with him becoming addicted to gambling as well as "imitation" of his gambling peers, desire to win money quickly, and wasting time on online gambling.

It is difficult to extricate yourself from this world [of gambling] [and] in the end, you have a person who can no longer perceive reality. We are on a very difficult path now. When there were advertisements for these games all around us - with even the celebrities that children watch and adore promoting not a healthy lifestyle but online gambling - it is very difficult to explain to a teenager that this is not the right way. Whether on the way to school or elsewhere, these colourful ads everywhere were reminding us how easy it is to win money. The children were able to play online without any serious restrictions, and we slowly came to a disastrous result.

At the end of the interview, the mother said she was happy with the change in the states gambling policy and believed the view would be shared by any parent.

Time will be the judge of the ultimate consequences of the changes to the Law on Arranging Lotteries, Gambling and Gaming in Georgia, but the countrys ongoing adaptation to an approach that reflects the state taking more responsibility over the matter is already apparent.

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In the footsteps of Georgia's gambling law amendments - international practices and experience shared by the Finance Ministry - Agenda.ge