Category Archives: Roulette

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Louisiana has a richly intertwined history with gambling games. With a state-run lottery being run as far back as 1753 yearsbefore the USA was even ratified into being the importance of the pastime for the state remains today. One of the most influential of these games, roulette, and the most influential city of Louisiana seemed to rise inprominence at a similar rate. How have roulette and the culture of New Orleans grown together?

Nowadays, most people have distinct ideas of both roulette and New Orleans. As both are examples of a distant past, it could have been difficult to remain relevant. Yet both managed to continue to thrive as technology moved forwards.

Gone are the days of riverboat casinos and for many, casinos in general. Instead, online options for playing roulette have taken over. Indeed, there are so many ways to engage with online roulette on your device that many are suggesting the game is undergoing a renaissance. For example, players can engage with a standard format of the game which uses digital technology to offer a more immersive experience through video. They can also even play a live version of roulette where they see the dealer spin the wheel in real time in front of them.

New Orleans has similarly allowed its culture and traditions to thrive in a digital era. The city is known for its parades and public festivals Mardi Gras, for example, is another French hangover. During times where it may be inappropriate to celebrate the carnival in the same way, many people moved to virtual and digitally powered events.

Roulette, as its name may indicate, was popular in France. As the French began to emigrate to the Americas, many people settled in Louisiana and New Orleans. As they did so, they brought with them their entertainment staple of roulette. Las Vegas didnt gain its crown as the gambling capital until the last century, meaning those who wanted to play games such as roulette often visited New Orleans.

As roulette grew in popularity among the French settlers of Louisiana, so too did New Orleans itself. The city traded on its unique heritage of French and Caribbean culture. Many of the traditions of Caribbean nations such as Haitiwere absorbed and merged together to create something of the New Orleans we know today. While many aspects of culture remained with the people of Louisiana, few things were adopted by the rest of the USA like roulette has been. Similarly, as entertainment began to move online, roulette was readily adopted there too.

If roulette and the city of New Orleans teach us something it isthat things that are popular will transcend time. No matter what year it is, people will still want to play roulette and they will still be enamored by the city of New Orleans. As history continues to move forwards, there is little doubt that both roulette and New Orleans will play a part in it.

Link:

Why Are the History of New Orleans and Roulette So Intertwined? - Big Easy Magazine

On a Saturday morning, Colombian President Ivn Duque greets EL PAS journalists in an aviator jacket and jeans. As he guides us on a tour of the Casa de Nario official residence, he talks about its construction, its first owners and its sale to the state. He elaborates at length in front of the urn that holds the steel and bronze sword of Simn Bolvar, reciting facts from memory. In his office, one can spot a motto on his desk that reads: If you do the little things well, the big things will work out better. When applied to Duques policies, his detractors would argue he has not stuck to the message.

In his darkest days, Duque, 44, heads to the chapel of the official residence and prays. He has had reason for several trips since his election in 2018: members of the ELN, a leftwing insurgency, killed 22 police cadets with a car bomb in 2019, Hurricane Iota wreaked destruction late last year, and the Covid-19 pandemic has caused immense hardship in terms of deaths and financial losses. Those are moments when I cling to God and faith, he says, though I believe that we have to offer thanks to Divine Providence even for moments of adversity.

After almost three years in office, Duques critics accuse him of avoiding big decisions and of living in the shadow of ex-president lvaro Uribe, who ruled during the final years of Colombias armed conflict between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the government, and who remains an influential yet divisive figure. The implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC, along with tax reform, are the thorniest issues Duque faces today. What follows is an interview with a president always walking a difficult tightrope, and refusing to be drawn too closely to any one side.

Question. How do you define yourself ideologically?

Answer. Of the extreme center.

Q. Can you explain what that means?

A. It means that I dont move from the center.

Q. And what is the political center to you?

A. The world cannot continue with these debates between left and right. There is now a clear division between demagogues and pedagogues. There are the demagogues promising big things and then failing to deliver, and there are the pedagogues, who are required to guide society.

Q. What does someone like you from the extreme center think of Donald Trump and the assault on the Capitol?

A. I rejected the assault on the Capitol and I reject violence.

Q. So what about a president who encouraged it, as Trump did?

A. It seems to me that violence is the greatest expression of irrationality, and even more so in a democracy. In democracies, the great debates have to take place in our institutions.

Q. But you have not made any public declaration about Trump. What did you think about Trump encouraging the assault on the Capitol at a rally?

A. I dont want to present myself as a judge. I think the United States has already had that discussion and it would be wrong of me to get involved in internal political debates.

Q. And what about Jair Bolsonaros attitude towards the pandemic?

A. I do not judge other presidents. I respect their approaches. Perhaps the best way forward is to set an example. From day one, we have worked with scientific evidence to face the challenge of the pandemic. Providing information and understanding for the protection of citizens lives and of our health system is just as important as protecting our economic and social structures.

Q. What is your assessment of the impact of the coronavirus on Colombia?

A. It has been a huge challenge because we did not have the spending power of rich countries. However, before the first month of our vaccination program is even over, we are getting closer and closer to vaccinating our first million people. Our goal this year is to reach 35 million vaccinated, or 70% of the Colombian population. The challenge now is to protect the most vulnerable and at the same time stabilize our public finances.

Q. How are you going to do that?

A. When the pandemic hit, we decided to create an unconditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable families for the first time. There are more than three million families receiving that income. I hope that with Congress we can extend those payments and reach almost five million families, and that we can also increase the amount handed out.

Secondly, mid-pandemic, we implemented a sales tax [VAT] refund to a million families, and this year we will extend it to two million families, and maybe even more. We have also subsidized between 40% and 50% of the legal minimum wage to more than 3.4 million workers.

We have to come up with an ambitious agenda to deal with the effects on poverty and unemployment, and at the same time stabilize public finances. How? With the principle of solidarity

Q. And there is a tax reform underway.

A. Talking about taxation is missing the mark slightly. I would explain it in the following way: the pandemic has created four serious effects; poverty, unemployment, a spending deficit and debt. Today we have to come up with an ambitious agenda to deal with the effects on poverty and unemployment, and at the same time stabilize public finances. How? With the principle of solidarity.

Q. And with us being relatively close to election time [Colombia will hold a presidential election in 2022], will this reform have the necessary support in Congress?

A. Colombia and Spain have this in common, which is that our countries have never played roulette with the economy or with social-spending programs. Everything that has been spent in this crisis will have to be covered eventually, everything. In the case of Colombia, whenever we have had to make decisions to protect the most vulnerable and preserve the stability of public finances, we have done so.

Q. Thats all very well but in order to make that happen you will need money, and that could come from a tax reform, right? For example, 40% of products are exempt from VAT at the moment.

A. I want to be very clear. I am not in favor of VAT on food that makes up families day-to-day consumption, so eggs, meat, chicken, or bread. We have to ensure that access to basic foodstuffs is protected. There are other aspects of the VAT regime that will be analyzed by tax experts, Im sure, and we will consider them, but regarding household staples I am not in favor of setting a VAT rate right now.

Q. And do you not fear an increase in social conflict due to the pandemic and poverty?

A. Obviously we know that this type of circumstance will always bring some level of friction and fear, and we also know that there are some people who will always want to capitalize on the ill feeling generated among those affected by the pandemic and poverty, and to use it for their own electoral gain. Thats why these social policies are so important this year.

Q. There are complaints about the development of the peace accords. Progress is slow and meanwhile the killings of community leaders and former FARC guerrillas continue. Shouldnt the process be sped up?

A. I do not play politics with peace. I have a peace policy. We have a commitment to moving forward without looking for recognition, or for prizes and awards. We do this to serve Colombians.

Q. You were very critical of the peace agreement [between the government and the FARC signed in 2016]. After three years as president, are you convinced yet that it was not as bad as you thought?

A. I was critical of aspects of the agreement. I think it is very positive that those who laid down their arms are returning to civilian life. And yes, I have some concerns, which I have aired publicly. Those concerns are about guaranteeing the principles of truth, justice, reparations and preventing any repeat behavior. That means we need to know the truth about the recruitment of minors, about the relationship with drug trafficking, about the rape of women and children, about those who were kidnapped. It also means that Colombians know that the sentences applied by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace [JEP; Colombias peace court] offer the guarantee, credibility and confidence that justice was really done.

Q. Do you trust transitional justice now?

A. My criticism was always institutional, constructive. The JEP has not yet produced any ruling, so I cannot make any value judgment regarding those stated purposes of truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition.

For me, there is no difference between the misnamed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia and the FARC

Q. The Truth Commissions report will be released at the end of the year. Will you support it?

A. Its extremely important for the Colombian people that we say things as they are, and that means recognizing that in a country with the rule of law there are no political assassinations or political kidnappings or political car bombs or political recruitment of minors or political extortion. Under no circumstances can anyone who commits one of these crimes be called anything other than a criminal. Therefore, one cannot differentiate between armed groups based on their ideology.

For me, there is no difference between the misnamed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and the FARC. It is also very important that when we construct the truth it is understood that the state security forces are not an actor in the conflict, but an authority protected by the constitution. Of course, if there are excesses, abuses or crimes committed by members of the security forces, the individuals responsible deserve to face the full weight of the law. So, when you ask me what is my expectation: that the truth based on these universal principles will prevail.

Q. Recently, the JEP presented a report that raised the number of civilians killed in combat and falsely passed off as guerrillas by the army to more than 6,400. Do you lend credibility to that report?

A. This behaviour must be rejected categorically and must be punished under the full weight of the law, and thats whether we are talking about 1, 10, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 victims. An investigation must also be carried out and it is very important that in this process we have judicial objectivity so that sanctions are applied that act as an example for those who behave in this way.

Q. And would you agree if those sanctions included someone like the former president lvaro Uribe?

A. I respect the question, but it comes from a premise that doesnt enter the debate for me for a simple reason, which is that there was no chain of command coming from the executive in these cases, which are against the law and the constitution. The then the defense minister, Juan Manuel Santos, along with former President Uribe, have publicly announced they took no part in these decisions and were not those who exercised some degree of control, inspection or surveillance over the units in question. I cannot accept a hypothetical question about the criminal responsibility of anyone without proof, who has not been convicted in court, and furthermore one that is not supported by any type of evidence.

Q. What is your relationship with Uribe?

A. Its positive, and we are friends. He is not only a person I admire for his dedication to our country, for his patriotism, but also because he cares a lot about making proposals.

Q. Do you talk to him a lot?

A. We do talk. He is also still active in politics. I have a friendly relationship with him that I value deeply, and that maybe makes our conversations easier than with other former presidents.

Q. You give the impression that you have been diverging in opinion and that he, for example, is much more aggressive regarding the peace talks than you.

A. Thomas Jefferson said that when many people think alike, there is not much thinking going on. Respectful disagreement is very important in society, in a political party, in a company, in a newspaper, because it is precisely a diversity of opinions that allows us to find common ground.

We are defenders of democracy and the end of dictatorship in Venezuela

Q. In a gesture that was highly applauded by the international community, your government has decided to legalize hundreds of thousands of undocumented Venezuelans. Are more measures likely to be put in place for this immigrant group?

A. Colombias gesture is a gesture of peace; its a humanitarian and fraternal act. We are not a rich country, and 1.7 million migrants are already in Colombia. Around 900,000 have temporary permits, and we offer them a 10-year permit with a biometric identity card. There are another 800,000 or 900,000 who are invisible: we do not know where they are, what their names are, or what conditions they are living in. With this temporary protection statute they will be registered, and they will have access to goods and services in accordance with Colombian law. I believe that this is a reference in terms of global migration policy, because the world has seen a lot of xenophobia and a lot of stigmatization. We are showing that it is not necessary to be a rich country to be fraternal and humanitarian.

Q. You have been a staunch defender of [Venezuelan opposition leader] Juan Guaid from the very beginning. However, the goal of removing Nicols Maduro from power has not worked. What strategy should be followed in Venezuela?

A. Colombia has never acted unilaterally. It is not that we are staunch defenders, ruu. Maduro has not left power, thats true, but let us also recognize several things. There has never been a diplomatic siege of this nature. This process is the end of the dictatorship, a transitional government with broad participation, the calling of free and fair elections and a plan for Venezuelas reconstruction. What do we need to do? To accelerate that process.

Q. How?

A. We have to continue applying pressure, including the legal case made by several heads of state against Nicols Maduro before the International Criminal Court.

Q. Would you support the participation of opposition parties in Venezuelas next regional elections?

A. I am not going to say if I support or not. They are the ones who have to decide themselves. As long as no conditions exist for free and fair elections, because thats not possible in a dictatorship, any pretension of participating in a democratic process ends up as a kind of farce.

Excerpt from:

Colombian President Ivn Duque: We have never played roulette with the economy or with social-spending programs - EL PAS in English

One of our respected universities released a guide to how to play Russian roulette to entertain others for money in December. Among its stated aims it said the university policy was to ensure that any students who play Russian roulette are positively supported, with their personal wellbeing and safety being considered as a priority and to ensure that University staff are aware of their responsibilities to support students through a non-judgemental approach.

Its policy statement read: The University is firmly committed to sustaining an inclusive learning, working and research environment for all students, this includes students earning money or other commodities through Russian roulette. We recognise the social stigma associated with Russian roulette and support students who earn a living through Russian roulette. Students may increasingly turn to Russian roulette to fund their studies. Outing individuals about their status without their consent puts students at risk of harm.

Actually, it doesnt say that. Its not supporting students who are struggling so badly financially that they will do anything - literally as crazy as the idea of playing Russian roulette for the entertainment of others would be - to support themselves.

No, this university, and multiple other unis all over the country, are all talking about sex work - not Russian roulette - supporting students who turn to prostitution when they cannot make ends meet, by publishing Student Sex Work tool-kits which aim to offer advice and support to the vendor.

Which would be all well and good if the whole idea weren't so desperately sad and depressing. By setting out not to challenge the assertion that its a fundamentally bad idea to go into sex work to get your degree, these organisations really arent helping at all.

Lets be clear: women (and, obviously, some men) are not being offered no-strings financial support to help them sustain their degrees. Instead, they are being shown a picture of normalised prostitution.Many might think that an academic institution - which is home to those women and men, including from the trans community, who are so vulnerable and frightened of losing their places at university, perhaps even their homes, due to lack of money that prostitution becomes an option - should be stepping in to stop it. That these places should be the actual role models for showing how education is the exit route from poverty, not selling yourself.

Sure, theres a school of thought which claims sex work to be an empowering and even fun way to earn that extra dosh. Although if that were so, wed see far fewer vulnerable people in the business, their places jostled away by glamorous and robust yuppies, eager to make some extra money for next winters trip to Barbados. As if.

Anyway appearances are not the crux of the matter - safety is. Anyone who is involved in prostitution or sex work deserves to do so without fear of physical or mental abuse. But there is no evidence an online toolkit can achieve this. It may give the illusion that there are ways to sell sex without fear or stigma, but theres no proof anyone or anything can do this.

Research does show that there is a huge and always growing burden of violence against those who offer sex for sale but that one of the greatest factors in preventing this comes down not to lack of ideas but lack of data and official interest.

Violence against women (and men, and those who are trans) in the sex trade is constantly overlooked when discussions take place about violence as a whole. The funding isnt there. The taxpayers are not crying out for it. Far more energy seems spent on redefining it as an employment choice than admitting that sex work comes with unimaginably high risks.

What is documented is that violence connected to sex work can cause poor health overall, physical and sexual injury, mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How on earth is a policy statement going to protect a student from any of that? It really doesn't matter whether you think prostitution is a good or bad thing as a societal entity. But we can all surely agree it is one of the most dangerous ways imaginable to make up a shortfall in a student grant.

Universities offering tips to stay safe - have a mirror in your room so you can see what the client is up to at all times - is pitiful stuff. Posting a copy of the toolkits mission statement on your wall isnt going to be much cop against a violent predatory man with a history of sexual abuse and a prison record.

Policies written with the best intentions cannot possibly do the one thing any putative prostitute would need from them to remain 100 per cent safe. And that is to create an algorithm that identifies which sex-buyer is safe and which one is not.

Until then, all the online tool-kits in the world wont make selling your body safe.But they may make you feel safer. Its in that gap where the problem lies.

Were universities really interested in the safety of their students they would reduce fees, offer financial advice, save paid work on campus for those young people who need it most. They would offer cash grants not gimmicky tips.

If personal wellbeing and safety were considered as a priority, no university would sanction a guide to prostitution, any more than they would to running up and down motorways or playing Russian roulette. Because it is inherently unsafe.

The naivety is not in thinking prostitution doesnt go on and will always be with us. It is in encouraging a new generation of young people to think it is no different in risk to other forms of remuneration.

Read the original here:

Now is not the time to be normalising sex work for university students - Telegraph.co.uk

Spokane will get a full week of practice as they'll be off until Saturday when they travel back down to the Tri Cites to take on the Americans again.

While it was great the Chiefs were back on the ice playing meaningful games again, the first weekend of the season wasn't very successful in the win -loss column as Spokane lost all three games to U.S. Division rivals Seattle, Everett and Portland. Spokane did manage to get one point with a shootout loss to Seattle, but the club was sitting in last place in the division as they headed back to the Spokane Arena for their home opener against the team they had opened the season with the previous Friday, Seattle. The Thunderbirds had lost their last game last Saturday against Portland, so the two teams were hoping to get on the winning track with Friday's contest.

It felt weird being back in the Spokane Arena as there were zero fans in the building. In addition, the Arena is a mass vaccination site for the Covid 19 vaccines, so while there were plenty of people there, they were curtained off up on the concourse. This led to a windy path around the building to get to the press box to do the game for radio. The routine I've become accustomed the past 18 seasons is all out the door this season as I'm tested for Covid when I come in the building, go a completely different route to the press box up top the arena, and there is no socializing in the media room with other scouts or personnel from around the league. It's a very sterile environment and one quite frankly I hope will disappear as people get vaccinated against this virus.

Spokane was hoping their home ice would help them get their first victory of the season, but without any fans, with the exception of the cardboard picture cutouts in the seats, it was going to be clearly on the Chiefs shoulders to generate the energy to skate past the Thunderbirds. Spokane was still without center Jack Finley, who was still nursing a shoulder injury, so the Chiefs depth up front was definitely going to be tested by Seattle's front lines. Friday's game was unlike the previous week's tilt as Seattle would jump out to the early lead midway through the period. The Thunderbirds were dominating early offensively as they put up some point blank grade A chances on Chiefs goalie Campbell Arnold, but Arnold kept the Chiefs in the game by making the saves to keep the contest with a one goal deficit for Spokane. Two of those big saves came against T-Bird forward Connor Roulette, but late in the first Roulette broke through on his third attempt on a shot from the left side to give Seattle a 2-0 lead after one. It was a huge goal as the Thunderbirds seized the momentum of the game and carried it forward.

Seattle scored again midway through the second as Roulette netted his second of the game to make it 3-0 T-Birds. The Chiefs put up 15 shots on goal in the period, but had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard as Seattle goalie Thomas Milic turned away 24 Spokane shots through 40 minutes. The air seemed to go out of the Chiefs balloon in the third as Seattle put up two more goals while Milic denied 10 more Spokane shots. In the end, the Chiefs were shutout for the second time in 4 games this season as the Thunderbirds had their second straight win over Spokane by a 5-0 margin. It wasn't exactly the home opener the Chiefs were hoping for, but in retrospect it shouldn't have come as a surprise as Spokane has dropped their last 3 home openers. The team has bounced back from those setbacks so the hope was Spokane would find their offense and get in the win column when the team headed down Highway 395 to face the Tri City Americans.

Tri City had been shut out by a 10-0 margin in home and home defeats to the Everett Silvertips in their last 2 games. Someone was going to break their shutout streak Saturday in the first of 8 regular season meetings between the Chiefs and the Americans. This game would see the Chiefs get off to a better start than the night before, but for the 4th straight period Spokane could not find the back of the net as the two teams were scoreless after one. The Americans took over offensively in the second as they out shot the Chiefs 12-4 in the stanza. Tri City would break through on the scoresheet on a partial breakaway by Connor Bouchard to take a 1-0 lead after two. Chiefs back up goalie Mason Beaupit played well on the evening, much like he did the week before in Everett, but for the second straight start his efforts were for naught as the Chiefs offense came up empty.

In the third, a Chiefs turnover at the blue line led to a 2 on 1 rush that ended up in a Samuel Huo goal at 4:12 of the period to give the Americans a 2-0 advantage. Spokane had chances in the third, including a 4 minute power play opportunity late in the frame, but failed to capitalize as the power play went 0-6 on the night. The Chiefs pulled Beaupit from goal late in the game, but gave up an empty net goal in the final 32 seconds as Tri City blanked the Chiefs 3-0. Spokane out shot Tri 13-7 in the third but failed on all 3 of their power plays as the team's offensive woes continued. The team has been kept off the scoreboard for three of their five games this season and for 3 of the 15 regulation periods Spokane has played thus far. The Chiefs are now 0-4-0-1 on the year and received more bad news during the week when center Jack Finley was ruled out for the abbreviated season to have shoulder surgery. Finley is expected back for next season when it starts in October, but he will certainly be missed in this campaign.

Spokane will get a full week of practice as they'll be off until Saturday when they travel back down to the Tri Cites to take on the Americans for the second straight game. The Chiefs then head back home to open a 4 game homestand on Easter Sunday when they entertain the Everett Silvertips for the first time this year. Hopefully the club will find a way to score soon as the season is now approaching the 1/4 pole. Saturday's game will be at 6:05 pm from the Tri Cities while Sunday's tilt with Everett will be a 5:10 face off. I'll have the call on 103.5 FM the Game and 1510 KGA starting with the pre-game shows a half prior to face off. Let's hope the Chiefs find their offensive prowess and their first win over the weekend. We hope to see you on the radio!

Go here to read the rest:

CHIEFS BLOG: Recap of the Chiefs' second week of the season with home opener against Seattle, trip to Tri Cities - KREM.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 04: (L-R) Dealer Gary Reed looks on as Tilak Fernando and Dred Phillips play roulette at Bellagio Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip after the property opened for the first time since being closed on March 17 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on June 4, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. MGM Resorts International did not install plexiglass safety shield dividers at its roulette tables and is requiring guests to wear masks when playing the game since people have to reach across the gaming area to play. Hotel-casinos throughout the state are opening today as part of a phased reopening of the economy with social distancing guidelines and other restrictions in place. MGM Resorts International reopened Bellagio, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino and The Signature today. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Casinos in Nevada recorded a gaming win of $772 million in February this year as the state continues its recovery amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Last months win is up slightly from January, when the gaming win was $761.8 million, per figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Its down early 26% compared to February year ago, however, when casinos had a win of $1.04 billion.The Las Vegas Strip continues to suffer worse than the rest of the state. Casinos on the Strip had a win of nearly $348.5 million, down about 42% from the same month in 2020. Its the largest year-to-year drop for any area reported in Nevada. Clark County was down nearly 30% overall, from $897.5 million in February 2020 to $631.5 million last month.

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Gaming Win Up Slightly in February - KDWN

Murphy for Governor 2021 and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee today announced new additions to the campaigns senior staff, as well as the Forward 2021 statewide coordinated campaign. The group includes experienced campaign operatives with a diverse set of backgrounds and skills spanning both New Jersey and national politics.

This group represents the very best and brightest of Democratic politics, and Im incredibly proud to have them join our campaign to move New Jersey forward, said Governor Murphy. With these talented professionals on our senior leadership team, we have the support in place to build a winning coalition and elect Democrats at all levels of government this year.

Im thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of accomplished campaign operatives to our team, said Murphy for Governor Campaign Manager Mollie Binotto. Their wealth of local and national experience will strengthen our efforts to share Governor Murphys progressive vision with voters in every corner of the state.

Working together with Murphy for Governor and other targeted campaigns, the Democratic State Committee and Forward 2021 will focus on activating voters throughout the state and building support for the Governor and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot, said NJDSC Executive Director Saily Avelenda. Were excited to welcome Brooklynne and Axel to our team and look forward to ensuring that Democrats are engaged and excited about this campaign.

Murphy for Governor previously announced several members of the senior leadership team in February. Additional senior staff hires will be announced in the weeks ahead. Bios and photos of senior staff announced today are listed below.

Brooklynne Mosley, Coordinated Campaign Director, Forward 2021

Brooklynne Roulette Mosley will serve as Coordinated Campaign Director for Forward 2021. Most recently, Brooklynne served as Coordinated Campaign Director for the Texas Democratic Party. Prior to that, she served as Missouri State Director for Warren for President. She previously served as Deputy Director of Appointments in the Office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. In 2018, Brooklynne was Kansas Democratic Partys Deputy Executive Director and Coordinated campaign Director, overseeing tremendous gains for Kansas Democrats and a statewide victory. Brooklynne has also previously worked as Associate Director of Programs at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as a Regional Field Organizer for Paul Davis 2014 gubernatorial campaign, and as Kansas State Coordinator, Political Director and Delegation Selection Director for Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign. She cut her teeth as a fall Organizing Fellow with Organizing for Action (OFA) and was Vice Chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party. Brooklynne is an Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veteran.

Mike DeLamater, Political Director, Murphy for Governor 2021

Mike DeLamater will serve as Political Director for Murphy for Governor. Mike previously served as Governor Murphys Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental Affairs, coordinating with Members of Congress, county officials, mayors, and local electeds across the state, including COVID-19 response efforts and the implementation of the statewide vaccination program. He previously served as the Governors Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to that, Mike served as a Regional Political Director for Murphy for Governor 2017, with a focus on Bergen and Monmouth Counties. Mike is a veteran of numerous local campaigns in New Jersey, including the 2016 Englewood Cliffs elections, the 2016 Democratic primary in Bloomfield, the May 2017 nonpartisan election in Hackensack, and local Council races in Paramus. He also served in the New Jersey Legislature as Legislature Director for then-Assemblyman Joe Lagana and as a Legislative Aide for former Assemblymembers Connie Wagner and Tim Eustace. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and is an alumnus of the New Leaders Council New Jersey chapter.

Axel Owen, Deputy Coordinated Campaign Director, Forward 2021

Axel Owen will serve as Deputy Coordinated Campaign Director for Forward 2021. Axel is an experienced political operative, bringing years of state and national campaign experience to the position. Most recently, Axel served as Campaign Manager for NJ CAN 2020, where he led the successful campaign for the passage of the referendum to legalize adult-use cannabis in New Jersey. Axel previously served as a statewide organizing director for the Mike Bloomberg 2020 presidential campaign. He also served as Political Director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee and as Campaign Manager on the winning campaigns of Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Joseph A. Lagana, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling. Axel is a graduate of Ripon College and currently resides in Mt. Laurel.

John Etienne, Digital Organizing Director, Murphy for Governor 2021

John Etienne will serve as Digital Organizing Director for Murphy for Governor. Most recently, John served as Minnesota Deputy Digital Organizing Director for Biden for President. Prior to that, John served as an organizer for Warren for President in Iowa and Florida. He previously served as a fellow for the American Civil Liberties Union and Southern Regional Director for the College Democrats of America. A native of West Palm Beach, John is a graduate of the University of Florida.

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Originally posted here:

Murphy for Governor and NJDSC Announce Key Additions to Campaign and Coordinated Campaign Senior Staff - InsiderNJ

If youre an avid online casino player, then the chances are youve probably sought out the immersive gaming experience that is live casino. Obviously, technology is behind all of the casino games that you can play online, and has granted us access to the casino without having to leave home.

The specific technology behind live casino play is elaborate, enabling you to interact with the live dealer and receive a personalised gaming experience. But, have you ever wondered how technology makes this experience possible? Read on to find out!

Cameras

It seems obvious, but cameras are the key component that make live casino gaming possible. They enable the dealer and player to interact during the game, allowing the player to see the dealer directly through their screen. Were all pretty familiar with this technology, you probably regularly call your gran on video chat, but we often take the technology that goes into this process for granted.

To provide you with an optimal experience, a typical game will involve three cameras that record the dealer from different angles, so that you dont miss out on any of the excitement. Typically, one camera will provide a birds eye view of the table, whilst the others live stream the table, or the wheel for Roulette, as well as focusing on the dealer.

Gaming Control Units

Gaming Control Units (GCUs) are a piece of software that enable dealers to view what is happing on a players table and act accordingly. It is attached to the dealers table and instructs them on when they should put a card on the table for example, in Blackjack, or spin the wheel in Roulette.

The device effectively encodes data that is broadcasted in a live game and makes it possible for the dealer to provide a seamless experience. Without this device, the experience would not replicate a brick-and-mortar table casino game.

The Monitor

Its ironic really, but as you sit behind your screen, with your gaze fixed on the dealer, on the other side, the dealer is also staring at a screen, albeit somewhat different display. The dealers monitor connects them to the players, and allows them to see how many players have joined, remove players if theyre not complying with the rules, or prompt them to play.

The Dealer

Clearly, the dealer isnt a piece of technology, dont worry, they havent replaced humans with robots just yet. However, live casino gaming would not be possible without the dealer, who has to observe the data that the technology around them is feeding through.

The dealers are trained professionals and make it possible for live games to run smoothly. They are trained to host the games and have effectively read the hypothetical gaming rule book from cover to cover. The dealers are friendly and welcoming, and are the essence of the game. Using their monitor to speculate what is happening on the receiving end of the game, the dealer can view live chat conversations, making it possible for them to welcome new players to the room and continue to interact with them throughout the game.

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The Technology Involved in Live Casino - Essex Magazine

After reviewing hundreds of online bingo sites weve come to realize that most of them are old, boring, and getting paid your winnings can be a nightmare.

But dont give up just yet because there are some genuinely good sites out there worth joining.

So, if youre looking for a new bingo home thats fun, friendly, and will actually pay out your winnings when then check out our list of the top 5 best online bingo sites below!

Why did these sites make it to the top 5?

Carry on reading to find out!

At number one on our list of the best online bingo sites, we have Tombola!

First of all, we love the unique design.

And heres a picture of one of tombolas most popular games Paper Bingo.

Many online bingo sites share the same software and player pool so they all look and feel the same.

But tombola decided to build their site from the ground up, so it has a unique look and feel that you wont find anywhere else.

We love the pastel-coloured theme and think it feels nostalgic and easy on the eye.

tombola call themselves Britains Biggest Bingo Site and for good reason with more than 15,000 players online during peak hours.

But dont worry!

Even though there are so many players online there are lots of rooms to play in so it doesnt feel overcrowded and it doesnt feel like the same players are winning all the time.

With so many registered players, tombola pay-out more than 8 MILLION pounds every week!

To make sure that bingo doesnt become a problem for you tombola offer some of the best safeplay tools in the industry.

Theyre also known for their fast pay-out and withdrawal times so if you do win then you can rest easy knowing youll be paid your winnings quickly.

They also have one of the best support teams of any online bingo site and theres always someone available to help if you need assistance via email, phone, or live chat.

If you like to play bingo on your mobile then youll love the Tombola mobile app!

Its available on kindle, Apple, and Android smartphones.

As well as the usual 50, 60,75 and 90 ball games youll find lots of exclusive bingo games at Tombola that have their own unique twists like:

Bingo 75 Shapes: A shape is determined before the game starts and the first player to mark off all the numbers within that shape wins the game.

Cinco: This game uses playing cards instead of numbers. If your hand is called within 7 cards, then you could win a jackpot of up to 20,000!

Blocks: You have 36 coloured blocks. Clear all 6 of the same colour to win the block prize. Clear your block in 10 calls or less and you will win the jackpot too!

Bingo Roulette: This game is played on a roulette board. Whatever the ball lands on is the number called. Clear your ticket in 10 spins or less to win the jackpot!

Picture Bingo Roulette: This new and super fun game is played with pictures instead of numbers. We love the sound effects and think it provides an exciting and fresh new twist to online bingo.

The Machine: With this game, your ticket is transformed into a cog. Match all 8 numbers on the silver cog to win the silver prize and match all 12 numbers on the gold cog to win the gold prize.

Potion: At the start of the game 3 potion recipes are written on scrolls. To win the prize you need to collect magical ingredients to make the potions!

As well as bingo, tombola also offers an amazing selection of unique and exclusive arcade games where you can win real money.

Like Drop which is a bit like Tetris where the blocks drop down and you have to try and clear the board.

They also have Hamster Race too!

Because of tombolas amazing selection of bingo games, friendly community, and fast pay-out times they are very popular among the online bingo community.

Zoe Caroline says shes won quite a lot on tombola and likes that they have fast withdrawal times and helpful live chat!

Danielle absolutely loves Tombola. Seeing as she won 1,700 last year and another 750 this year, we dont blame her!

And Mandy Allsop won 2,870 on Tombola just before Christmas!

With its unique design, exclusive games, warm community, and massive jackpots we think that tombola is one of the best online bingo sites there is.

tombola also has a very generous 200% sign up bonus available here which means if you deposit 25 you get to play with 75! (The minimum deposit is 10)

At number 2 on our list of the best bingo sites, we have Gala Bingo.

Youve probably already heard about Gala Bingo as theyre a household name with millions of registered members.

Gala Bingo offer up a whopping 47 different bingo games online so theres always a game running to keep you entertained.

The site is smooth and easy to navigate, and they have a really nice mobile app.

Here are the next 5 games about to run inside the members area.

Heres a quick rundown of some of the fun games you can play at Gala Bingo:

We think that Gala Bingo has a great selection of games with plenty of exclusives and there is something for everyone. They even have penny bingo!

At Gala Bingo the games are fun and friendly, and the site is easy to navigate.

You can easily see all the upcoming games and prizes.

We also like that you can add games to your favourites so you can easily find them again in the future.

And you can sort games based on time, prize, players, and jackpot.

And there are some big jackpots on offer.

In the All Sorts room, theres a jackpot right now of 88,718.88 waiting to be won!

Dana says shes been with Gala for more than 11 years and never has any problems, they always pay-out and have a large selection of games.

Deneil deposited 10 and won 106!

And Ash says that they won 300 and it was in their bank account in a couple of days. They think its a great site!

With its lovely design, great selection of bingo games to play, and welcoming community we would recommend joining Gala Bingo.

Plus, if you sign up here and deposit 10 they will give you a 60 bonus to play with!

At number 3 on our list of the best online bingo sites we have Sun Bingo which is owned by Britains biggest newspaper The Sun.

Sun Bingo offers an exciting selection of bingo games to play and a fun and friendly community to play and chat with.

They also have lots of nice jackpots and promotions running which means that when you do win, you could win big!

They also have a fresh and easy-to-use mobile app that has a 4.6-star rating with over 700 reviews so you can play bingo on the go!

Sun Bingo offer an enticing selection of 90, 80, 75, 50, and 36 ball bingo games as well as some exclusives and even a free bingo room called the learners room!

They also have session bingo where you can book a session of games all at once and the ability to pre-book games for later!

The lobby is easy to navigate and you can quickly see all the upcoming games, players, prizes, and jackpots on offer.

Here are some of the games youll find at Sun Bingo:

At the end of this 90-ball bingo game, the winner will play the arena of the gods feature where 9 gold coins will appear and you have to turn them over to reveal a God or Goddess.

A prize is determined when 3 of the same Gods/Goddesses are matched.

Match 3 of:

All players in the room will see the feature play out!

Sun Bingo offer a great selection of promotions.

See more of these juicy promos on the official Sun Bingo website here.

Read more here:

Best Online Bingo Sites (2021) The Top 5 Sites We Love - Observer

No one can deny the popularity of roulette. Over the years, roulette has become one of the most popular casino games. And honestly, it has to be because it is one of those casino games that are easy to master.

Although roulette has layers of complexities attached to it, you will need to understand the basics. Honestly, if youre under the impression that roulette is about little balls bouncing, it is not because a lot more is involved in the game. You cant just randomly roll the wheel and toss chips. Although you can play the game, it is advisable to consider the small aspects. Theres always a set of right and wrong rules that you will need to consider with roulette.

Rather than betting on every game, it would help if you considered the different bet types and odds that are available on the table. It is advisable to know the roulette terms and regulations. All you need to do is develop the strategy, know the risks and eventually calculate the rewards attached to it. The best thing you will need to consider is the return on investment. However, you will need to analyze the different ways to increase your chance of winning.

If you want to increase your profits from online casino Malaysia websites, you should consider the tips. Roulette is a classic game that you cant miss.

How to play?

Before you jump on throwing the chips haphazardly on the table, you will need to calculate the odds. It is also advisable to check the spinning wheel. Before you actually start playing the game, you should consider understanding how roulette actually works.

Whether youre playing in an online casino or land-based, you need to understand the rules. The basic rules of roulette will always be the same. Furthermore, you also need to understand the basic etiquette of playing the game. Newbies are prone to making mistakes. Hence, you may want to avoid it, and the best way to do so is to understand the roulette rules.

It would help if you did your research so that you can find the best deal. Once you have done your research, you can play with roulette tips. This also plays a vital role in boosting your confidence.

Odds

Beginners may have a tough time understanding the odds. Honestly, you dont need to be any mathematical genius to understand the odds. However, you should know your odds. The odds will further vary depending on the bets. Although it may sound a little weird if you dont know your odds of winning, how are you even going to correct your mistakes?

Even when you play online roulette, you should consider understanding the odds. This will play an essential role in understanding what you achieve in every section of the gable. This will have an impact on your strategy. It would help if you considered calculating your possible returns as well. Nonetheless, beginners will not be aware of the difference between zeros and double-zeros. In this case, you will also only end up calculating the guess and never actually making one.

Roulette bets

Whenever you start, you need to understand the roulette bets. Not many people are aware of the difference between straight-up and corner bets, or even street or six line. These are some of the most popular roulette bets. But these arent it because there are a lot of other roulette bets.

Before you start betting, it is advisable to understand the roulette betting terms. Knowing the terms will play an important role in increasing your chance of winning. Moreover, you will be able to make the bets carefully and in a better-calculated way. Furthermore, you will be able to approach the game and ensure every chip will go into the slot properly.

Money management

Theres a lot of financial risks involved in roulettes. This is mostly because you will eventually get carried away with roulettes. You may not even know, but you may end up losing all your money.

Whenever you are to play roulettes, it is advisable to opt for money management. Money management will help you with calculating all the credits. This also increases your chances of better returns. Make sure to follow a good money management guide to increase your chances of success.

Strategies

The strategies need to be followed as well. If you have a proper strategy, you will eventually get to decide how much you will win. Every roulette professional has a strong plan that they apply in all their games.

Having a proper mindset about the roulette gameplay will play an essential role in increasing the chances of winning. Whether you want to play conservatively or aggressively, you will need to consider many factors for making profits. This also plays an important role in minimizing the risks.

No rule book can teach you strict rules about roulette. Hence, it is advisable to know the profits and strategies to make it big in the game.

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Everything you need to know about roulette - - VENTS Magazine

When it comes to table game side bets, baccarat and blackjack are the prime candidates. Both games can feature a number of interesting side wagers that ramp up the excitement level.

Roulette, meanwhile, isnt typically known as a big side bet game. For years, it has relied on classic mechanics to draw gamblers.

However, the occasional shakeup is always nice for varietys sake. Las Vegas El Cortez is providing this shakeup with a new game called Richer Spin Roulette.

This variation uses an innovative second wheel called The Cone to spice up the action. You can read about Richer Spin Roulette below along with if itll help revolutionize this long-time casino classic.

This variation basically presents two games on one table. The first game is based on the traditional American wheel with 38 pockets.

The second game involves The Cone, which sits in the middle of the traditional wheel. The Cone features ten different-colored spaces that are represented by nine silver icons and one gold icon.

Both wheels spin independently of each other and, thus, offer different results. You must bet on the main wheel in order to play this game. The Cone, meanwhile, is an optional side wager.

The latter involves placing your money on another set of numbers that form a racetrack shape. This racetrack area features the aforementioned silver and gold spots.

Each round begins with the dealer performing the spin. You can wager on the main and Cone wheels until the croupier announces no more bets.

The dealer spins the main wheel and Cone in opposite directions of each other. One of The Cones silver or gold icons may align with the winning number.

To recap, here are the steps for playing Richer Spin:

The main wheel distributes payouts like any other American roulette game. If you wager on a single number, for example, then youll be paid 35:1. Likewise, a winning bet on red/black will pay 1:1.

The Cone, meanwhile, offers payouts as follows:

These payouts are so large because its difficult to win Cone bets. You first need to choose the winning number and color. Secondly, the winning silver icon, for example, must contain the same number that wins on the main wheel.

As mentioned before, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino will be hosting an early showcase of this game. El Cortez is a popular casino in downtown Las Vegas.

Its well known for offering some of the most-favorable casino games in terms of RTP. It has a blackjack game, for example, with 99.68% RTP.

Nevertheless, game designer Richar Fitoussi is hoping that he has another hit on his hands with Richer Spin. If this game goes well at El Cortez, then itll likely spread throughout Vegas and beyond.

You probably wont hop on a plane to Sin City just to try a single game. If youre ever in Vegas, though, then you might want to check out Richer Spin for the following reasons.

As covered earlier, roulette isnt typically known as an innovative casino game. The main variations, including American, European, and French roulette, are quite similar to each other.

Richer Spin provides something much different to these games. It boasts a second wheel in The Cone along with a separate racetrack betting area.

If youre somebody whos been playing roulette for a while and are looking for something new, then youll definitely find it with Richer Spin.

Roulette already offers some large possible payouts through the single number (35:1), split (17:1), and street (11:1) wagers.

However, Richer Spin takes things to a new level. It can deliver a 100:1 payout for a silver/winning number combo, and a 300:1 payoff for a gold/winning number.

Assuming you put down $10 on one of the silver icons, you could win $1,000 for this fairly small bet. The gold spot, meanwhile, could pay $3,000 for the same wager.

Despite what the name suggests, you dont need to be rich to win big with Richer Spin Roulette. Instead, you can place low bets on The Cone and look forward to huge payouts.

Youll need to make the minimum wager on the main wheel. Aside from this, though, you can bet as little as $1 on The Cone. This same small wager could turn into $100 for a silver win and $300 for a gold win.

This game has the promise to deliver lots of excitement to Las Vegas gamblers. However, Richer Spin isnt without its drawbacks.

Every new casino invention must earn its way onto floors. Richer Spin Roulette is at least promising enough to get a tryout in El Cortez, which is one of the more-popular Vegas casinos.

However, a tryout and gaining a permanent spot on El Cortezs gaming floor are two different things. Many games have fallen by the wayside after failing to generate enough play during their auditions.

Even if Richer Spin earns a long-term place in El Cortez, itll need to prove itself in many other casinos too, before becoming highly accessible.

Games like Caribbean stud and Let It Ride have made this leap. Whether Richer Spin does the same remains to be seen.

In itself, roulette can be confusing to beginners. Its board features numerous options when considering all of the different combinations of splits, trios, corners, and other bets.

The Cone further complicates gameplay. Even experienced players may have trouble understanding exactly how bets win.

As discussed earlier, you need to bet on the winning silver/gold icon, which must also contain the winning number corresponding to the main wheels winning pocket.

Its hard enough to explain this in writing. Learning is just as difficult when watching the game with no concept of how The Cone works. Some players may not stick around long enough to find out how this game operates.

Richer Spin Roulette is a brand-new concept at the time of this post. Its payback information isnt available yet.

However, Im willing to bet that the RTP is poor just like most other side bets. This is especially the case when considering that 100:1 and 300:1 payouts are possible.

Im guessing that the RTP will, at best, be around what American roulette offers. At worst, it could be 93% or lower.

Again, youre not going to make a special trip to Las Vegas for one new game. However, you might find Richer Spin worth playing if you visit Sin City and are in the El Cortez area.

This game provides a new way to enjoy roulette. It not only offers unique side bets but also an entirely new wheel in the middle.

Assuming youre tired of playing the same old classic roulette, then youll appreciate Richer Spins breath of fresh air. You can win payouts worth up to 100:1 and 300:1.

Of course, this game isnt without its flaws either. Its confusing in the beginning and is only available at the El Cortez right now.

I wouldnt suggest going out of your way to try this one. You should, however, definitely consider it if you like roulette and are ever in Vegas.

Inventive roulette variations dont come about every day. But Richer Spin Roulette is currently providing a unique way to enjoy a time-honored classic.

It features a revolutionary concept in The Conea separate wheel inside of the main wheel. The Cone can deliver big wins that feel like mini jackpots.

Time will tell if Richer Spin impresses El Cortez and other casinos that it earns a tryout with. However, this game definitely has a chance at becoming a mainstay in the gaming world.

Excerpt from:

What Is Richer Spin Roulette? - New Las Vegas Roulette Variation - BestUSCasinos.org