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BEAUMONT, Texas – From U.S. Attorney's Office - A 42-year-old Treasure Island, Florida man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in an internet gambling conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.
Daniel Patrick Davis was convicted on July 9, 2010, of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling enterprise, two counts of operating an illegal gambling enterprise and two counts of money laundering and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison on Mar. 3, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield. The court also ordered the forfeiture of a money judgment of $300,000 in gambling proceeds as well as several accounts containing about $80,000 cash and several vehicles.
Davis, Phillip Dell Clark, 55, of Big Spring, Texas, and Cecil D. Stephens, 73, of Burnet, Texas, were convicted by a jury following a 10-day trial last summer. Clark and Stephens, are set to be sentenced on Mar. 24, 2011.
According to information presented in court, a joint investigation revealed that from April 2007 to September 2009, the defendants operated a multi-million dollar gambling enterprise through computerized gambling machines using sweepstakes to attract patrons under the guise of internet cafes and e-business centers in Port Arthur, Beaumont, Nederland, and Henderson, Texas. Clark and Davis owned and operated Dolphin Internet in Port Arthur, Davis operated the Nederland Internet Café in partnership with others, Clark and Stephens owned and operated the Double Click in Henderson, and Davis and Stephens operated the Henderson Sweepstakes in Henderson. The Dolphin Internet and the Nederland Internet Café were shut down after search warrants were executed on July 2, 2008, and the Beaumont location closed shortly thereafter. Search warrants were also served on the Double Click in Henderson in March 2009 which led to its closure. A search warrant in September 2009 also led to the closure of the Henderson Sweepstakes. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 7, 2009, and charged with federal gambling violations.
This case was investigated by the Texas Attorney Generals' Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Port Arthur Police Department, the Nederland Police Department, the Rusk County District Attorney's Office, the Henderson Police Department, the Dallas Police Department's Vice Squad and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Glicker of the Texas Attorney General's Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
Daniel Patrick Davis was convicted on July 9, 2010, of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling enterprise, two counts of operating an illegal gambling enterprise and two counts of money laundering and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison on Mar. 3, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield. The court also ordered the forfeiture of a money judgment of $300,000 in gambling proceeds as well as several accounts containing about $80,000 cash and several vehicles.
Davis, Phillip Dell Clark, 55, of Big Spring, Texas, and Cecil D. Stephens, 73, of Burnet, Texas, were convicted by a jury following a 10-day trial last summer. Clark and Stephens, are set to be sentenced on Mar. 24, 2011.
According to information presented in court, a joint investigation revealed that from April 2007 to September 2009, the defendants operated a multi-million dollar gambling enterprise through computerized gambling machines using sweepstakes to attract patrons under the guise of internet cafes and e-business centers in Port Arthur, Beaumont, Nederland, and Henderson, Texas. Clark and Davis owned and operated Dolphin Internet in Port Arthur, Davis operated the Nederland Internet Café in partnership with others, Clark and Stephens owned and operated the Double Click in Henderson, and Davis and Stephens operated the Henderson Sweepstakes in Henderson. The Dolphin Internet and the Nederland Internet Café were shut down after search warrants were executed on July 2, 2008, and the Beaumont location closed shortly thereafter. Search warrants were also served on the Double Click in Henderson in March 2009 which led to its closure. A search warrant in September 2009 also led to the closure of the Henderson Sweepstakes. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 7, 2009, and charged with federal gambling violations.
This case was investigated by the Texas Attorney Generals' Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Port Arthur Police Department, the Nederland Police Department, the Rusk County District Attorney's Office, the Henderson Police Department, the Dallas Police Department's Vice Squad and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Glicker of the Texas Attorney General's Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
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2006/12/07
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Charlie Sheen's former wife, Denise Richards, is now echoing the sentiments of Charlie Sheen's most recent former wife, Brooke Mueller.
Richards, who had seemingly patched up her once volatile relationship with Sheen and was even staying down the hall from him when he went on a rampage in New York, is reportedly "disgusted" by his recent behavior.
Richards now thinks her daughters with Sheen, Sam, 6, and Lola, 5, should stay far away from their father because he could put them "at risk." Richards also believes "the goddesses," a model and former porn star living with Sheen, should not be around her kids because of rumors that one or both of them use drugs.
For her part, Mueller had her twin boys removed from Charlie's home after she says, the actor threatened her by saying "I will cut your head off, put it in a box and send it to your mom." Mueller also added that recently, while she was en-route to the Bahamas with Sheen, she overheard him tell people that he "violently" hated Denise Richards and was going to have her hair shaved off.
TMZ reports that Richards believes Mueller that Sheen made those statements, telling the celebrity news site that the day before Charlie allegedly made that comment, she had refused to participate in a photo shoot with him, their kids, Brooke and her kids, and of course, the goddesses.
After she refused, Richards claims Sheen sent her some nasty text messages.
Meanwhile, a source close to Richards reports: "Sam and Lola have not been to Charlie’s house in quite some time, and they have not met the goddesses. They live with Denise. They’re doing well. They aren’t aware of what’s going on. They’re continuing with their normal routine."
Bodog's oddsmakers have odds on how many Twitter followers Sheen will get by the next airing of Two and a Half Men on Monday night. Currently, Sheen is sitting pretty with over 1.5 million followers. Get your Charlie Sheen twitter odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today. If you need an account, Join Bodog today!
Richards, who had seemingly patched up her once volatile relationship with Sheen and was even staying down the hall from him when he went on a rampage in New York, is reportedly "disgusted" by his recent behavior.
Richards now thinks her daughters with Sheen, Sam, 6, and Lola, 5, should stay far away from their father because he could put them "at risk." Richards also believes "the goddesses," a model and former porn star living with Sheen, should not be around her kids because of rumors that one or both of them use drugs.
For her part, Mueller had her twin boys removed from Charlie's home after she says, the actor threatened her by saying "I will cut your head off, put it in a box and send it to your mom." Mueller also added that recently, while she was en-route to the Bahamas with Sheen, she overheard him tell people that he "violently" hated Denise Richards and was going to have her hair shaved off.
TMZ reports that Richards believes Mueller that Sheen made those statements, telling the celebrity news site that the day before Charlie allegedly made that comment, she had refused to participate in a photo shoot with him, their kids, Brooke and her kids, and of course, the goddesses.
After she refused, Richards claims Sheen sent her some nasty text messages.
Meanwhile, a source close to Richards reports: "Sam and Lola have not been to Charlie’s house in quite some time, and they have not met the goddesses. They live with Denise. They’re doing well. They aren’t aware of what’s going on. They’re continuing with their normal routine."
Bodog's oddsmakers have odds on how many Twitter followers Sheen will get by the next airing of Two and a Half Men on Monday night. Currently, Sheen is sitting pretty with over 1.5 million followers. Get your Charlie Sheen twitter odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today. If you need an account, Join Bodog today!
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We haven’t really seen much of Mike Myers lately apart from him supplying his voice for the big gentle ogre in Shrek Ever After and that’s probably because he’s been busy enjoying his life as a newlywed. The news flash hit today that Canadian comedian, Mike Myers, tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Kelly Tisdale in a private ceremony in New York about five months ago. Shneaky!
This is the second marriage for Myers who was previously married to comedy writer Robin Ruzan from 1993 to 2005 and who apparently helped shape the character of Austin Powers. According to the NY Post, she encouraged him to take his goofy antics that he would perform around the house onto the big screen and guess what guys, it worked!
Shortly after their divorce, Myers began dating Kelly Tisdale, a café owner from New York City who opened the café, Teany Café and Teas, together with her then boyfriend, Moby.
It’s all a big mystery and it was very clear that the couple wanted to keep the whole affair private since we have yet to see any wedding pictures floating around the Internet and they seemed to do a really great job at keeping it all under wraps. Congratulations to the couple and as for Myers, we’re looking forward to seeing Austin Powers 4 which is set to be released sometime in 2013.
This is the second marriage for Myers who was previously married to comedy writer Robin Ruzan from 1993 to 2005 and who apparently helped shape the character of Austin Powers. According to the NY Post, she encouraged him to take his goofy antics that he would perform around the house onto the big screen and guess what guys, it worked!
Shortly after their divorce, Myers began dating Kelly Tisdale, a café owner from New York City who opened the café, Teany Café and Teas, together with her then boyfriend, Moby.
It’s all a big mystery and it was very clear that the couple wanted to keep the whole affair private since we have yet to see any wedding pictures floating around the Internet and they seemed to do a really great job at keeping it all under wraps. Congratulations to the couple and as for Myers, we’re looking forward to seeing Austin Powers 4 which is set to be released sometime in 2013.
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2006/12/07
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The European Commission has issued a warning to Romania for the second time, regarding the Balkan nation’s reforms of the online gambling regulations. The EC is maintaining that the country's proposed reforms do not comply with current European Union regulations for e-commerce.
The Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), Sigrid Ligné, said, “The European Commission has now confirmed its assessment according to which the Romanian law is in breach of EU law. This should bring the Romanian authorities to urgently and substantially redraft their legislation in accordance with EU rules. Romania is otherwise running the risk to face the launch of an infringement proceeding by the European Commission”. Under the non compliance procedure started by the Commission, the first phase is the pre litigation administrative phase which is also called “Infringement proceedings” The purpose of this pre-litigation stage is to enable the Member State to conform voluntarily with the requirements of the Treaty.
Back in October 2010 the EC rejected the first draft of reforms presented by the Romanian government. It was the European Commission, Malta and the United Kingdom who had reservations about the draft’s compliance with European Union laws. Romania went ahead an implemented the legislation as presented in December of 2010 without E.C. approvals.
Ligne explained further, “Today’s detailed opinions extends the standstill period until 1st April 2011, during which Romania cannot adopt the implementing regulations,” adding, “Romania is required to reply to the Commission’s views. If Romania fails to take into account the Commission’s objections, the Commission could decide to launch infringement proceedings.”
Provisions in the draft laws proposed by Romania that are considered questionable and are of concern to the European Commission include the requirement for E.U. licensed online gaming companies to be established in Romania and the draft law that allows operators to apply for an online gaming licence only if they are directly or indirectly involved with a shareholder or partner in a Romanian land-based gaming operation.
The Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), Sigrid Ligné, said, “The European Commission has now confirmed its assessment according to which the Romanian law is in breach of EU law. This should bring the Romanian authorities to urgently and substantially redraft their legislation in accordance with EU rules. Romania is otherwise running the risk to face the launch of an infringement proceeding by the European Commission”. Under the non compliance procedure started by the Commission, the first phase is the pre litigation administrative phase which is also called “Infringement proceedings” The purpose of this pre-litigation stage is to enable the Member State to conform voluntarily with the requirements of the Treaty.
Back in October 2010 the EC rejected the first draft of reforms presented by the Romanian government. It was the European Commission, Malta and the United Kingdom who had reservations about the draft’s compliance with European Union laws. Romania went ahead an implemented the legislation as presented in December of 2010 without E.C. approvals.
Ligne explained further, “Today’s detailed opinions extends the standstill period until 1st April 2011, during which Romania cannot adopt the implementing regulations,” adding, “Romania is required to reply to the Commission’s views. If Romania fails to take into account the Commission’s objections, the Commission could decide to launch infringement proceedings.”
Provisions in the draft laws proposed by Romania that are considered questionable and are of concern to the European Commission include the requirement for E.U. licensed online gaming companies to be established in Romania and the draft law that allows operators to apply for an online gaming licence only if they are directly or indirectly involved with a shareholder or partner in a Romanian land-based gaming operation.
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2006/12/07
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Lawmakers in some states are pushing for bills that aim to steer around federal laws prohibiting Internet wagering. For instance, New Jersey lawmakers are expected to soon decide the fate of a bill that would let Atlantic City casino companies run gambling websites for state residents.Since gambling itself is not illegal, should the next step be to legalize gambling websites?
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2006/12/07
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This legislative session, the gambling issue will create political battles all across the US. In no state, however, will those battles be more contentious than in Minnesota, where lawmakers are seeking to end a tribal monopoly on casino gambling.
Lawmakers are gearing up for an intense legal battle over whether or not to allow casinos, but also slots in bars and at state race tracks. Several proposals have already come to the forefront, and allies on both sides of the issue are preparing for what could be a long couple of months.
Members of the Republican Party and tribal groups have started to get their message out that gambling expansion would be bad for the state. The tribe's stand to lose millions of dollars if they suddenly come up against competition for gamblers in Minnesota, while Conservatives have long been in favor of gambling prohibition.
The eighteen tribal casinos in the state are owned by tribe's that have spent millions of dollars each year to back specific political candidates. Their lobbying presence is one that has kept gambling expansion bills from passing for decades. This time, however, the pro-gambling forces are aligning for many different reasons.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a new stadium, and some lawmakers have suggested gambling expansion as a way to fund a new stadium. Other legislators point to the billions of dollars that tribal casinos are generating in revenue, while Minnesota only gets a small portion of those funds.
If privately owned casinos were approved and regulated by the state, the Minnesota budget stands to gain millions of dollars in tax revenue. That alone will be a reason that lawmakers will look long and hard at possible expansion this session.
Lawmakers are gearing up for an intense legal battle over whether or not to allow casinos, but also slots in bars and at state race tracks. Several proposals have already come to the forefront, and allies on both sides of the issue are preparing for what could be a long couple of months.
Members of the Republican Party and tribal groups have started to get their message out that gambling expansion would be bad for the state. The tribe's stand to lose millions of dollars if they suddenly come up against competition for gamblers in Minnesota, while Conservatives have long been in favor of gambling prohibition.
The eighteen tribal casinos in the state are owned by tribe's that have spent millions of dollars each year to back specific political candidates. Their lobbying presence is one that has kept gambling expansion bills from passing for decades. This time, however, the pro-gambling forces are aligning for many different reasons.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a new stadium, and some lawmakers have suggested gambling expansion as a way to fund a new stadium. Other legislators point to the billions of dollars that tribal casinos are generating in revenue, while Minnesota only gets a small portion of those funds.
If privately owned casinos were approved and regulated by the state, the Minnesota budget stands to gain millions of dollars in tax revenue. That alone will be a reason that lawmakers will look long and hard at possible expansion this session.
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2006/12/07
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New Jersey's governor has vetoed a first-in-the-nation proposal to legalize gambling on the Internet within the state's borders.
That means an Iowa bill that would allow online poker, if approved, could make the Hawkeye State the first to allow Internet gambling.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, was concerned that the proposal would violate New Jersey's constitution, would expand gambling "in a manner that is contrary to public sentiment," and would face "several significant legal obstacles," his veto message says.
New Jersey's bill would have allowed all games played at a casino, including poker, to be available online in a virtual setting. It called for casinos in Atlantic City, the only place gambling is allowed under the state's constitution, to run gaming websites accessible only to New Jersey residents.
In Iowa, the proposal applies only to online poker. The bill, Senate Study Bill 1165, survived Friday's so-called funnel, a deadline meant to kill legislation that lacks support. The bill will soon be eligible for a vote before the full Iowa Senate.
Interstate online gambling is illegal, untaxed and unregulated in the United States, but gaming lobbyists say states can skirt federal law and regulate wagering that takes place exclusively within that state's borders.
California, Florida and South Carolina are also considering bills to legalize online gambling.
Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, said he supports Iowa's bill because he thinks states are in a race to set up a legal online gambling structure within their borders to lock in the tax receipts.
"If we don't make a move now, the federal government is going to make a move in the next few years, and we'll lose the revenue to the federal government," Bertrand said Wednesday.
The New Jersey lawmaker who sponsored that state's bill, Democrat John Burzichelli, said in a statement that "the reality is that Internet gaming is coming." In January, New Jersey's Senate approved the bill 35-2, and the Assembly passed it 63-11.
The Wall Street Journal reported that New Jersey's bill was opposed by Caesars Entertainment, which has four casinos in Atlantic City.
"Caesars is against the state-by-state approach to legalizing Web gambling because the company is hoping to successfully pressure the federal government to create a regulated nationwide system, which would be both more simple to manage and much more profitable for the company," the newspaper reported. "Caesars, which owns the popular World Series of Poker brand, believes it could gain a 20 percent share of the $5 billion online poker market if it were legalized federally."
Caesars has not registered an opinion on the Iowa bill, online lobbyist declarations show. The gaming company has five lobbyists in Iowa.
A California-based vendor is the driving force behind Iowa's bill. U.S. Digital Gaming is interested in running the website hub that state-regulated casinos would then use to offer online poker games.
Approved Iowa gamblers would put cash into special accounts held by an Iowa casino, then log on from their laptops to the password-protected website.
Only one of Iowa's casinos, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, has registered in favor of the bill. Others are studying the idea.
That means an Iowa bill that would allow online poker, if approved, could make the Hawkeye State the first to allow Internet gambling.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, was concerned that the proposal would violate New Jersey's constitution, would expand gambling "in a manner that is contrary to public sentiment," and would face "several significant legal obstacles," his veto message says.
New Jersey's bill would have allowed all games played at a casino, including poker, to be available online in a virtual setting. It called for casinos in Atlantic City, the only place gambling is allowed under the state's constitution, to run gaming websites accessible only to New Jersey residents.
In Iowa, the proposal applies only to online poker. The bill, Senate Study Bill 1165, survived Friday's so-called funnel, a deadline meant to kill legislation that lacks support. The bill will soon be eligible for a vote before the full Iowa Senate.
Interstate online gambling is illegal, untaxed and unregulated in the United States, but gaming lobbyists say states can skirt federal law and regulate wagering that takes place exclusively within that state's borders.
California, Florida and South Carolina are also considering bills to legalize online gambling.
Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, said he supports Iowa's bill because he thinks states are in a race to set up a legal online gambling structure within their borders to lock in the tax receipts.
"If we don't make a move now, the federal government is going to make a move in the next few years, and we'll lose the revenue to the federal government," Bertrand said Wednesday.
The New Jersey lawmaker who sponsored that state's bill, Democrat John Burzichelli, said in a statement that "the reality is that Internet gaming is coming." In January, New Jersey's Senate approved the bill 35-2, and the Assembly passed it 63-11.
The Wall Street Journal reported that New Jersey's bill was opposed by Caesars Entertainment, which has four casinos in Atlantic City.
"Caesars is against the state-by-state approach to legalizing Web gambling because the company is hoping to successfully pressure the federal government to create a regulated nationwide system, which would be both more simple to manage and much more profitable for the company," the newspaper reported. "Caesars, which owns the popular World Series of Poker brand, believes it could gain a 20 percent share of the $5 billion online poker market if it were legalized federally."
Caesars has not registered an opinion on the Iowa bill, online lobbyist declarations show. The gaming company has five lobbyists in Iowa.
A California-based vendor is the driving force behind Iowa's bill. U.S. Digital Gaming is interested in running the website hub that state-regulated casinos would then use to offer online poker games.
Approved Iowa gamblers would put cash into special accounts held by an Iowa casino, then log on from their laptops to the password-protected website.
Only one of Iowa's casinos, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, has registered in favor of the bill. Others are studying the idea.
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2006/12/07
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Fans of Phil Collins consider him to be a legendary artist who’s led an incredibly successful career that has spanned almost 40 years, but despite his success, he’s had a difficult time dealing with criticism from what some may call “haters” of his music. News of this issue came today after news of his retirement spread across the Internet not only because of years of criticism but also because of his failing health.
Memories of Collins’ music may differ for many as he morphed from a rocker during his Genesis years to becoming a pop guru from the 80’s throughout today. His talents have been recognized by many as a talented singer, drummer and overall performer but as always, there can be some harsh critics out there that have seemed to have made him doubt his talents to the point where he is going to retire.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, he has been called the “Antichrist” and even a sell-out for changing the image and style of Peter Gabriel’s Genesis. They even claim that he has hate sites that have popped up over the years and he’s also received harsh criticism from Noel Gallagher who has said, “You don’t have to be great to be successful. Look at Phil Collins,” among other things.
So apart from the criticism which has taken its toll over the years, he has dislocated a vertebrae, lost most of his hearing and nerve damage from playing the drums has caused him to lose sensation in his hands which means he can’t grasp anything.
Life hasn’t been easy for Collins who lives in Switzerland with his family but if the guy is still selling out concerts and has loyal fans then he shouldn't worry too much.
Memories of Collins’ music may differ for many as he morphed from a rocker during his Genesis years to becoming a pop guru from the 80’s throughout today. His talents have been recognized by many as a talented singer, drummer and overall performer but as always, there can be some harsh critics out there that have seemed to have made him doubt his talents to the point where he is going to retire.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, he has been called the “Antichrist” and even a sell-out for changing the image and style of Peter Gabriel’s Genesis. They even claim that he has hate sites that have popped up over the years and he’s also received harsh criticism from Noel Gallagher who has said, “You don’t have to be great to be successful. Look at Phil Collins,” among other things.
So apart from the criticism which has taken its toll over the years, he has dislocated a vertebrae, lost most of his hearing and nerve damage from playing the drums has caused him to lose sensation in his hands which means he can’t grasp anything.
Life hasn’t been easy for Collins who lives in Switzerland with his family but if the guy is still selling out concerts and has loyal fans then he shouldn't worry too much.
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2006/12/07
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29893
Two bills are now being proposed in Florida that would bring online gambling to the Sunshine State. The bills, if passed, would allow pari-mutuels in the state – including horse and dog tracks, along with jai alai frontons – to operating online gambling sites designed for Florida residents.
The legalization and regulation of online gambling could potentially be very lucrative for the state of Florida. According to a report by a Senate committee released last month, Florida could expect to rake in up to $37 million per year once poker sites had been established for three years. According to a report in The New-Press, 900,000 Floridians currently play online poker, and approximately a third of them play for real money.
Both bills have at least some support from both major parties. The main sponsors of the bill are a Republican – Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla of Miami – and a Democrat, State Representative Joseph Abruzzo of Wellington. The key question seems to be how many Republicans in total would be willing to support the measure, as Republicans have a clear majority in both houses.
I think those who are dead set against it outnumber those who are dead set for it," said Republican State Representative Matt Caldwell. "However, I think the majority are generally ambivalent like me."
Caldwell also added that the “key will be showing clear sources of revenue” from the bill.
The landscape of various state-level regulatory schemes for online gambling has changed rapidly in recent weeks. While New Jersey’s legislature passed a bill that would have legalized online gambling in the state, it was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. In Iowa, a similar bill has recently made it through the committee stage in the State Senate, but has yet to see a full vote on the Senate floor. There has also been possible movement on a federal level online gambling bill, which is expected to be introduced sometime in April.
The legalization and regulation of online gambling could potentially be very lucrative for the state of Florida. According to a report by a Senate committee released last month, Florida could expect to rake in up to $37 million per year once poker sites had been established for three years. According to a report in The New-Press, 900,000 Floridians currently play online poker, and approximately a third of them play for real money.
Both bills have at least some support from both major parties. The main sponsors of the bill are a Republican – Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla of Miami – and a Democrat, State Representative Joseph Abruzzo of Wellington. The key question seems to be how many Republicans in total would be willing to support the measure, as Republicans have a clear majority in both houses.
I think those who are dead set against it outnumber those who are dead set for it," said Republican State Representative Matt Caldwell. "However, I think the majority are generally ambivalent like me."
Caldwell also added that the “key will be showing clear sources of revenue” from the bill.
The landscape of various state-level regulatory schemes for online gambling has changed rapidly in recent weeks. While New Jersey’s legislature passed a bill that would have legalized online gambling in the state, it was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. In Iowa, a similar bill has recently made it through the committee stage in the State Senate, but has yet to see a full vote on the Senate floor. There has also been possible movement on a federal level online gambling bill, which is expected to be introduced sometime in April.
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2006/12/07
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Pop singer, Cyndi Lauper cheered up a whole mob of people yesterday while waiting at a Buenos Aires airport by taking over the loud speaker and belting out the 80’s classic, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Good times!
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an airport for hours but with the help of Cindy, she put the crowd at ease with a song many girls can identify with.
Cyndi Lauper, now 57, is still in the music business and has used her singing talents to release several records throughout the years and has been heavily involved in activism including her “Give a Damn Campaign” which she created to help bring awareness and help end discrimination of the gay and lesbian community. Her latest album, Memphis Blues, remained on the #1 Billboard Blues album chart for 14 weeks and has since been involved in last year’s The Celebrity Apprentice.
So you see, Cindy has many reasons to sing her girly anthem, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and she can sing it anywhere she wants Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Sydney…..
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an airport for hours but with the help of Cindy, she put the crowd at ease with a song many girls can identify with.
Cyndi Lauper, now 57, is still in the music business and has used her singing talents to release several records throughout the years and has been heavily involved in activism including her “Give a Damn Campaign” which she created to help bring awareness and help end discrimination of the gay and lesbian community. Her latest album, Memphis Blues, remained on the #1 Billboard Blues album chart for 14 weeks and has since been involved in last year’s The Celebrity Apprentice.
So you see, Cindy has many reasons to sing her girly anthem, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and she can sing it anywhere she wants Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Sydney…..
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2006/12/07
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29893
Caution should always be taken when estimating the length of time it takes to change a law in the USA or for that matter in many parts of the world. Online betting has created a definite problem for the lawmakers of America. It is a series of small issues that creates this big problem. Lawmakers are afraid of the internet because it crosses international borders and is entrenched in our way of life, it is the way we communicate globally.
Speculating when and if the USA will make changes and bring legal and regulated online gambling to America is a most difficult task. A recent article in the Poker News there seems to be hope again for the legalization of online poker in the States.
Democrat Representative Barney Frank is planning to once again submit a bill to legalize and regulate online gambling this April, this time with the help of a Republican ally Representative John Campbell. The new proposal also has the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, giving it a much greater chance of success. At the end of the last Congressional session, Reid attempted to move online poker regulations onto a number of bills that were expected to pass at the end of the year; however, his efforts were unsuccessful however.
The politics of the issue are changing constantly with the Republican’s seemingly realizing that it would be within the Republican mandate to give the American people the freedom of choice and to protect them from unscrupulous foreign based operators while doing it. This bill is being promoted as a good thing which includes a way of gaining revenue for government coffers.
Should any sort of online gambling legislation pass in the USA it would save a lot of trouble for all the law makers looking to create state run regulated online betting. State officials such as the Governor of New Jersey seem reluctant to pass online wagering laws for fear their popularity may be tarnished.
Speculating when and if the USA will make changes and bring legal and regulated online gambling to America is a most difficult task. A recent article in the Poker News there seems to be hope again for the legalization of online poker in the States.
Democrat Representative Barney Frank is planning to once again submit a bill to legalize and regulate online gambling this April, this time with the help of a Republican ally Representative John Campbell. The new proposal also has the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, giving it a much greater chance of success. At the end of the last Congressional session, Reid attempted to move online poker regulations onto a number of bills that were expected to pass at the end of the year; however, his efforts were unsuccessful however.
The politics of the issue are changing constantly with the Republican’s seemingly realizing that it would be within the Republican mandate to give the American people the freedom of choice and to protect them from unscrupulous foreign based operators while doing it. This bill is being promoted as a good thing which includes a way of gaining revenue for government coffers.
Should any sort of online gambling legislation pass in the USA it would save a lot of trouble for all the law makers looking to create state run regulated online betting. State officials such as the Governor of New Jersey seem reluctant to pass online wagering laws for fear their popularity may be tarnished.
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2006/12/07
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Iowa is looking into expanding their gambling options to include online wagering, but before lawmakers get around to discussing those plans, they will be commenting on a recent state auditor's report.
State Auditor David Vaudt has concluded that the Eastern Iowa Center for Problem Gambling in Davenport misused funds that were given to them from casinos in Iowa and the state lottery. The funds were intended to help with treatment of gambling addicts.
Iowa is one of the more progressive states when it comes to gambling expansion, and along with the gambling offerings comes a responsibility to protect residents against the dangers of problem gambling. The Eastern Iowa Center was one of the locations where treatment could be found. Vaudt, however, has determined that the funds were used for much more than just treating patients.
According to the report, Vaudt claims that $38,693 went to employees in over-payments for their work. Another $29,359 went to travel expenses for the treatment center's director, Janet Meisenbach. Vacation payouts accounted for an additional $4,872, and unsupported payments of $27,032 were reported, bringing the total amount of misused funds to $87,179.
Meisenback has not responded to the report, and efforts to have her cooperate have been denied. According to the Associated Press, Meisenbach claims to have been unaware of any audit of the treatment center. It is not yet known whether criminal charges will be filed.
Iowa legislators are considering becoming the first in the nation to regulate online gambling. New Jersey lawmakers approved an online gambling bill earlier this year, but the legislation was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. Federal Internet gambling legislation is also expected to be filed in the House in April.
State Auditor David Vaudt has concluded that the Eastern Iowa Center for Problem Gambling in Davenport misused funds that were given to them from casinos in Iowa and the state lottery. The funds were intended to help with treatment of gambling addicts.
Iowa is one of the more progressive states when it comes to gambling expansion, and along with the gambling offerings comes a responsibility to protect residents against the dangers of problem gambling. The Eastern Iowa Center was one of the locations where treatment could be found. Vaudt, however, has determined that the funds were used for much more than just treating patients.
According to the report, Vaudt claims that $38,693 went to employees in over-payments for their work. Another $29,359 went to travel expenses for the treatment center's director, Janet Meisenbach. Vacation payouts accounted for an additional $4,872, and unsupported payments of $27,032 were reported, bringing the total amount of misused funds to $87,179.
Meisenback has not responded to the report, and efforts to have her cooperate have been denied. According to the Associated Press, Meisenbach claims to have been unaware of any audit of the treatment center. It is not yet known whether criminal charges will be filed.
Iowa legislators are considering becoming the first in the nation to regulate online gambling. New Jersey lawmakers approved an online gambling bill earlier this year, but the legislation was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie. Federal Internet gambling legislation is also expected to be filed in the House in April.
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2006/12/07
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Can you picture Tom Cruise in tight leather pants? Not really, but you should start because his next role is an upcoming film adaption of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages where he will play the role of Stacee Jaxx, the lead singer of the band Arsenal.
Rock of Ages is a rock musical/love story that embraces 80’s glam rock bands such as Poison, Bon Jovi, and Journey and takes audience members through a journey through the lives of Drew Bowie, an aspiring rocker, his girlfriend-to-be Sherrie and their crazy ride on the way to stardom.
So far, cast members of the film adaptation include Julianne Hough as Sherrie, Tom Cruise as rocker Stacee Jaxx, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige with possible cast members such as Russell Brand and Anne Hathaway. As for the lead part of Drew, theyare currently searching for the perfect actor to fill the role and casting calls are currently under way.
The film will be directed by Adam Shankman, a choreographer, dancer, film director who has worked on projects such as Hairspray, Step Up and has served as a judge on the show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Can't wait to start #rockofagesmovie. Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Mary j Blige, Tom Cruise confirmed. I love my cast. More to come, tweeted Adam who is hard at work finishing up the script.
If you can handle glam rockers that occasionally break out in dance and song mixed in with a little sex, drugs and rock and roll then this will be the perfect film to help you revive your inner rock star. For a sneak peek at what the show is all about you can check out the Rock of Ages musical which is still on tour and happens to currently be touring throughout California and Toronto.
Rock of Ages is a rock musical/love story that embraces 80’s glam rock bands such as Poison, Bon Jovi, and Journey and takes audience members through a journey through the lives of Drew Bowie, an aspiring rocker, his girlfriend-to-be Sherrie and their crazy ride on the way to stardom.
So far, cast members of the film adaptation include Julianne Hough as Sherrie, Tom Cruise as rocker Stacee Jaxx, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige with possible cast members such as Russell Brand and Anne Hathaway. As for the lead part of Drew, theyare currently searching for the perfect actor to fill the role and casting calls are currently under way.
The film will be directed by Adam Shankman, a choreographer, dancer, film director who has worked on projects such as Hairspray, Step Up and has served as a judge on the show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Can't wait to start #rockofagesmovie. Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Mary j Blige, Tom Cruise confirmed. I love my cast. More to come, tweeted Adam who is hard at work finishing up the script.
If you can handle glam rockers that occasionally break out in dance and song mixed in with a little sex, drugs and rock and roll then this will be the perfect film to help you revive your inner rock star. For a sneak peek at what the show is all about you can check out the Rock of Ages musical which is still on tour and happens to currently be touring throughout California and Toronto.
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2006/12/07
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Across the US, no region has expanded casino gambling at a faster rate than the Northeast. With dozens of new casinos being built, the Northeastern states are becoming the top destinations for gaming in the country.
Delaware lawmakers are considering a plan that would expand the region's gaming base even further. Representative Pete Schwartzkopf has proposed legislation that would bring two new casinos to the state.
Unlike in other states, the Delaware expansion could gain strong support being that Schwartzkopf is the majority leader of the House. opponents have pointed to the amount of casinos in the region as a reason that the two casino plan should be defeated in Delaware.
One of the goals of the new casino proposal is to bring jobs to Delaware residents. Thousands of residents have lost their employment during the economic recession, and lawmakers have been working on ways to put those people back to work. Casino gambling has been used in many states for the purpose of job creation in the past couple of years.
Gambling expansion in Delaware is nothing new. Several years ago, Delaware lawmakers approved sports gambling. The state joined Las Vegas as the only states in the country to offer sports betting. Delaware, however, was limited in what they could offer, as federal laws claim that only parlay bets can be made in Delaware.
Existing gaming facilities in Delaware are against the plan for new casinos. The casino owners claim that the new casinos would not add new jobs, they would just take jobs from other casinos. Legislators have a couple of months to discuss the casino proposal, as it is not expected to come up for a vote until the summer.
Delaware lawmakers are considering a plan that would expand the region's gaming base even further. Representative Pete Schwartzkopf has proposed legislation that would bring two new casinos to the state.
Unlike in other states, the Delaware expansion could gain strong support being that Schwartzkopf is the majority leader of the House. opponents have pointed to the amount of casinos in the region as a reason that the two casino plan should be defeated in Delaware.
One of the goals of the new casino proposal is to bring jobs to Delaware residents. Thousands of residents have lost their employment during the economic recession, and lawmakers have been working on ways to put those people back to work. Casino gambling has been used in many states for the purpose of job creation in the past couple of years.
Gambling expansion in Delaware is nothing new. Several years ago, Delaware lawmakers approved sports gambling. The state joined Las Vegas as the only states in the country to offer sports betting. Delaware, however, was limited in what they could offer, as federal laws claim that only parlay bets can be made in Delaware.
Existing gaming facilities in Delaware are against the plan for new casinos. The casino owners claim that the new casinos would not add new jobs, they would just take jobs from other casinos. Legislators have a couple of months to discuss the casino proposal, as it is not expected to come up for a vote until the summer.
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2006/12/07
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29893
Last night was Cosmopolitan Magazine's big award show in NYC, highlighting all of the young males that they consider to be fun and fearless with Russell Brand taking the top honor. Among the honorees were Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries), Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor). According to Cosmo, these guys are fun and fearless but are they really?
Well, it may have been a night full of dashing males and lots of eye candy but the MTV team, who were on hand for the challenging task, asked these guys if they are either fun or fearless to which many actors agreed that there has to be the right combination of both qualities.
They asked Chris Hemsworth, the new star of the film Thor, how he felt about the subject and had this to say, “Probably more foolish. It’s a fine line, isn’t it? Depends on who’s observing and making that assessment. I think it’s a grey area. I’d like to think a bit of both. For me, it’s about having the courage to live in the moment. “
Good answer there by Chris and as for Russell Brand, the star of the evening he had this to say, “I'd like to think of myself as a conglomerate of both things — furless," he joked.
Many ladies could probably agree that these are great qualities in any guy both on and off the big screen and how fun to have been a fly on the wall at that event.
Well, it may have been a night full of dashing males and lots of eye candy but the MTV team, who were on hand for the challenging task, asked these guys if they are either fun or fearless to which many actors agreed that there has to be the right combination of both qualities.
They asked Chris Hemsworth, the new star of the film Thor, how he felt about the subject and had this to say, “Probably more foolish. It’s a fine line, isn’t it? Depends on who’s observing and making that assessment. I think it’s a grey area. I’d like to think a bit of both. For me, it’s about having the courage to live in the moment. “
Good answer there by Chris and as for Russell Brand, the star of the evening he had this to say, “I'd like to think of myself as a conglomerate of both things — furless," he joked.
Many ladies could probably agree that these are great qualities in any guy both on and off the big screen and how fun to have been a fly on the wall at that event.
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2006/12/07
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Caesars Entertainment was already leading the way into the online gambling era in the US, but a partnership with subsidiaries of Internet gaming giant 888 Holdings, has confirmed the company is preparing for US regulations. On Wednesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board gave their approval to the business partnership.
Caesars has formed allegiances with Fordart Ltd., and Cassava Enterprises Ltd. The companies, which are subsidiaries of 888 Holdings, will help Caesars expand their World series of Poker brand while also allowing Caesars to operate in the UK market.
The partnership was not as big news as what one Gaming Control Board member said after the three person board recommended approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
"It's a business to business agreement that would allow Caesars to offer games in the UK," said Board member A.G. Burnett. "The UIGEA is vague at best and was done in haste and it's passage forced (888) to abandon the US market to its detriment."
Burnett's comments fall in line with how Nevada officials have started to look at Nevada in recent years. Once vehemently opposed to Internet gambling, Nevada is now one of the states that is backing US regulation of the industry.
Senator Harry Reid, who had long been against online gambling, fearing it would hurt revenue at Nevada land-based casinos, pushed a bill at the end of last year that would have regulated online poker. The bill would have been defeated, but it did stir the pot once again for the Internet gambling discussion.
The move by Caesars is the most tell-tale sign to date that the US may be leaning towards eliminating online gambling prohibition. With many companies to choose from overseas, the partnership with 888 appears to be aimed at forming a relationship with one of the companies that did not accept US customers after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was created.
If regulations are approved for the US, companies that respected the intentions of lawmakers that created the UIGEA will likely be welcomed back into the market. Those that continued to offer online gambling to US customers are expected to be left out of the licensing process.
A bill is being drafted by Representative John Campbell, and co-sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, that would essentially overturn the UIGEA and regulate Internet gambling across the board in the US. That legislation is expected to be unveiled sometime in April.
In the meantime, Caesars will have a leg up on other US-based gaming companies should those regulations take effect. Caesars acknowledged that part of the reason why they formed the partnership was because of the existing software and hardware that 888 brings to the table. If US laws change, Caesars will be better positioned to jump right in, without having to build their online platform from scratch.
Caesars has formed allegiances with Fordart Ltd., and Cassava Enterprises Ltd. The companies, which are subsidiaries of 888 Holdings, will help Caesars expand their World series of Poker brand while also allowing Caesars to operate in the UK market.
The partnership was not as big news as what one Gaming Control Board member said after the three person board recommended approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
"It's a business to business agreement that would allow Caesars to offer games in the UK," said Board member A.G. Burnett. "The UIGEA is vague at best and was done in haste and it's passage forced (888) to abandon the US market to its detriment."
Burnett's comments fall in line with how Nevada officials have started to look at Nevada in recent years. Once vehemently opposed to Internet gambling, Nevada is now one of the states that is backing US regulation of the industry.
Senator Harry Reid, who had long been against online gambling, fearing it would hurt revenue at Nevada land-based casinos, pushed a bill at the end of last year that would have regulated online poker. The bill would have been defeated, but it did stir the pot once again for the Internet gambling discussion.
The move by Caesars is the most tell-tale sign to date that the US may be leaning towards eliminating online gambling prohibition. With many companies to choose from overseas, the partnership with 888 appears to be aimed at forming a relationship with one of the companies that did not accept US customers after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was created.
If regulations are approved for the US, companies that respected the intentions of lawmakers that created the UIGEA will likely be welcomed back into the market. Those that continued to offer online gambling to US customers are expected to be left out of the licensing process.
A bill is being drafted by Representative John Campbell, and co-sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, that would essentially overturn the UIGEA and regulate Internet gambling across the board in the US. That legislation is expected to be unveiled sometime in April.
In the meantime, Caesars will have a leg up on other US-based gaming companies should those regulations take effect. Caesars acknowledged that part of the reason why they formed the partnership was because of the existing software and hardware that 888 brings to the table. If US laws change, Caesars will be better positioned to jump right in, without having to build their online platform from scratch.
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2006/12/07
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According to the Associated Press, Cyprus’s Cabinet has approved the banning of all online gambling. Christos Christofides the Deputy spokesperson said on Tuesday that this bill would eliminate any doubts or misgivings on existing laws in Cyprus. Still needing legislative approval, the new ban will outlaw online games including poker, roulette and slot machines. Sports betting and Lotteries are legal and permitted as long as the gambler or player is 18 years or older. Legal gambling establishments will be taxed at a 3 percent rate on any and all revenue, which will replace the standing rate of 10 percent on only profits. This change is taxation is to discourage any operators from cheating.
With this new ban on online gambling, anyone caught operating or playing at illegal gambling sites could face a fine of up to 170, 000 Euros and a 5-year prison term. For a very long time Cyprus has been a part of the world where online gambling casino/operators would go for regulation and licensing, but now with this new ban operators may leave the Island for friendlier seas. And what about all the licenses that have been handed out over the years are they now illegal? Many questions will be asked once this ban goes into effect and how it will influence the online gambling world and its make up are yet to be seen.
With this new ban on online gambling, anyone caught operating or playing at illegal gambling sites could face a fine of up to 170, 000 Euros and a 5-year prison term. For a very long time Cyprus has been a part of the world where online gambling casino/operators would go for regulation and licensing, but now with this new ban operators may leave the Island for friendlier seas. And what about all the licenses that have been handed out over the years are they now illegal? Many questions will be asked once this ban goes into effect and how it will influence the online gambling world and its make up are yet to be seen.
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2006/12/07
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A new study by a German psychologist points to the fact that the media may glorify the kind of risk-taking behavior that winds up with certain kinds of people following addictive patterns when it comes to online gambling.
Peter Fischer, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Regensburg in Germany has taken 25 years to complete the research which draws the line between online poker and other kinds of online games and risk-taking behaviors. The concerns of people who point to online gambling as a source of problems for addicted people and their families also say that the youth of today are subjected to more media than ever before.
The research was conducted with more than 80,000 people mostly between the ages of 16 and 24 as well as some older respondents and has drawn the conclusion that even though some forms of online casino games are addictive, their psychological and economic consequences are often left in the wake of the player’s desire to use them.
The study also draws a line between these risk-taking behaviors and video and television as well as online gambling. However, the results speak to those who want to make sure that any kind of online gambling is regulated.
Peter Fischer, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Regensburg in Germany has taken 25 years to complete the research which draws the line between online poker and other kinds of online games and risk-taking behaviors. The concerns of people who point to online gambling as a source of problems for addicted people and their families also say that the youth of today are subjected to more media than ever before.
The research was conducted with more than 80,000 people mostly between the ages of 16 and 24 as well as some older respondents and has drawn the conclusion that even though some forms of online casino games are addictive, their psychological and economic consequences are often left in the wake of the player’s desire to use them.
The study also draws a line between these risk-taking behaviors and video and television as well as online gambling. However, the results speak to those who want to make sure that any kind of online gambling is regulated.
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2006/12/07
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The Wall Street Journal, the renowned Business and Financial Newspaper, published the results of a poll from last weekend’s Community Section. The preamble to the survey read as follows: "Lawmakers in some states are pushing for bills that aim to steer around federal laws prohibiting Internet wagering. Since gambling itself is not illegal, should the next step be to legalize gambling websites?”
Reaction to the survey was overwhelmingly positive with 77.1% of respondents voting in favor of legalizing internet gambling in the United States and 22.9% opposing it.
The venerable news publication has used the controversial issue to incite definitive responses to the question of legalizing online gambling from advocates and critics alike.
There is a push toward intrastate online gambling bills currently being debated among lawmakers in California, Florida and Iowa in spite of a veto of the Intra-State Internet Gambling Bill by New Jersey Governor Christie on March 3rd. Concurrently there is anticipation of a new bill to be introduced by Representative John Campbell (R-California) and Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) next month to legalize and regulate online gaming in the U.S. at the federal level.
Whether the incentive is to legalize online gambling at the state or federal level, the arguments remain the same. Supporters propose a legalized and regulated online gambling industry could provide desired tax revenues to state budgets and create much-needed jobs as well as benefiting American based operators rather than foreign companies. Those opposed to online gambling legislation indicate a concern that potential profits from internet gambling could weaken land-based gaming interests and lead to an increase in gambling addiction among players.
Reaction to the survey was overwhelmingly positive with 77.1% of respondents voting in favor of legalizing internet gambling in the United States and 22.9% opposing it.
The venerable news publication has used the controversial issue to incite definitive responses to the question of legalizing online gambling from advocates and critics alike.
There is a push toward intrastate online gambling bills currently being debated among lawmakers in California, Florida and Iowa in spite of a veto of the Intra-State Internet Gambling Bill by New Jersey Governor Christie on March 3rd. Concurrently there is anticipation of a new bill to be introduced by Representative John Campbell (R-California) and Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) next month to legalize and regulate online gaming in the U.S. at the federal level.
Whether the incentive is to legalize online gambling at the state or federal level, the arguments remain the same. Supporters propose a legalized and regulated online gambling industry could provide desired tax revenues to state budgets and create much-needed jobs as well as benefiting American based operators rather than foreign companies. Those opposed to online gambling legislation indicate a concern that potential profits from internet gambling could weaken land-based gaming interests and lead to an increase in gambling addiction among players.
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2006/12/07
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Republican Governor Chris Christie states one of the reasons for his decision concerned the "potential ills" of betting. A recent poll said 67% of state residents were opposed to Internet gambling. Voters could ultimately pass the bill through the Democratic-controlled state legislature by referendum but this appears unlikely.
Opposition to the bill came in the form of powerful lobby groups in the state including Caesars’s Entertainment Inc. These groups united in their stand that online gambling should be regulated federally. Caesar’s, which operates four casinos in Atlantic City, was adamant it could gain a potential 20% share of the $5 billion online poker market through its “World Series of Poker” platform if the industry was legalized on a federal level.
Hopefully the veto in New Jersey will not dissuade lawmakers and lobby groups across the country, particularly those in Florida and California, who have worked diligently to introduce bills to legalize intrastate gambling in an effort to promote much needed revenue to their respective economies.